PSSM

Assemblies of particles in nematic phases

Slobodan Žumer, Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, University of Ljubljana & Jozef Stefan Institute 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

Abstract: Formation of complex assemblies of particles in nematic phases is described. Particular stress is given on our recent modeling achievements that are contrasted with the latest experimental studies. Description based on a Landau type approach coupled with topological theory provide a useful tool for modeling of these complex structures. In solvents where nematic order is present an effective long range inter-particle coupling appears. It leads to numerous organizations of colloidal particles not present in simple liquids. Particularly interesting are situations where topological constrain results in sharing of a disclination by neighboring particles that leads to a string-like coupling [1-3]. Colloidal dimmers, chains, lattices, braids, and hierarchal structures can be realized either via disclination loops with singular or nonsingular cores. Here particular attention will be given to 2 dimensional structures in twisted cells and to 3D assemblies in blue phases. We expect that some of these structures will open new ways to the assembling of complex structures needed for metamaterials.

References:
(1) M. Ravnik, M. Škarabot, S. Žumer, U. Tkalec, I. Poberaj, D. Babič, N. Osterman, and I. Muševič, Entangled Nematic Colloidal Dimers and Wires, Phys. Rev. Lett 99, 247801 (2007), also in Virt. J. Nanoscale Sci. & Techn 16, 26 (2007)
(2) M. Škarabot, M. Ravnik, S. Žumer, U. Tkalec, I. Poberaj, D. Babič, I. Muševič, Hierarchical self-assembly of nematic colloidal superstructures, Phys. Rev. E 77, 061706 (2008), also in Virt. J. Nanoscale Sci. & Technol 17, 25 (2008)
(3) M. Ravnik and S. Žumer, Nematic colloids entangled by topological defects, Soft Matter (2009) 5, 269

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