Mechanisms to Twist-Bend and Splay-Bend Nematic Phases

Twist bend phases of liquid crystals have been studied extensively experimentally. However, the mechanism behind their emergence remains debated. Theoretical models have predicted the existence of twist-bend and splay-bend phases as stable states arising from a common mechanism. With the recent experimental observation of splay-bend phases, we look at bond orientational order, such as planar hexatic order, as a way to arrive at splay-bend and twist-bend phases. We find that phase chirality, and the nematic symmetry play a key role in looking at possible interactions of nematic order and bond orientational order.