Generalized Order Parameters for Systems of Orientationally Ordered Anisometric Particles

ORAL

Abstract

A variety of nanoparticle systems, such as semiconductor nanowires, mineral liquid crystals, colloidal clays and ferrofluids can exhibit orientationally ordered phases. These systems are therefore liquid crystals, where the relevant constituents are nanoparticles rather than molecules. We introduce generalized order parameters, based on the symmetry of the constituents, to describe orientational order in such systems. We describe the procedure to identify the relevant order parameters, discuss the connection between these and experimental observables and present the results obtained from simulations. Some mathematical issues related to representations are also addressed.

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Authors

  • Michael Shelley

    Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences, New York University, NY, USA, Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences, New York University, New York, USA

  • Sharon C. Glotzer

    Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science and Engineering, University of Michigan, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA

  • Peter Palffy-Muhoray

    Liquid Crystal Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA