Nematic liquid crystals in contact with geometrically and chemically patterned substrates: A Monte Carlo Study

Nematic liquid crystals confined to geometrically as well as chemically patterned substrate on one end and a flat substrate with strong anchoring on the other is studied using non-Boltzmann Monte Carlo methods. We observe significant deviations from the continuum-based predictions of the phase diagram which was studied as a function of tilt angle at the top substrate and thickness of the cell. Onset of biaxiality at larger tilt angles at the top substrate is observed. A phase shift introduced between the geometrical and chemical pattern has significant effect on the director structures in the system.