Light manipulation of nanoparticles in arrays of topological defects

D. Kasyanyuk, P. Pagliusi, A. Mazzulla, V. Reshetnyak, Yu. Reznikov, C. Provenzano, M. Giocondo, M. Vasnetsov, O. Yaroshchuk & G. Cipparrone

We report a strategy to assemble and manipulate nanoparticles arrays. The approach is based on the use of topological defects, namely disclination lines, created in chiral liquid crystals. The control of nanoparticle-loaded topological defects by low power light is demonstrated. Large-scale rotation, translation and deformation of quantum dots light-emitting chains is achieved by homogeneous LED illumination. Full reconfigurability and time stability make this approach attractive for future developments and applications.

DOI