Defect Core Structure in Nematic Liquid Crystals

Abstract

The core structure of half-integer wedge disclinations in nematic liquid crystals has been investigated within the Landau-de Gennes theory, by solution of the appropriate Euler-Lagrange equations. Close to the nematic-isotropic transition the energy density exhibits a domain-wall-like structure around the core which disappears at low temperatures. The inner core does not consist of isotropic fluid, and the core is heavily biaxial at all temperatures.