Casimir Interactions and Instability of Thin Nematic Films

摘要

We review our theoretical studies of mean-field and fluctuation-induced forces together with van der Waals force in a thin hybrid nematic film. We focus on the stability of nematic films frustrated by competing surface fields. Depending on temperature, anchoring strengths, and frustration, the films can be either stable, or they dewet the substrate through spinodal dewetting.