We show that colloidal superstructures could be assembled in mixtures of large and small colloidal particles dispersed in a nematic liquid crystal. Using elastic interaction of small colloidal particles with the disclination lines we succeed to demonstrate how one can decorate with small particles a topological matrix of defect rings and loops formed by an array of large colloidal particles. Our simulations show that this novel concept of colloidal self-assembly in nematics could be extended down to the nanoscale particles.
COBISS.SI-ID: 21792551
We study the interactions in dipolar nematic colloids using the laser tweezers. The binding energies of a colloidal pair with homeotropic surface alignment are determined. The orientation of the dipolar colloidal particle can be controlled by locally quenching the nematic liquid crystal. The interaction of a single colloidal particle with a single colloidal chain is determined and the interactions between pairs of colloidal chains are studied. Dipolar colloidal chains self-assemble into the 2D dipolar nematic colloidal crystals.
COBISS.SI-ID: 21271591
We show that colloidal superstructures could be assembled in mixtures of large and small colloidal particles dispersed in a nematic liquid crystal. Using elastic interaction of small colloidal particles with the disclination lines we succeed to demonstrate how one can decorate with small particles a topological matrix of defect rings and loops formed by an array of large colloidal particles. Our simulations show that this novel concept of colloidal self-assembly in nematics could be extended down to the nanoscale particles.
COBISS.SI-ID: 21320487
We show that chiral ordering of the underlying complex fluid strongly influences defect formation and colloidal interactions. Nonsingular defect loops with a topological charge -2 are observed, with a cross-section identical to hyperbolic vortices in magnetic systems. These loops are binding spontaneously formed pairs of colloidal particles-dimers, which are chiral objects. Chiral dimer interaction weakly depends on the chirality of dimers and leads to the assembly of 2D nematic colloidal crystals of pure or "mixed" chirality, intercalated with a lattice of nonsingular vortex-like defects.
COBISS.SI-ID: 22895655
We describe magnetic resonant structures, formed by self-assembly of nanoparticles in the core of topological defects in the nematic liquid crystals. The chain-like structure is obtained, which encircles a nematic colloidal particle. Electrically, it is equivalent to a split-ring resonator, which gives a negative magnetic response at a resonant frequency.
COBISS.SI-ID: 2147172