Document Type

Article

Publication Date

10-17-2006

Abstract

Using an atomic force microscope to nanopattern a substrate for liquid crystal alignment, a bend distortion is imposed on a liquid crystal. In regions of large bend the smectic-A phase melts into the nematic phase, and the width of the melted region is measured as a function of temperature. The results are consistent with type-I superconducting (nematic-smectic-A) behavior, wherein a large magnetic field (bend or twist distortion) induces an order to disorder transition. A model that accounts for non-mean-field behavior is presented.

Keywords

atomic force microscopy, magnetic field effects, mathematical models, nematic liquid crystals, superconducting devices, thermal effects, bend distortion, bend-induced melting, nematic phase, smectic liquid crystals

Publication Title

Physical Review Letters

Rights

©2006 American Physical Society

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