Microscopic Surface Patterns of a Liquid Crystalline Polyacrylate Film

Lamellae-like surface ripples, as shown in the Figure, can be induced on liquid crystalline polyacrylate films. The film surface shows regular height modulations, which are attributed to coupling between local liquid crystal ordering and surface curvature energy. The properties of these films, including their use for the patterning of otherwise homogeneous surfaces, are discussed in this communication.