Stability of thin nematic films

We discuss the peculiarity of thin nematic films on solid substrates with a free surface, underlining the differences with what is usually seen in dewetting. We review the thermodynamic basis of the coupled phase/thickness separation that has previously been shown experimentally. We give new experimental evidences for the origin of the coupling force chosen in our previous theoretical model. This additional information contributes to the discussion raised by the article of Ziherl and Zumer in this issue 19].Received: 3 December 2003PACS: 68.15. + e Liquid thin films - 64.70.Md Transitions in liquid crystals - 61.30 Surface phenomena in liquid crystals including anchoring, anchoring transitions, surface-induced layering, surface-induced ordering, wetting, prewetting transitions and wetting transitions