Polymer-stabilized liquid crystalline topological defect network for micro-pixelated optical devices

Spatially and temporally controlled topological defects in nematic liquid crystals (NLCs) are promising for its potential in optical applications. Utilization of self-organization is a key to fabricate complex micro- and nano-structures which are often difficult to obtain by conventional lithographic tools. Using photo-polymerization technique, here we show a polymer-stabilized NLC having a micro-pixelated structure of regularly ordered umbilical defects which are induced by an electric field. Due to the formation of polymer network, the self-organized pattern is kept stable without deterioration. Moreover, the polymer network allows to template other LCs whose optical properties can be tuned with external stimuli such as temperature and electric fields.