Creation of a voltage controllable micro-liquid crystal domain using the atomic force microscope rubbing for surface modification

We have studied the liquid crystal (LC) alignment on a modified homeotropic polymer surface using an atomic force microscopy (AFM) rubbing. The nano-rubbing by AFM shows well-defined LC alignment and the rubbed surface induces the LC to be planarly aligned. The hybrid aligned nematic LC cell as made shows dynamic stability while increasing voltage without causing disclination lines and asymmetric light transmittance in oblique viewing angles. The result indicates that the pretilt angle is generated from the homeotropic alignment layer to the initial scanning direction, and the device is useful as a light modulator or dynamic phase retarder in the micron or nano region.