Fig. 2: Defect structure characterization and colloidal assembly manipulation in the 1D cusp-like anchoring pattern.

A 1D cosinusoidal geometric moiré lattice showing the (±1, ∓1)-moiré period \(T\) and (±1, ±1)-moiré \(T^{\prime}\). B Simulation and experimental results of the nematic moiré at \(\Psi={11}^{\circ}\), \({21}^{\circ}\), \({34}^{\circ}\) and \({45}^{\circ}\). Disclinations in the simulation are colored by twist angle \(\beta\). \(T\) is the spacing distance for neighboring defect curves, and \(\omega\) is their tilting angle with respect to the \(x\) axis. The defect helical structure diameter \({A}_{{xy}}\) and pitch \({T}^{*}\) are introduced to characterize defect shapes. C The periodicity and orientation of the colloidal assembly by the defects can be tuned in the nematic moiré. D Moiré period \(T/L\) as a function of rotation angle \(\Psi\). E Moiré tilting angle \(\omega\) as a function of rotation angle \(\Psi\). The insert is the W-state defect. Crossings are denoted by gray lines, connected by pseudolines (black dashed lines). F \({T}^{*}/{T{{\hbox{'}}}}\) and \({A}_{{xy}}/L\) as functions of \(\Psi\) while fixing \(H/L=0.43\). G \({T}^{*}/{T{{\hbox{'}}}}\) and \({A}_{{xy}}/T\) as functions of \(H/L\) at \(\Psi={12}^{\circ}\). Scale bar: 50 μm. Source data are provided as a Source Data file.