Field-induced critical endpoint of the isotropic-nematic transition (source code)

= Field-induced critical endpoint of the isotropic-nematic transition
{title2=$E_c^2=-\bar c^3/(16\chi\bar b^2)$}

For a scalar <Landau-de Gennes free energy> with $\bar b>0$, $\bar c<0$, and coupling $-\chi E^2\lambda$ with $\chi>0$, the <critical endpoint of a quartic Landau free energy> is reached at the displayed field strength and $\bar a_c=3\bar c^2/(8\bar b)$, $\lambda_c=-\bar c/(4\bar b)$. It terminates the field-biased <first-order phase transition> when both field and quadratic coefficient can be tuned. This is a quartic small-field <mean-field approximation>; higher terms may alter its location.