Geometric theory of topological defects: methodological developments and new trends

Abstract

Liquid crystals generally support orientational singularities of the director field known as topological defects. These latter modifiy transport properties in their vicinity as if the geometry was non-Euclidean. We present a state of the art of the differential geometry of nematic liquid crystals, with a special emphasis on linear defects. We then discuss unexpected but deep connections with cosmology and high-energy-physics, and conclude with a review on defect engineering for transport phenomena.