Spatio-Temporal Flow Instabilities in Nematic Liquid Crystals

这个项目的目的是研究模式形成的基本问题：有组织的结构如何在无结构的环境中自发产生。实验计划在一个丰富的模型系统上研究模式的形成：在向列相液晶中出现的电流体动力不稳定性。具体而言，将研究以下三个领域：能量输运测量及其作为电对流竞争模型的定量测试；B)在树突生长过程中仅部分选择的关键长度尺度的起源；c)均衡和非均衡过渡之间的竞争。研究向列液晶的时空流动不稳定性对于优化这类液晶材料在各种器件中的应用至关重要。该项目与我们的合作者基于最新理论模型的预测合作，将大大提高我们对本质各向异性系统平衡外模式形成的理解。这些研究不仅具有基础科学和技术的重要性，而且为培养研究生和博士后提供了宝贵的机会，使他们掌握各种有用的技术和技能。

The aim of this project is to investigate the fundamental problem of pattern formation: how organized structures can spontaneously arise in a structureless environment. Experiments are planned on a rich model system for studying pattern formation: electrohydrodynamic instabilities that arise in nematic liquid crystals. Specifically, the following three areas will be investigated: energy transport measurements and their use as quantitative tests of competing models of electroconvection; b) the origin of a crucial length scale only partially selected in dendritic growth; and c) the competition between equilibrium and non-equilibrium transitions.%%%The study of spatio-temporal flow instabilities in nematic liquid crystals is crucial to optimizing this class of liquid crystal materials in various device applications. This project, in cooperation with predictions based on the latest theoretical modeling from our collaborators, will significantly enhance our understanding of patter formation outside equilibrium in intrinsically anisotropic systems. Not only are these studies of fundamental scientific and technological importance, they are also represent invaluable opportunities for training graduate students and post-doctoral fellows in a diverse array of useful techniques and skills.