Ordering of Oblate Hard Particles between Hybrid Penetrable Walls.

We report a Monte Carlo (MC) simulation study of a model discotic liquid crystal (DLC) confined between hybrid walls with controllable penetrability. The model consists of oblate hard Gaussian overlap (HGO) particles. Particle-substrate interactions are modeled as follows: each substrate sees a particle as a disc of zero thickness and diameter less than or equal to that of the actual particle, σ, embedded inside the particle and located halfway along, and perpendicular to, its minor axis.

Competition of lattice and basis for alignment of nematic liquid crystals.

Due to elastic anisotropy, two-dimensional patterning of substrates can promote weak azimuthal alignment of adjacent nematic liquid crystals. Here we consider how such alignment can be achieved using a periodic square lattice of circular or elliptical motifs. In particular, we examine ways in which the lattice and motif can combine to favor differing orientations.