Nematic phase transition and texture dynamics

ABSTRACT

Research advances over the past decade in the areas of nematic phase transition and texture dynamics are reviewed. Research studies applying theoretical techniques able to resolve the length and time scales inherent to liquid crystal (LC) dynamics are focused on: coarse-grained molecular dynamics and continuum mechanics. The focus on LC dynamics is due to their importance in both fundamental and technological processes involving complex LC textures and texture transitions. Meta-stable textures frequently occur in soft matter systems, thus knowledge of LC textures that result in free energy minima for a specific system is not sufficient to characterise its behaviour. Resolution of dynamics enables researchers to predict with more accuracy observable LC textures and texture transitions. As is reflected in the reviewed research, LC dynamics simulations have enabled both validation of simulations with existing experimental observations and predictive results, which augment direct experimentation. While the outlook is positive as a result of this, several key challenges stymie further progress: (i) the availability of validated open-source software implementing nematic dynamics simulation methods, (ii) development of suitable visualisation and characterisation methods for transient three-dimensional LC textures, and (iii) inclusion of thermal fluctuations in nematic dynamics models.