This analysis utilizes density functional theory to investigate the viability of splay-bend nematic phases, suggesting these phases cannot exist.
On the basis of the application of the (Onsager) second-virial density functional theory to an artificial system that is so designed as to be the best promoter of a "splay(-bend)" nematic phase, it is argued that this "modulated" nematic phase cannot exist.
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Giorgio Cinacchi (2025) studied this question.
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