Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 13, 2026

Orientational Transition in a Liquid Crystal Triggered by the Thermodynamic Growth of Interfacial Wetting Sheets
Published on: May 15, 2017
Liquid crystals in two dimensions: first-order phase transitions and nonuniversal critical behavior
1Institut für Theoretische Physik II, Heinrich Heine Universität Düsseldorf, Universitätsstrasse 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany.
Abstract:
Liquid crystals in two dimensions undergo a first-order isotropic-to-quasi-nematic transition, provided the particle interactions are sufficiently "sharp and narrow." This implies phase coexistence between isotropic and quasi-nematic domains, separated by interfaces. The corresponding line tension is determined and shown to be very small, giving rise to strong interface fluctuations. When the interactions are no longer "sharp and narrow," the transition becomes continuous, with nonuniversal critical behavior obeying hyperscaling and approximately resembling the two-dimensional Potts model.
Related Concept Videos
Phase Transitions
Phase Transitions
Phase Transitions: Melting and Freezing
Phase Diagram
Phase Diagram
Phase Transitions: Vaporization and Condensation

