Nematic fluids with polar order could be most useful new molecular materials. However, such ferroelectric liquid crystals have not been observed as yet. This paper describes the first computer simulations of a ferroelectric nematic phase made from simple tapered particles as shown in the picture and gives some hints about the relevant molecular features.
© 2001 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH, Weinheim, Fed. Rep. of Germany.