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Colloid-induced structure in liquid crystal media

TitleColloid-induced structure in liquid crystal media
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2005
AuthorsSokolovska, TG, Sokolovskii, RO, Patey, GN
JournalJournal of Chemical Physics
Volume122
Pagination8
Date PublishedMar
Type of ArticleArticle
ISBN Number0021-9606
KeywordsFIELD, FLUIDS, INTEGRAL-EQUATION THEORY, PHASE, SIMULATION, SPHERICAL-PARTICLE, TOPOLOGICAL DEFECTS
Abstract

The structural perturbations induced by colloidal particles immersed in a model nematic subjected to an external field are calculated employing integral equation methods. Maps of the density-orientational distribution about a colloidal particle are obtained, and these provide a microscopic picture of the colloid’s nematic coat. We focus on colloidal particles that favor homeotropic anchoring, but planar anchoring cases are also considered. The range and structure of the nematic coat is shown to be significantly influenced by the nature of the anchoring, the size of the colloidal particle, the range and strength of the colloid-nematogen interaction, and the external field strength. All of these factors are discussed.

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