About Existence of Modulated Flexoelectric Structure in Smectics C

Abstract
It is shown that the necessary conditions for existence and observation of the periodic flexoelectric modulations in smectics C are the planar initial orientation of smectic layer, rather small dielectric anisotropy, high inclination of molecules, relatively low threshold in the electric field. Comparisons with other mechanisms of the advent of modulated structures in smectics are done.

Keywords: smectic C phase, modulated flexoelectric structure, threshold electric field, width of domains, inclination of molecules in the smectic layer