Landau-de Gennes theory of the nematic to smectic—A phase transition under confinement conditions

Abstract

We study the nature of the nematic to smectic-A phase transition under confinement conditions in the context of Landau-de Gennes theory. The effect of quenched disorder on the nematic to smectic-A transition temperature, order parameter, enthalpy, and thermal hysteresis are discussed followed by phase diagrams. The tricritical behavior of the nematic to smectic-A phase under confinement conditions is predicted.

Keywords:

• Liquid crystal
• quenched disorder
• phase transition

Disclosure statement

The author declares no conflict of interest, financial or otherwise.