Monopole-mediated light control of half skyrmion topology in nematic liquid crystals

Zhawure Asilehan, Wentao Tang, Xinda Zheng, Ruijie Wang, Jing Zhang, Kun Tian, Fernando Vergara, Qingtian Shi, Zijun Chen, Jinghua Jiang (), Rui Zhang () and Chenhui Peng ()
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Zhawure Asilehan: University of Science and Technology of China
Wentao Tang: Clear Water Bay
Xinda Zheng: University of Science and Technology of China
Ruijie Wang: University of Science and Technology of China
Jing Zhang: University of Science and Technology of China
Kun Tian: University of Science and Technology of China
Fernando Vergara: University of Science and Technology of China
Qingtian Shi: University of Science and Technology of China
Zijun Chen: University of Science and Technology of China
Jinghua Jiang: University of Science and Technology of China
Rui Zhang: Clear Water Bay
Chenhui Peng: University of Science and Technology of China

Nature Communications, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-13

Abstract: Abstract Skyrmions, with their robust topologically protected properties, have demonstrated significant potential for applications in spintronic devices. Despite their promise, the manipulation of topological invariants within these protected structures has remained a complex challenge. In this work, we present a method to orchestrate the topological transformation of half skyrmions through monopoles, which are singular point defects endowed with nontrivial topological charges. Through experiments and simulations, we identified eight distinct types of emergent monopoles. The mutual transformation between different half skyrmions can be induced by manipulating the profiles of topologically protected monopoles with light irradiation. Furthermore, a pair of monopoles and antimonopoles exhibit both attractive and repulsive interactions, depending on the topological structure of the half skyrmion that separates them. Leveraging the dynamic characteristics of monopoles, we have effectively used them as carriers for colloidal particles. This study of topological transitions in nematic liquid crystals offers valuable insights into fundamental physical phenomena and enhances our grasp of the subtle dynamics of topological matter, potentially leading to advances in the design of smart materials and devices with novel functionalities.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-64188-2

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