Saddle-splay elasticity induced chiral structures in cylindrical nematic liquid crystal shell.

Based on Landau-de Gennes theory and differential iteration method, in a cylindrical shell with degenerate planar anchoring at both interfaces, the double-twist director configuration caused by large saddle-splay elasticity is investigated. The combined effects of saddle-splay elasticity and the curvature on the spontaneous chiral structure are analysed. Between opposite-handed domains, we find two domain wall structures and a new 1/2 defect ring structure. The stabilities of these structures are analysed by an energy comparison. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]