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Orientational Transition in a Liquid Crystal Triggered by the Thermodynamic Growth of Interfacial Wetting Sheets
Published on: May 15, 2017
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Relative kinetic stability of defect patterns in two-dimensional nematic liquid crystals with rectangular confinement
Xiao-Jie Zhang1,2, Yu-Wei Sun3, Zhan-Wei Li3
1State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Polymer Science and Technology, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, China.
The Journal of Chemical Physics
|August 20, 2024
Summary
We explored how liquid crystal defect patterns change and stabilize in confined spaces. Adjusting confinement and fields allows control over these dynamic defect transformations for advanced applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Soft Matter Physics
Background:
- Topological defects in liquid crystals are crucial for defect engineering.
- Controlling these defects in confined systems presents significant challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the transition dynamics and kinetic stability of defect patterns.
- Understand defect behavior in 2D nematic Gay-Berne liquid crystals within rectangular confinements.
Main Methods:
- Utilized molecular dynamics simulations.
- Analyzed defect patterns under varying confinement conditions.
Main Results:
- Observed diverse defect patterns: long-axis, diagonal, X-shaped, composite, and bend.
- Demonstrated continuous transformation of defect patterns due to boundary effects and molecular realignment.
- Showcased control over defect stability via confinement and external fields.
Conclusions:
- Provided fundamental insights into the transition kinetics of defect patterns.
- Highlighted the ability to manipulate topological defects through controlled confinement.
- Opened avenues for advanced applications in liquid crystal defect engineering.
