Anisotropic nanoparticles immersed in a nematic liquid crystal: defect structures and potentials of mean force.

摘要: We report results for the potential of mean force (PMF) and defect structures that arise when spherocylindrical nanoparticles are immersed in a nematic liquid crystal. Using dynamic field theory tensor order parameter Q crystal, we analyzed configurations, including one, two, three elongated particles, with strong homeotropic anchoring at their surfaces. For systems one nanoparticle, most stable configuration is achieved spherocylinder placed its long axis perpendicular to far-field director, which structure consists an Saturn ring. two or axes small separations consist incomplete rings fused new disclination orthogonal original ones, analogy previously observed spherical nanoparticles. The shape these depends on nanoparticles' configuration, i.e., triangular, linear, parallel respect axis. A comparison PMFs indicates latter stable. stability different arrays whether form not, size, curvature effects interparticle regions. Our suggest one-elastic-constant approximation valid considered systems; similar were obtained three-constant expression used represent elastic free energy. attractive interactions between particles compared those spheres diameters. Similar energies linear arrays; contrast, triangular spherocylinders yielded up 3.4 times stronger than particles.