Abstract
The multi-alignment technique using an azimuthal anchoring control has been applied to form the polarized latent image in liquid crystal (LC) cells. The relationship between the twist angle and the anchoring energy is theoretically clarified using the torque balance equation in a twisted nematic (TN)LC cell. Experimentally, the azimuthal anchoring strength of the rubbed photo-crosslinkable polymer is increased by exposing the unpolarized UV light and the twist angle is changed from 0 to 90 degree by changing the UV exposure time in the TN LC cell. Moreover, when the LC cell is exposed with the UV light through a mask (a negative photo film), and is thermally developed, as well as the black and white photo-printing process, the twist angle continuously changes and the positive image appears in the LC cell between parallel polarizers. This multi-alignment technique makes it possible to form the latent image with a continuous grey levels and a high resolution more than 3000dpi.
