Hydrodynamics of fringing-field induced defects in nematic liquid crystals

James, R., Willman, E., Ghannam, R. , Beeckman, J. and Fernández, F. A. (2021) Hydrodynamics of fringing-field induced defects in nematic liquid crystals. Journal of Applied Physics, 130, 134701. (doi: 10.1063/5.0062532)

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Abstract

Consumer demand for high resolution and high refresh-rate displays has naturally led to the fabrication of liquid crystal displays with ever smaller pixels. As a consequence, fringing fields between adjacent pixels grow in magnitude, leading to abrupt changes in orientation. Electric field strengths above some threshold can lead to order melting and, in turn, disclinations. This paper presents accurate modeling of disclinations induced by fringing fields due to interdigitated electrodes in a nematic liquid crystal calculated by means of the Landau–de Gennes theory. Disclination paths are determined while taking into account the flow of the liquid crystal. Making use of interdigitated electrodes, precise electrical control over the creation and positioning of defects is demonstrated for homeotropic, planar, hybrid, and in-plane surface alignments.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Ghannam, Professor Rami
Authors: James, R., Willman, E., Ghannam, R., Beeckman, J., and Fernández, F. A.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Electronics and Nanoscale Engineering
Journal Name:Journal of Applied Physics
Publisher:AIP Publishing
ISSN:0021-8979
ISSN (Online):1089-7550
Published Online:04 October 2021
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2021 The Authors
First Published:First published in Journal of Applied Physics 130:134701
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy

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