Formation of a defect lattice in electroconvection of nematics

Noriko Oikawa, Yoshiki Hidaka, and Shoichi Kai
Phys. Rev. E 70, 066204 – Published 3 December 2004

Abstract

The formation of a defect lattice—i.e., a periodic orientational structure of numerous defect pairs—is experimentally investigated in the electroconvection of nematics. Specific twist structures of the director as a background field play an important role in the formation of a defect lattice. The observed formation sequence is as follows. With increasing applied voltage, normal rolls change into abnormal rolls due to the twisting deformation of the director. This process leads to belt-shaped domains along the abnormal rolls, in which the twist angle of the director alternates between positive and negative angles. The period of the defect lattice perpendicular to the rolls is equal to that of the domain structure in the abnormal rolls. Further increasing the applied voltage induces a secondary short-wavelength mode by the skewed varicose instability, which in turn induces defects. The periodicity of the defect lattice parallel to the rolls is due to the beating mode of the normal rolls and the secondary mode.

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  • Received 6 April 2004

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.70.066204

©2004 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

Noriko Oikawa1,*, Yoshiki Hidaka1, and Shoichi Kai1,2

  • 1Department of Applied Quantum Physics and Nuclear Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8581, Japan
  • 2Department of Systems Life Sciences, Graduate School of Systems Life Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8581, Japan

  • *Electronic address: oikawa@athena.ap.kyushu-u.ac.jp

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Issue

Vol. 70, Iss. 6 — December 2004

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