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Liquid Crystal Theory and Modeling

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Handbook of Visual Display Technology

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Abstract

In this chapter, we explain the rationale behind the theoretical modeling of liquid crystals and explain the important steps to construct a realistic and accurate model for a particular physical system. We then summarize two commonly used theories of nematics: one based on using the director as a dependent variable and one based on using the tensor order parameter. Using an example problem, the π-cell, we show the advantages and disadvantages of these two theoretical approaches, demonstrating the importance of carefully considering the choice of model before embarking on simulations.

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Further Reading

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Strathclyde, 26 Richmond Street, Glasgow, G1 1XH, UK

    N. J. Mottram

  2. Peartree Cottage, Little London, Peartree Cottage, Little London, Longhope, Gloucestershire, GL17 0PH, UK

    C. J. P. Newton

Authors
  1. N. J. Mottram
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  2. C. J. P. Newton
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to N. J. Mottram .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Display Technology Center, Panel Integration Division I, Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), Chutung, Hsinchu, Taiwan

    Janglin Chen

  2. Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, United Kingdom

    Wayne Cranton

  3. Veritas et Visus, Temple, Texas, USA

    Mark Fihn

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© 2016 Springer International Publishing Switzerland

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Mottram, N.J., Newton, C.J.P. (2016). Liquid Crystal Theory and Modeling. In: Chen, J., Cranton, W., Fihn, M. (eds) Handbook of Visual Display Technology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-14346-0_87

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