Alignment properties of liquid crystal on DLC film using ion beam

Uniform alignment of the liquid crystals is necessary for high quality liquid crystal displays (LCDs). In this study, the rubbing-free method was carried out for the modification of the DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) surface by Ar+ ion beam bombardment. By ion beam conditions, such as the energy and fluence of the incident ions at incident angle of 45º, the unidirectional out-of-plane liquid crystal pre-tilt angle is changed. Also, we measured the surface microstructure changes by ion beam using XPS, Raman spectroscopy and AFM analysis. Crystal rotation method was used for measuring the pre-tilt angle of LC and we checked voltage–transmittance (V–T) to evaluate the electro-optical characteristics. Also, the changes of the structural property were analyzed with AFM analysis. LC alignment and electric-optical characteristics which were obtained through LCDs cell alignment by ion beam treatment technology were confirmed that it is identical and suitable to the rubbing method to apply industrial application.