Liquid-crystal alignment on anisotropic homeotropic-planar patterned substrates

The development of patterned surfaces for liquid crystal (LC) alignment has attracted much attention because it is applicable to bistable displays allowing the complete control of LC alignment. In this work we propose a method of preparing patterned substrates for LC alignment combining two surface treatments that lead to alternating homeotropic-planar alignment potentials. By superimposing two similar patterned substrates with crossed directions of treatment, a twisted nematic texture was observed in the regions of planar alignment in both surfaces, indicating the possibility of technological applications.