The Structure of TGB$_C$ Phases

TL;DR

This paper analyzes the transition between cholesteric and two distinct TGB$_C$ phases, calculating their properties and order-parameter profiles near the critical twist, to understand their structural differences.

Contribution

It provides a detailed theoretical comparison of the Renn-Lubensky and Bordeaux TGB$_C$ phases, including their order-parameter profiles near the transition point.

Findings

Calculated order-parameter profiles for both TGB$_C$ phases.

Identified differences in layer normal rotation patterns.

Analyzed properties near the critical twist $k_{c2}$.

Abstract

We study the transition from the cholesteric phase to two TGB$_C$ phases near the upper critical twist $k_{c2}$: the Renn-Lubensky TGB$_C$ phase, with layer normal rotating in a plane perpendicular to the pitch axis, and the Bordeaux TGB$_C$ phase, with the layer normal rotating on a cone parallel to the pitch axis. We calculate properties, including order-parameter profiles, of both phases.