Jr. T opological defects appear in a vast array of physical situations, ranging from cosmological Big Bang scenarios to superfluids.
Liquid crystals are unique systems where topological structures are accessible for detailed studies.
Under the polarizing microscope, defects appear as singularities of the texture. The magnification is x104 in comparison with the optical image. A new technology of bistable cholesteric displays employs an electric field induced change in the cholesteric structure. Eventually the oily streaks transform the planar structure into a focal conic structure that strongly scatters light. A curious feature of the effect is that the buckling streaks preserve their width.