Chapter B.V: Anchoring and anchoring transitions of nematics on solid surfaces

In the absence of surfaces and applied forces, the director field n(r) of a nematic at equilibrium is uniform (r independent) and its orientation is arbitrary. This translational and rotational freedom recalls that of a ship on a flat sea. Surface-imposed orientation of the liquid crystal is similar to dropping anchor, which fixes the ship position with respect to the sea bottom. Thus, one speaks of nematic anchoring at a surface.