- Letter
Electrically reconfigurable topology in three-phase nematic emulsions
Phys. Rev. Materials 10, L072601 – Published 13 July, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/tqt3-n7r7
Abstract
We report a nematic emulsion in which silicone oil droplets dispersed in a nematic liquid crystal induce conic anchoring and spontaneously stabilize elastic hexadecapolar distortions. Exploiting the symmetry and angular profile of these droplets, we develop a controlled fusion strategy to assemble three-phase compound droplets by merging hexadecapolar oil droplets with dipolar glycerol droplets, thereby producing architected multilobed structures. Upon application of an electric field, these compound droplets undergo systematic morphological evolution accompanied by defect migration and topological transitions. Landau-de Gennes simulations quantitatively reproduce director fields and defect networks, revealing an underlying connection between interfacial anchoring, elastic symmetry, and emergent morphology. These findings open avenues for electrically reconfigurable nematic emulsions as platforms for programmable control of droplet geometry and topology.