Systems with competing interlayer interactions and modulations in one direction: finding their structures

Abstract

Complex structures in polar smectic systems can be studied within framework of discrete phenomenological models. Considered interactions are usually described by nonlinear trigonometric functions that do not allow for a straightforward search for solutions. The review of three methods reported in the literature are presented and their appropriateness, advantages and disadvantages are discussed. Examples are given as an illustration for each method.

Keywords: antiferroelectric liquid crystals; bent-core liquid crystals; complex structures; phenomenological models; polar smectics.