The characteristics of SnPc-doped ferroelectric liquid crystal cells

Tin phthalocyanine (SnPc)-doped polymer films were used to align ferroelect ric liquid crystals (FLC). A stripe-shaped domain structure was obtained sp ontaneously in the initial alignment of the surface-stabilized cells. Atomi c force microscopy (AFM) was introduced to investigate the aligning films. It was discovered that the modified aligning films show a polymer aggregate chain structure oriented along the rubbing direction that may play an impo rtant role in the FLC alignment. The stability, memory capability and respo nse time of the cell were improved and enhanced through the doping process. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Limited. All rights reserved.