Liquid Crystals in Cylindrical Pores: Effects on Transition Temperatures and Singularities

Abstract

Positive dielectric anisotropy liquid crystals are studied in cylindrical pores in a 10 μm thick polymer membrane of diameters 0.2-12μm. Transition temperature depressions increase with decreasing pore size. Singularities of strength 1 are observed in the center of the pores, accompanied by some strength ½ singularities. By applying a voltage across the membrane, the S = 1 singularities are shown to be “escaped” singularities. S = +½ singularities show a critical destruction at a characteristic voltage.