Ferroelectric nematic liquid crystal thermomotor

Abstract

A thermal gradient-induced circular motion of particles placed on ferroelectric nematic liquid crystal sessile drops is demonstrated and explained. Unlike hurricanes and tornadoes that are the prime examples for thermal motors and where turbulent flows are apparent, here the texture without tracer particles appears completely steady indicating laminar flow. We provide a simple model showing that the tangential arrangement of the ferroelectric polarization combined with the vertical thermal gradient and the pyroelectricity of the fluid drives the rotation of the tracer particles that become electrically charged in the fluid. These observations provide a fascinating example of the unique nature of fluid ferroelectric liquid crystals.