Investigating the Manipulation of Alignment/Activity via Geometrical INteraction Effects in Liquid Crystals

Controlling the orientation of rod-like objects is crucial for liquid crystal technologies and the natural world.

For biological systems, recent studies have shown that living materials form liquid crystalline structures that dictate biological function. These systems are out-of-equilibrium, converting energy into motion, and are modelled as active liquid crystals.

However, alignment techniques commonly used in liquid crystal technologies are yet to be leveraged for active counterparts. The prevailing chemical alignment methods do not scale to these larger system sizes. Geometrical orientation of rods, however, applies across length scales. Though the influence of geometrical features on alignment is not well understood, even for passive systems.

IMAGINE_LC will Investigate the Manipulation of Anchoring and Activity via Geometrical Interaction Effects on an experimental, colloidal, liquid crystal system. The colloidal scale minimizes chemical interactions and enhances geometrical effects. I will develop a passive and active model system that is confined by walls with diverse topographical features.

The project will be conducted at Utrecht University, where the host has expertise in confined liquid crystals and colloidal synthesis.The host and I will have a two-way transfer of knowledge by employing host expertise in liquid crystal analysis, colloidal synthesis, and high-resolution imaging for this project.

These tools are essential for developing a colloidal liquid crystal.

My knowledge of molecular liquid crystals is complimentary to the host group’s research focus on liquid crystal assembly. My experience with complex liquid crystal device fabrication will complement the host’s body of knowledge.

By combining our expertise, IMAGINE_LC will advance the fundamental understanding of geometry on liquid crystal alignment and dynamics, establishing principles that are generalizable to synthetic and biological systems, ranging from nanometric to millimetric sizes.