MLC

Abstract

The review presents basic physical properties of liquid crystals: orientational and translational elasticity (Oseen-Frank formalism), surface anchoring, and topological defects. A special emphasis is on liquid crystals in form of drops and on liquid crystals containing small particles in the bulk. The liquid crystal colloids enable new physical effects, such as nonlinear electrophoresis. The work presented is based on research sponsored by the National Science Foundation, USA.