Title:
|
Healing of defects at the interface of nematic liquid crystals and structured Langmuir-Blodgett monolayers
|
Author:
|
Petit Garrido, Núria; Trivedi, Rahul P.; Ignés i Mullol, Jordi; Claret Bonet, Josep; Lapointe, Clayton; Sagués i Mestre, Francesc; Smalyukh, I.
|
Other authors:
|
Universitat de Barcelona |
Abstract:
|
We use Langmuir-Blodgett molecular monolayers and nematic liquid crystals as model two-and three-dimensional orientationally ordered systems to study the stability and healing of topological defects at their contact interfaces. Integer-strength defects at the monolayer induce disclinations of similar strength in the nematic that, however, do not propagate deep into the bulk, but rather form single- or double-split arch-shaped loops pinned to the interface. This behavior is qualitatively independent of the far-field director orientation and involves either half-integer singular or twist-escaped unity-strength nonsingular nematic disclinations. These two defect configurations can be selected by varying sample preparation given their comparable free energy, consistently with direct probing by use of laser tweezers. |
Subject(s):
|
-Cristalls líquids -Química de superfícies -Cristalls líquids nemàtics -Liquid crystals -Surface chemistry -Nematic liquid crystals |
Rights:
|
(c) American Physical Society, 2011
|
Document type:
|
Article Article - Published version |
Published by:
|
American Physical Society
|
Share:
|
|