Dipolar and Quadrupolar Nematic Colloids

Abstract

This chapter starts with discussion of long range forces between particles in nematic liquid crystalsNematic liquid crystal. The relation between topological defectsTopological defects and elastic distortion around spherical micro-particles in a nematic liquid crystal with perpendicular surface anchoringSurface anchoring is discussed. The origin of the structural forceStructural force in nematic colloids is explained, including particles of different symmetry and shape, but simple topology, such as microspheres, microcylinders and Janus particlesJanus particles. The interaction of nano-particlesNano-particles in nematic liquid crystalsNematic liquid crystal and the onset of ferromagnetismFerromagnetism in nematic dispersion of magnetic nano-plateletsMagnetic nano-platelets is described in detail. The chapter concludes with the effects of chirality on the nematic colloidal interactions.