Polymerization of liquid crystals

The work investigates the self-assembly and orientation of CdS/CdSe nanoparticles within topological defects of smectic-A liquid crystals. By utilizing the inherent elasticity and anisotropy of smectic films, nanoparticles are guided into defect arrays without the need for external patterning. The study combines polarized optical microscopy and atomic force microscopy to characterize nanoparticle alignment, supported by UV-curing techniques to stabilize defect-templated structures. Results demonstrate controlled one- and two-dimensional organization of nanoparticles with potential applications in photonics and optoelectronics. This approach offers a bottom-up method for designing functional nanomaterials through liquid crystal templating