Anisotropic laser trapping in nematic colloidal dispersion

Eur Phys J E Soft Matter. 2006 Jun;20(2):215-9. doi: 10.1140/epje/i2006-10015-3. Epub 2006 Jun 16.

Abstract

The interaction between a colloidal particle and a focused laser beam in a nematic liquid crystal reveals an unusual anisotropic Coulomb-like character. Experiments demonstrate two opposite directions in which the particle is attracted to and repelled from the nematic region deformed by the light-induced director reorientation. In this work we present analytical analysis of such behavior and derive the energy of interaction between colloidal particle and deformed director field. The analytical solution is in good agreement with recent results obtained by computer simulation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Colloids / chemistry*
  • Computer Simulation
  • Crystallization
  • Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions
  • Lasers*
  • Liquid Crystals / chemistry*
  • Mathematics
  • Optics and Photonics
  • Particle Size
  • Silicon Dioxide / chemistry
  • Solutions / chemistry*
  • Surface Properties

Substances

  • Colloids
  • Solutions
  • Silicon Dioxide