Superstructural chirality of a periodic system of domains of opposite chirality and π-walls in B₂ phase composed of bent-shaped molecules

Abstract

Principally, domains of opposite chirality can exist either in synclinic ferroelectric structures or in anticlinic antiferroelectric structures in the B₂ phase of bent-shaped molecules. These domains are separated by π-walls with either right-handed or left-handed rotation of molecular polarizations. In this study, periodic systems of domains of opposite chirality connected by π-walls are discussed. A simple estimation of this periodicity is proposed. Systems of domains and π-walls create global structures which could have also the opposite chirality. The mentioned global structures are the result of so-called superstructural chirality of the system.

Keywords:

• B₂-phase
• bent-shaped molecules
• domains of opposite chirality
• π-walls
• superstructural chirality

Acknowledgements

This study was supported by projects no. 202/09/0047 from the Grant Agency of the Czech Republic, no. IAA100100911 (Grant Agency of ASCR) and no. OC 10006 (Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport of the Czech Republic).