Stability of Paranematic Boundary Layer Phase in the Presence of Magnetic Field

Abstract

Possible phases in a semi-infinite nematic liquid crystal under condition of weak homeotropic anchoring are discussed. I present a theoretical investigation of the temperature and magnetic field dependence of paranematic (very weakly nematic ordering) wetting layers close to an aligning substrate. My investigation is based on Landau-de Gennes theory supplement by Nobili-Durand surface free energy. I find that a narrow temperature interval below the nematic-paranematic phase transition temperature which corresponds to paranematic boundary layer. The interval length depends on preferred order parameter at the surface and anchoring.

Keywords:

• boundary layer transition
• Landau theory
• paranematic
• prewetting

PACS Numbers:

• 61.30.Hn. 61.30.Gd

Acknowledgments

The author acknowledges the partial support of Persian Gulf University Research Council.