Abstract
Due to its low symmetry , the dowser texture is characterised by a 2D unitary vector field or alternatively by a unitary complex field. For the same symmetry reasons, the dowser texture is sensitive, in first order, to perturbations such as thickness gradients, electric fields or flows. We will focus on corresponding properties called respectively: cuneitropism, electrotropism and rheotropism. In particular we will show that topological defects, known as dowsons or monopoles, can be manipulated by means of these tropisms.
Highlights
We will focus on corresponding properties called respectively: cuneitropism, electrotropism and rheotropism
In ref. [7] we proposed to call it “the dowser texture” because the director field lines in it has a shape similar to that of a
The mirror plane σ passing through the z axis is indicated in Figure 1c while the second mirror plane orthogonal to the z axis is not indicated for the sake of clarity. Such a low symmetry allows the dowser texture to posses a polarisation which for symmetry reasons must be collinear with the C∞ axis i.e., with the dowser field d
Summary
Resulting from the O(3) ⇒ D∞h symmetry breaking at the Isotropic ⇒ Nematic phase transition is degenerated with respect to all possible orientations of the uniaxial symmetric Qαβ tensor collinear with the director n. For this reason, the otherwise arbitrary orientation of the director n can be imposed without any energy expense by action of surfaces or fields. C) Director field n, symmetry C2v and order parameter d (or φ) of the dowser texture. As already in a parameter nematic dconfined between two parallel surfaces withthree homeotropic symmetry elements: the twofold axis C2 , the mirror plane σ and the mirror plane (x,y).
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