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Free-surface molecular command systems for photoalignment of liquid crystalline materials

Author

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  • Kei Fukuhara

    (Graduate School of Engineering, Nagoya University, Furo-cho)

  • Shusaku Nagano

    (Nagoya University Venture Business Laboratory, Nagoya University, Furo-cho)

  • Mitsuo Hara

    (Graduate School of Engineering, Nagoya University, Furo-cho)

  • Takahiro Seki

    (Graduate School of Engineering, Nagoya University, Furo-cho)

Abstract

The orientation of liquid crystal molecules is very sensitive towards contacting surfaces, and this phenomenon is critical during the fabrication of liquid crystal display panels, as well as optical and memory devices. To date, research has focused on designing and modifying solid surfaces. Here we report an approach to control the orientation of liquid crystals from the free (air) surface side: a skin layer at the free surface was prepared using a non-photoresponsive liquid crystalline polymer film by surface segregation or inkjet printing an azobenzene-containing liquid crystalline block copolymer. Both planar-planar and homoeotropic-planar mode patterns were readily generated. This strategy is applicable to various substrate systems, including inorganic substrates and flexible polymer films. These versatile processes require no modification of the substrate surface and are therefore expected to provide new opportunities for the fabrication of optical and mechanical devices based on liquid crystal alignment.

Suggested Citation

  • Kei Fukuhara & Shusaku Nagano & Mitsuo Hara & Takahiro Seki, 2014. "Free-surface molecular command systems for photoalignment of liquid crystalline materials," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 5(1), pages 1-8, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:5:y:2014:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms4320
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms4320
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