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Topology matters

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  • Rosamund Daw

Abstract

Soft matter shapes up Colloidal particles typically have a minimum-area spherical or topologically equivalent shape determined by the minimization of surface energy. In this paper, colloidal particles of higher topological 'genus' or g value—from doughnut-shaped g = 1 through 'pair of glasses' g = 2 to g = 5—have been synthesized and studied. When introduced into a nematic liquid crystal, these colloidal particles align and generate three-dimensional director fields and defects in the liquid crystal fluid that can be manipulated with a variety of methods and their charge characteristics studied. This opens up a new area of exploration in the field of soft matter and applications of colloids and liquid crystals that could include topological memory devices and shape-dictated self-assembly.

Suggested Citation

  • Rosamund Daw, 2013. "Topology matters," Nature, Nature, vol. 493(7431), pages 168-168, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:493:y:2013:i:7431:d:10.1038_493168a
    DOI: 10.1038/493168a
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