This book was written to enable physicists and engineers to learn, within a single course, some topics in variational calculus, theory of elasticity, molecular models, and surface properties of nematic materials. It prepares graduate students for studies that require a simple knowledge in the physics of nematic liquid crystals.With this consideration in mind, the authors have formulated the problems concerning the continuum theory of liquid crystals into a precise form. In working out the solutions, they have analyzed, systematically and naturally, the techniques and methods of variational calculus. Special attention is dedicated to the analysis of well-posed and ill-posed variational problems. The presence of sub-surface discontinuity in the nematic orientation is analyzed using different techniques. A full chapter is devoted to this aspect of the theory of elasticity of nematic media.

Given the widespread interest in macroscopic phenomena in liquid crystals, stemming from their applications in displays and devices. The need has arisen for a rigorous yet accessible text suitable for graduate students, whatever their scientific background. This book satisfies that need. The approach taken in this text, is to introduce the basic continuum theory for nematic liquid crystals in equilibria, then it proceeds to simple application of this theory- in particular, there is a discussion of electrical and magnetic field effects which give rise to Freedericksz transitions, which are important in devices. This is followed by an account of dynamic theory and elementary viscometry of nemantics Discussions of backflow and flow-induced instabilities are also included. Smetic theory is also briefly introduced and summarised with some examples of equilibrium solutions as well as those with dynamic effects. A number of mathematical techniques, such as Cartesian tensors and some variational calculus, are presented in the appendices.

Much more than a slight revision, this second edition of the successful "Handbook of Liquid Crystals" is completely restructured and streamlined, with updated as well as completely new topics, 100% more content and a new team of editors and authors. As such, it fills the gap for a definitive, single source reference for all those working in the field of organized fluids and will set the standard for the next decade. The Handbook's new structure facilitates navigation and combines the presentation of the content by topic and by liquid-crystal type: A fundamentals volume sets the stage for an understanding of the liquid crystal state of matter, while individual volumes cover the main types and forms, with a final volume bringing together the diverse liquid crystal phases through their applications. This unrivaled, all-embracing coverage represents the undiluted knowledge on liquid crystals, making the Handbook a must-have wherever liquid crystals are investigated, produced or used, and in institutions where their science and technology is taught. Also available electronically on Wiley Online Library, www.wileyonlinelibrary.com/ref/holc Volume 1: Fundamentals of Liquid Crystals Volume 2: Physical Properties and Phase Behavior of Liquid Crystals Volume 3: Nematic and Chiral Nematic Liquid Crystals Volume 4: Smectic and Columnar Liquid Crystals Volume 5: Non-Conventional Liquid Crystals Volume 6: Nanostructured and Amphiphilic Liquid Crystals Volume 7: Supermolecular and Polymeric Liquid Crystals Volume 8: Applications of Liquid Crystals

Despite the large quantity of phenomenological information concerning the bulk properties of nematic phase liquid crystals, little is understood about the origin of the surface energy, particularly the surface, interfacial, and anchoring properties of liquid crystals that affect the performance of liquid crystal devices. Self-contained and unique,

The presence of liquid crystal displays (LCDs) marks the advances in mobile phones and television development over the last few decades. Japanese companies were the first to commercialize passive-matrix TNLCDs and, later on, high-resolution activematrix LCDs.Prof. Shunsuke Kobayashi has made essential contributions to Japan''s prominence in LCD development throughout this period. He is well-known not only for his own groundbreaking research, but also for the training of many prominent figures in the display industry, both in Japan and in other countries.This book brings together many prominent researchers in the field of liquid crystal science and technology, to share with us the key developments in LCD over the last few decades. It comprises of five categories OCo from basic physics and chemistry of liquid crystals, to detailed descriptions of alignment technologies, wide viewing angle technologies, LC optics, and display applications."

This monograph is devoted to a detailed treatment of the nonlinear optical properties of liquid crystals. The basic concepts of director optical reorientation and thermal nonlinearities are presented showing the fundamental theoretical approaches and describing the main experimental observations. The presentation is self-consistent and tutorial although the subject matter is of current research interest.The last part of the book deals with more recent results on new composite materials: Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystals (PDLC). A general presentation of the optical properties is given and the observations of several nonlinear optical effects are reported.