Fluid ferroelectric filaments

TL;DR

This paper introduces stable, freestanding ferroelectric nematic liquid crystal filaments that are stabilized by electric fields, enabling new measurements and potential nano-fluidic device applications.

Contribution

It reports the creation and stabilization of ferroelectric fluid filaments using electric fields, a novel phenomenon with measurement and application implications.

Findings

Stable ferroelectric fluid threads observed

Voltages required are significantly lower than in dielectric fluids

Potential for nano-fluidic logic devices and switches

Abstract

Freestanding slender fluid filaments of room temperature ferroelectric nematic liquid crystals are described. They are stabilized either by internal electric fields of bound charges formed due to polarization splay, or by external voltage applied between suspending wires. The phenomenon is similar to those observed in dielectric fluids, such as deionized water, except that in ferroelectric nematic materials the voltages required are 3 orders of magnitudes smaller and the aspect ratio is much higher. The observed ferroelectric fluid threads are not only unique and novel, but also offer measurements of basic physical quantities, such as the ferroelectric polarization and viscosity. Ferroelectric nematic fluid threads may have practical applications in nano-fluidic micron-size logic devices, switches, and relays.