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University of Warwick scientists have shown how to tie knots in liquid crystals using a miniature Möbius strip made from silica（硅石） particles. By tying substances like this in knots, the researchers hope to understand how their intricate configurations¹ and unique properties can be harnessed in the next generation of advanced materials and photonic（光激性的） devices.

 

Liquid crystal is an essential material in modern life -- the flat panel displays on our computers, TVs and smartphones all make use of its light-modulating properties.

 

It is composed of long, thin, rod-like molecules² which align³ themselves so they all point in the same direction. By controlling the alignment⁴ of these molecules, scientists can literally⁵ tie them in a knot.

 

To do this, they simulated adding a micron sized silica particle -- or colloid⁶（胶质） -- to the liquid crystal. This disrupts the orientation⁷ of the liquid crystal molecules.

 

For example, a colloid in the shape of a sphere will cause the liquid crystal molecules to align perpendicular⁸ to the surface of the sphere, a bit like a hedgehog's spikes⁹.

 

Using a theoretical model, the University of Warwick scientists have taken this principle and extended it to colloids which have a knotted shape in the form a Möbius strip.

 

A Möbius strip with one twist does not form a knot, however with three, four and five twists it becomes a trefoil knot (like an overhand knot with the ends joined together), a Solomon's knot or a cinquefoil（梅花形） knot respectively.

 

By adding these specially¹⁰ designed knotted particles they force the liquid crystal to take on the same structure, creating a knot in the liquid crystal.

 

Gareth Alexander, Assistant Professor in Physics and Complexity¹¹ Science, at the University of Warwick said: "Knots are fascinating and versatile¹² objects, familiar from tying your shoelaces.

 

"Recently it has been demonstrated that knots can be created in a variety of natural settings including electromagnetic fields, laser light, fluid vortices and liquid crystals.

 

"These knots are more intricate than those in your shoelaces, since it is the entire continuous material, and not just a piece of string, that is knotted.

 

"Our research extends this previous work to apply to liquid crystal, the substance we use every day in our TVs, smartphones and computer screens.

 

"We are interested in this as creating and controlling these intricate knotted fields is an emergent avenue for the design of new metamaterials and photonic devices."

 

The research was funded by the EPSRC.

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