Surface-Groove-Induced Azimuthal Anchoring of a Nematic Liquid Crystal: Berreman’s Model Reexamined

Jun-ichi Fukuda, Makoto Yoneya, and Hiroshi Yokoyama
Phys. Rev. Lett. 98, 187803 – Published 4 May 2007; Erratum Phys. Rev. Lett. 99, 139902 (2007)

Abstract

To account for azimuthal surface anchoring of a nematic liquid crystal, Berreman [Phys. Rev. Lett. 28, 1683 (1972)] proposed a simple model attributing the surface anchoring to the elastic distortion of the liquid crystal induced by the grooves of a surface. He showed that the surface anchoring energy is proportional to sin2ϕ, with ϕ being the angle between the director at infinity and the direction of the surface grooves. We argue that his assumption of negligibly small azimuthal distortion of the nematic is not valid. Proper treatment of the azimuthal distortion reveals that the Berreman’s model should yield a surface anchoring energy proportional to sin4ϕ. This implies that surface grooves alone cannot contribute to the surface anchoring coefficient in the usual Rapini-Papoular sense.

  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Received 16 February 2007

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.98.187803

©2007 American Physical Society

Erratum

Authors & Affiliations

Jun-ichi Fukuda*, Makoto Yoneya, and Hiroshi Yokoyama

  • Nanotechnology Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 1-1-1 Umezono, Tsukuba 305-8568, Japan
  • Liquid Crystal Nano-System Project, ERATO/SORST, Japan Science and Technology Agency, 5-9-9 Tokodai, Tsukuba 300-2635, Japan

  • *Electronic address: fukuda.jun-ichi@aist.go.jp

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Issue

Vol. 98, Iss. 18 — 4 May 2007

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