Abstract
A novel liquid crystal (LC) photoalignment method, based on a super thin azo dye molecular layer is proposed. The basic idea of this method is to form a very neat textile knitwear and uniform alignment by azo dye layer without spin coating and rubbing processes. The thickness of the alignment layer is smaller than 3 nm, which is much thinner than traditional PI alignment film. In addition to the advantages of a conventional photoalignment method, the use of super thin layer simplifies the alignment procedure, making possible a high electrooptical performance, good photo-tolerance and thermal stability, better adhesion on indium tin oxide (ITO) surface and compatibility with roll-to-roll process.