New Molecular Alignment Models of Bubble Domains and Striped Domains in Cholesteric-Nematic Mixtures

Abstract

Bubble domains and striped domains in cholesteric-nematic mixtures were observed carefully with a polarizing microscope, a differential interfrence micrscope and a holographic interference microscope. Some facts that could not be explained by the conventional models of them were found. The new models which can explain the observation well are proposed. The stability of these domains was discussed from the energetic and topological points of view.