P‐104: Aligning Layers Using Azo Dye Derivatives for Liquid Crystal Devices

Abstract

Abstract The photo‐induced alignment of an azo dye film and liquid crystal (LC) alignment on it are discussed for the liquid crystal display applications. Considerable dichroism is induced in the azo dye SD1 film not only by polarized UV light but also by obliquely incident non‐polarized UV light irradiation. It was found that sulfo groups in the azo dye molecule play an important role in the LC alignment on the film. Large pretilt of LC on the photo‐aligned film was achieved simultaneously, because the azo dye molecules can be easily reoriented out of the film plane by obliquely incident non‐polarized light irradiation. In order to improve stability of the photo‐aligned film, a monomer derived from the azo dye was synthesized. After thermal polymerization, the film of it also exhibit good photo‐alignment properties. Improvement of durability against light exposure and moisture was observed in the LC cell using it.