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Biaxiality at the isotropic-nematic interface with planar anchoring
S M Kamil1, A K Bhattacharjee, R Adhikari
1The Institute of Mathematical Sciences, CIT Campus, Taramani, Chennai 600 113, India.
Physical Review. E, Statistical, Nonlinear, and Soft Matter Physics
|November 13, 2009
Summary
This study refines the understanding of the isotropic-nematic interface using Ginzburg-Landau-de Gennes theory. Improved analytic and numerical methods yield better agreement for biaxial and uniaxial profiles at the interface.
Area of Science:
- Physics
- Materials Science
- Soft Matter Physics
Background:
- The isotropic-nematic interface is a critical structure in liquid crystal systems.
- Understanding interfacial properties is key to controlling material behavior.
- Previous analytic treatments of biaxiality at the interface had limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To refine analytic treatments of biaxiality at the isotropic-nematic interface.
- To compare refined analytic results with highly accurate numerical solutions.
- To improve agreement with numerical and density-functional data.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing Ginzburg-Landau-de Gennes theory for interfacial analysis.
- Employing a spectral collocation scheme for solving Landau-Ginzburg-de Gennes equations.
- Developing accurate asymptotic analyses for order parameter decay.
Main Results:
- Achieved improved agreement between analytic and numerical results for uniaxial and biaxial profiles.
- Provided accurate asymptotic results for biaxial order decay on both sides of the interface.
- Demonstrated accurate fits to data from density-functional theory approaches.
Conclusions:
- The refined analytic treatment offers a more accurate description of the isotropic-nematic interface.
- The study validates the Ginzburg-Landau-de Gennes theory for interfacial phenomena.
- Enhanced agreement with numerical and DFT data provides confidence in the theoretical framework.
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