Defect structures and torque on an elongated colloidal particle immersed in a liquid crystal host

Abstract

Combining molecular dynamics and Monte Carlo simulation, we study defect structures around an elongated colloidal particle embedded in a nematic liquid crystal host. By studying nematic ordering near the particle and the disclination core region, we are able to examine the defect core structure and the difference between two simulation techniques. In addition, we also study the torque on a particle tilted with respect to the director, and modification of this torque when the particle is close to the cell wall.