Study on concentric configuration of nematic liquid crystal droplet by Landau-de Gennes theory

ABSTRACT

On the basis of Landau-de Gennes theory, the fine structures of escaped concentric and ideal concentric configurations confined in nematic liquid crystal droplets were investigated. The escaped concentric configuration rather than the ideal concentric configuration appeared under the same conditions and parameters reported in Liq. Cryst., 45(1): 102 − 111, 2017. After increasing k₂₂ (twist elastic constant in Frank theory), the escaped concentric configuration transformed into the ideal concentric configuration. Within the ideal concentric configuration, we found an unexpecting order reconstruction occurred around the +1 line disclination, which has yet to be reported. In addition, the structural transitions within droplets of different radii were simulated.

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KEYWORDS:

• Nematic liquid crystal
• escaped concentric configuration
• ideal concentric configuration
• order reconstruction
• Landau-de Gennes theory

Acknowledgments

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China [Grant Numbers: 11374087]. All authors gave final approval for publication.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China [Grant Numbers: 11374087].