Liquid crystal alignment

Abstract

A liquid crystal device has a surface alignment structure comprising a random or pseudorandom two dimensional array of alignment features ( 10 ) which are shaped and/or orientated to produce a desired alignment. Depending on the geometry and spacing of the features ( 10 ), the liquid crystal may be induced to adopt a planar, tilted, or homeotropic alignment.

1 - 14 . (Cancelled)  
     
     
         15 . A method of manufacturing a liquid crystal device comprising 
 securing a first cell wall a second cell wall, at least one of the cell walls having an electrode structure thereon, so as to produce a cell having spaced apart cell walls the inner surfaces of which each carry at least one electrode structure;    filling the cell with a liquid crystal material; and    sealing the cell, wherein said first cell wall comprises a wall and a surface alignment structure on one surface thereof for aligning the director of a liquid crystal material, said surface alignment structure comprising one of a random or pseudorandom two dimensional array of upstanding features which are at least one of shaped and orientated to produce the desired alignment.