Double helical structure of the twist-bend nematic phase investigated by resonant X-ray scattering at the carbon and sulfur K-edges

Abstract

The mesogenic dimer displaying nematic and N_TB phases was investigated by resonant X-ray scattering at both C and S absorption K-edges and supported by single X-ray crystallography. In the crystal resonant studies revealed the forbidden reflection in non-resonant diffraction similar to that found in the N_TB phase. The lack of a second harmonic in both C and S resonant X-ray scattering supports the double helical structure of the twist-bend nematic phase.