LC alignment effects and EO performances for homeotropic aligned NLC on the SiO_x thin film layer by e-Beam evaporation

In this study, liquid crystal (LC) alignment effects for homeotropic alignment on the SiO_x thin film by electron beam evaporation method with electron beam system and electro-optical (EO) performances of homeotropic aligned liquid crystal display (LCD) were studied. Also, the control of pretilt angles of homeotropic aligned LC on SiO_x thin film as a function of thin film thickness were investigated. The uniform vertical LC alignment on the SiO_x thin film surfaces with electron beam evaporation was achieved in any of the thin film thickness conditions. It is considered that the LC alignment on the SiO_x thin film by electron beam evaporation is attributed to the elastic interaction between LC molecules and micro-grooves at the SiO_x thin film surface created by evaporation. In addition, LC cell of the SiO_x thin film by electron beam evaporation had good EO property.