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Macroscopic chirality of a liquid crystal from nonchiral molecules

Journal Article · · Physical Review E
The transfer of chirality from nonchiral polymer networks to the racemic B2 phase of nonchiral banana-shaped molecules is demonstrated. This corresponds to the transfer of chirality from an achiral material to another achiral material. There are two levels of chirality transfers. (a) On a microscopic level the presence of a polymer network (chiral or nonchiral) favors a chiral state over a thermodynamically stable racemic state due to the inversion symmetry breaking at the polymer-liquid crystal interfaces. (b) A macroscopically chiral (enantimerically enriched) sample can be produced if the polymer network has a helical structure, and/or contains chemically chiral groups. The chirality transfer can be locally suppressed by exposing the liquid crystal to a strong electric field treatment.
Sponsoring Organization:
(US)
OSTI ID:
40203348
Journal Information:
Physical Review E, Journal Name: Physical Review E Journal Issue: 6 Vol. 63; ISSN 1063-651X
Publisher:
The American Physical Society
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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