Topological point defects in nematic liquid crystals

Point defects in nematics, also called hedgehogs, are topological entities that have no equivalent in ordered atomic solids, despite the homonymy. They have been the subject of intense experimental and, above all, theoretical (analytical and computational) investigations in the last thirty years. Th...

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Published inPhilosophical magazine (Abingdon, England) Vol. 86; no. 25-26; pp. 4117 - 4137
Main Authors Kleman, M., Lavrentovich, O. D.
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Abingdon Taylor & Francis Group 01.09.2006
Taylor and Francis
Taylor & Francis
Subjects
Condensed matter: structure, mechanical and thermal properties
Exact sciences and technology
Liquid crystals
Physics
Structure of solids and liquids; crystallography
Topological defect
Point defects
Disclinations
Colloidal suspension
Boundary conditions
Stress effects
Defect structure
Liquid crystals
Nematic crystals
Physical Sciences
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Summary:Point defects in nematics, also called hedgehogs, are topological entities that have no equivalent in ordered atomic solids, despite the homonymy. They have been the subject of intense experimental and, above all, theoretical (analytical and computational) investigations in the last thirty years. They are present in bulk specimens and at the specimen boundaries. This review article stresses the importance of the core structure of the defect, the possibility of it splitting into a disclination loop, and boundary conditions, as well as taking stock of the recent advances on point defects in nematic colloidal suspensions. An important topic is the formation of strings between opposite hedgehogs (radial and hyperbolic), and their role in the dynamic properties of nematics.
Bibliography:ObjectType-Article-2
SourceType-Scholarly Journals-1
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ISSN:1478-6435
1478-6443
1478-6433
DOI:10.1080/14786430600593016