Defect-Polymorphism-Controlled Electrophoretic Propulsion of Anisometric Microparticles in a Nematic Liquid Crystal

The nontrivial shape of colloidal particles creates complex elastic distortions and topological defects in liquid crystals plays a key role governing their electrophoretic propulsion through the medium. Here, we report experimental results on transport anisometric (snowman-shaped) polystyrene subjected to an alternating electric field perpendicular director nematic crystal. We demonstrate that asymmetry gives rise defect polymorphism by nucleating point or ring at multiple locations particle controls direction as well magnitude propulsion. Unlike spherical particles, quadrupolar can be transported directions plane applied field. Our findings provide alternative degree freedom translocating microparticles for applications microfluidics, controlled transport, directed assembly.