Backflow-induced asymmetric collapse of disclination lines in liquid crystals

Phys Rev Lett. 2005 Jul 8;95(2):027801. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.95.027801. Epub 2005 Jul 6.

Abstract

We present experiments where opposed pairs of planar parallel disclination lines of topological strength s=+/-1 move due to their mutual attraction. Our measurements show that their motion is clearly asymmetric, with +1 defects moving up to twice as fast as -1 ones. This is a clear indication of backflow, given the intrinsic isotropic elasticity of our system. A phenomenological model is able to account for the experimental observations by renormalizing the orientational diffusivity estimated from the velocity of each defect.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cholesterol / chemistry
  • Crystallization
  • Diffusion
  • Elasticity
  • Models, Chemical*
  • Viscosity

Substances

  • Cholesterol