Orientation of Mesogens at The Spherical Interface

Abstract
A method of determination of the order parameter in the surface layers of mesogens based on the analysis of azimuthal and radial distributions of the intensity of interference bands observed in polarized light is proposed. The layers are oriented at the spherical interfaces. Solutions of the mesogen N-4 in benzene and drops of nematic liquid crystal LC-1282 at the interface with polymeric balls were studied by polarizing microscopy. The experiment was performed during the isotropic solution – crystal phase transition. Values of the order parameter for the transition state between isotropic solution of mesogen (benzene – N-4) and its crystal phase as well as in the drops of LC-1282 were determined.

Keywords: liquid crystal, polarizing microscopy, oriented layer, birefringence, order parameter