Observation of Spontaneous Helielectric Nematic Fluids: Electric Analogy to Helimagnets

Abstract: About a century ago, Born proposed a possible matter of state, ferroelectric fluid, might exist if the dipole moment is strong enough. The experimental realisation of such states needs magnifying molecular polar nature to macroscopic scales in liquids. Here, we report on the discovery of a novel chiral liquid matter state, dubbed chiral ferronematic, stabilized by the local ferroelectric ordering coupled to the chiral helicity. It carries the polar vector rotating helically, corresponding to a helieletric structure, analogous to the magnetic counterpart of helimagnet. The state can be retained down to room-temperature and demonstrates gigantic dielectric and nonlinear optical responses. The novel matter state opens a new chapter for exploring the material space of the diverse ferroelectric liquids.