Twist-grain boundary phase characterized by AFM technique

Twist grain boundary (TGB) phases represent liquid crystalline systems with a regular array of defects. In our research, we studied compound stable TGBC phase and pursued its structure using various experimental techniques. Using AFM microscope, observed the surface smectic film detected periodic relief. We found that displacement amplitude is few nanometres, periodicity about 500 nm. Such in accordance blocks’ rotation estimated by polarising microscopy. The modulation explained deformation structure, which created on films. A simplified model interpreting as consequence rotating blocks inside sample proposed. deform differently depending their orientation respect to force acting tip microscope cantilever probing surface.