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arXiv · 1611.09920

Topological nanocolloids with facile electric switching of plasmonic properties

Ye Yuan·Ivan I. Smalyukh
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Abstract

Combining topology and plasmonics paradigms in nanocolloidal systems may enable new means of pre-engineering desired composite material properties. Here we design and realize orientationally ordered assemblies of noble metal nanoparticles with genus-one topology and unusual long-range ordering mediated by their interactions with the surrounding nematic fluid host. Facile electric switching of these composites is reminiscent to that of pristine liquid crystals (LCs), but provides a means of reconfiguring the nanoparticle assembly and thus also the ensuing composite medium's optical properties. Our findings may lead to formation of new molecular-colloidal soft matter phases with unusual optical properties as well as optical metamaterials.

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Ye Yuan, Ivan I. Smalyukh. 2016-11-29. Topological nanocolloids with facile electric switching of plasmonic properties. https://doi.org/10.1364/ol.40.005630

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