title: Theory of layer structure in ferroelectric liquid crystal devices in applied electric fields.
abstract: We propose a model for the free energy of a ferroelectric liquid crystal formed by cooling a sample from the smectic-A phase between parallel substrates. Under these circumstances the smectic layers may deform into V-shaped structures known as chevrons. Application of a strong electric field causes the layers to return to a flat shape, but this can occur in a number of ways. In the model presented here, it is a parameter related to the layer compression modulus that is the principal factor in determining the nature of the field-induced transition from chevrons to flat layers. When this parameter is large, the transition is sudden, but when it is small the chevron first takes on a rounded form before flattening. At intermediate values the tip of the chevron first flattens, and then this flat region gradually grows to encompass the entire layer.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, USA.
authors.forename: M B
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Hamaneh
authors.forename: H F
authors.initials: HF
authors.lastname: Gleeson
authors.forename: P L
authors.initials: PL
authors.lastname: Taylor