A Study of Photo-aligned Liquid Crystal Alignment Materials with Novel Side Chains

Abstract

We designed and synthesized new photo-alignment materials based on chalcone structure with superior photo-reactivity to cinnamate derivatives. From the observation of photochemical reaction, we found that the new material reacted at longer wavelength. And they also showed higher sensitivity compared with PVCi. Relationship between molecular structure and photo-reactivity was clarified. From the observation of LC alignment, the new material is also characterized by higher sensitivity at longer wavelength compared with PVCi.