3C15 2D focal conic defect lattices on the curved thin smectic surface boundary layer near I-S_A transition

Abstract

Regular focal conic defect lattice can be spontaneously formed on the surface induced thin smectic boundary layer in the vicinity of isotropic-smectic A phase transition, because both of the interfaces of the boundary layer have different anchoring. Here, we have found the stable and equilibrium focal conic defect lattice of 10B which has the wider surface transition range, and by using curved droplet surfaces. Thus, we can explain simple mechanism of the interaction of the focal conic defect array.