Dynamical numerical model for nematic order reconstruction.
In highly frustrated calamitic nematic liquid crystals, a strong elastic distortion can be confined on a few nanometers. The classical elastic theory fails to describe such systems and a more complete description based on the tensor order parameter Q is required. A finite element method is used to implement the Q dynamics by a variational principle and it is shown that a uniaxial nematic configuration can evolve passing through transient biaxial states. This solution, which connects two competing uniaxial nematic textures, is known as "nematic order reconstruction."
Lombardo
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G
CNR-INFM LiCryL, CEMIF-Center of Excellence for Innovative and Functional Materials, Physics Department, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy. lombardo@fis.unical.it
Ayeb
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H
Barberi
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R