Polymer layer and tilt angle of polymer-sustained-alignment liquid crystal displays

We determined the tilt angle of polymer-sustained-alignment liquid crystal displays (PSA-LCDs) through experiments and simulations of the polar angle of the director of LC molecules. We clarified that LC molecules are anchored by the polymer layer as they polymerize and stack on the surface of the alignment layer with UV irradiation. Anchored LC molecules at the surface of the polymer layer align unanchored LC molecules of PSA-LCDs. The tilt angle of LC molecules at the surface of the polymer is identical to the polar angle of LC molecules at the same surface when a voltage is applied and UV is irradiated in the PSA process. By checking the tilt angle of PSA-LCDs, the thickness of the polymer can be estimated. We investigated the relationship between the thickness of the polymer and the concentration of the monomer or photoinitiator in the LC material. (C) 2014 The Japan Society of Applied Physics