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The Landau-de Gennes free energy is a rotational symmetry preserving Landau free energy of the nematic order parameter. One three-dimensional normalization through fourth order isThe cubic invariant generically produces a first-order phase transition. Its absence in two dimensions is an algebraic identity, not a guarantee that a mean-field approximation captures all fluctuations.

Use the homogeneous equilibrium point condition $k({\rho }_0){\rho }_0=a_{0}f({\rho }_0)$. Evaluate $D_1,D_2$ at $(a_0,{\rho }_0)$ and abbreviateThe quantity $c$ is the chemical relaxation rate with the cell density held fixed. Derivatives of $D_1,D_2$ do not enter this linear stability analysis: they multiply spatial derivatives of the homogeneous background or products of perturbations. For a Fourier mode with time dependence $e^{st}$, put $z=|\mathbf{q}{|}^2$ and writeConsequentlyAt $z=0$, the eigenvalues are $0$ and $-c$. The neutral cell-density mode reflects mass conservation, not decay of every homogeneous perturbation.

Write $a=D_2>0$, $b=D_{\rho }>0$, $C=D_1{f}_0$, and interpret production physically as $f_0\ge 0$. If $c\ge 0$, the trace-determinant stability criterion shows that an unstable nonzero wavenumber exists precisely when $C>ac$. The unstable band isIf $c<0$, the chemical field is already unstable at zero wavenumber; arbitrarily small positive wavenumbers are unstable too. Since $C\ge 0$, this also implies $C>ac$. Thus, on the infinite plane, the undivided Keller--Segel aggregation threshold isFor $\kappa >0$, dividing by $D_2\kappa$ gives the requested formAt equality there is no strictly growing mode when $c\ge 0$; nonzero spatial modes decay. On a finite domain, a permitted nonzero wavenumber must actually lie in the unstable band. If one allows a signed production function, the displayed matrix and trace-determinant stability criterion remain valid, but the simplification using $C\ge 0$ must be revisited.

The printed hypotheses do not ensure $\kappa >0$. Positivity of the degradation rate $k$ alone is insufficient. For a concrete counterexample, take $k(\rho )=e^{-2\rho }$, $f(\rho )=e^{-2}$, $a_0={\rho }_0=1$, and $D_1=D_2=D_{\rho }=1$. The homogeneous equilibrium point condition holds, all rates and transport coefficients are positive, but $\kappa =c=-e^{-2}$. The printed left-hand side equals $-1$, although $\det M=z(z-2e^{-2})<0$ for $0<z<2e^{-2}$. These spatial modes grow. If $\kappa =0$, the printed expression is undefined. The undivided criterion and the matrix above resolve both cases.

To find the fastest-growing Keller--Segel mode, use the larger eigenvalueFor $C>0$ the square root is real. Put $p=a+b$ and $d=b-a$. Differentiation givesA positive maximizing wavenumber exists in either of two growing cases: $c\ge 0$, $C>ac$, or $c<0$, $C>-bc$. Equivalently, $C>\max (ac,-bc)$. In this range $C+dc>0$, andThus the stationary point is the unique maximum. The derivative condition yieldsSolving it, with the root that satisfies the unsquared derivative equation, givesFor $c=0$, the unequal-diffusivity expression simplifies to $z_{\ast }=C/[\sqrt{ab}(\sqrt{a}+\sqrt{b}{)}^2]$, also agreeing with the equal-diffusivity limit. The formula maximizes the full two-field growth rate; it makes no instantaneous-chemical approximation. Every direction of $\mathbf{q}$ with this length is equivalent by rotational symmetry.

If $c<0$ but $0\le C\le -bc$, the maximum instead occurs at $z=0$: the fastest mode is homogeneous, with $s_{\ast }=-c$ and infinite wavelength. For $C>0$, its initial derivative is $-b+C/(-c)\le 0$. If $C+dc\ge 0$ the derivative thereafter decreases, while if $C+dc<0$ it increases towards the still-negative large-$z$ limit; either way no positive-$z$ maximum is missed. At $C=0$, the two eigenvalues are simply $-az$ and $-c-bz$, giving the same conclusion. In a finite box, maximize $s_{+}$ over the allowed Fourier modes; excluding the homogeneous mode can change the selected length. In a stable parameter range there is no fastest-growing mode.

The first ratio compares the positive feedback loop “more cells produce more attractant, which draws in more cells” with spreading by cell diffusion and removal of chemical perturbations. Its numerator $D_1{f}_0$ measures chemotaxis together with attractant production; its denominator $D_2\kappa$ measures dispersal together with incremental degradation. This competition between directed chemotaxis and cell diffusion produces spatial aggregation. The second ratio compares the concentration dependence of chemical production, $a_0{f}_0^{\prime }$, with incremental degradation $\kappa$. Positive $f_0^{\prime }$ amplifies chemical fluctuations, whereas negative $f_0^{\prime }$ suppresses them. It changes the chemical relaxation available to the chemotaxis feedback loop and can itself destabilize the homogeneous chemical field. Chemical diffusion $D_{\rho }$ suppresses short scales and sets the selected wavelength, but does not change the infinite-plane long-wave threshold. These interpretations as ratios of stabilizing and destabilizing processes assume $\kappa >0$.

Linearity of Stokes flow and rotational symmetry, including reflection in mathematics invariance of the spherical geometry, determine the possible rigid motions before any calculation. Translation is a polar vector; its linear dependence on a single vector $\mathbf{A}$ must be $c\mathbf{A}$. A traceless second-rank tensor $\mathbf{B}$ cannot produce a polar vector by an isotropic linear map: tensor contraction with the identity matrix vanishes and tensor contraction with the totally antisymmetric tensor vanishes because $\mathbf{B}$ is a symmetric second-rank tensor. Angular velocity is an axial vector. Neither $\mathbf{A}$ nor a symmetric $\mathbf{B}$ can produce one by an isotropic linear map. Products such as $\mathbf{A}\times \mathbf{BA}$ are excluded by Linearity of Stokes flow. Thus $\mathbf{\Omega }=0$.

Use the Unscaled Papkovich–Neuber representation, with harmonic functions $\mathbf{\Phi }$ and $\chi$:Indeed $\nabla \cdot \mathbf{u}=0$ and $\mu {\nabla }^2\mathbf{u}=\nabla p$ because each potential is a harmonic function. Put $r=|\mathbf{x}|$ and $S=\mathbf{x}\cdot \mathbf{Bx}$. The decaying harmonic functions with the necessary angular dependence are $\mathbf{A}\cdot \mathbf{x}/r^3$, $\mathbf{Bx}/r^3$ and $S/r^5$. The last is a harmonic function precisely because $\mathrm{tr}\mathbf{B}=0$. A $1/r$ Stokeslet is excluded by the force-free condition, and a rotlet by the torque-free condition. TryThe resulting Stokes flow isAt $r=a$, the coefficient of $\mathbf{n}(\mathbf{A}\cdot \mathbf{n})$ fixes $c=a^3/3$; the remaining constant vector gives $\mathbf{U}=-2\mathbf{A}/3$. In the $\mathbf{B}$ mode, matching $\mathbf{Bn}-(\mathbf{n}\cdot \mathbf{Bn})\mathbf{n}$ gives $e=a^4/2$ and $d=-a^2/2$. Therefore the complete two-mode tensorial squirmer flow isThe boundary condition is satisfied in the laboratory frame, so the Stokes flow tends to zero at infinity. The potential dipole in the $\mathbf{A}$ mode gives an irrotational flow and decays as $r^{-3}$; the leading $\mathbf{B}$ mode is a stresslet, decaying as $r^{-2}$. Neither carries a net force or torque. Direct surface integral averaging with the surface slip velocity formula gives the same translation, providing an independent check. Uniqueness of Stokes flow then identifies this decaying solution.

The equations areHencewhich is not generally zero. Conservation requires $\beta /\alpha =1$. Then the potential is $\alpha (x^2+y^2{)}^2/4$, so the action has rotational symmetry. By Noether's theorem, $J$ is the conserved angular momentum, up to the sign convention used in its definition.

Use the usual homogeneous, local, analytic Landau-Ginzburg theory; rotational symmetry and Z2 symmetry alone do not specify locality, analyticity, or the signs of the coefficients. The local derivative expansion contains every rotational scalar with an even total number of fields:The omitted terms include all allowed higher field powers and contracted spatial derivatives. Terms differing by a total derivative are equivalent for bulk behavior with suitable boundary conditions. The displayed gradient energy assumes spatial homogeneity. If only rotations about an origin are imposed, rotationally invariant position-dependent coefficients are also possible.

In the mean-field approximation, take a spatially uniform order parameter and minimize its Landau free energy. For $\gamma >0$, $u>0$ and $r=a(T-T_c)$ with $a>0$, keeping the quadratic and quartic terms givesThe single minimum splits into two minima as the temperature passes below the critical temperature. Choosing one minimum gives spontaneous symmetry breaking of the Z2 symmetry and a continuous phase transition. The order parameter is the expectation in a selected ordered state; averaging equally over both states gives zero. A Z2 symmetry does not guarantee a continuous phase transition: a negative quartic coefficient stabilized by a positive sextic coefficient can instead give a first-order phase transition.

Relaxing the Z2 symmetry permits odd terms. A nonzero linear source generally rounds this ordinary continuous phase transition. A cubic term can instead give a first-order phase transition: for $V(\varphi )=r{\varphi }^2/2+w{\varphi }^3/3+u{\varphi }^4/4$, $u>0$ and $w\ne 0$, equal minima occur atThe order parameter jumps from zero to ${\varphi }_{\ast }$. A continuous phase transition without an exact Z2 symmetry is still possible with additional tuning; odd terms do not logically exclude it.

For the multicritical even Landau potential, set $r={\mu }^2=a(T-T_c)$ and assume an integer $n\ge 2$, ${\lambda }_n>0$ and $\gamma >0$. For $n>2$, all lower even interactions must be absent or tuned to zero to obtain these mean-field critical exponents. The stationary equation isIts nonzero solutions are minima because $V^{\prime \prime }({\varphi }_0)=-(2n-2)r>0$. Thus the order-parameter critical exponent isSubstituting into the minimum free energy density givesThe singular heat capacity per unit volume is $c_s=-T{\partial }_T^2{f}_{\min }$. Smooth variation of the other coefficients does not change the leading power. ConsequentlyFor $n=2$, this means a finite heat capacity jump, with ${\alpha }_{\mathrm{MF}}=0$; for $n=3$, the tricritical point has ${\beta }_{\mathrm{MF}}=1/4$ and ${\alpha }_{\mathrm{MF}}=1/2$. The case $n=1$ would contain only a quadratic potential and would not stabilize an ordered phase.

The Gaussian fluctuation correction near a critical point is more singular than the mean-field approximation contribution whenThis is the upper critical dimension of an even scalar interaction. Equivalently, its coupling has engineering dimension $2n-(n-1)d$, positive below $d_c$. Dominant fluctuations signal breakdown of the mean-field approximation; the Gaussian expression is not then a calculation of the exact interacting heat-capacity critical exponent. At $d=d_c$, equality of the powers allows logarithmic corrections.

The nematic order parameter is a symmetric second-rank tensor and a traceless second-rank tensor describing orientational anisotropy. For molecular unit axes $\mathbf{s}$, $Q_{ij}$ is proportional to $⟨s_i{s}_j-{\delta }_{ij}/3⟩$. It vanishes in an isotropic phase and is unchanged by head-tail reversal $\mathbf{s}\mapsto -\mathbf{s}$, unlike a polar order parameter. For uniaxial nematic order, the nematic director is thus an unoriented axis.

One convention for the Landau-de Gennes free energy through fourth order, respecting rotational symmetry, isFor a traceless second-rank tensor in three dimensions, the Cayley-Hamilton theorem gives $\mathrm{Tr}{Q}^4=(\mathrm{Tr}{Q}^2{)}^2/2$, so there is only one independent quartic rotational invariant of a symmetric traceless tensor. The only possible linear scalar is $\mathrm{Tr}Q=0$; without an external anisotropy no linear term survives.

The cubic rotational invariant of a symmetric traceless tensor distinguishes prolate and oblate forms of uniaxial nematic order. Head-tail reversal leaves $Q$ unchanged and does not impose $Q\mapsto -Q$. Thus a cubic term is allowed in three dimensions and generically produces a first-order phase transition, rather than a symmetry-enforced continuous onset. In two dimensions a symmetric traceless second-rank tensor has eigenvalues $s,-s$, hence $\mathrm{Tr}{Q}^3=0$: the cubic invariant vanishes identically in two dimensions. This is a statement about the Landau free energy; fluctuations in two dimensions require a separate treatment.

The spin raising operator and spin lowering operator areThe angular momentum commutation relations implyso $S_{\pm }|s,\sigma ⟩$ is proportional to $|s,\sigma \pm 1⟩$. Sinceits squared norm isChoosing the conventional positive phase gives

Using the spin ladder operators,and thereforeIn the ordered product basis of the tensor product of quantum systemsthe matrix representation isThe two parallel-spin states are already eigenvectors. Diagonalizing the central block gives the four energy eigenvaluesThis is the spectrum of the Two-spin Heisenberg Hamiltonian in an opposing longitudinal field.

The asserted ground-state ordering requires the antiferromagnetic case $\alpha >0$. As $B\to 0$,The corresponding state at $E_{-}$ is the unique spin-one-half singlet statewhereas the three states at the first excited energy form the spin-one-half triplet state.

Indeed, for the total angular momentum operatorone has at $B=0$The Hamiltonian then has rotational symmetry, so energy depends only on the total-spin sector. The singlet has total spin $s=0$ and multiplicity one; the triplet has $s=1$ and multiplicity $2s+1=3$. This rotational symmetry explains why the triplet energy eigenspace has dimension three.

For a uniform field the gradient term vanishes and minimization over $p=|\mathbf{p}|$ givesWhen $a<0$, the nonzero minimum haswhile its direction is arbitrary by rotational symmetry. A sudden quench creates many independently oriented domains. Their mismatches contain gradients and topological defects, whose motion and pair annihilation are slow, so the uniform state is not reached promptly.

Parametrize the loop by $r^{\prime }=R{\hat{e}}_r(\varphi )$ and $d{\ell }^{\prime }=R{\hat{e}}_{\varphi }(\varphi )d\varphi$. At the observation point $r=z{\hat{e}}_z$, the Biot-Savart law for a line current givesThe components perpendicular to the axis cancel by rotational symmetry, while the axial component of the cross product is $R^{2}d\varphi$. ThereforeThe direction is fixed by the right-hand rule and reverses when the electric current reverses. At the centre,This is the on-axis magnetic field of a circular current loop.

Landau-Ginzburg theory assumes a local gradient expansion for a slowly varying order parameter. At zero field the microscopic spin-flip symmetry sends $m\mapsto -m$, so only even powers occur. Rotational symmetry makes the leading derivative term $(\nabla m{)}^2$, while locality and analyticity near the transition organize higher powers and derivatives. Stability requires a positive gradient coefficient and, at an ordinary continuous transition, ${\alpha }_4(T_c)>0$; the coefficient ${\alpha }_2(T)$ changes sign at $T_c$.

Let the inner-centre displacement from a fixed outer centre have magnitude $r=\Delta e$, with $0\le e<1$. The leading full-film journal bearing resistance to translation in the displacement direction and perpendicular to it isFor $h=\Delta (1-e\cos \theta )$, the Reynolds lubrication equation gives radial squeezing flux $a{v}_r\sin \theta$ and tangential squeezing flux $a{v}_t[-\cos \theta +3e/(2+e^2)]$. The additive constant enforces periodic pressure. Integrating the pressure traction gives these coefficients; at $e=0$ they coincide, as required by rotational symmetry.