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Related Experiment Videos

Spherical nematic shells with a prolate ellipsoidal core.

Monirosadat Sadati1, Ye Zhou, Drew Melchert

  • 1Institute for Molecular Engineering, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA. depablo@uchicago.edu.

Soft Matter
|October 18, 2017
PubMed
Summary

Core geometry significantly impacts topological defects in liquid crystal (LC) shells. Spherical and ellipsoidal particles create distinct defect structures within LC droplets, influencing their arrangement and configuration.

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Area of Science:

  • Soft Matter Physics
  • Materials Science
  • Microfluidics

Background:

  • Liquid crystal (LC) shells exhibit unique topological defects due to confinement and curvature.
  • Previous research primarily studied spherical shells, neglecting core geometry's influence.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Investigate how core geometry (spherical vs. ellipsoidal) affects topological defects in LC shells.
  • Understand the role of particle anchoring (homeotropic vs. planar) on defect formation.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized a microfluidic glass capillary device for encapsulating particles in LC droplets.
  • Experimental observation of spherical and prolate ellipsoidal particles within radial LC shells.

Main Results:

Related Experiment Videos

  • Spherical particles localized at the droplet center; planar anchoring induced twisted structures.
  • Prolate ellipsoidal particles at the center generated defects at their ends, forming hybrid and twisted structures.

    • Conclusions:

    • Core geometry is crucial for determining topological defect patterns in LC shells.
    • Particle shape and anchoring dictate defect localization and LC ordering.