Abstract
Planar nematic layers of 5CB oriented by “sliding on” nanolayers of PTFE were studied by electrooptic methods. Deposited layers have been characterized by AFM and polarizing videomicroscopy. By using a drop method it was established that the preferred director alignment is tilted opposite to the sliding direction. In some of these samples an unusual modulated domain pattern after switching off a prolonged a.c. excitation was observed for the first time. A possible relation between the domain origin and loosely deposited PTFE layers was suggested.
Acknowledgments
This study was performed in the framework of a CNR-BAS joint project. The authors are indebted to Maria DeSanto for AFM characterization.