Monte Carlo simulations of biaxial structure in thin hybrid nematic film based upon spatially anisotropic pair potential

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.