Dipping and photo-induced liquid crystal alignments using silane surfactants

Abstract

Dipping and photo-induced liquid crystal (LC) alignments were demonstrated using new silanes as surface coupling agents. In the dipping method, both homogeneous and homeotropic alignments can be achieved depending on the alkyl chain length of the silane employed. The 110 degrees C post curing temperature makes the dipping method especially attractive for low temperature processing of active matrix displays. In the UV-induced LC alignment, homogeneous cells are obtained and the LC directors are perpendicular to the impinging UV polarization. The pretilt angle of both methods is found to be similar to 0.5 degrees.