Optically anisotropic colloids of controllable shape

Solid spheres, disks, and ellipsoids with micrometer-scale bipolar anisotropic character respond to external electric fields by aligning their mean optical axes parallel to the field. The monodisperse, optically anisotropic colloids (see Figure) are synthesized by photopolymerization of a monodisperse liquid-crystal emulsion after mechanical deformation of the drops.