Topologically and spectrally reconfigurable optical skyrmions from liquid crystals
Phys. Rev. A 113, 063503 – Published 1 June, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/4l65-j4mx
Abstract
Here we report reconfigurable optical skyrmionic wave plates based on self-organized liquid crystal textures exploiting spin-orbit interactions, entirely avoiding lithography or microfabrication. Beyond polarization-driven reconfigurability, we achieve dynamic control of both skyrmion topology and operating wavelength using temperature and external fields. The concept is demonstrated analytically and experimentally with two complementary realizations: sessile droplets, where topology is set by droplet radius and tuned thermally or electrically, and thin films under applied fields, where defect-mediated textures enable simultaneous tuning of topology and wavelength. By combining self-organization, external-field control, and spin-orbit optics, these results establish liquid crystals as a compact, reconfigurable platform for skyrmionic photonics, bridging fundamental topology and practical optical functionality.