Computer Simulation on Liquid Crystal Order in Cell with Alignment Surfaces

Abstract

Monte Carlo simulation based on the Luckhurst-Romano potential has been performed to evaluate the ordering property of liquid crystals in a cell with aligned surfaces. The transition temperature from the nematic to the isotropic phase is the same as that of the bulk system, but the high ordering state is induced near the surface around the transition. In addition, the direction of ordering can be regulated by the ordered particle on the surface. The effect of the alignment surface on the liquid crystal order in the nematic and isotropic phases is estimated by changing the number of alignment particles on the surface.

Key Words:

• Monte Carlo simulation
• Luckhurst-Romano potential
• surface
• nematic phase
• order parameter