Biaxial modeling of the structure of the chevron interface in smectic liquid crystals

We have included the inherent molecular biaxiality of the smectic C phase i n a model of the chevron structure. This molecular biaxiality is related to a hindered rotation about the molecular long axis which for chiral, polar molecules induces a spontaneous polarization. Through the coupling between biaxiality and the smectic cone angle, continuity of the molecular distribu tion at the chevron interface leads to changes in the cone angle. Under cer tain approximations we are able to find analytic expressions for the chevro n structure and consequently estimate the width of the chevron interface. T here are in fact two correlation lengths which govern Variations in the con e angle and the biaxiality. [S1063-651X(99)06207-8].