Smectic shells

J Phys Condens Matter. 2012 Jul 18;24(28):284122. doi: 10.1088/0953-8984/24/28/284122. Epub 2012 Jun 27.

Abstract

Confining a smectic liquid crystal between two spherical surfaces results in the formation of a complex defect structure characterized by a set of curvature walls that divide the sphere into crescent domains, causing the undulation of the smectic layers. In this paper, we examine in detail these smectic textures and discuss the various possible origins of the observed patterns.

Publication types

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