Abstract
This paper discusses the alignment process of cholesteric liquid crystal polymer (Ch-LCP) on alignment film. The alignment process was clarified by studying cross sections and surfaces of Ch-LCPs produced with different alignment process time using a transmission electron microscope differentialm interference microscope, and atomic force microscope. It was also determined that Ch-LCP's disclination which is generated during the initial stage of alignment process decreases with the length of alignment process time. Measurement of these Ch-LCP's reflection properties showed that mirror reflectance increases and diffuse reflectance decreases with the length of alignment process time, indicating a uniquely cholesteric selective reflection. The decreased diffuse reflectance is considered to be caused by reduction of disclination, and a correlation was obtained between reflection properties and degree of alignment as shown by the above mentioned microscopic photographs.
