Local layer structures in circular domains of an achiral bent-core mesogen observed by x-ray microbeam diffraction

The local layer structures have been investigated by x-ray microbeam diffraction in the circular domains of the SmCP phase of a banana-shaped molecule. Originally, the molecules form tilted layers with a certain tilt angle as well as nontilted ones. The application of a low electric field induces a tilted layer with a continuous change of the tilt angle; i.e., the tilted layer gradually changes the tilt angle, finally being upright at the center of circular domains. Upon application of a high electric field, the smectic layer forms a cylindrical-type structure. The layer structure changes from cylindrical to onionlike after turning off the high field.