title: In situ homeotropic alignment of nematic liquid crystals based on photoisomerization of azo-dye, physical adsorption of aggregates, and consequent topographical modification.
abstract: In situ homeotropic alignment is achieved by photochromic trans- to cis-isomerization of an azo-dye doped in a nematic host. The augmented dipole moment of the cis-isomer formed under UV-irradiation expedites molecular assembly into crystalline aggregates. Subsequent deposition of the aggregates creates a roughened surface and induces an anchoring transition from the initial planar to a homeotropic alignment of the LCs.
authors.affiliation: Department of BIN Fusion Technology, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju, 561-756, Korea.
authors.forename: Sudarshan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kundu
authors.forename: Myong-Hoon
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Seung Hee
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Shin-Woong
authors.initials: SW
authors.lastname: Kang
mesh_terms: D001391:Azo Compounds / Q000737:chemistry*; D004396:Coloring Agents / Q000737:chemistry*; D007536:Isomerism; D050866:Liquid Crystals / Q000737:chemistry*; D013499:Surface Properties; D017971:Tin Compounds / Q000737:chemistry; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays
chemical_list: D001391:Azo Compounds; D004396:Coloring Agents; D017971:Tin Compounds; C109984:indium tin oxide