Superior electro-optical performance in vertically aligned liquid crystal devices based on aluminum oxide films

We achieved vertically aligned (VA) liquid crystals (LCs) on aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃) films deposited via e-beam evaporation using a rubbing treatment. Uniform and vertical LC alignment was achieved and high thermal stability was obtained using these substrates. By analyzing measurements from optical retardations, we confirm that the LC orientation is adjustable using rubbing treatment. The superior electro-optical characteristics of the VA cells based on Al₂O₃ films are measured and compared with those based on polyimide layers, indicating that this approach will allow the fabrication of high-performance, advanced LC displays using a conventional rubbing process.