Molecular Alignment of Bubble Domains in Large Pitch Cholesteric Liquid Crystals

Abstract

Based on the naive model, the molecular alignment of the bubble domain in large pitch cholesterics is calculated numerically by using the continuum theory of liquid crystals. It is shown that the bubble domain is surely stable under certain conditions but when the cell thickness is thinner than the critical thickness homeotropic alignment is more favourable. The effects of the electric field on the bubble diameter are also investigated. Obtained results agree well qualitatively with the experimental results.