Abstract Hybrid nematic films have been studied by Monte Carlo simulations
using a lattice spin model, in which the pair potential is spatially
anisotropic and dependent on elastic constants of liquid crystals.
We confirm in the thin hybrid nematic film the existence of a
biaxially nonbent structure and the structure transition from the
biaxial to the bent-director structure, which is similar to the
result obtained using the Lebwohl--Lasher model. However, the
step-like director's profile, characteristic for the biaxial
structure, is spatially asymmetric in the film because the pair
potential leads to K1 ≠ K3. We estimate the upper cell
thickness to be 69 spin layers, in which the biaxial structure can
be found.
Received: 29 July 2008
Revised: 20 September 2008
Published: 20 April 2009
Fund: Project supported by the National
Natural Science Foundation of China (Grants Nos 60736042 and
60878047), and the Key Subject
Construction Project of Hebei Province University.
Cite this article:
Zhang Zhi-Dong, Chang Chun-Rui, Ma Dong-Lai Monte Carlo simulations of biaxial structure in thin hybrid nematic film based upon spatially anisotropic pair potential 2009 Chin. Phys. B 18 01560
