Critical dynamics near the uniaxial-to-biaxial phase transition in nematic liquid crystals

Abstract

The critical dynamics in the vicinity of the uniaxial-biaxial phase transition in nematics is investigated. We present arguments that the critical dynamics corresponds to model A---i.e., a nonconserved order parameter not coupled to other relevant variables---although the order parameter $\ensuremath{\xi}$ is coupled to the velocity and there are many cross-coupling terms between the uniaxial nematic director $\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{n}}$ and $\ensuremath{\xi}$. Therefore, the transport parameters are not expected to show any singularities at the transition, a prediction which can be tested experimentally.