光反応性高分子液晶の光配向と応用

抄録

Photoalignment technique has been applicable to LC photoalignment and birefringent film fabrication. We have carried out systematic studies on the photoinduced molecular reorientation of photosensitive liquid crystalline polymer (PLCP). Based on the axis-selective photoreaction of the mesogenic side groups in PLCPs, exposed PLCP films indicate small optical anisotropy and the thermal stimulation due to LC characteristics of the material induces large molecular motion to achieve homogeneous molecular alignment. Herein, we introduce basic design, synthesis, photoalignment mechanism and their application of photoalignable PLCPs, and our recent results on the birefringent patterning based on in situ formation of photoalignable mesogenic side groups.