RUI: Surface Ordering and Anchoring Energy in Nematic Liquid Crystals

小行星9307350 本计画的目的是利用渐逝波椭偏法来量测液晶中界面区域的有序度与厚度，作为各向同性-非均匀性转变两侧温度的函数。 结果将允许一个关键的评价目前的理论液晶表面现象附近的各向同性-双折射过渡，以及提供洞察液晶表面有序的微观机制。 此外，实验将进行探索表面锚定能和表面有序或无序的存在之间的联系。 锚定能量的温度依赖性将被测量在各向同性的过渡附近使用高磁场Freedericksz过渡技术结合相敏光学检测方法。 结合表面有序实验和锚定能测量的结果，应导致更好地理解液晶中的界面现象。 拟议的调查也将为本科生提供一个机会，熟悉液晶和相变的现代理论的研究。 ***

9307350 Moses The goal of this project is to use evanescent-wave ellipsometry to measure the degree of order and thickness of the interfacial region in liquid crystals as functions of temperature of both sides of the isotropic-nematic transition. The results will allow a critical evaluation of current theories of liquid crystal surface phenomena near the isotropic-nematic transition, as well as providing insight into the microscopic mechanism of surface ordering in liquid crystals. Also, experiments will be undertaken to explore the connection between the surface anchoring energy and the presence of surface ordering or disordering. The temperature dependence of the anchoring energy will be measured in the vicinity of the isotropic- nematic transition using a high-magnetic-field Freedericksz transition technique in conjunction with a phase-sensitive optical detection method. Combining results from surface ordering experiments and anchoring energy measurements should lead to a better understanding of interfacial phenomena in liquid crystals. The proposed investigation also will provide undergraduate students an opportunity to become familiar with research on liquid crystals and modern theories of phase transitions. ***