Properties of twisted topological defects in 2D nematic liquid crystals

Topological defects are one of the most conspicuous features liquid crystals. In two dimensional nematics, they have been shown to behave effectively as particles with both, charge and orientation, which dictate their interactions. Here, we study "twisted" that a radially dependent orientation. We find twist can be partially relaxed through creation annihilation defect pairs. By solving equations for motion calculating forces on defects, identify four distinct elements govern relative relaxational interacting topological namely attraction, repulsion, co-rotation co-translation. The interaction these effects lead intricate trajectories, controlled by setting relevant timescales.