Abstract
To develop the novel microactuator which can change its shape depending on ambient conditions, we have analyzed the dynamics of a liquid crystalline droplet under electric field. The liquid crystalline droplet is placed on a glass plate whose surface is treated with a pair of electrodes and a homeotropic anchoring layer. The movement of the droplet is observed when the voltage is applied between the electrodes. It is found that the moved distance of the droplet strongly depends on the electric field intensity. From the observation of the droplet under a polarized microscope, the reorientation of the liquid crystalline molecules is confirmed and thus the liquid crystalline flow occurs in the droplet. Also, the continuous drive of the droplet is successfully achieved using the patterned electrode.
