Photoalignment of Liquid Crystalline Materials : Physics and Applications

by Vladimir G. Chigrinov (Hong Kong University of Science and Technology ); Vladimir M. Kozenkov (Moscow State University); Hoi-Sing Kwok (Hong Kong University of Science & Technology)

• ISBN13: 9780470751794
• ISBN10: 0470751797
• Format: eBook
• Copyright: 2008-10-01
• Publisher: Wiley

Summary

Photoalignment possesses significant advantages in comparison with the usual 'rubbing' treatment of the substrates of liquid crystal display (LCD) cells as it is a non-contact method with a high resolution. A new technique recently pioneered by the authors of this book, namely the photo-induced diffusion reorientation of azodyes, does not involve any photochemical or structural transformations of the molecules. This results in photoaligning films which are robust and possess good aligning properties making them particularly suitable for the new generation of liquid crystal devices.Photoalignment of Liquid Crystalline Materials covers state-of-the-art techniques and key applications, as well as the authors' own diffusion model for photoalignment. The book aims to stimulate new research and development in the field of liquid crystalline photoalignment and in so doing, enable the technology to be used in large scale LCD production.Key features: Provides a full examination of the mechanisms of photoalignment. Examines the properties of liquid crystals during photoalignment, with particular reference made to the effect on their chemical structure and stability. Considers the most useful photosensitive materials and preparation procedures suitable for liquid crystalline photoalignment. Presents several methods for photoalignment of liquid crystals. Compares various applications of photoalignment technology for in-cell patterned polarizers and phase retarders, transflective and micro displays, security and other liquid crystal devices.Through its interdisciplinary approach, this book is aimed at a wide range of practising electrical engineers, optical engineers, display technologists, materials scientists, physicists and chemists working on the development of liquid crystal devices. It will also appeal to researchers and graduate students taking courses on liquid crystals or display technologies.

Table of Contents

About the Authors

Series Editor's Foreword

Introduction.

References

Mechanisms of LC Photoalignment.

Cis-Trans Isomerization

Crosslinking in Cinnamoyl Side-Chain Polymers

Photodegradation in Polymide Materials

Photoinduced Order in LangmuirûBlodgett Films

References

LC-Surface Interaction in a Photoaligned Cell.

Pretilt Angle Generation in Photoaligning Materials

Generation of Large Pretilt Angles

Anchoring Energy in Photoaligning Materials

Stability of Photoaligning Materials Sensitivity to UV Light

Comparison of the Characteristics of Photoalignment Layers for Different Mechanisms of LC Photoalignment

Various Methods for the Experimental Characterization of Photoalignment Layers

References

Photoalignment of LCs.

Vertical LC Alignment

Twisted LC Photoalignment

Photoalignment of Ferroelectric LC

Optical Rewritable LC Alignment

Photoalignment with Asymmetric Surface Anchoring

LC Photoalignment on Plastic Substrates

Photoalignment on Grating Surface

Photoalignment of Lyotropic and Discotic LCs

Other Types of LC Photoalignment

References

Application of Photoalignment Materials in Optical Elements.

Polarizers

Retardation Films

Transflective LCD with Photo-Patterned Polarizers and Phase Retarders

Security Applications of Photoaligning and Photo-Patterning

Optical Elements Based on Photoaligning Technology

References

Novel LCDs Based on Photoalignment.

Bistable Nematic Displays

Photoaligned Liquid-Crystal-on-Silicon Microdisplays

Photoaligned Ferroelectric LCDs

New Optical Rewritable Electronic Paper

Application of Photoalignment in Photonic LC Devices

References

US Patents Related to Photoalignment of Liquid Crystals.

Introductory Remarks

List of Patents Patent Classification

Analysis and Comments on the Patents

Index.

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