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Orientational Transition in a Liquid Crystal Triggered by the Thermodynamic Growth of Interfacial Wetting Sheets

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Published on: May 15, 2017

Topographic-pattern-induced homeotropic alignment of liquid crystals.

Youngwoo Yi¹, Giuseppe Lombardo, Neil Ashby

¹Department of Physics and Liquid Crystal Materials Research Center, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80309-0390, USA.

Physical Review. E, Statistical, Nonlinear, and Soft Matter Physics

|June 13, 2009

Summary

Nanoimprinted polymer films with specific well dimensions control liquid crystal alignment. The depth/width ratio of nanoimprinted wells dictates whether rodlike liquid crystals align vertically, horizontally, or tilted.

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Area of Science:

Materials Science
Soft Matter Physics
Nanotechnology

Background:

Liquid crystals (LCs) exhibit unique optical and electronic properties.
Surface topography significantly influences LC alignment.
Controlling LC orientation is crucial for display and photonic applications.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the effect of nanoimprinted checkerboard patterns on calamitic liquid crystal alignment.
To determine the relationship between well geometry (depth/width ratio) and LC orientation.
To understand the transition from planar to homeotropic alignment in patterned polymer films.

Main Methods:

Nanoimprint lithography to create checkerboard patterns on polymer films.
Microscopy and optical techniques to observe liquid crystal alignment.
Theoretical modeling and computer simulations to confirm experimental observations.

Main Results:

Nanoimprinted checkerboard patterns induce vertical, horizontal, or tilted alignment of calamitic LCs.
The depth/width ratio of the wells is the key parameter controlling LC orientation.
Increasing elastic energy density in narrower wells overcomes surface anchoring, leading to homeotropic alignment.

Conclusions:

Topographical patterning of polymer films offers a precise method for controlling liquid crystal alignment.
The findings are applicable to both nematic and smectic liquid crystals.
This work provides fundamental insights into surface-induced LC ordering and has implications for advanced optical devices.