Nematic colloidal tilings as photonic materials

M. Ravnik; J. Dontabhaktuni; M. Cancula; S. Zumer

doi:10.1117/12.2044586

19 February 2014 Nematic colloidal tilings as photonic materials

M. Ravnik, J. Dontabhaktuni, M. Cancula, S. Zumer

Proceedings Volume 9004, Emerging Liquid Crystal Technologies IX; 90040C (2014) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2044586
Event: SPIE OPTO, 2014, San Francisco, California, United States

Abstract

Colloidal platelets are explored as elementary building blocks for the shape-controlled assembly of crystalline and quasicrystalline tilings. Using three-dimensional (3D) numerical modelling based on the minimization of Landau-de Gennes free energy for modelling of colloids combined with Finite Difference Time Domain calculations for optics, we demonstrate the self-assembly and optical (transmission) properties of triangular, square and pentagonal sub-micrometer sized platelets in a thin layer of nematic liquid crystal. Interactions between platelets are explored, providing an insight into the assembly process. Two-dimensional tilings of various-shaped colloidal platelets are demonstrated, and their use as diffraction layers is explored by using FDTD simulations. Designing symmetry-breaking surface anchoring profiles on pentagonal platelets opens also a possibility to achieve interactions that could lead to tilings with non-crystalline symmetry.

Citation Download Citation

M. Ravnik, J. Dontabhaktuni, M. Cancula, and S. Zumer "Nematic colloidal tilings as photonic materials", Proc. SPIE 9004, Emerging Liquid Crystal Technologies IX, 90040C (19 February 2014); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2044586

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