Defect-Mediated Emulsification in Two Dimensions
Abstract
We consider two dimensional dispersions of droplets of isotropic phase in a liquid with an XY-like order parameter, tilt, nematic, and hexatic symmetries being included. Strong anchoring boundary conditions are assumed. Textures for a single droplet and a pair of droplets are calculated and a universal droplet-droplet pair potential is obtained. The interaction of dispersed droplets via the ordered phase is attractive at large distances and repulsive at short distances, which results in a well defined preferred separation for two droplets and topological stabilization of the emulsion. This interaction also drives self-assembly into chains. Preferred separations and energy barriers to coalescence are calculated, and effects of thermal fluctuations and film thickness are discussed.
Cite
@article{arxiv.0803.0088,
title = {Defect-Mediated Emulsification in Two Dimensions},
author = {K. S. Korolev and David R. Nelson},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:0803.0088},
year = {2008}
}
Comments
revtex4, 13 pages, 12 figures