Surface anchoring energy and the Freedericksz transitions in ferronematics

This paper analyzes the influence of anchoring conditions on the two-field-induced Freedericksz transition in ferronematics. Using the Euler–Lagrange analytical method we find a correlation between the threshold intensities of the magnetic and the laser fields, the anchoring strength, the material and device parameters. The threshold fields in our case are smaller than those obtained in the rigid anchoring limit. We show that for finite anchoring energy, the saturation transition is possible, and find the correlation between the saturation fields, the anchoring strength, the material and cell parameters. Our results can be useful in designing magneto-optical devices using ferronematics.