In this thesis, we focus on modeling liquid crystal systems containing azobenzene derivatives. A key characteristic of azobenzene derivatives is the trans-cis geometric isomerization that occurs upon exposure to UV light. With an increase in the concentration of cis molecules in a liquid crystal, nematic order decreases, which offers an interesting approach to controlling orientational order in a liquid crystal with light. We model such liquid crystal systems using the Lebwohl-Lasher model of liquid crystals, which we subsequently employ in modeling photo-responsive liquid crystal elastomers. We analyse the proposed models through Monte Carlo simulations and compare them to existing experimental findings.
|
