Microscopic calculation of the surface tension of nematic LCs

F. N. Braun; Timothy J. Sluckin; E. Velasco; L. Mederos

doi:10.1117/12.230658

19 January 1996 Microscopic calculation of the surface tension of nematic LCs

F. N. Braun, Timothy J. Sluckin, E. Velasco, L. Mederos

Proceedings Volume 2731, International Liquid Crystal Workshop on Surface Phenomena; (1996) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.230658
Event: International Liquid Crystal Workshop: Surface Phenomena, 1995, St. Petersburg, Russian Federation

Abstract

The surface tension of liquid crystals at the free surface has been found experimentally to exhibit intriguing behavior in the neighborhood of the nematic-isotropic transition temperature T_NI. We discuss general features of the relation between wetting properties and temperature dependence of the free surface tension close to T_NI. Different wetting properties are expected to yield a varied assortment of surface tension characteristics. In order to supplement and extend these arguments, we have analyzed the surface tension using a microscopic density functional model. In this approach anisotropic volume exclusion effects are neglected, isolating instead the effect on the surface tension of the orientationally coupled Lennard-Jones potential. Wetting properties are sensitive to the different spherical harmonic components of this potential, and thus the model exhibits a rich array of surface tension behaviors, of which we give a brief overview. The principal new result of the calculations we have performed, summarized here, is the appearance of a pre-transitional surface tension minimum which is seen in many experimental studies. This is related to anomalously high sub- surface order.

Citation Download Citation

F. N. Braun, Timothy J. Sluckin, E. Velasco, and L. Mederos "Microscopic calculation of the surface tension of nematic LCs", Proc. SPIE 2731, International Liquid Crystal Workshop on Surface Phenomena, (19 January 1996); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.230658

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available