Real-space observation of internal ordering configurations of sessile liquid crystal micro-droplets

Abstract

In this study, we report a simple method to determine the internal ordering configurations of sessile liquid crystal (LC) micro-droplets. We studied the ordering of LC micro-droplets under perpendicular, tangential and hybrid boundary conditions, using a polarised microscope equipped with a full-wave retardation plate. Four types of internal ordering configurations were found in sessile LC micro-droplets: two different types of dark cross configuration, a four-petal configuration and a three-petal configuration. These findings provide valuable information for further characterisation and analysis of the optical images of LC droplets and their corresponding configurations. [GRAPHICS]