Numerical modeling of colloidal particles in chiral nematics with cubic symmetry (blue phases) within the framework of the Landau-de Gennes free energy is presented. The interaction potential of a single, nano-sized colloidal particle with a 1/2 disclination line is calculated as a generic trapping mechanism for particles within the blue phases. The interaction potential is shown to be highly anisotropic and have threefold rotational symmetry. We discuss the equilibration of the colloidal texture with respect to particle positions and the unit cell size of the blue phase I and II.
COBISS.SI-ID: 2206308
By invitation of Geoffrey Luckhurst, editor of the special issue of the Journal “Liquid Crystals” devoted to the memory of Albert Saupe, the authors Jun-ichi Fukuda and Slobodan Žumer have prepared a review of current studies of stable structures in blue phases confined to thin layers.
COBISS.SI-ID: 2272100