Maxwell equations in nematic liquid crystals

Abstract

A complete set of hydrodynamic equations, rigorously describing the behavior of both nematic liquid crystals and electromagnetic fields, is derived and presented. The field dissipation in nematics is rather more complicated than could be accounted for by ε and μ being complex. The symmetric, total stress tensor includes field anisotropy, flexoelectricity, and the ponderomotive force. Boundary conditions and experimental consequences are outlined.