On the Transition between Cholesteric and Nematic Phases in Magnetic Field

Abstract

Singularities at the critical lines bounding the cholesteric and nematic phases on the magnetic field versus temperature plane are investigated. Critical exponents, α and γ, of the specific heat and magnetic susceptibility are found both unities. By regarding the inverse of pitch of the cholesteric structure as an order parameter, it is found that the exponents β and δ are zero and infinity, respectively, and these exponents satisfy the scaling relations, α + 2β + γ = 2 and α + β (δ + 1) = 2. In relation to the discommensurate charge density wave in layer structure materials, it is noted that the transition from the nematic to cholesteric phase occurring with the change of magnetic field and/or temperature is interpreted as a condensation process of solitons.