Structure of the Nematic-Isotropic Interface in Landau Theory

Abstract

The structure of the nematic-isotropic interface is probed using Landau theory with a tensor order parameter. Strong biaxiality appears near the isotropic side of the interface when the elastic constants are not equal. However, this effect produces only small changes in the surface tension. The dependence of surface tension on the angle between the bulk director and the interface is explored. Also, when the director in the bulk nematic makes a 38° angle with the interface, the director near the interface “bends” by about 5° to become more parallel with the interface.