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Colloidal liquid crystals in square confinement: isotropic, nematic and smectic phases
Louis B G Cortes1, Yongxiang Gao1, Roel P A Dullens1
1Department of Chemistry, Physical and Theoretical Chemistry Laboratory, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QZ, UK.
Journal of Physics. Condensed Matter : an Institute of Physics Journal
|December 22, 2016
Summary
We confined colloidal liquid crystals in 3D square chambers, observing isotropic, nematic, and smectic phases. This study focuses on the smectic phase, comparing experimental results with theories and simulations.
Area of Science:
- Colloidal science
- Soft matter physics
- Materials science
Background:
- Colloidal liquid crystals exhibit complex phase behaviors.
- Understanding confined systems is crucial for materials design.
- Previous studies often lack single-particle resolution in confined geometries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the confinement effects on colloidal liquid crystal phases.
- To characterize the smectic phase in 3D square chambers.
- To compare experimental findings with theoretical and simulation models.
Main Methods:
- Utilized colloidal silica rods with significant density differences.
- Employed soft-lithography to create 3D square confinement chambers.
- Applied laser scanning confocal microscopy for single-particle resolution imaging.
Main Results:
- Successfully confined isotropic, nematic, and smectic phases within the chambers.
- Detailed characterization of the smectic phase under confinement.
- Obtained single-particle level data for configurations.
Conclusions:
- Confinement significantly influences colloidal liquid crystal phase behavior.
- The study provides valuable experimental data for the smectic phase.
- Experimental results offer a basis for validating theories and simulations of confined soft matter systems.
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