Freedericksz Transitions in Nematic and Cholesteric Liquid Crystal Droplets: Determination of K₂₄ Elastic Constant

Abstract

Field induced structural (Freedericksz) transitions in supramicron nematic and cholesteric liquid crystal droplets embedded in a solid matrix are theoretically analysed. Taking into account the elastic, surface, and field free energy contributions, the equilibrium structures and phase diagrams are obtained. The predicted strong dependence of the radial - axial structural transition on the value of the saddlesplay splay elastic constant K₂₄ is proposed to be used for the indirect determination of this constant.

Key Words:

• nematic
• droplets
• Freedericksz
• elastic constants