We demonstrate that the sequence of distorted commensurate phases observed in tilted chiral smectics is explained by the gain in electrostatic energy due to the lock-in of the unit cell to a number of layers which is the integer closest to the ratio pitch over thickness of the subjacent Sm-Cα∗ phase. We also explain the sign change of the helicity in the middle of the sequence by a balance between two twist sources one intrinsic and another due to the distortion of the Sm-Cα∗.
Cite
@article{arxiv.1003.6001,
title = {Continuum theory of tilted chiral smectic phases},
author = {Jean-Paul Marcerou},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:1003.6001},
year = {2015}
}