Multidimensional simulation of the defect in the liquid crystal director field from inhomogeneous patterned electrodes by using the fast Q-tensor method

Abstract

In this research we study the motion of a defect in a homeotropic liquid crystal director with an inhomogeneous patterned electrode by using the fast Q tensor method, which can calculate the order parameter S in addition to the director orientation. An inhomogeneous solid surface with a step function is applied for modelling. The simulation includes defect nucleation, motions on the inhomogeneous surface, and the dependence of defect behavior on the shape of the electrode. In addition, we calculate the defect motion in the homeotropic in-plane switching liquid crystal cell. We believe that the calculated results using the fast Q-tensor method can provide a basic design rule of the electrode for better optical performance.