We synthesized ABC triblock rigid aromatic-flexible dendritic block molecules consisting of a docosyl chain, rigid aromatic segment, and poly(ethylene oxide) dendrimer. These block molecules were observed to exhibit an ordered structure in the solid state. Small-angle X-ray scattering experiments showed that the rigid-dendritic block molecule based on a more rodlike aromatic unit self-assembles into a 2-D hexagonal columnar structure, whereas the block molecule based on a more wedgelike aromatic unit self-assembles into a 3-D micellar cubic structure. Dynamic light scatterings, scanning electron microscopic (SEM) observations, and UV/vis spectroscopic measurements were carried out to investigate the encapsulation behavior of hydrophobic guests with the block molecules in an aqueous environment. The rigid-dendritic block molecules self-assemble into stable capsulelike micellar aggregates in aqueous solutions in the presence of CHCl3. In addition, the resulting micellar aggregates encapsulate hydrophobic dye molecules within their micellar core. The critical micellar concentration (cmc) values appeared to be very low, as compared to those of conventional surfactants. These results demonstrate that the introduction of a hydrophilic dendritic segment into an extended rigid aromatic segment can lead to a unique self-assembling system that shows aggregation behavior in both solid and dilute solution phases.

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We have developed 2.4" QVGA transflective IPS LCDs with novel cell configuration. Transflective LCDs have intrinsically the difference of the optical phase retardation between the transmissive part and the reflective part. In order to compensate for this optical path length difference, we have newly designed the separate LC alignments for each transmissive and reflective parts with photo-alignment technique. The transmissive part has a homogenous liquid crystal alignment driven by an in plane electric switching field, which exhibits superb wide viewing angle characteristics. In the reflective part, the twisted liquid crystal alignment is adopted. Based on this new configuration, high reflectance and better contrast ratio can be provided without any compensation film or patterned retarder unlike conventional transflective LCDs.

A new method to fabricate vertical electrodes for PS-BPLC using conventional LCD fabrication processes is introduced. Hydrogen plasma treatment on the pixel electrode (amorphous indium tin oxide) and undercut structure was successfully applied to realize vertical electrodes which can induce uniform and strong horizontal electric fields to operate PS-BPLC device.