Do the short helices exist in the nematic TB phase?
arXiv:1410.6369
Abstract
Dimeric compounds forming twist-bend nematic, Ntb, phase show unusual optical texture related to the formation of arrays of focal conic defects. Some of the focal conics show submicron internal structure with 8 nm periodicity, which is very close to that found in the crystalline phase of the material, suggesting surface freezing.