Springer LINK: The European Physical Journal B - Abstract Volume 5 Issue 2 (1998) pp 283-297

The European Physical Journal B

ISSN: 1434-6028 (printed version)
ISSN: 1434-6036 (electronic version)

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Abstract Volume 5 Issue 2 (1998) pp 283-297

Spatio-temporal patterns in the thermoconvection of a planar nematic layer: II. Experiments

E. Plaut (a), L. Pastur, R. Ribotta

Laboratoire de Physique des Solides, Université Paris-Sud, 91405 Orsay Cedex, France

Received: 1st December 1997 / Revised: 25 May 1998 / Accepted: 2 June 1998

Abstract: We study experimentally the evolution of thermoconvection in a laterally extended planar nematic layer, at zero or weak stabilizing magnetic field. As the applied thermal gradient is increased, a cascade of symmetry breakings occurs, towards structures of increasing spatial complexity, and ultimately towards oscillating states. The patterns are characterized optically, and simple models for the distortion of the vertical (out of plane) component of the director field are proposed.

PACS. 47.54.+r Pattern selection; pattern formation - 47.20.Bp Buoyancy-driven instability - 42.70.Df Surface-tension-driven instability

(a) email: plaut@theo-phy.uni-bayreuth.de

Article in PDF-Format (1171 KB)

Present address: Physikalisches Institut der Universität Bayreuth, 95440 Bayreuth, Germany.