Research Data Leeds Repository

Dataset associated with Creation and topological charge switching of defect loops on a long fibre in the nematic liquid crystal dataset

Nikkhou, Maryam and Gleeson, Helen F. and Muševič, Igor (2018) Dataset associated with Creation and topological charge switching of defect loops on a long fibre in the nematic liquid crystal dataset. University of Leeds. [Dataset] https://doi.org/10.5518/401

Dataset description

We demonstrate new type of topological defects on a homeotropic fibre aligned perpendicular to the nematic director in a planar nematic cell. Contrary to expectations we can create defect loops which are encircling the fibre along its short axis and are strongly tilted with respect to the fibre. Such loops are always accompanied by two topological solitons, which emanate from the loop and propagate to the left and right hand side of the fibre. Unlike previously reported closed loops of either positive and negative charge, encircling the fibre parallel to the nematic director, these loops can carry either positive or negative charge, or can be charge neutral and very stable. We show how to switch the charge of individual loops from positive to neutral and negative charge by adding unit monopoles of appropriate topological charge. We demonstrate new type of interaction of dipolar colloids with these new topological entities on a fibre.

Keywords:

Microconfined liquid crystals, topological defect;, homeotropic fibre, colloidal interaction, entanglement, anchoring,liquid-solid interfaces

Subjects:

F000 - Physical sciences > F300 - Physics

Divisions:

Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences > School of Physics and Astronomy

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