Dynamics of solitary waves in smectic-C* liquid crystals

The dynamics of solitary waves in ferroelectric liquid crystals is consider ed in the context of an overdamped double sine-Gordon model. Various possib le types of single waves ate studied. The dependence of wave velocity and s cale on the system parameters and initial conditions is found. Sharp initia l profiles lead to waves with a universal farm. The parameters of the wave arising from smooth profiles are determined also by the scale of the initia l conditions. Numerical calculations show good agreement with analytical re sults. The possibility of using such waves to improve the characteristics o f liquid crystal devices is also discussed. [S1063-651X(99)108120-9].