Photoinduced Alignment of Nematic Liquid Crystal on the Polymer Surface Microrelief

Abstract Polymer film surface modified in the holographic process under the laser illumination was used for nematic liquid crystal (LC) alignment. Azobenzene - containing polyurethanes were taken for a material of the film. A relief grating inscribed by laser illumination onto the surface of these polymers induced a reorientation of LC director from initial homeotropic alignment. Possible applications of described processes include command-surface creation for liquid crystal displays, reversible and adaptable in real-time liquid crystal structures for laser beam targeting and aiming, etc.