Preparation of Zigzag Free Surface Stabilized Ferroelectric Liquid Crystals: Filling the Liquid Crystal in the Right Direction

Abstract

The effects of surface characteristics of rubbed polyimide alignment layer on the product of zigzag free ferroelectric liquid crystals have been studied. Rubbing causes anisotropy in wettability on the polyimide surface. The flowing direction of the liquid crystal during cell filling is found to influence the molecular alignment in the resultant ferroelectric liquid crystal layer. Better aligned ferroelectric liquid crystal layer with fewer zigzag defects can be produced when the ferroelectric liquid crystal is allowed to flow into the cell toward the direction in which the alignment surface exhibits higher hydrophobicity.

Keywords:

• Ferroelectic liquid crystal alignment
• zigzag defect
• rubbed polyimide
• surface free energy of rubbed polyimide
• anisotropic surface wettability

Acknowledgment

This study is funded by National Science Council of Taiwan (NSC982221E110008). Author would also like to acknowledge the financial support provided by National Education Committee of Taiwan through the scheme “Aim for Top Universities Plan”.