https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0128-0708
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ABSTRACT
Disclinations in nematic liquid crystals are of great interest both theoretically and practically. The ability to create and reconfigure disclinations connecting predetermined points on substrates could enable novel applications such as directed self-assembly of micro/nanoparticles and molecules. In this study, we present a novel approach to design and create disclination interconnects that connect predetermined positions on substrates. We demonstrate that these interconnects can be switched between different states by re-writing photoalignment materials with linearly polarised light and can be switched between metastable states using electric fields.
GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Additional information
Funding
This work at SUSTech was supported by Shenzhen Science and Technology Innovation Committee [GJHZ-20200731095212036], National Natural Science Foundation of China [6210030761 and 12174177]. ODL acknowledges the support of the US National Science Foundation grant [DMR-1905053], RLBS acknowledges the support of the US National Science Foundation grant [CMMI-1663041 and CMMI-1436565].