Anomalous capillary length in cellular nematic-isotropic interfaces.
The long-standing puzzle of why capillary lengths measured in cellular nematic-isotropic interfaces are much longer than the value of 0.05 A predicted by Mullins-Sekerka theory has been solved. The resolution of the paradox is that in confined systems the substrate-nematic anchoring energy contributes to the capillary length which is greatly increased by selective adsorption of ions on the substrate.
Gomes
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Departamento de Física, ICEX, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Caixa Postal 702, Belo Horizonte, CEP 30123-970, MG, Brazil.
Falcão
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Mesquita
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