Field induced chiral-achiral transitions in liquid crystals

Abstract

We have considered chiral-achiral phase transitions that can occur in some liquid crystals. This study deals with such transformations induced by external electric and magnetic fields. We discuss phase changes mediated by disclinations, single solitons, soliton lattices and those occurring without any defect. Some unusual aspects of these transitions such as reentrance, occurrence of tricritical points and Lifshitz points have been highlighted.