Formation of topological defects by controlling the molecular orientation at the liquid crystal / liquid interface in micro-wells

Abstract

Liquid crystal (LC) molecules with controllable orientation can undergo spontaneous motion powered by motile molecules or bacteria in these samples. Such motion is often governed by topological defects, which are singularities in the orientation of LCs. To study the influence of topological defects on the motion, a simple and reproducible method for generating these defects is required. In the previous study, topological defects were successfully generated using a micro-wells by the control of the boundary conditions of LC molecules. Currently, we introduced a liquid/LC interface, and the boundary condition was controlled by surfactant molecules at the interface. We found the formation of the topological defects was demonstrated by satisfying the boundary conditions at the interface by the surfactant molecules.