title: Topography from topology: photoinduced surface features generated in liquid crystal polymer networks.
abstract: Films subsumed with topological defects are transformed into complex, topographical surface features with light irradiation of azobenzene-functionalized liquid crystal polymer networks (azo-LCNs). Using a specially designed optical setup and photoalignment materials, azo-LCN films containing either singular or multiple defects with strengths ranging from |½| to as much as |10| are examined. The local order of an azo-LCN material for a given defect strength dictates a complex, mechanical response observed as topographical surface features.
authors.affiliation: Air Force Research Laboratory, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, 3005 Hobson Way, WPAFB, OH, 45434, USA.
authors.forename: Michael E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: McConney
authors.forename: Angel
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Martinez
authors.forename: Vincent P
authors.initials: VP
authors.lastname: Tondiglia
authors.forename: Kyung Min
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Derrick
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Langley
authors.forename: Ivan I
authors.initials: II
authors.lastname: Smalyukh
authors.forename: Timothy J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: White
mesh_terms: D008027:Light; D055595:Mechanical Phenomena; D008958:Models, Molecular; D008968:Molecular Conformation; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry*; D013499:Surface Properties
chemical_list: D011108:Polymers; C422409:liquid crystal polymer
keywords: azobenzene; liquid crystalline polymer; liquid crystals; stimuli responsive materials