Escape configuration lattice near the nematic-isotropic transition: Tilt analogue of blue phases

Abstract

We predict the possible existence of a new phase of liquid crystals near the nematic-isotropic transition. This phase is an achiral, tilt analogue of the blue phase and is composed of a lattice of double-tilt, escape-configuration cylinders. We discuss the structure and the stability of this phase and provide an estimate of the lattice parameter.