Weak anchoring of nematic liquid crystals on photo-induced surface relief gratings of organic polysilane

Abstract

Surface relief gratings on organic polysilane thin films are fabricated by holographic exposure of ultra-violet light, and Au gratings are subsequently prepared on polysilane gratings by vapor deposition of Au. The anchoring energies of 4-pentyl-4′-cyanobiphenyl (5CB) nematic liquid crystal on the fabricated gratings are determined with a saturation voltage method. The anchoring energies of Au gratings are weaker than those of organic polysilane gratings because of suppression of π–π interaction between the liquid crystal and the alignment layer. The polar anchoring energies of Au gratings are also weaker than those reported in literature.