Orientation control of lyotropic chromonic liquid crystals in the capillary bridge

We investigate the orientation of lyotropic chromonic liquid crystals (LCLCs) in the capillary bridge surrounded by air walls made of glass and line-patterned silicon hybrid cells. The optical textures of uniaxial, escaped, and non-symmetric chiral structures of LCLCs generated depending on the width of the capillary bridge are directly observed by polarized optical microscopy (POM), which are figured out using image analysis and simulations. Our resultant platform will be useful in dichroic optical films, optoelectronic devices, and sensors due to its high regularity.

Automated summary

This study investigates the orientation of LCLCs in a capillary bridge surrounded by air walls made of glass and line-patterned silicon hybrid cells. The optical textures of different structures of LCLCs, such as uniaxial, escaped, and non-symmetric chiral structures, are directly observed and analyzed using polarized optical microscopy. This research has significant implications for dichroic optical films, optoelectronic devices, and sensors.