Two-dimensional ordering of inclusions in smectic-C films

The organization of inclusions nucleated in free standing films of smectic-C (SmC) liquid crystal is investigated using polarized light microscopy. Anchoring on the inclusion boundaries induces distortions of the in-plane orientational order of the SmC phase which drive the elastic interactions between inclusions. Such interactions evidence a quadrupolar character. At low concentration, the inclusions self-organize in linear or branched chain structures while at high concentration two-dimensional patterns appear in the film.