Geometry of focal conics in sessile cholesteric droplets

Abstract

Focal conic domains are defects characteristic of layered liquid crystal phases. Their association can build flowers where petals are the ellipses of the Dupin cyclides involved in these defects. We report here the observation of focal conic flowers in cholesteric droplets sessile on a glass surface and surrounded by glycerol. The observation of the droplets in different directions helps to solve the three dimensional architecture of the flower. The effects of the droplet size and of the pitch value are also reported.