Effect of multidirection rubbing on the alignment of nematic liquid crystal

We have investigated the alignment properties of liquid crystals induced by multiple rubbing of the surfaces in different directions. Experiments were carried out using homeotropic and hybrid-aligned samples. It is experimentally found that the alignment of the liquid crystals is along neither of the rubbing directions, but instead lies along an axis intermediate between these two directions, and that the direction depended on the relative strength of rubbing along the two axes. A model that assumed the grooves along two rubbing directions is proposed, and the relation between the orientation of the liquid crystal and the relative rubbing strength is analyzed. We found that this model can explain the observed experimental results. (C) 2000 American Institute of Physics. [S0003-6951(00)02330-5].