Light-induced dynamics of liquid-crystalline droplets on the surface of iron-doped lithium niobate crystals

We investigated the effect of a photovoltaic field generated on surface iron-doped lithium niobate crystals sessile droplets ferroelectric nematic liquid crystalline and standard material present this surface. When such an assembly is illuminated with laser beam, wide range dynamic phenomena are initiated. Droplets located outside spot dragged in direction area, while inside region tend to bridge each other rearrange into tendril-like structures. In phase (N F ), these processes take place via formation conical spikes evolving jet streams, similar behavior conventional dielectric liquids exposed overcritical electric fields. However, contrast traditional liquids, streams N exhibit profound branching. (N) both material, occur smooth-edged continuous features typical for subjected under-critical The difference attributed large increase permittivity respect phase.