Structure transitions in oblate nematic droplets

Abstract

We consider the structure transitions in oblate supramicrometer nematic droplets related to reorientation of the line defect in the electric field. These transitions can be used in optical devices based on polymer dispersed liquid crystal materials with high contrast ratio. We suggest a simple method for determination of director distribution in nematic droplets of an arbitrary shape with surface interaction and in the presence of constant electric field. Point and linear defects are taken into account. This method does not require any presuppositions about symmetry of the director distribution. The elasticity continuum theory is treated with Monte Carlo annealing on a simple lattice. A special triangulation-based technique is applied for accurate representation of the droplet boundaries. The method is tested on 5CB material.