Orientational Transition of Liquid Crystal Molecules by a Photoinduced Transformation Process into a Recovery‐free Silicon Oxide Layer

The vertical alignment of liquid crystal (LC) on an inorganic silicon oxide layer, which is fabricated by a simple photoinduced transformation process of an ultrathin poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) layer is reported. While the PDMS layer shows a random orientation of LC, the silicon oxide layer, fabricated by UVO treatment, vertically aligns the LC. In addition, the silicon oxide layer shows a stable alignment of LC in harsh conditions. Supporting information for this article is available on the WWW under http://www.wiley-vch.de/contents/jc_2089/2008/adma200702906_s.pdf or from the author. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.