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Substrate induced 1D tilt-modulated state in nematic monolayers.
1Dipartimento di Fisica del Politecnico and INFM corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129, Torino, Italy. ioannis.lelidis@u-picardie.fr
The European Physical Journal. E, Soft Matter
|February 24, 2006
Summary
A nematic monolayer
Area of Science:
- Condensed matter physics
- Soft matter physics
Background:
- Nematic liquid crystals exhibit orientational order.
- Monolayers on substrates present unique physical properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- Determine the elastic energy of a nematic monolayer.
- Investigate conditions for periodic deformations.
Main Methods:
- Symmetry analysis to derive elastic energy.
- Analysis of deformation tensor and elastic constants.
Main Results:
- A linear Lifshitz-invariant-like term in the deformation energy.
- Periodic ground state possible if elastic constant exceeds a critical value.
- Wave-length of modulation diverges at transition.
Conclusions:
- Large tilt angle variations are necessary for stable states.
- Electric or magnetic fields can induce or destroy modulated phases.