Fréedericksz transition
= Fréedericksz transition
{c}
{wiki}
The <Fréedericksz transition> is a field-driven orientational instability of a confined <nematic liquid crystal>. Elasticity and surface anchoring resist the <electric field> or magnetic torque; a lowest allowed distortion mode becomes unstable at a finite threshold. Positive <dielectric anisotropy of a nematic> permits a normal electric field to tilt a planar anchored director.