Recent experiments have reported that ferroelectric nanoparticles have drastic effects on nematic liquid crystals-increasing the isotropic-nematic transition temperature by about 5 K, and greatly increasing the sensitivity to applied electric fields. To understand these effects, we develop a theory for the statistical mechanics of ferroelectric nanoparticles in liquid crystals. This theory predicts the enhancements of liquid-crystal properties, in good agreement with experiments. These predictions apply even when electrostatic interactions are partially screened by moderate concentrations of ions.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Lopatina et al. (2009) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: