Defect structure around two colloids in a liquid crystal

Phys Rev Lett. 2003 Dec 5;91(23):235507. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.91.235507. Epub 2003 Dec 5.

Abstract

This Letter investigates the defect structures that arise between two colloidal spheres immersed in a nematic liquid crystal. Molecular simulations and a dynamic field theory are employed to arrive at molecular-level and mesoscopic descriptions of the systems of interest. At large separations, each sphere is surrounded by a Saturn ring defect. However, at short separations both theory and simulation predict that a third disclination ring appears in between the spheres, in a plane normal to the Saturn rings. This feature gives rise to an effective binding of the particles. The structures predicted by field theory and molecular simulations are consistent with each other.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Biosensing Techniques / methods*
  • Colloids / chemistry*
  • Models, Chemical*
  • Monte Carlo Method

Substances

  • Colloids