Theory of the Dielectric Susceptibility of Liquid Crystals with Bent-Core Molecules

Statistical theory of the dielectric susceptibility of polar liquid crystals is proposed. The molecules are calamitic or bent-core but the permanent dipole moment is perpendicular to the molecule long axis. The ordering of the phase is described by means of the mean-field theory based on the Maier-Saupe approach. The theory is used to calculate the temperature dependence of the order parameters and the susceptibilities. The phase diagram with four phases is obtained: isotropic, uniaxial nematic, uniaxial ferroelectric, and biaxial ferroelectric. Four critical points are predicted.