Double helical structure of the twist-bend nematic phase by resonant x-ray scattering at the carbon and sulfur K-edges

The mesogenic dimer displaying nematic and NTB phases was investigated by resonant x-ray scattering at both C and S absorption K-edges and supported by the single x-ray crystallography. In the crystal the resonant studies revealed the forbidden reflection in non-resonant diffraction similar to that found in the NTB phase. The lack of a second harmonic in both C and S resonant x-ray scattering supports the double helical structure of the twist-bend nematic phase.