Crystal structure in nematic emulsion

Phys Rev Lett. 2001 Aug 13;87(7):075504. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.87.075504. Epub 2001 Jul 30.

Abstract

We describe the experimental observation of a crystal structure formed by glycerol droplets suspended in a nematic liquid crystal. The structure exhibits a high density hexagonal ordering. We have experimentally observed a noticeable interaction between droplets with tangential boundary conditions. Within the scope of known models we discuss the nature of appropriate mechanisms of the interaction.