arXiv subjects

Waqas Kamal

Publications and source records attributed to Waqas Kamal.

5 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Field-Programmable Topological Torons in Chiral Nematic Liquid Crystals

Torons are three-dimensional double-twist solitons in chiral nematic liquid crystals that form localised director configurations protected by topology and bounded by closed defect loops. They behave as particle-like entities while retaining a fully reconfigurable optical response. Here it is shown experimentally that individual torons can be created, steered and parked on demand using tailored alternating-current electric fields in planar cells, enabling deterministic control of both position and trajectory. By tuning the ratio of cell thickness to cholesteric pitch and systematically adjusting waveform parameters, including amplitude, modulation frequency, duty-cycle asymmetry and small DC offsets, robust toron nucleation is achieved and programmable translation is realised along arbitrary in-plane directions with submicrometre placement accuracy. Directional transport is controlled within a defined frequency and temperature window and can be reversed by changing modulation conditions even at zero offset. A dedicated graphical interface enables real-time switching between waveform presets so that torons follow scripted paths and draw user-defined shapes. Quantitative Landau-de Gennes Q-tensor simulations reproduce toron nucleation and the ensuing translational dynamics, supporting an interpretation in which waveform-controlled director reorientation, reorientation-driven flow and rectified polarity-sensitive coupling jointly bias the drift. Finally, three proof-of-concept functions are demonstrated: a software-defined liquid-crystal racetrack memory analogue with optical readout, deterministic path writing for reconfigurable patterning, and toron-mediated pick-and-place transport of microparticles for micromanipulation.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2025

Full vectorial field sensing using liquid crystal droplet arrays

Determining the amplitude, phase, and polarization profile of light is essential for both fundamental scientific discovery and applications spanning optical metrology, microscopy, astronomy, and optical communication/computing technologies. However, most modern measurement approaches are unable to retrieve such parameters readily, often relying on bulky and expensive hardware, or lacking the capability for single-shot sensing. Here, we introduce a low cost, compact, full vectorial field sensor based on an inkjet-printed nematic liquid crystal droplet array that enables simultaneous measurement of these important characteristics of light. Polarization and intensity are measured via division-of-wavefront polarimetry, exploiting the droplets' spatially varying birefringence, while the phase is reconstructed by treating each droplet as a separate microlens in a Shack-Hartmann-like wavefront sensor configuration. To demonstrate the system's performance, we characterize aberrated dual-wavelength beams carrying distinct intensity, phase, and polarization information, confirming accurate retrieval of the optical field profiles for both spectral components.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2025

Complex structured light generation using printed liquid crystal droplets

Inkjet-printed liquid crystal (LC) droplets exhibit an intricate spatially-varying birefringence due to their complex internal director configuration. While such anisotropy is often viewed as a drawback when LC droplets are used as microlenses, here we leverage this remarkable birefringence property to generate complex structured light. Through a selection of the alignment layer, and by varying the chiral pitch, we create three distinct droplet types with tailored intrinsic director configurations, each exhibiting a unique birefringence distribution for structured light beam generation. We show that these printed LC droplets can generate beams that exhibit skyrmionic structures carrying two units of orbital angular momentum, beams that contain azimuthal/radial polarized fields, and beams with polarization singularities. Our method enables new possibilities for using LC droplet technology to engineer sophisticated optical beam patterns.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2022

Surface modulation of metal-organic frameworks for on-demand photochromism in the solid state

Organic photoswitchable molecules have struggled in solid state form to fulfill their remarkable potential, in terms of photoswitching performance and long-term stability when compared to their inorganic counterparts. We report the concept of non-electron deficient host's surface with optimal porosity and hydrophobicity, as a priori strategy to design photoefficient organic solid-state photochromic materials with outstanding mechanical robustness. When exposed to a light stimulus including natural sunlight, the photoswitchable nanocomposite changes color promptly and reversibly, in a matter of seconds along with excellent photo-fatigue resistance, which are on a par with inorganic photochromes. Exemplars of commercially viable prototypes that are optically clear, comprising smart windows, complex photochromic sculptures, and self-erasing rewritable devices, were engineered by direct blending with resilient polymers; particularly, the use of high-stiffness polymer (> 2 GPa) is no longer an insurmountable challenge. Finally, photochromic films with anticounterfeiting features could be manufactured through precision inkjet printing of nanocrystals.

physics.app-ph↗

arXiv2022

Nano-Trap Engineering in MOF Microenvironment for Ultratrace Iodine Sensors

Ultra-sensitive and highly selective iodine gas sensors play a crucial role during the nuclear radiation leak for a timely detection and mitigation of pollution, ensuring the safety of a vast number of operators and subsequent integrity of the facility. Herein, we rationally designed a metal-organic framework (MOF) that exhibits an outstanding performance with an almost billion-fold enhancement in the electrical response due to its optimized hydrophobicity, which allows the easy migration of iodine molecules though the channels and the presence of suitable interaction sites, temporarily anchoring the target molecule for ultra-trace sensing. The prototype sensor tested in demanding environments demonstrates its high selectivity, ultra-trace parts per billion (ppb)-level sensitivity, good reversibility, and a very fast response time even at high frequencies compared to existing adsorbents, including commercially available materials. Further, the iodine sensing at the atomic level was studied in detail by measuring the electrical response of a single crystal and, the optimal thickness of the MOF layer was identified for an industrially-viable prototype sensor by using inkjet printing. In a wider perspective, we propose a general strategy towards electrically efficient sensing materials with hybrid functionalities for engineering high-sensitivity iodine sensors for a safe and sustainable future.

physics.ins-det↗