Stability of the uniform alignment of lyotropic nematic liquid crystals doped with magnetic grains

Abstract

The stability of the uniform alignment of lyotropic nematic liquid crystals doped with magnetic grains is theoretically analysed. The sample is assumed to be prepared in a uniformly magnetized state by means of an external magnetic field, which is switched off subsequently. We show that there is a critical concentration of magnetic grains above which the distorting effect of the magnetic interaction overcomes the stabilizing effect of the steric interactions among grains and micelles.