Microchannel geometry effects on nematic dowser domain dynamics

Emeršič, Tadej (avtor), Zhang, Rui (avtor), Čopar, Simon (avtor), Pablo, Juan J. de (avtor), Tkalec, Uroš (avtor)

Understanding the dynamics of topological defects in liquid crystals is essential for optimizing their performance in adaptive optics, responsive surfaces, and advanced display technologies. Here, we investigate the dynamics of disclination loops enclosing an escaped structure in a nematic liquid crystal, known as dowser domains, within microfluidic channels of various geometries. Through a combination of experiments and numerical simulations, we demonstrate that fluid flow, dictated by the channel geometry alone, governs the dynamics, shape, and size of these domains. We find that channel constrictions extend the lifetime of dowser domains by accelerating their growth, while channel expansions slow down their dynamics and shorten their lifetime. In addition, manipulating the flow paths of dowser domains through serpentine microchannels can further influence their shape and lifespan. We also demonstrate domain splitting in a T-junction microchannel. These findings pave the way for the design of hierarchical networks that can manipulate dowser domains in high-throughput parallel channel systems. Taken together, the results presented here improve our understanding of defect loop dynamics in soft materials and advance the development of flow-based liquid crystal devices and applications.

• Jezik: Angleški jezik
• Ključne besede: topological defects, liquid crystals
• Vrsta gradiva: Članek v reviji
• Tipologija: 1.01 - Izvirni znanstveni članek
• Organizacija: FMF - Fakulteta za matematiko in fiziko ; MF - Medicinska fakulteta
• Status publikacije: Objavljeno
• Različica publikacije: Objavljena publikacija
• Leto izida: 2025
• Št. strani: Str. 6679–6688
• Številčenje: Vol. 21, iss. 34
• PID: 20.500.12556/RUL-178387
• UDK: 532.783
• ISSN pri članku: 1744-6848
• DOI: 10.1039/D5SM00562K
• COBISS.SI-ID: 243719683
• Datum objave v RUL: 26.01.2026

Gradivo je del revije

• Naslov: Soft matter
• Skrajšan naslov: Soft matter
• Založnik: Royal Society of Chemistry
• ISSN: 1744-6848
• COBISS.SI-ID: 23741223

Licence

• Licenca: CC BY-NC 3.0, Creative Commons Priznanje avtorstva-Nekomercialno 3.0 Nedoločena
• Povezava: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/deed.sl
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Sekundarni jezik

• Jezik: Slovenski jezik
• Ključne besede: topološki defekti, tekoči kristali