Spinodal dewetting of a nematic liquid crystal film
We discuss spinodal dewetting of a nematic film destabilized by Van der Waals forces, focusing on the case of non-antagonistic anchoring conditions. Using physical parameters pertinent to low-molecular-weight thermotropic liquid crystals, we predict a small damping effect. In the presence of an antagonistic applied magnetic field, the anchoring conditions become more significant, and can influence the shape and dynamics of the unstable modes.
Braun
FN
Department of Chemistry, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, United Kingdom.
Yokoyama
H