Colloidal particles at a nematic-isotropic interface: effects of confinement

Area of Science:

• Soft Matter Physics
• Colloidal Science
• Liquid Crystal Interfaces

Background:

• Nematic-isotropic interfaces can capture and drag colloidal particles.
• Particle behavior depends on interface velocity, mass, and size, forming periodic structures.
• Liquid crystal confinement between substrates creates wedge-shaped interfaces.

Purpose of the Study:

• To experimentally quantify particle behavior at wedge-like nematic-isotropic interfaces.
• To describe the interfacial structure and drag forces using theoretical models.
• To understand particle trajectories and structure formation at these interfaces.

Main Methods:

• Experimental observation of colloidal particle motion at liquid crystal interfaces.
• Numerical minimization of Landau-de Gennes free energy.
• Analysis of particle trajectories and interface dynamics.

Main Results:

• Particles are captured by the interface and move towards the vertex.
• Complex particle trajectories are observed due to the wedge interface shape.
• The study provides a qualitative description of interfacial structure and drag force.

Conclusions:

• The motion of colloidal particles at wedge-shaped nematic-isotropic interfaces is experimentally characterized.
• Theoretical modeling aids in understanding the underlying physics of interfacial structure and particle drag.
• This research offers insights into particle manipulation at complex liquid crystal interfaces.