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Modulated phases in a three-dimensional Maier-Saupe model with competing interactions
P F Bienzobaz1, Na Xu2, Anders W Sandvik2
1Departamento de Física, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Caixa Postal 10011, 86057-970, Londrina, PR, Brasil and Department of Physics, Boston University, 590 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA.
Physical Review. E
|January 20, 2018
Summary
This study explores a discrete Maier-Saupe model with competing interactions, revealing complex phase behavior. Simulations confirm the existence of isotropic, nematic, and modulated phases, including a Lifshitz point.
Area of Science:
- Statistical mechanics
- Condensed matter physics
- Materials science
Background:
- The Maier-Saupe model describes liquid crystal phases.
- Competing interactions can lead to complex phase diagrams.
- Understanding orientational ordering is crucial in materials science.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the discrete Maier-Saupe model with competing interactions.
- To map the phase diagram and identify key phase transitions.
- To compare mean-field theory with simulation results.
Main Methods:
- Mean-field approximation for theoretical analysis.
- Monte Carlo simulations for numerical investigation.
- Phase diagram construction and analysis.
Main Results:
- The model exhibits isotropic, nematic, and modulated phases.
- A rich phase diagram emerges due to competing interactions.
- A multicritical point, specifically a Lifshitz point, is identified.
Conclusions:
- The discrete Maier-Saupe model with competing interactions displays complex behavior.
- Mean-field theory provides a good qualitative description, supported by simulations.
- Further investigation into the quantitative discrepancies between methods is warranted.
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