Defect-induced melting in nematic liquid crystals

Authors
Mottram, NJ Sluckin, TJ
Citation
Nj. Mottram et Tj. Sluckin, Defect-induced melting in nematic liquid crystals, LIQ CRYST, 27(10), 2000, pp. 1301-1304
Citations number
12
Categorie Soggetti
Physical Chemistry/Chemical Physics
Journal title
LIQUID CRYSTALS
ISSN journal
02678292 → ACNP
Volume
27
Issue
10
Year of publication
2000
Pages
1301 - 1304
Database
ISI
SICI code
0267-8292(200010)27:10<1301:DMINLC>2.0.ZU;2-O
Abstract
In this paper we employ a relatively simple theory to show how a nematic di sclination line can act as a nucleation site for the growth of the isotropi c phase. With this theory we are able to find analytical expressions for th e critical temperature of nucleation and the behaviour of the core radius a s a function of temperature. We are then able to compare these results with a previous numerical model of this effect.