The Effect of Varying Surface Orientation on the Molecular Organization of Nematic Films. A Monte Carlo Simulation

ABSTRACT

We present a Monte Carlo (MC) simulation of a nematic film with boundary conditions that vary from a homogeneous to a homeotropic anchoring at one surface while having a homogeneous anchoring at the other one. The simulations are based on the Lebwohl–Lasher lattice spin model with suitable boundary conditions to mimic the cell. We have investigated temperature effects on the molecular organization inside the system by calculating the internal energy, the heat capacity and the standard nematic order parameter.

Keywords:

• boundary conditions
• liquid crystals
• Monte Carlo
• Nematic film

Acknowledgments

C.Z. is grateful to University of Bologna, MIUR (PRIN Cristalli Liquidi), INSTM and EU TMR FULCE for support to G.S., while C.C. and P.P. thank INFN (grant I.S. BO12) for support.