Alps Electric Co., Ltd.

Kiyomi Sugawara

Mitsuru Kano

Yoshihiko Ishitaka

Hiroyuki Hebiguchi

Munemitsu Abe

Yorihiko Sasaki

Masahiko Yamaguchi

Hiroshi Yamagami

Arao Sato

Yumiko Sato

An alignment layer for use in liquid crystals including a macromolecular material deposited on a glass substrate, the macromolecular material composed of main molecular chains which are, on the average, aligned in a first direction. A series of parallel microgrooves are formed in the macromolecular material and aligned perpendicular to the first direction, each microgroove being separated by a ridge having a triangular cross-section, and each ridge having first and second sides meeting at an apex, wherein the first side has a shorter length than the second side. As a result, disclination does not occur and sufficient reliability against external forces and heat may be obtained. In addition, numerous methods are disclosed for forming the alignment layer.

Alignment layer for liquid crystal element and method of producing same

An orientation film for a liquid crystal display. The film is formed on a substrate and has a first irregular form repeated in a first direction and a second irregular form repeated in a second direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction. The second irregular form has a longer pitch than the pitch of the first irregular form. The profile of the second irregular form in any plane perpendicular to the first direction has a portion inclined with respect to the substrate. The pretilt angle of the orientation film is high. The patterns may be irregular and asymmetric, which may be ridges separated by a continuous groove. The orientation may be formed by using a first mold having one of the patterns, and a second mold with a second pattern, or first and second holographic exposed layers. The orientation layer may be a liquid crystal polymer which is formed by using a heated stamper to form a pattern in a high polymer liquid crystal while applying a voltage.

Orientation film of liquid crystal having bilaterally asymmetric ridges

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Sendai, Japan

Kiyomi Sugawara