2025/09/07 by Xia, Jingmin, Wu, Jinbing, Han, Yucen
#FOS: Physical sciences #Soft Condensed Matter (cond-mat.soft)
paper · doi:10.48550/arxiv.2509.05965
We propose a continuum tensorial model for chiral smectic C (SmC^*) liquid crystals using a tensor-valued order parameter Q to describe orientational order and a real-valued order parameter δρ to capture layer modulation. This model accounts for the coupled effects of nematic alignment, smectic layering, chirality and spontaneous polarisation inherent in SmC^* systems. The model is validated through a series of numerical experiments -- helix, bistable switching, bookshelf and chevron, and defect in SmC^*. Our results highlight the model's capability to describe complex phenomena in SmC^* liquid crystals, providing a robust foundation for further theoretical and applied studies on phase transitions.