Memory properties of the liquid crystal alignment on polymer interfaces

Abstract

Memory properties of the liquid crystal alignment are investigated on several polymer films after applying and removing the inhomogeneous electric field. The memory effect of the molecular alignment of reoriented liquid crystals on the polymer films and the frequency dependence of the memory-state are clarified. The memory-states and their changes with the passing of time are discussed on polyvinylalcohol with different degree of polymerization or saponification.