Título:
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Healing of defects at the interface of nematic liquid crystals and structured Langmuir-Blodgett monolayers
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Autor/a:
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Petit Garrido, Núria; Trivedi, Rahul P.; Ignés i Mullol, Jordi; Claret Bonet, Josep; Lapointe, Clayton; Sagués i Mestre, Francesc; Smalyukh, I.
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Otros autores:
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Universitat de Barcelona |
Abstract:
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We use Langmuir-Blodgett molecular monolayers and nematic liquid crystals as model two-and three-dimensional orientationally ordered systems to study the stability and healing of topological defects at their contact interfaces. Integer-strength defects at the monolayer induce disclinations of similar strength in the nematic that, however, do not propagate deep into the bulk, but rather form single- or double-split arch-shaped loops pinned to the interface. This behavior is qualitatively independent of the far-field director orientation and involves either half-integer singular or twist-escaped unity-strength nonsingular nematic disclinations. These two defect configurations can be selected by varying sample preparation given their comparable free energy, consistently with direct probing by use of laser tweezers. |
Materia(s):
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-Cristalls líquids -Química de superfícies -Cristalls líquids nemàtics -Liquid crystals -Surface chemistry -Nematic liquid crystals |
Derechos:
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(c) American Physical Society, 2011
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Tipo de documento:
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Artículo Artículo - Versión publicada |
Editor:
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American Physical Society
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