Nematic order in nanoscopic liquid crystal-droplets

We have used atomistic molecular-dynamics simulations to model the detailed molecular configuration of 5CB (4-n-pentyl-4'-cyanobiphenyl) molecules in the form of a nanoscopic liquid crystal droplet in a vacuum microgravity en vironment. We find the equilibrium-state of droplets consisting of as few a s 26 or 50 molecules to exhibit significant nematic ordering. The shape of the droplets is also anisotropic, but there is, little angular correlation between the nematic director and the long axis of the droplet. Some tendenc y to micelle formation is observed in droplets of 50 molecules. [S1063-651X (99)10407-0].