Robust microfluidic encapsulation of cholesteric liquid crystals toward photonic ink capsules

Abstract

Robust photonic microcapsules are created by microfluidic encapsulation of cholesteric liquid crystals with a hydrogel membrane. The membrane encloses the cholesteric core without leakage in water and the core exhibits pronounced structural colors. The photonic ink capsules, which have a precisely controlled bandgap position and size, provide new opportunities in colorimetric micro-thermometers and optoelectric applications.

Keywords: double-emulsion drops; liquid crystals; microcapsules; microfluidics; photonic crystals.