Continuum Theory of Uniformly Layered Chiral Smectic C* in an Electromagnetic Field

Abstract

A linearized continuum theory combining electro-, hydro- and thermodynamics of smectic C liquid crystals is presented. Electromagnetic field is incorporated into the balance equations and generalized free energy is introduced. Reversible and irreversible proesses are handled separately. Constitutive equations are derived for both chiral and achiral smectic C phases. The connection between chirality and the existence of cross-effects is discussed. A physical interpretation of the final equations is also given. It is shown that in the chiral smectic C* phase a new effect, viz. electromechanical coupling, may exist.

Key Words:

• liquid crystals
• chiral smectics
• continuum theory
• electromechanical effect
• ferroelectricity