Reversible alignment change of nematic liquid crystals by photochromic polymer films

Abstract

Abstract The alignment of a nematic liquid crystal (LC) was changed reversibly by a photochromic reaction of vinyl‐polymer films bearing azobenzene (Az) chromophores. Photoisomerization of Az in the polymer films proceeded slower than in solution systems with an irreversible nature, due to a limited free volume of polymers and the presence of Az aggregates. Photoregulative Az films were obtained by two procedures: (i) spin‐coating followed by baking processes: and (ii) adsorption from a LC/polymer mixture onto a lecithin‐coated glass surface. Perpendicular alignment, which is achieved both in the surface Az and in the LC layer, allows a parallel interaction between them and enables the photoregulation of the LC alignment.