Continuum theory of tilted chiral smectic phases.
We show that the sequence of distorted commensurate phases observed in tilted chiral smectics is explained by the gain in electrostatic and elastic energies due to the lock-in of the unit cell to a number of layers which is the integer closest to the ratio of the helix pitch over the smectic layer thickness of the subjacent Sm-Cα∗ phase. We also explain the sign change of the helicity in the middle of the sequence by a balance between two twist sources one intrinsic and another due to the distortion of the Sm-Cα∗.
Marcerou
J P
JP
Centre de Recherches Paul Pascal, 115, Av. Albert-Schweitzer, 33600 Pessac, France. marcerou@crpp-bordeaux.cnrs.fr