Molecular Ordering of Nematics Between Concentric Cylinders: Results and Perspectives

Abstract

We present a short overview of recent investigations of the equilibrium tilt angle profile in a cell limited by two concentric cylinders filled with nematic liquid crystals (NLC), both in presence and in absence of an external electric field. The analyses are carried out by recalling some recent results obtained in the framework of the elastic continuum theory and Monte Carlo (MC) simulations, or suitable combinations of both approaches. These are very powerful tools to face the richness of the configurations of NLC in complex geometries. In particular, they are helpful in providing a comprehension of the molecular organisation of these systems for what concerns the spontaneous Fréedericksz-like transition, connected with the phenomenon of escaping into the third dimension. Some concluding remarks and perspectives points towards some remarkable features of confined systems in soft matter.