Magnetic field assisted alignment of nematic liquid crystal on a polymeric surface

Abstract

The properties of magnetic field assisted alignment of nematic liquid crystal (LC) are described. Nearly perfect homogeneous alignment is obtained with the aid of an external magnetic field along the substrates. It is shown that there exist anisotropic interactions between LC molecules and a simply dip-coated polymeric surface and that interfacial forces enhanced by an appropriately directed field can establish a stable alignment. The possibility of this alignment technique as an alternative to rubbing is also examined.