Novel defect structures in nematic liquid crystal shells

Citation:

Fernandez-Nieves, A. ; Vitelli, V. ; Utada, A. S. ; Link, D. R. ; Marquez, M. ; Nelson, D. R. ; Weitz, D. A. Novel defect structures in nematic liquid crystal shells. Physical Review Letters 2007, 99, 157801. Copy at http://www.tinyurl.com/yyd3qzvt
fernandez-nieves2007.pdf1.5 MB

Abstract:

We use double-emulsion drops to experimentally investigate the defect structures of spherical shells of nematic liquid crystals. We uncover a rich scenario of coexisting defect structures dictated by the unavoidable finite thickness of even the thinnest shell and by the thickness variation around the sphere. These structures are characterized by a varying number of disclination lines and pairs of surface point defects on the inner and outer surfaces of the nematic shell. In the limit of very thick shells the defect structure ultimately merges with that of a bulk nematic liquid crystal drop.

Publisher's Version

Last updated on 04/22/2021