Induced nematic-like phase in dipolar and quadrupolar colloids

Abstract

We compute the one-body probability density function of a dipolar and a quadrupolar colloid driven by an external ordering field. Colloids with low structure in the absence of the external field, and with axially symmetric coupling potential are assumed. To compute the one-body probability density function, it is assumed that the dynamics of the colloid are given by the Smoluchowski equation without hydrodynamic interactions. We use an appropiate homogeneous external field for each moment. The results for the one-body probability density function predict an axial nematic-like phase for the dipole moment, whereas a biaxial nematic-like phase is predicted for the quadrupole moment.