Studies on Nematic Liquid Crystal Using Spin Wave Theory

A spin wave theory is proposed to study nematic liquid crystals. Since the orientation of the molecular long axis and the angular momentum of the molecule rotating around its long axis have the same direction, operators can be introduced to research the nematic liquid crystal. By transforming the intermolecular interaction potential, the Hamiltonian of the system has the same form as that of the ferromagnetic substance. The relation of the order parameters to the reduced temperature can be obtained. It is in good agreement with the experimental results in the low temperature region. In the high temperature region close to the transition point, by using the Hamiltonian, the transition point can be obtained, which is near to the Maier--Saupe's result.