title: Hierarchical self-assembly of nematic colloidal superstructures.
abstract: We show that colloidal superstructures could be assembled in mixtures of large and small colloidal particles dispersed in a nematic liquid crystal. Using elastic interaction of small colloidal particles with the disclination lines we succeed to demonstrate how one can decorate with small particles a topological matrix of defect rings and loops formed by an array of large colloidal particles. Our simulations show that this concept of colloidal self-assembly in nematics could be extended down to the nanoscale particles.
authors.affiliation: J Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Skarabot
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ravnik
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Zumer
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Tkalec
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Poberaj
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Babic
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Musevic