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arXiv · 1010.1116

Continuous Transition of Defect Configuration in a Deformed Liquid Crystal Film

Isaku Hasegawa·Hiroyuki Shima
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Abstract

We investigate energetically favorable configurations of point disclinations in nematic films having a bump geometry. Gradual expansion in the bump width Δ gives rise to a sudden shift in the stable position of the disclinations from the top to the skirt of the bump. The positional shift observed across a threshold Δth obeys a power law function of |Δ-Δth|, indicating a new class of continuous phase transition that governs the defect configuration in curved nematic films.

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Isaku Hasegawa, Hiroyuki Shima. 2010-10-06. Continuous Transition of Defect Configuration in a Deformed Liquid Crystal Film. https://doi.org/10.1142/s0217984911025912

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