Toric Focal Conic Domains(TFCDs) Square Arrangement by Multi-directional Rubbing

Abstract

The smectic A (Sm A) liquid crystal form toric focal conic domains(TFCDs) in the antagonistic boundary condition. At previous research, We obtained ordered hexagonal array of TFCDs from planar surface-modified microchannels and homeotropic air condition. In this study, square array of TFCDs was obtained by multi-directional rubbing method. The planar polyimide(PI) coated glass substrate is rubbed in perpendicular direction. Rubbing effect changes the anchoring of liquid crystal molecules in the nematic phase of 8CB smectic liquid crystal which is on phase transition from isotropic phase to sm A phase. Then square array of TFCDs is formed in the sm A phase. This study shows square array of TFCDs can be formed by easy rubbing method.