Active nematic-isotropic interfaces on flat surfaces: effects of anchoring, ordering field and activity

A surface in contact with the isotropic phase of a passive liquid crystal can induce nematic order over distances that range from microscopic to macroscopic when the nematic-isotropic interface undergoes an orientational-wetting transition. If the nematic is active, what happens to the interface? Do...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published inarXiv.org
Main Authors Coelho, Rodrigo C V, Moreira, José A, Pedro, Duarte M C, Margarida M Telo da Gama
Format Paper
LanguageEnglish
Published Ithaca Cornell University Library, arXiv.org 15.03.2024
Subjects
Flat surfaces
Interfaces
Liquid crystals
Nematic crystals
Online AccessGet full text

Cover

More Information
Summary:A surface in contact with the isotropic phase of a passive liquid crystal can induce nematic order over distances that range from microscopic to macroscopic when the nematic-isotropic interface undergoes an orientational-wetting transition. If the nematic is active, what happens to the interface? Does it propagate and, if it does, is its structure different from the passive one? In this paper, we address these questions. We investigate how the active nematic-isotropic interface is affected by the anchoring strength of the surface, the bulk ordering field and the activity. We find that while passive interfaces are one-dimensional the active ones exhibit two dynamical regimes: a passive-like regime and a propagating regime where the interfaces propagate until the entire domain is active nematic. Active interfaces break the translational symmetry within the interfacial plane above a threshold activity, where the active nematic fluctuations, which are ultimately responsible for the emergence of an active turbulent nematic phase, drive non-steady dynamical interfacial regimes.
ISSN:2331-8422