Landau theory applied to antiferroelectric ordering in ferroelectric nematic liquid crystals
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: The polarization and mass density modulation associated with antiferroelectric ordering in two ferroelectric nematic liquid crystals, a prototypical single compound (referred to as DIO) and a commercial mixture (FNLC919), are studied experimentally as a function of temperature. The wave number of the polarization modulation, q A , is determined by small-angle x-ray diffraction from the weak, accompanying density wave (wave number q S = 2 q A ) using a conventional laboratory source. Combined results for q S and the saturated value of the polarization are analyzed in terms of Landau theory previously developed to describe the paraelectric/antiferroelectric/ferroelectric sequence of phase transitions in solid ferroelectrics. The analysis of q S indicates that the polarization modulation can be reasonably well approximated by a simple sinusoid in DIO, whereas in FNLC919 a sharp decrease in q S close to the antiferroelectric to ferroelectric transition indicates development of a solitonlike profile.
Source: Physical Review Research
DOI: 10.1103/136n-hykb
Institution: Kent State University
Language: English
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,625
Awards: MRI: Acquisition of an ultrasmall-, small- and wide-angle x-ray scattering instrument for multidisciplinary advanced materials and soft matter research and education, G2820881382, Electromechanical Effects of Ferroelectric Nematic Liquid Crystals, G3822636165, G3923332121, HYDRODYNAMICS AND ELECTROKINETICS OF FERROELECTRIC NEMATIC, G72091224, G7321749581
OpenAlex ID: W7161037980