Isotropic convection scenarios in an anisotropic fluid

We study a new variant of electroconvection using a homeotropically aligned nematic liquid crystal. The novelty of this system is a direct transition to roll- or square-type patterns controlled by the frequency of the applied voltage with a rich crossover scenario and strong influence of the zigzag...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Physical review letters 2004-07, Vol.93 (4), p.044502.1-044502.4, Article 044502
Main Authors: BUKA, A, DRESSEL, B, KRAMER, L, PESCH, W
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Condensed matter: structure, mechanical and thermal properties
Exact sciences and technology
Fluid dynamics
Fundamental areas of phenomenology (including applications)
Hydrodynamic stability
Liquid crystals
Orientational order of liquid crystals
electric and magnetic field effects on order
Pattern selection
pattern formation
Physics
Secondary instability
Structure of solids and liquids
crystallography
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Summary:We study a new variant of electroconvection using a homeotropically aligned nematic liquid crystal. The novelty of this system is a direct transition to roll- or square-type patterns controlled by the frequency of the applied voltage with a rich crossover scenario and strong influence of the zigzag instability even at onset. From the weakly nonlinear theory and simulations of an adapted Swift-Hohenberg model one can understand essential features of the phase diagram. In particular we find a quasiperiodic pattern with square symmetry.
ISSN:0031-9007
1079-7114
DOI:10.1103/PhysRevLett.93.044502