Spontaneous helielectric nematic liquid crystals: Electric analog to helimagnets

Significance The recent discovery of the emerging ferroelectric nematics opens an avenue not only for exploring exotic polar matter states in condensed matter physics but also for providing opportunities toward brand new liquid crystal technologies. Here, we revealed the existence of a helielectric nematic state by introducing the chirality into the ferroelectric nematics. Combining multiple intercorrelated measurements, we confirmed a helicoidal-type polar vector field in the helielectric nematics. The emergent polar symmetry triggers distinctions in topology to the dielectric cholesterics. Via proper doping of chiral generators, the helielectric state can survive down to room temperature, retaining excellent nonlinear optical and dielectric properties. Hence, it offers a stable material platform for exploring unidentified polarity–chirality–coupled textures and developing functional electrooptical devices.