Numerical characterization of nematic liquid crystal microstructures under applied electric fields

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Abstract

In the current work we propose an efficient and accurate numerical approach to the problem of electrical characterization of Nematic Liquid Crystal (N-LC) microstructures under the influence of low-frequency AC electric fields. N-LCs are anisotropic and their electrical properties are determined by the directors' tilt angles which in turn depend on the applied electric field. Therefore, the problem is governed by a coupled system of two-dimensional PDEs: A Poisson equation with variable coefficients for the electric potential and a highly nonlinear second-order equation for the tilt angle of the directors. Both equations are solved using finite-difference schemes with relaxation and the results are found to be in good agreement with the literature. Various 2-D geometries are considered and it is shown that a low DC voltage is sufficient to tune the average refractive index of the N-LC structures under consideration.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationApplication of Mathematics in Technical and Natural Sciences - 5th International Conference for Promoting the Application of Mathematics in Technical and Natural Sciences, AMiTaNS 2013
Pages309-317
Number of pages9
Volume1561
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2013
Event5th International Conference for Promoting the Application of Mathematics in Technical and Natural Sciences, AMiTaNS 2013 - Albena, Bulgaria
Duration: 24 Jun 201329 Jun 2013

Other

Other5th International Conference for Promoting the Application of Mathematics in Technical and Natural Sciences, AMiTaNS 2013
Country/TerritoryBulgaria
CityAlbena
Period24/06/1329/06/13

Keywords

  • average refractive index
  • effective dielectric constant
  • finite differences
  • Nematic liquid crystals
  • reconfigurable patch antennas

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