Abstract
We study how dispersions of colloidal particles in a cholesteric liquid crystal behave under a time-dependent electric field. By controlling the amplitude and shape of the applied field wave, we show that the system can be reproducibly driven out of equilibrium through different kinetic pathways and navigated through a glassylike free energy landscape encompassing many competing metastable equilibria. Such states range from simple Saturn rings to complex structures featuring amorphous defect networks, or stacks of disclination loops. A nonequilibrium electric field can also trigger the alignment of particles into columnar arrays, through defect-mediated force impulses, or their repositioning within a plane. Our results are promising in terms of providing new avenues towards controlled patterning and self-assembly of soft colloid-liquid crystal composite materials.
- Received 22 December 2014
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.114.177801
© 2015 American Physical Society
Synopsis
Electrically Dancing Colloids
Published 30 April 2015
An applied electric field could reconfigure the structure of colloidal defects dispersed within a liquid crystal.
See more in Physics