Controlling pre-tilt angles of liquid crystal using mixed polyimide alignment layer

Three approaches to controlling liquid crystal (LC) pre-tilt angle in a cell are demonstrated using a polyimide (PI) alignment layer on substrates, in the form of a mixture of horizontal (H) and vertical (V) polyimides. The concentration ratio of H- to V-PI, baking temperature, and rubbing strength influence the pre-tilt angle, and highlight parameters for controlling the pre-tilt angle of an LC cell. Finally, a variable polarization converter is demonstrated using this approach. (C) 2008 Optical Society of America