Asymptotic limit for the isotropic-nematic problem with anisotropic elasticity

Abstract

We consider the isotropic-nematic interface problem for liquid crystals based on the Landau-de Gennes model. We show that when the anisotropic elastic constant $L_2$ is negative, then the surface tension strength of the isotropic-nematic interface is proportional to $\sqrt{L_1+\frac{2}{3}{L}_2}$, and the homeotropic alignment is more favored near the interface. This result gives a rigorous confirmation for de Gennes' formal derivation in \cite{deGen1971} on the isotropic-nematic tension strength and the anchoring alignment condition in the case of $L_2<0$.