Mechanical rubbing alignment is the most common used method in the liquid crystal display manufacturing process. However, it may cause dust and electrostatic problem. In this study, we investigate effects of low surface free energy Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) on orientation of liquid crystal molecules in a confined structure and fabricate alignment layer using PDMS. In the present study, we show that liquid crystal molecules are arranged in consistency without rubbing process and it may be a new homogeneously aligned mode in liquid crystal display. In this thesis, liquid crystal textures were observed using polarizing optical microscopy (POM). It was found that liquid crystal molecules were homogeneously aligned in PDMS holes. In addition, this thesis indicated that how liquid crystal alignment affected by PDMS layer thickness and surface treatment. We learned that using treatment of JALS-9800 film on the bottom substrate from liquid crystal texture can obtain the arrangement of expected liquid crystal molecules. The liquid crystal device can be produced using PDMS structure. The measurement of electro-optic characteristics showed that the circular shape in the confined structure had better transmittance and contrast ratio.

PDMS has not only the characteristics of good chemical and physical properties,flexible, low surface free energy, and good optically transparent, also has the advantages of low cost, low toxicity and environmental protection. In this study we use PDMS to fabricate liquid crystal device with different micro-confined structures. We had a discussion about liquid crystal in the micro-confined structure through optical textures and measured electro-optical characteristics on our device. Through the experiment we found the liquid crystal device with micro-confined structure had not only the characteristics of wide viewing angle and contrast ratio has been up to standard in normal display. And it also demonstrated the capability in flexible liquid crystal display.