Escape configuration lattice near the nematic-isotropic transition: Tilt analogue of blue phases

TL;DR

This paper predicts a new achiral liquid crystal phase near the nematic-isotropic transition, characterized by a lattice of double-tilt cylinders, expanding the understanding of liquid crystal structures.

Contribution

It introduces a novel tilt-analogue of blue phases composed of a lattice of double-tilt cylinders near the NI transition.

Findings

Predicts a new achiral phase near the NI transition

Describes the structure as a lattice of double-tilt cylinders

Provides estimates for the lattice parameter

Abstract

We predict the possible existence of a new phase of liquid crystals near the nematic-isotropic ($ NI $) transition. This phase is an achiral, tilt-analogue of the blue phase and is composed of a lattice of {\em double-tilt}, escape-configuration cylinders. We discuss the structure and the stability of this phase and provide an estimate of the lattice parameter.