We generalize the phenomenological Landau-de Gennes theory of biaxial nematics by including fluctuations of the tensor order parameter. Then, using real-space Monte Carlo simulations we study how these fluctuations affect relative stability of the isotropic phase, the uniaxial nematic phase and the biaxial nematic phase of D2h symmetry. Results are confronted with earlier predictions of Landau- de Gennes theory.
keywords in English:
thermotropic biaxial nematics, tensor order parameter, Monte Carlo simulation, Landau-Ginzburg-de Gennes theory, fluctuations
affiliation:
Wydział Fizyki, Astronomii i Informatyki Stosowanej : Instytut Fizyki im. Mariana Smoluchowskiego