Molecular-Scale Soft Imprint Lithography for Alignment Layers in Liquid Crystal Devices

We describe molecular-scale soft nanoimprint lithographic replication of rubbed polyimide substrates to form alignment layers for liquid crystal devices. Systematic studies of the surface relief morphology of the polyimide and molded structures in three different polymers illustrate good lithographi...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Nano letters 2007-06, Vol.7 (6), p.1613-1621
Main Authors: Lin, Rongsheng, Rogers, John A.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Condensed matter: structure, mechanical and thermal properties
Crystallization - methods
Exact sciences and technology
Liquid crystals
Liquid Crystals - chemistry
Macromolecular Substances - chemistry
Materials Testing
Molecular Conformation
Nanostructures - chemistry
Nanostructures - ultrastructure
Nanotechnology - instrumentation
Nanotechnology - methods
Particle Size
Physics
Resins, Synthetic - chemistry
Structure of solids and liquids
crystallography
Surface Properties
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Summary:We describe molecular-scale soft nanoimprint lithographic replication of rubbed polyimide substrates to form alignment layers for liquid crystal devices. Systematic studies of the surface relief morphology of the polyimide and molded structures in three different polymers illustrate good lithographic fidelity down to relief heights of several nanometers, and with some capabilities at the level of ∼1 nm. Collective results of experiments with several polymer formulations for molds and molded materials and process conditions indicate that this molecular-scale fidelity in replication can be used to produce surfaces that will effectively align liquid crystal molecules. Good electro-optical responses from liquid crystal light modulators that are formed in this manner suggest utility for fundamental studies and potential practical application.
ISSN:1530-6984
1530-6992
DOI:10.1021/nl070559y