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Assembly and control of 3D nematic dipolar colloidal crystals

Author

Listed:
  • A. Nych

    (J Stefan Institute, Jamova 39
    Institute of Physics, prospect Nauky, 46)

  • U. Ognysta

    (J Stefan Institute, Jamova 39
    Institute of Physics, prospect Nauky, 46)

  • M. Škarabot

    (J Stefan Institute, Jamova 39
    Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, University of Ljubljana, Jadranska 19)

  • M. Ravnik

    (Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, University of Ljubljana, Jadranska 19)

  • S. Žumer

    (J Stefan Institute, Jamova 39
    Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, University of Ljubljana, Jadranska 19)

  • I. Muševič

    (J Stefan Institute, Jamova 39
    Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, University of Ljubljana, Jadranska 19)

Abstract

Topology has long been considered as an abstract mathematical discipline with little connection to material science. Here we demonstrate that control over spatial and temporal positioning of topological defects allows for the design and assembly of three-dimensional nematic colloidal crystals, giving some unexpected material properties, such as giant electrostriction and collective electro-rotation. Using laser tweezers, we have assembled three-dimensional colloidal crystals made up of 4 μm microspheres in a bulk nematic liquid crystal, implementing a step-by-step protocol, dictated by the orientation of point defects. The three-dimensional colloidal crystals have tetragonal symmetry with antiparallel topological dipoles and exhibit giant electrostriction, shrinking by 25–30% at 0.37 V μm−1. An external electric field induces a reversible and controllable electro-rotation of the crystal as a whole, with the angle of rotation being ~30° at 0.14 V μm−1, when using liquid crystal with negative dielectric anisotropy. This demonstrates a new class of electrically highly responsive soft materials.

Suggested Citation

  • A. Nych & U. Ognysta & M. Škarabot & M. Ravnik & S. Žumer & I. Muševič, 2013. "Assembly and control of 3D nematic dipolar colloidal crystals," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 4(1), pages 1-8, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:4:y:2013:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms2486
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms2486
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