Science Daily March 2, 2022
Researchers at the University of Chicago have introduced the concept of using topological defects in active matter to perform logic operations. When an extensile active stress in a nematic liquid crystal is turned on, +1/2 defects can self-propel, in analogy to electron transport under a voltage gradient. By relying on hydrodynamic simulations of active nematics, they demonstrated that patterns of activity, when combined with surfaces imparting certain orientations, can be used to control the formation and transport of +1/2 defects. They also showed that asymmetric high- and low-activity patterns can be used to create effective defect gates, tunnels, and amplifiers. The proposed active systems offer the potential to perform computations and transmit information in active soft materials, including actin-, tubulin-, and cell-based systems. Although their calculations suggest these systems could be used for computations, they are more likely to be uniquely useful in applications such as the field of soft robotics or ferry small amounts of liquid or other materials from place to place inside tiny devices…read more. Open Access TECHNICAL ARTICLE
Defect trajectory control via activity pattern. Credit: SCIENCE ADVANCES, 23 Feb 2022, Vol 8, Issue 8Â