CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS
Advanced Search
Home > Proceedings > Volume 10125 > Article
Presentation
21 April 2017 Topological defects in liquid crystals and molecular self-assembly (Conference Presentation)
Nicholas L. Abbott
Author Affiliations +
Proceedings Volume 10125, Emerging Liquid Crystal Technologies XII; 1012504 (2017) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2252719
Event: SPIE OPTO, 2017, San Francisco, California, United States
Abstract
Topological defects in liquid crystals (LCs) have been widely used to organize colloidal dispersions and template polymerizations, leading to a range of elastomers and gels with complex mechanical and optical properties. However, little is understood about molecular-level assembly processes within defects. This presentation will describe an experimental study that reveals that nanoscopic environments defined by LC topological defects can selectively trigger processes of molecular self-assembly. By using fluorescence microscopy, cryogenic transmission electron microscopy and super-resolution optical microscopy, key signatures of molecular self-assembly of amphiphilic molecules in topological defects are observed - including cooperativity, reversibility, and controlled growth of the molecular assemblies. By using polymerizable amphiphiles, we also demonstrate preservation of molecular assemblies templated by defects, including nanoscopic “o-rings” synthesized from “Saturn-ring” disclinations. Our results reveal that topological defects in LCs are a versatile class of three-dimensional, dynamic and reconfigurable templates that can direct processes of molecular self-assembly in a manner that is strongly analogous to other classes of macromolecular templates (e.g., polymer—surfactant complexes). Opportunities for the design of exquisitely responsive soft materials will be discussed using bacterial endotoxin as an example.
Conference Presentation
© (2017) COPYRIGHT Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE). Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Citation Download Citation
Nicholas L. Abbott "Topological defects in liquid crystals and molecular self-assembly (Conference Presentation)", Proc. SPIE 10125, Emerging Liquid Crystal Technologies XII, 1012504 (21 April 2017); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2252719
ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE
ORGANIZATIONAL
Sign in with credentials provided by your organization.
INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.
SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION
PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.
PERSONAL SIGN IN
No SPIE Account? Create one
PURCHASE THIS CONTENT
SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY
50 downloads per 1-year subscription
Members: $195
Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART
25 downloads per 1 - year subscription
Members: $145
Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART
PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE
Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available
Members: $17.00
Non-members: $21.00 ADD TO CART
PROCEEDINGS
 PRESENTATION
WATCH
PRESENTATION SAVE TO MY LIBRARY
GET CITATION
Advertisement
Advertisement
KEYWORDS
Liquid crystals
Molecular self-assembly
Molecular assembly
Polymers
Transmission electron microscopy
Cryogenics
Electron microscopy
RELATED CONTENT
Subscribe to Digital Library
Receive Erratum Email Alert
Back to Top