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Point defects on (−π)-wedge disclination in nematics

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Czechoslovak Journal of Physics Aims and scope

Abstract

The structure of a point defect in the director field near (−π)-wedge disclination line singularity in a thick sample of a nematic liquid crystal is approximately described. The elastic interaction energy of two point defects of the opposite sign is evaluated. There is always the attraction between two opposite point defects, as expected. Nevertheless, with the defect separation their attraction force decreases. When the attraction force is of the same order as a viscous force acting against a free molecular rotation, the movement of point defects is very slow. For example, the defect separation at which the relative velocity of point defects is about ≍ 0.025 μm/day was estimated as ≍ 160 μm.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Physics, Acad. Sci. CR, Na Slovance 2, 182 21, Praha 8, Czech Republic

    Lubor Lejček

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  1. Lubor Lejček
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Lejček, L. Point defects on (−π)-wedge disclination in nematics. Czechoslovak Journal of Physics 50, 1147–1158 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1022856701879

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1022856701879

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