Petit Garrido, NúriaTrivedi, Rahul P.Ignés i Mullol, JordiClaret Bonet, JosepLapointe, ClaytonSagués i Mestre, FrancescSmalyukh, I.2019-01-312019-01-312011-10-210031-9007https://hdl.handle.net/2445/127786We use Langmuir-Blodgett molecular monolayers and nematic liquid crystals as model two-and three-dimensional orientationally ordered systems to study the stability and healing of topological defects at their contact interfaces. Integer-strength defects at the monolayer induce disclinations of similar strength in the nematic that, however, do not propagate deep into the bulk, but rather form single- or double-split arch-shaped loops pinned to the interface. This behavior is qualitatively independent of the far-field director orientation and involves either half-integer singular or twist-escaped unity-strength nonsingular nematic disclinations. These two defect configurations can be selected by varying sample preparation given their comparable free energy, consistently with direct probing by use of laser tweezers.1 p.application/pdfeng(c) American Physical Society, 2011Cristalls líquidsQuímica de superfíciesCristalls líquids nemàticsLiquid crystalsSurface chemistryNematic liquid crystalsinfo:eu-repo/semantics/article6008562019-01-31info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess