Curvature capillarity of lamellar phases
Résumé
We study the free surface shape of thick lamellar films whose layer curvature and surface energies can compare. A new capillarity appears with a mesoscopic or even macroscopic screening length μ. Under external constraints, instabilities with period μ are expected to develop. These results would extend to “loose” lamellar drops laid on non-faceting substrates. Typical experiments could check these predictions. Tubular cylinders of size μ could exist.