Theory and simulation of two-dimensional nematic and tetratic phases

Details Theory and simulation of two-dimensional nematic and tetratic phases Theory and simulation of two-dimensional nematic and tetratic phases

2009-06-04

arxiv.org/abs/0906.0961v1

Phys. Rev. E 80, 011707 (2009)

Physics

Condensed Matter

Soft Condensed Matter

7 pages, including 12 postscript figures, uses REVTeX 4

Scientific paper

10.1103/PhysRevE.80.011707

Recent experiments and simulations have shown that two-dimensional systems can form tetratic phases with four-fold rotational symmetry, even if they are composed of particles with only two-fold symmetry. To understand this effect, we propose a model for the statistical mechanics of particles with almost four-fold symmetry, which is weakly broken down to two-fold. We introduce a coefficient $\kappa$ to characterize the symmetry breaking, and find that the tetratic phase can still exist even up to a substantial value of $\kappa$. Through a Landau expansion of the free energy, we calculate the mean-field phase diagram, which is similar to the result of a previous hard-particle excluded-volume model. To verify our mean-field calculation, we develop a Monte Carlo simulation of spins on a triangular lattice. The results of the simulation agree very well with the Landau theory.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Theory and simulation of two-dimensional nematic and tetratic phases does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Theory and simulation of two-dimensional nematic and tetratic phases, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Theory and simulation of two-dimensional nematic and tetratic phases will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-495147