Light-Induced Structures and Microparticle Transportation in a Free-Surface Frustrated Chiral Nematic Film

Abstract

Local illumination with a light beam leads to thermo-orientational processes in a frustrated chiral nematic film with a free surface. Light-induced hydrodynamic flow and orientational structure create an adaptive platform for the collection, translation and rotation of suspended spherical microparticles. The demonstrated approach has potential applications in soft robotics, micro-object delivery systems, and other micro- and nanotechnologies.

Keywords

• chiral liquid crystal
• microparticle
• optical manipulation
• orientational structure
• elastic deformation
• thermocapillary effect