Nontrivial topological defects of micro-rods immersed in nematics and their phototuning

Abstract

Combinations of different geometry and the surface anchoring conditions give rise to the diversity of topological structures in nematic colloid systems. Tuning these parameters in a single system offers possibilities...

Nontrivial electrophoresis of silica nano and microrods in a nematic liquid crystal

“…Aya homeotropic surface anchoring. 29 The defect structure of our rods appears to be nontrivial and similar to those reported by Aya et al 29 which implies the surface anchoring of the rods in NLC is weak. First we study the DC electrophoresis of the rods in cells with inplane electrodes.…”

“…Aya et al have studied even bigger microrods ( L ≃ 60 μm and D ≃ 10 μm) dispersed in azodendrimer doped NLC which provides weak homeotropic surface anchoring. 29 The defect structure of our rods appears to be nontrivial and similar to those reported by Aya et al 29 which implies the surface anchoring of the rods in NLC is weak.…”

Electrophoretic propulsion of matchstick-shaped magnetodielectric particles in the presence of external magnetic fields in a nematic liquid crystal

“…These are nontrivial defects as they are pinned on the particle and not visible as reported in the case of similar rod-like particles. 30,[37][38][39] For much smaller rods (L E 50 nm and D E 10 nm), B. Senyuk et al have reported different virtual defects. 40 For larger silica micro-rods (L = 8 mm and D = 1.5 mm), actual defects are seen much more clearly near the rods.…”