41.4: Discontinuous Alignment Thin‐Film Formation by Self‐Organized Dewetting

Abstract

A new discontinuous alignment layer is developed. The formation of such discontinuous structure is created by self-organized dewetting. Different dewetting mechanisms have been investigated. Such a discontinuous alignment layer can be fabricated on top of a continuous alignment layer. This heterogeneous surface for liquid crystal alignment can be used to produce arbitrary pretilt angles for the liquid crystal cell. Experiments using photo-aligned polymer have been done to verify the dewetting theory. The alignment layers thus produced are proved to be robust. Moreover, the dewetting step is a fully controllable process and is compatible with existing manufacturing techniques.

Bistable nano‐structured photoalignment surface by nanoimprint lithography

“…The second alignment layer should produce an azimuthal alignment direction perpendicular to the nano‐groove surface and with azimuthal anchoring energy, W a . In addition, this layer can be fabricated either completely cover the groove surface (continuous) or forming domains on top of the grooved surface (discontinuous) by controlling the dewetting condition, and the concentration of the second alignment material dissolved in a solvent . Such effect can be applied to influence the azimuthal anchoring energy of the second alignment layer.…”