Surfaces and Interfaces of Liquid Crystals [Paperback]

This book describes the state of the art of our understanding of liquid-crystal interfaces on a molecular level. The interactions of liquid crystal molecules with a surface play an essential role in the operation of liquid crystal displays (LCD's) and other LC devices that are based on the controllable anchoring of LC molecules on polymer coated surfaces.

This book addresses the microscopic interaction between a macromolecule (liquid crystal, polymer) and a wall, using state of the art surface and interface-sensitive experimental techniques, such as Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (STM), Linear and Nonlinear Optical Microscopy and (Dynamic) Light Scattering (DLS). These experimental techniques were complemented with computer simulations and supra molecular chemistry methods to develop controllable polymeric surfaces.

Igor Musevic, Cindy Nieuwkerk and Theo Rasing Since the pioneering work on surface-induced alignment of liquid crystals, performed by Lehmann [1], Grandjean [2], Mauguin [3], Chatelain [4], and others [5], scientist have been looking for the answer to the question: why do certain surfaces align liquid crystals and others not'? The answer to this question has become even more important with the advent of modern liquid crystal display technologies, that are based on re? liable and technologically controllable surface alignment of liquid crystals, used in a variety of electrooptic devices, such as liquid crystal displays, light modulators, optical shutters, switches, holographic systems, etc. During the last decade, the progress in the technology of liquid crystal devices, as well as the discovery of a variety of novel liquid crystalline phases have triggered a considerable and intense scientific interest in the microscopic origin of surface alignment. Fortunately, this renewed scientific and techno? logical interest was accompanied by the advent of modern, surface sensitive experil³V