Abstract
Director distributions around small inclusions in chiral (Sm C*) and non-chiral (Sm C) smectic C free standing films are approximately analytically determined. These director distributions are equivalent to disclination configurations. Disclination models describing small inclusions can be also generalized to model greater inclusions. In Sm C films greater inclusions can be represented by (+1)-wedge disclination in its centre and two accompanying (−1/2)-wedge disclinations on its surface. Both (−1/2)-disclinations stay on inclusion surface because the anchoring energy is not enough high to expel them. Growing inclusions in Sm C* films can be approximately described by disclination dipole with (+1)-wedge disclination in the inclusion centre and (−1)-wedge disclination inside inclusion approaching the surface. When an inclusion is large enough that (−1)-disclination reaches the surface, it is usually expulsed from the surface to film bulk. The presence of disclination on the surface leads to the perturbation of the radial director anchoring and creation of local electric charge on the inclusion surface namely in Sm C* films with relatively high spontaneous polarisation. The disclination expulsion is then connected with the elimination of the surface electric charge.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
