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Dynamic interaction between suspended particles and defects in a nematic liquid crystal
S Grollau1, N L Abbott, J J de Pablo
1Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Wisconsin, 1415 Engineering Drive, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, USA.
Summary
Spherical particles in liquid crystals create topological defects. These defects influence disclination lines, increasing their attraction and potentially revealing particle defect structures.
Area of Science:
- Physics
- Materials Science
- Soft Matter Physics
Background:
- Spherical particles induce topological defects in nematic liquid crystals.
- Understanding particle-defect interactions is crucial for liquid crystal applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the interaction between a spherical particle's topological defects and neighboring disclination lines.
- Analyze the effect of a particle on the annihilation of two disclination lines.
Main Methods:
- Performed 2D and 3D dynamic simulations of liquid crystal dynamics.
- Used a time-dependent evolution equation for the order parameter, including elasticity and excluded volume effects.
- Assumed strong homeotropic anchoring at the particle surface.
Main Results:
- Particle-bound topological defects mediate increased attraction between +1/2 and -1/2 disclination lines.
- 3D simulations confirmed this attraction and revealed potential Saturn ring formation around the particle.
- The dynamics of disclination lines can indicate the structure of defects around the particle.
Conclusions:
- Spherical particles significantly influence the behavior of topological defects in liquid crystals.
- The observed interactions suggest potential for defect-based sensing of particle structures.
- Dynamic simulation is a powerful tool for studying complex liquid crystal phenomena.