Work

Direct control of disclinations via hybrid planar solitons in nematic liquid crystals

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Disclinations are among the most common topological defects in nematic liquid crystals. Their controlled generation is essential for both fundamental studies of defect physics and the development of functional soft-matter systems. However, achieving such control remains challenging. Here, we use laser thermal tweezers in a nematic liquid crystal cell with a free surface to generate a hybrid planar soliton, a structure topologically equivalent to a disclination, as both belong to the same homotopy group, π 1 ( R P 2 ). This soliton acts as a template for guiding the formation of disclinations with prescribed geometries and positions. To the best of our knowledge, this represents the first practical implementation of soliton–disclination conversion for direct and predictable defect control. These results elucidate the topological connection between planar solitons and disclinations and provide a foundation for precise topological patterning in liquid crystal systems.

Source: Optical Materials Express

DOI: 10.1364/ome.577185

Authors: Yonggi Sim, Hyunhee Choi

Language: English

Topic: Liquid Crystal Research Advancements

Subfield: Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,843

Funder: National Research Foundation of Korea

Award: G23540136