Here we report the chemical induction of twist-bend nematic phase in a mixture ether-linked liquid crystal dimers by addition dimer with methylene links; all have an odd number groups spacer connecting two mesogenic groups. The has been identified from its optical texture and x-ray scattering pattern as well NMR spectroscopy, which demonstrates chirality. Theory predicts that key macroscopic property required for stability this chiral formed achiral molecules is bend elastic constant to tend...

Ferroelectric ordering in liquids is a fundamental question of physics. Here, we show that ferroelectric the molecules causes formation recently reported splay nematic liquid-crystalline phase. As shown by dielectric spectroscopy, transition between uniaxial and phase has characteristics transition, which drives an orientational ferroelastic via flexoelectric coupling. The polarity was proven second harmonic generation (SHG) imaging, additionally allowed for determination modulation period...

Recent experimental realization of ferroelectric nematic liquid crystalline phases stimulated material development and numerous studies these phases, guided by their fundamental applicative interest. In this Perspective, we give an overview emerging field linking history theoretical predictions to a general outlook the properties materials exhibiting phases. We will highlight most relevant observations date, e.g., giant dielectric permittivity values, polarization values order magnitude...

The recently discovered ferroelectric nematic liquids incorporate to the functional combination of fluidity, processability and anisotropic optical properties liquids, an astonishing range physical derived from phase polarity. Among them, remarkably large values second order susceptibility encourage exploit these new materials for non-linear photonic applications. Here we show that photopatterning alignment layer can be used structure polarization patterns. To do so, take advantage...

Abstract The recent discovery of ferroelectric nematic liquid crystalline phases marks a major breakthrough in soft matter research. An intermediate phase, often observed between the nonpolar and shows distinct antiferroelectric response to electric fields. However, its structure formation mechanisms remain debated, with flexoelectric electrostatics effects proposed as competing mechanisms. By controlling magnitude electrostatic forces through ion addition two representative materials, it is...

This review presents experimental realization and behaviour of the ferromagnetic nematic phase, which is observed in different suspensions magnetic nanoplatelets. After a general introduction, challenges synthesis nanoplatelets preparation are discussed. A brief explanation simple macroscopic theory, can be used to understand main features follows. In part, four systems presented: (i) platelets liquid crystals, (ii) dense an isotropic solvent – ferrofluids, (iii) biaxial suspensions, (iv)...

Abstract Ferrofluids are familiar as colloidal suspensions of ferromagnetic nanoparticles in aqueous or organic solvents. The dispersed particles randomly oriented but their moments become aligned if a magnetic field is applied, producing variety exotic and useful magnetomechanical effects. A longstanding interest challenge has been to make such macroscopically ferromagnetic, that having uniform alignment the absence field. Here we report fluid suspension nanoplates spontaneously aligns into...

Schematics of converse magnetoelectric, transverse and parallel magneto-optic effects in a ferromagnetic liquid crystal.

Different liquid crystalline phases with long-range orientational but not positional order, so-called nematic phases, are scarce. It rarely occurs that a new phase is discovered and such event inevitably accompanied by great interest. Here, we describe transition from uniaxial to novel characterized periodic splay modulation of the director. In this phase, defect structures present in observed, which indicates has lower symmetry than ordinary phase. The weakly first order significant...

The recent discovery of the ferroelectric splay nematic phase has opened door to experimental investigation one most searched liquid crystal phases in decades, with high expectations for future applications. However, at this moment, there are more questions than answers. In work, we examine formation and structure large polar domains material RM734 planar crystals cells different aligning agents specifications. We observe that confining surfaces have a strong influence over types domains,...

The recently discovered ferroelectric nematic liquid crystals have been reported to exhibit very large dielectric permittivity values. Here, we report a systematic investigation of the behavior prototypical nematogen by varying thickness parallel capacitor measuring cell. While in non-polar high temperature phase results show only slight differences due variations alignment, measured values linear dependence on cell thickness. It is also shown that characteristic relaxation frequency...

Abstract Spontaneous symmetry breaking and emergent polar order are each of fundamental importance to a range scientific disciplines, as well generating rich phase behaviour in liquid crystals (LCs). Here, we show the union these phenomena lead two previously undiscovered states matter. Both phases have lamellar structure with an inherent ordering their constituent molecules. The first is characterised by local tilted structure; tilt direction processes about helix orthogonal layer normal,...

Understanding the adsorption of amino acids (AAs) onto magnetic iron-oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) is important not only for preparation aqueous suspensions, but also understanding interactions at bionano interface. In this investigation aspartic acid (Asp) and lysine (Lys) SPIONs was studied, based on a characterization suspension properties, i.e., measurements ξ-potential, hydrodynamic size, osmolality, by direct HPLC analysis AA in supernatants ultracentrifuged suspensions. The results...

Modulated nematic liquid crystal phases, which lack positional order but have some periodic variation in the direction of average orientation present a classical nematic, attracted significant interest. In recently discovered splay (NS) phase orientational is augmented with deformation perpendicular to director. We use X-ray scattering experiments measure parameters (N) and phases crystalline material RM734. The degree somewhat larger NS than preceding temperature dependent. reconstruct...

Sessile droplets of a ferroelectric nematic liquid crystalline material were exposed to surface electric fields produced by pyroelectric and photogalvanic (photovoltaic) effects in X-cut iron-doped lithium niobate crystals. The resulting dynamic processes monitored polarisation optical (video)microscopy (POM). During heating/cooling cycles, at first, the change their shape from spherical extended ellipsoidal. Then, they start move rapidly along field, i.e. crystal's polar axis (c-axis). this...

Direct viscous mechano-electric response is demonstrated for a room-temperature ferroelectric nematic liquid, which combines large spontaneous electric polarization with 3D fluidity. The transduction observed in the frequency range 1-200 Hz via simple demonstrator device. liquid placed into deformable container electrodes and current induced by both periodic irregular actuation of examined. experiments reveal rich interplay several distinct phenomena, where shape deformations material flow...

Abstract Bacterial resistance is gaining ground and novel, unconventional strategies are required to improve antibiotic treatments. As a synthetic analog of planktonic bacilli, the natural bacterial swimmers that can penetrate biofilms, ultra‐short propelling magnetic nanochains presented as bioinspired nanorobots, enhancing treatment in biofilm‐forming Staphylococcus epidermidis . Propelling nanochains, activated by low intensity (<20 mT) frequency (<10 Hz) rotating field (RMF),...

Diverse structures are demonstrated in a unique liquid crystal helimagnet under magnetic and electric fields.

We report on experimental studies of the viscoelastic, magnetodielectric, and magnetoviscosity properties ferromagnetic liquid crystals (LCs) prepared by dispersing nanoparticles in a thermotropic LC. Both splay elastic constant rotational viscosity ferronematic LCs are found to be considerably lower than that pure LC advantageous device applications. The show unique magnetodielectric response at very low magnetic fields useful for smart fluid

We report magnetic field tuning of the structure and Whispering Gallery Mode lasing from ferromagnetic nematic liquid crystal micro-droplets. Microlasers were prepared by dispersing a crystal, containing nanoparticles fluorescent dye, in glycerol-lecithin matrix. The droplets exhibit radial director structure, which shows elastic distortion at very low external field. dye doped show lasing, is tunable WGM modes linear with wavelength-shift order 1 nm/100 mT. Depending on geometry, WGMs are...

We investigate dynamic magneto-optic effects in a ferromagnetic nematic liquid crystal experimentally and theoretically. Experimentally we measure the magnetization phase difference of transmitted light when an external magnetic field is applied. As model study coupled dynamics magnetization, M, director field, n, associated with crystalline orientational order. demonstrate that studied macroscopic behavior reveals importance cross-coupling between M n. The experimental data are used to...