Orateur
Lia Bronsard
(McMaster University)
Description
We consider energy minimizing configurations of a nematic liquid crystal, as described by the Landau-de Gennes model. We focus on an important model problem concerning a nematic surrounding a spherical colloid particle, with normal anchoring at the surface. For topological reasons, the nematic director must exhibit a defect (singularity), which may take the form of a point or line defect. We consider two physical regimes in which "Saturn-ring" configurations will be energetically favorable: the case of colloids of small radius, and the case of strong applied magnetic fields.
Auteur principal
Lia Bronsard
(McMaster University)
Co-auteurs
Stan Alama
(McMaster University, Canada)
Xavier Lamy
(U. Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France)
