Magnetic Field Effects in Nematic and Cholesteric Droplets Suspended in a Isotropic Liquid

Abstract

Abstract The structure of spherical droplets of nematic and cholesteric materials floating in an isotropic liquid is experimentally investigated by microscopic observation with polarized light. In nematic droplets either a star configuration or a bipolar configuration have been observed depending on the nature of the isotropic liquid. Cholesteric droplets adopt a spiral shaped structure whenever the radius of the droplet is much larger than the helical pitch. Changes in optical patterns induced by a magnetic field are analysed.