Modulated structures in a Lebwohl-Lasher model with chiral interactions

Abstract

We consider a Lebwohl-Lasher lattice model with nematic directors restricted to point along $p$ planar directions. This $XY$ Lebwohl-Lasher system is the nematic analogue of the standard $p$-state clock model. We then include chiral interactions, and introduce a chiral $p$-state nematic clock model. The statistical problem is formulated as a discrete non-linear map on a Cayley tree. The attractors of this map correspond to the physical solutions deep in the interior of the tree. It is possible to observe uniform and periodic structures, depending on temperature and a parameter of chirality. We find many different chiral nematic phases, and point out the effects of temperature and chirality on the modulation associated with these structures.

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References in corpus (4)

• Finite-Temperature Properties of Three-Dimensional Classical Chiral Helimagnets
• Pattern formation in systems with competing interactions
• Low temperature phase diagram and critical behaviour of the four-state chiral clock model
• Modulated phases and devil's staircases in a layered mean-field version of the ANNNI model

Cited by in corpus (1)

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