Topological-defect-induced surface charge heterogeneities in nematic electrolytes

Ravnik, Miha (author), Everts, Jeffrey Christopher (author)

We show that topological defects in an ion-doped nematic liquid crystal can be used to manipulate the surface charge distribution on chemically homogeneous, charge-regulating external surfaces, using a minimal theoretical model. In particular, the location and type of the defect encodes the precise distribution of surface charges and the effect is enhanced when the liquid crystal is flexoelectric. We demonstrate the principle for patterned surfaces and charged colloidal spheres. More generally, our results indicate an interesting approach to control surface charges on external surfaces without changing the surface chemistry.

• Language: English
• Keywords: nematic liquid crystals, topological defects, flexoelectricity, dielectric properties, electrostatics
• Typology: 1.01 - Original Scientific Article
• Organization: FMF - Faculty of Mathematics and Physics
• Publication status: Published
• Publication version: Author Accepted Manuscript
• Year: 2020
• Number of pages: Str. 037801-1-037801-7
• Numbering: Vol. 125, iss. 3
• PID: 20.500.12556/RUL-117812
• UDC: 538.9
• ISSN on article: 0031-9007
• DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.125.037801
• COBISS.SI-ID: 23706371
• Publication date in RUL: 27.07.2020

Record is a part of a journal

• Title: Physical review letters
• Shortened title: Phys. rev. lett.
• Publisher: American Physical Society
• ISSN: 0031-9007
• COBISS.SI-ID: 1282575

Secondary language

• Language: Slovenian
• Keywords: nematski tekoči kristali, topološki defekti, fleksoelektričnost, dielektričnost, elektrostatika