Novel method for pretilt angle measurement using liquid crystal lens cell with hybrid alignment

A new method for the measurement of the pretilt angle of liquid crystal (LC) using an LC tens cell with hybrid alignment is' proposed. We show that the distance of the disclination line from the center of the lens cell is approximately proportional to the pretilt angle of LC at the surface of the plane substrate. The pretilt angle can therefore be derived from the position of the disclination line. The measurement of pretilt angles of LCs in several regions of one substrate is presented. The results are in agreement with those obtained by the crystal rotation method.