Texture and shape of two-dimensional domains of nematic liquid crystals

We present a generalized approach to compute the shape and internal structure of two-dimensional nematic domains. By using conformal mappings, we are able to compute the director field for a given domain shape that we choose from a rich class, which includes drops with large and small aspect ratios...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Physical review. E, Statistical, nonlinear, and soft matter physics Statistical, nonlinear, and soft matter physics, 2012-11, Vol.86 (5 Pt 1), p.051703-051703, Article 051703
Main Authors: van Bijnen, R M W, Otten, R H J, van der Schoot, P
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Computer Simulation
Liquid Crystals - chemistry
Models, Chemical
Models, Molecular
Molecular Conformation
Phase Transition
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Summary:We present a generalized approach to compute the shape and internal structure of two-dimensional nematic domains. By using conformal mappings, we are able to compute the director field for a given domain shape that we choose from a rich class, which includes drops with large and small aspect ratios and sharp domain tips as well as smooth ones. Results are assembled in a phase diagram that for given domain size, surface tension, anchoring strength, and elastic constant shows the transitions from a homogeneous to a bipolar director field, from circular to elongated droplets, and from sharp to smooth domain tips. We find a previously unaccounted for regime, where the drop is nearly circular, the director field bipolar, and the tip rounded. We also find that bicircular director fields, with foci that lie outside the domain, provide a remarkably accurate description of the optimal director field for a large range of values of the various shape parameters.
ISSN:1539-3755
1550-2376
DOI:10.1103/PhysRevE.86.051703