ISSN:
1292-895X
Keywords:
PACS 61.30.Jf Defects in liquid crystals – 61.72.Lk Linear defects: dislocation disclinations – 61.72.Mm Grain and twin boundaries
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Physics
Notes:
Abstract: Focal Conic Domains (FCDs) in smectic phases often assemble according to a particular rule, experimentally discovered by G. Friedel, the law of corresponding cones (l.c.c.). This paper reports various results relating to this type of association. First we show that a l.c.c. contact between 2 focal conic domains has a vanishing energy, yielding metastable local equilibrium. Then we use some projective properties of conic sections to extend the celebrated Apollonian tiling, which describes a tilt grain boundary (TiGB) of vanishing disorientation made of toric focal conic domains, to any TiGB. Finally we present a realistic model of the energy of the TiGB, which we compare to the energy of a TiGB split into dislocations, and to the energy of a curvature wall. This model explains why FCD tilings show macroscopic zones not filled with FCDs.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s101890050039
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