Patterned alignment of liquid crystals

S. Varghese, S. Narayanankutty, C.W.M. Bastiaansen, G.P. Crawford, D.J. Broer

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionAcademicpeer-review

    3 Downloads (Pure)

    Abstract

    In this study the m-rubbing technique is used to micropattern polyimide alignment layers using a metallic sphere at different loads. Optical and at. force microscopy shows that the width of the patterns ranges from 12-40 mm and depth ranges from 2-14 nm. The authors primary finding is that m-rubbing induces planar alignment in polyimides. The authors performed m-rubbing on pre-rubbed polyimide perpendicular to the rubbing direction. It is found that m-rubbing erases the alignment properties of the pre-rubbing procedure. Liq. crystal cells were constructed using the pre-rubbed polyimide substrates with m-rubbed patterns on one side and a homogeneously rubbed polyimide layer on the other side. Therefore the pre-rubbed polyimide layers are crossed and consequently a twisted nematic alignment is obsd. outside the micro-patterns. Within the micro-patterns, the directions of the pre-rubbing and m-rubbing are parallel, a planar alignment obsd. In another configuration, liq. crystal cells were made with pre-rubbed polyimide substrates having micro-patterns on both sides to give grid pattern with planar and twisted nematic configuration. Studies were extended to det. the pretilt of the micro patterned area.
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationLiquid crystal materials, devices, and applications X and projection displays X : 19 - 21 January 2004, San Jose, USA ; proceedings of Electronic imaging, science and technolog
    EditorsL.-C. Chien, M.H. Wu
    Place of PublicationBellingham
    PublisherSPIE
    Pages206-212
    ISBN (Print)0-8194-5192-4
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2004
    EventElectronic Imaging 2004 - San Jose, United States
    Duration: 19 Jan 200421 Apr 2004

    Publication series

    NameProceedings of SPIE
    Volume5289
    ISSN (Print)0277-786X

    Conference

    ConferenceElectronic Imaging 2004
    Country/TerritoryUnited States
    CitySan Jose
    Period19/01/0421/04/04

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Patterned alignment of liquid crystals'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this