On the threshold characteristics of the flexoelectric domains arising in a homogeneous electric field: The case of anisotropic elasticity

Precise solutions for the threshold voltage U_c and wave number q_c that feature the appearance of longitudinal flexoelectric domains of Vistin’-Pikin-Bobylev at strong anchoring have been derived. Based on the formulated expressions, we present and analyze computer calculations for a planar nematic layer with anisotropic elasticity and both negative and positive dielectric anisotropy under the action of a homogeneous flexoelectrically deforming d.c. electric field. The obtained relations allow a selection of particular values of physical parameters, in order to improve the performance of devices exploiting flexoelectrcity in nematics.