Command of three- dimensional solitary waves via photopatterning

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Li, Chao-Yi; Tang, Xing- Zhou; Yu, Xiao; Atzin, Noe; Song, Zhen- Peng; Chen, Chu- Qiao; Abbott, Nicholas L.; Li, Bing- Xiang; de Pablo, Juan J.; Lu, Yan-Qing
• 署名单位: Nanjing University; Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures (CICAM); Nanjing University; Nanjing University of Posts & Telecommunications; Nanjing University of Posts & Telecommunications; University of Chicago; Cornell University; United States Department of Energy (DOE); Argonne National Laboratory
• 刊物名称: PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0027-11837
• DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2405168121
• 发表日期: 2024-09-03
• 关键词: nematic liquid-crystals; dissipative solitons; DYNAMICS; spirals

摘要

Multidimensional solitons are prevalent in numerous research fields. In orientationally ordered soft matter system, three- dimensional director solitons exemplify the localized distortion of molecular orientation. However, their precise manipulation remains challenging due to unpredictable and uncontrolled generation. Here, we utilize preimposed programmable photopatterning in nematics to control the kinetics of director solitons. This enables both unidirectional and bidirectional generation at specific locations and times, confinement within micron- scaled patterns of diverse shapes, and directed propagation along predefined trajectories. A focused dynamical model provides insight into the origins of these solitons and aligns closely with experimental observations, underscoring the pivotal role of anchoring conditions in soliton manipulation. Our findings pave the way for diverse fundamental research avenues and promising applications, including microcargo transportation and optical information processing.