Topological defects, such as disclinations in nematic liquid crystals, exhibit reconnections – a phenomenon where two defect lines approach, exchange endpoints, and separate. This study focuses on the 3D dynamics of disclination line reconnections, particularly those involving lines approaching at finite angles and residing in separate planes. Experiments using confocal microscopy reveal a square-root law governing the distance between disclinations and a decrease in the inter-disclination angle over time. Comparison with existing theoretical models shows qualitative agreement in scaling, but quantitative discrepancies in the relative mobilities of distance and angle. Further theoretical derivations and simulations considering reduced twist constants suggest that disclination deformations may be responsible for this discrepancy.

Yohei Zushi, Cody D. Schimming, Kazumasa A. Takeuchi