Control of topological defects in nematic liquid crystals by area-selective surface modification

Abstract

Engineered topological defects in nematic liquid crystals are interesting for future electro-optical applications. Here we show a simple and high-throughput method for controlling self-organization of topological defects induced by an electric field. By performing an area-selective surface modification of surface using ultraviolet-ozone treatment, a highly self-organized microstructure containing periodic topological defects arrays is obtained over a large area.