Early time evolution of Freedericks patterns generated from states of electroconvection

TL;DR

This study investigates the early dynamics of Freedericks patterns in nematic liquid crystals after sudden changes in electric field, analyzing how initial states influence pattern evolution and potential scaling during domain growth.

Contribution

It introduces a comparative analysis of early time ordering in electroconvection states following abrupt electric field changes, highlighting differences based on initial conditions.

Findings

Distinct early time evolution patterns depending on initial electroconvection states

Evidence of possible scaling behavior during initial domain growth phase

Characterization of power spectrum features during early ordering

Abstract

We report on the early time ordering in a nematic liquid crystal subjected to a sudden change in external ac electric field. We compare time evolution for two different initial states of electroconvection. Electroconvection is a highly driven state of a nematic liquid crystal involving convective motion of the fluid and periodic variations of the molecular alignment. By suddenly changing either the voltage or the frequency of the applied ac field, the system is brought to the same thermodynamic conditions. The time ordering of the system is characterized by the evolution of features of the power spectrum, including the average wavenumber, total power, and shape of the the power spectrum. The differences between the two classes of quenches are discussed, as well as the possibility of scaling behavior during this initial phase of domain growth.