Topology and bistability in liquid crystal devices
- School of Mathematics, University of Bristol, University Walk, Bristol BS8 1TW (United Kingdom)
- Hewlett-Packard Laboratories, Filton Road, Stoke Gifford, Bristol BS12 6QZ (United Kingdom)
We study nematic liquid crystal configurations in a prototype bistable device--the post aligned bistable nematic (PABN) cell. Working within the Oseen-Frank continuum model, we describe the liquid crystal configuration by a unit-vector field n, in a model version of the PABN cell. First, we identify four distinct topologies in this geometry. We explicitly construct trial configurations with these topologies which are used as initial conditions for a numerical solver, based on the finite-element method. The morphologies and energetics of the corresponding numerical solutions qualitatively agree with experimental observations and suggest a topological mechanism for bistability in the PABN cell geometry.
- OSTI ID:
- 21072432
- Journal Information:
- Physical Review. E, Statistical Physics, Plasmas, Fluids, and Related Interdisciplinary Topics, Journal Name: Physical Review. E, Statistical Physics, Plasmas, Fluids, and Related Interdisciplinary Topics Journal Issue: 5 Vol. 75; ISSN PLEEE8; ISSN 1063-651X
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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