Alignment properties of liquid crystals

Abstract

This chapter begins by outlining the main types of liquid crystal surface alignment and common device geometries and then goes on to describe how both uniform and patterned surface alignment can be achieved via conventional techniques such as rubbing and photo-alignment. Finally, the chapter concludes with information on bistable alignment, bulk alignment techniques (such as field alignment and polymer networks), and how to align non-nematic phases such as cholesterics and smectics.