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2005•Molecular Crystals and Liquid CrystalsRequires access

Multi-Configurations in Nematic Liquid Crystal Films: A Microrubbing Approach

Soney Varghese, Gregory P. Crawford, Cees W. M. Bastiaansen, Dirk Jan Broer, Dick K. G. de Boer

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Abstract

We report a technique for the patterned alignment of liquid crystals on polyimide using microrubbing (μ-rubbing). Homeotropic polyimide was μ-rubbed with a metallic sphere 1 mm in diameter under a specified load of 150 grams. We observed that μ-rubbing induces a high pretilt planar alignment when homeotropic polyimide is used. Liquid crystal cells were constructed from two μ-rubbed polyimide substrates, whose rubbing directions are oriented orthogonal to each other. At the intersection points of two μ-rubbed lines, a twisted nematic configuration was observed. In the other sections of the sample, either a splay or homeotropic configuration is realized. A pretilt of 10° was measured in the μ-rubbed area. The electro-optical performances of the twisted nematic regions were also investigated.

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We report a technique for the patterned alignment of liquid crystals on polyimide using microrubbing (μ-rubbing). Homeotropic polyimide was μ-rubbed with a metallic sphere 1 mm in diameter under a specified load of 150 grams. We observed that μ-rubbing induces a high pretilt planar alignment when homeotropic polyimide is used. Liquid crystal cells were constructed from two μ-rubbed polyimide substrates, whose rubbing directions are oriented orthogonal to each other. At the intersection points of two μ-rubbed lines, a twisted nematic configuration was observed. In the other sections of the sample, either a splay or homeotropic configuration is realized. A pretilt of 10° was measured in the μ-rubbed area. The electro-optical performances of the twisted nematic regions were also investigated.

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Available abstract

We report a technique for the patterned alignment of liquid crystals on polyimide using microrubbing (μ-rubbing). Homeotropic polyimide was μ-rubbed with a metallic sphere 1 mm in diameter under a specified load of 150 grams. We observed that μ-rubbing induces a high pretilt planar alignment when homeotropic polyimide is used. Liquid crystal cells were constructed from two μ-rubbed polyimide substrates, whose rubbing directions are oriented orthogonal to each other. At the intersection points of two μ-rubbed lines, a twisted nematic configuration was observed. In the other sections of the sample, either a splay or homeotropic configuration is realized. A pretilt of 10° was measured in the μ-rubbed area. The electro-optical performances of the twisted nematic regions were also investigated.

Key concepts: Homeotropic alignment, Rubbing, Polyimide, Liquid crystal, Materials science, Planar, Liquid-crystal display, Optics

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