研究目的
Investigating the spontaneous self-assembly of geometric structures formed from water inclusions with normal boundary conditions inside radial nematic liquid crystal droplets, focusing on the role of droplet size distribution in determining symmetry properties and the formation of fractal structures.
研究成果
The research demonstrates that water inclusions in nematic liquid crystals self-assemble into 3D structures with symmetry properties matching Thomson problem solutions, influenced by core-to-satellite size ratios and elastic constants. Fractal structures form with large size distributions, offering insights for designing photonic structures and understanding self-assembly packing.
研究不足
The study is limited by optical resolution for identifying higher-order fractal structures, and the director field loses coherence over large distances and small scales. The number of fractal evolution steps is finite due to molecular scale constraints.
1：Experimental Design and Method Selection:
The study uses double emulsions generated in a microfluidics device and controlled agitation to create multiple water droplets with radial boundary conditions inside larger radial nematic droplets. Numerical analysis is employed to relate colloidal structures to solutions of the Thomson problem and extend the analogy to fractal formation.
2：Sample Selection and Data Sources:
Room temperature nematic E7 liquid crystal mixture and deionized water with CTAB surfactant are used to create fractal structures. Double emulsions are formed using microfluidics devices.
3：List of Experimental Equipment and Materials:
Microfluidics devices made from polydimethylsiloxane, Harvard Apparatus PHD ULTRA syringe pumps, glass slides, glass covering slips, Leica 2700 cross polarizing microscope, Nikon D7100 camera, Zeiss Elyra PS1 confocal microscope with alpha Plan-Apochromat ×100 oil immersion objective, Andor EMCCD detector.
4：Experimental Procedures and Operational Workflow:
Double emulsions are created using syringe pumps and shaking. Samples are extracted onto glass slides, covered, and studied under polarized and confocal microscopy. Structures are switched by applying external pressure or deforming droplets.
5：Data Analysis Methods:
Numerical simulations of nematic director fields are performed using COMSOL 5.3a to minimize Frank free energy. Fractal dimensions are calculated using logarithmic ratios.
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Syringe pump
PHD ULTRA
Harvard Apparatus
Used to control the flow of fluids in the microfluidics device for creating emulsions.
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Microscope
Leica 2700
Leica
Cross polarizing microscope used for observing the samples under polarized light.
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Confocal microscope
Elyra PS1
Zeiss
Used for confocal microscopy to obtain detailed images of the structures.
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Objective
alpha Plan-Apochromat ×100 oil immersion
Zeiss
Objective lens used with the confocal microscope for high-resolution imaging.
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Detector
EMCCD
Andor
Used to capture images in the confocal microscopy setup.
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Software
COMSOL 5.3a
COMSOL
Finite element analysis software used for numerical simulations of nematic director fields.
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Microfluidics device
Used to create double emulsions of water droplets inside nematic liquid crystal droplets.
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Camera
D7100
Nikon
Used to capture optical microscopy photographs of the samples.
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Liquid crystal
E7
Synthon
Nematic liquid crystal mixture used as the medium for self-assembly experiments.
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Surfactant
CTAB
Hexadecyl-trimethylammonium bromide used to provide radial alignment and stabilize emulsions.
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