Response of nematic liquid crystals to Van Der Waals forces

Abstract

The response of a slab of nematic liquid crystal to the Van der Waals forces exerted upon it by an anisotropic crystal is studied. The slab of liquid crystal is considered as having its molecular alignment fixed on one side, with the other side free to rotate. The anisotropic crystal exerts a Van der Waals torque which tends to line up the anisotropic axis of the liquid crystal with its own anisotropic axis. This torque is opposed by the elastic stresses set up in the liquid crystal by the induced twist. The angle of twist of the anisotropic axis at a point in the liquid crystal is calculated as a function of the depth of the point below the free surface of the liquid crystal. Show more