MEASUREMENTS OF THE AZIMUTHAL ANCHORING ENERGY AT THE INTERFACE BETWEEN A NEMATIC LIQUID CRYSTAL AND PHOTOSENSITIVE POLYMERS

摘要

The azimuthal anchoring energy at the interface between the nematic liquid crystal 5GB and a photosensitive polymer (para-PVCN-F) is measured using a high accuracy reflectometric method. The anchoring well is represented by the Rapini-Papoular function and the azimuthal anchoring energy coefficient W goes linearly to zero at the clearing point. Qualitative and quantitative observations show that the PVCN-F films favor a reduced surface nematic order. The gliding of the easy axis is also investigated.