Determination of surface nematic liquid crystal anchoring strength using nano-scale surface grooves

作者:Choi Yoonseuk*; Yokoyama Hiroshi; Gwag Jin Seog
来源:Optics Express, 2013, 21(10): 12135-12144.
DOI:10.1364/OE.21.012135

摘要

Based on several nano-scale groove models, we propose a new technique to simultaneously determine the azimuthal and polar surface anchoring strengths of nematic liquid crystal (LC). The optical analysis of LCs on a grooved surface made by nanoimprinting lithography was performed on special alignment material, using a typical rubbing process. In our approach, using a polarizing microscope, we can determine the LC alignment exactly as it is in a parallel state, rather than a twisted state. This simple proposed method gives an accurate value of the surface LC anchoring of various surfaces, as well as simultaneously measuring the azimuthal and polar anchoring energy.

  • 出版日期2013-5-20