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
Accepted manuscript online:
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(张志东), Chang Chun-Rui(常春蕊), and Ma Dong-Lai(马东来) Monte Carlo simulations of biaxial structure in thin hybrid nematic film based upon spatially anisotropic pair potential 2009 Chin. Phys. B 18 1560
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