Patterned Alignment of Liquid Crystals by μ‐Rubbing

Abstract

Thin polyimide layers have been patterned via a μ-rubbing process that can induce the homogeneous planar alignment or erase the previous alignment history of liquid crystals (LCs) that it comes into contact with. The Figure shows optical micrographs of two patterned polyimide substrates with LCs sandwiched between them, viewed between parallel polarizers. See also inside front cover.