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Three-dimensional positioning and control of colloidal objects utilizing engineered liquid crystalline defect networks

Author

Listed:
  • H. Yoshida

    (Electronic and Information Engineering, Osaka University)

  • K. Asakura

    (Electronic and Information Engineering, Osaka University)

  • J. Fukuda

    (Nanosystem Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST)
    Present address: Research Institute for Sustainable Chemistry, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba 305-8565, Japan)

  • M. Ozaki

    (Electronic and Information Engineering, Osaka University)

Abstract

Topological defects in liquid crystals not only affect the optical and rheological properties of the host, but can also act as scaffolds in which to trap nano or micro-sized colloidal objects. The creation of complex defect shapes, however, often involves confining the liquid crystals in curved geometries or adds complex-shaped colloidal objects, which are unsuitable for device applications. Using topologically patterned substrates, here we demonstrate the controlled generation of three-dimensional defect lines with non-trivial shapes and even chirality, in a flat slab of nematic liquid crystal. By using the defect lines as templates and the electric response of the liquid crystals, colloidal superstructures are constructed, which can be reversibly reconfigured at a voltage as low as 1.3 V. Three-dimensional engineering of the defect shapes in liquid crystals is potentially useful in the fabrication of self-healing composites and in stabilizing artificial frustrated phases.

Suggested Citation

  • H. Yoshida & K. Asakura & J. Fukuda & M. Ozaki, 2015. "Three-dimensional positioning and control of colloidal objects utilizing engineered liquid crystalline defect networks," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 6(1), pages 1-8, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:6:y:2015:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms8180
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms8180
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    Cited by:

    1. Reyes-Arango, Denisse & Quintana-H., Jacqueline & Armas-Pérez, Julio C. & Híjar, Humberto, 2020. "Defects around nanocolloids in nematic solvents simulated by Multi-particle Collision Dynamics," Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, Elsevier, vol. 547(C).
    2. Xinyu Wang & Jinghua Jiang & Juan Chen & Zhawure Asilehan & Wentao Tang & Chenhui Peng & Rui Zhang, 2024. "Moiré effect enables versatile design of topological defects in nematic liquid crystals," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-14, December.

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