Self-organized propagation patterns from dynamic self-assembly in monolayers.
Propagation of localized orientational waves, as imaged by Brewster angle microscopy, is induced by low intensity linearly polarized light inside axisymmetric smectic-C confined domains in a photosensitive molecular thin film at the air/water interface (Langmuir monolayer). Results from numerical simulations of a model that couples photoreorientational effects and long-range elastic forces are presented. Differences are stressed between our scenario and the paradigmatic wave phenomena in excitable chemical media.
Claret
Josep
J
Departament de Química Física, Universitat de Barcelona, Martí i Franquès 1, E-08028 Barcelona, Spain.
Ignés-Mullol
Jordi
J
Reigada
Ramon
R
Sagués
Francesc
F
Crusats
Joaquim
J