# Phase diagram of Gaussian-core nematics

## TL;DR

This paper investigates a Gaussian-core nematic model, revealing pressure-driven reentrant melting and a stable columnar phase, through detailed phase diagram analysis using free energy calculations.

## Contribution

It introduces a Gaussian-core nematic model and maps its phase diagram, identifying solid phases, melting points, and unique phenomena like reentrant melting and columnar phase stabilization.

## Key findings

- Pressure-driven reentrant melting observed.
- Stable columnar phase identified at intermediate temperatures.
- Multiple solid phases characterized at zero temperature.

## Abstract

We study a simple model of a nematic liquid crystal made of parallel ellipsoidal particles interacting via a repulsive Gaussian law. After identifying the relevant solid phases of the system through a careful zero-temperature scrutiny of as many as eleven candidate crystal structures, we determine the melting temperature for various pressure values, also with the help of exact free energy calculations. Among the prominent features of this model are pressure-driven reentrant melting and the stabilization of a columnar phase for intermediate temperatures.