Threshold field for a nematic liquid crystal confined between two coaxial cylinders

Abstract

We consider a nematic liquid crystal constrained by two coaxial cylinders under the action of low-frequency axial or radial electric fields. Assuming an initially hybrid configuration, we find the equilibrium texture of the nematic subjected to weak anchoring boundary conditions on both cylindrical surfaces. We analyze the distinct textures of the nematic as a function of the strength of the interaction of the nematic with the sidewalls, the radii ratio of the cylinders, and the applied electric field. Also, for each radii ratio and strength of the nematic-surface interaction, we determine the critical field for which a complete alignment of the nematic liquid crystal occurs.

Electrical Control of Nonlinear TM Modes in Cylindrical Nematic Waveguide

“…This is inconsistent with the high intensity of the propagating TM mode since in the cylinder wall the electric force can be stronger than the surface elastic force as has been shown before for this geometry (Corella-Madueño et al, 2008). Moreover, when liquid crystals are confined to small cavities, its effect is found to be significant, particularly when elastic energies imposed by the confining volume compete with molecular anchoring energies (Corella-Madueño & Reyes, 2008). Hence we cannot ignore surface elastic terms compared with both bulk elastic terms and electric bulk contributions.…”

Nonlinear TM modes in cylindrical liquid crystal waveguide

“…In our work, we instead solve Most of the optical calculations in waveguides have been done by assuming hard anchoring boundary conditions for the nematic director. This is inconsistent with the high intensity of the propagating TM mode since in the cylinder wall the electric force can be stronger than the surface elastic force as has been shown before for this geometry [14]. Moreover, when liquid crystals are confined to small cavities, its effect is found to be significant, particularly when elastic energies imposed by the confining volume compete with molecular anchoring energies [15].…”

Order Reconstruction in a Nanoconfined Nematic Liquid Crystal between Two Coaxial Cylinders

“…LC shells have received increased research interest because of their potential to generate colloids with a valence, which can be used to build colloidal architectures for photonic applications. Several scholars have numerically simulated the possible defect configurations in nematic and smectic shells [15,16,17]. …”