Patterned Liquid Crystal Droplets

ORAL

Abstract

Geometrical confinement has a significant influence on the structure and properties of liquid crystals. Prior research in this area is mainly on polymer-dispersed liquid crystals and liquid crystals in porous media where the liquid crystal droplets are usually non-uniform in size. Here we use microfabrication techniques to pattern liquid crystals into droplets of different geometrical shapes and sizes, and study the liquid crystal ordering in these liquid crystal droplets. The experimental observations will be compared with simulation results.

Authors

  • Jakub Kolacz

    • Kent State University Liquid Crystal Institute
  • Andrew Konya

    • Kent State University Liquid Crystal Institute
  • Julio Avila

    • California State University
  • Feng Wang

    • Kent State University Liquid Crystal Institute
  • Qi-Huo Wei

    • Kent State University Liquid Crystal Institute