Multidomain liquid crystal alignment properties on anchoring controllable polymer surface

We have proposed the multidomain patterning of a liquid crystal (LC) alignment by controlling the anchoring strength of alignment surfaces. The azimuthal anchoring strength of rubbed polyvinyl cinnamate (PVCi) is increased by the crosslinking reaction under the unpolarized UV light exposure. The multidomain patterning of twist angle from 0 to 90 degree has been successfully demonstrated in the LC cell using the polyimide coated substrate with strong anchoring and PVCi coated substrate with multi anchoring strength, even though both substrate surfaces are uniformly rubbed and rubbing directions cross at right angles. The twist angle of the LC orientation has been calculated using the torque balance equation. The twist angle in the practical LC cell is consistent with the calculated one. The LC director distribution has also been numerically and experimentally analyzed in the LC cell with one-dimensional periodic change of the anchoring strength. The twist angle distribution is strongly affected by the periodic size, as well as the anchoring strength, the cell thickness and elastic strain energies of K-11, K-22 and K-33.