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Smectic Layer Origami via Preprogrammed Photoalignment
Author(s) -
Ma LingLing,
Tang MingJie,
Hu Wei,
Cui ZeQun,
Ge ShiJun,
Chen Peng,
Chen LuJian,
Qian Hao,
Chi LiFeng,
Lu YanQing
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
advanced materials
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 10.707
H-Index - 527
eISSN - 1521-4095
pISSN - 0935-9648
DOI - 10.1002/adma.201606671
Subject(s) - materials science , lamellar structure , liquid crystal , anisotropy , layer (electronics) , nanotechnology , liquid crystalline , lattice (music) , optics , optoelectronics , composite material , physics , acoustics
Hierarchical architecture is of vital importance in soft materials. Focal conic domains (FCDs) of smectic liquid crystals, characterized by an ordered lamellar structure, attract intensive attention. Simultaneously tailoring the geometry and clustering characteristics of FCDs remains a challenge. Here, the 3D smectic layer origami via a 2D preprogrammed photoalignment film is accomplished. Full control of hierarchical superstructures is demonstrated, including the domain size, shape, and orientation, and the lattice symmetry of fragmented toric FCDs. The unique symmetry breaking of resultant superstructures combined with the optical anisotropy of the liquid crystals induces an intriguing polarization‐dependent diffraction. This work broadens the scientific understanding of self‐assembled soft materials and may inspire new opportunities for advanced functional materials and devices.