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Prolate and oblate nematic shells under equal and hybrid alignments.
1Maringá State University, Physics Department, Maringá 87020-900, Paraná, Brazil.
Physical Review. E
|April 18, 2026
Summary
We studied nematic liquid crystal shells, finding that geometry and surface alignment control complex defect patterns. These insights aid in designing new photonic and sensing devices.
Area of Science:
- Soft Matter Physics
- Materials Science
Background:
- Nematic liquid crystals exhibit complex behavior in curved geometries.
- Understanding defect formation in shells is crucial for device applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate how geometry and anchoring influence topological defects in nematic liquid crystal shells.
- Analyze the impact of shell parameters on defect structure stabilization.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Landau-de Gennes free-energy formalism.
- Employed the fast inertial relaxation engine (FIRE) for simulations.
- Explored prolate and oblate geometries with four anchoring conditions.
Main Results:
- Observed diverse defect arrangements: bipolar, tetrahedral, Saturn-ring, and twisted director fields.
- Elastic distortions (splay, bend, twist) are sensitive to radii, thickness, and aspect ratio.
- Curvature-driven mechanisms dictate defect stabilization.
Conclusions:
- Geometry and anchoring conditions are key determinants of defect structures in nematic shells.
- Shell parameters significantly influence elastic energy and defect stabilization.
- Findings offer pathways for designing advanced photonic and sensing devices.
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