Structure of the cholesteric-isotropic interface

TL;DR

This paper systematically investigates the structure and surface tension of the cholesteric-isotropic interface, revealing how these properties depend on liquid crystal attributes and exploring potential wetting by blue phases.

Contribution

It provides the first systematic calculation of the cholesteric-isotropic interface structure and surface tension variations based on liquid crystal properties.

Findings

Surface tension depends on liquid crystal parameters.

Presence of topological defects near the interface.

Potential for blue phase wetting of the interface.

Abstract

The interface of a cholesteric liquid crystal with an isotropic fluid can display a range of unusual properties, such as a layer of topological defects close to an undulated interface. These properties have been know for a long time and have been explored for technological applications as a tunable substrate for colloidal self-assembly. However, from a fundamental point of view, this interface remains poorly understood and even basic properties, such as the dependence of the surface tension on the attributes of the liquid crystal, remain unknown. Here, we present a systematic calculation of the structure and surface tension of the cholesteric-isotropic interface and how these vary with the properties of the liquid crystal. We also suggest the intriguing possibility of wetting of this interface by a blue phase.