Polydimethylsiloxane(PDMS) thin films have the advantages of flexible , good chemicophysical properties , low energetic surface that supports the vertical anchoring of liquid crystal molecules , could be fabricated easily by Replica Molding Method , low cost and good optically transparent. We study of the use of PDMS in flexible liquid crystal displays and the Electro-Optical properties of LC flexible cell. In experiment we use PDMS to fabricate vertical alignment layer , elastomer substrate and spacer to maintain the Electro-Optical properties in flexible displays.

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.

In this study, the PDMS with microgroove structure was used controlling pretilt anlge of liquid crystal. Polydimethylsiloxane, also called PDMS, is one transparent, flexible, and stable material. It was usually fabricated the flexible display and so on. Based on Groove Theory, we can create the microgroove structure with the different groove depths and the width of the lines on PDMS by Replica Molding Method, in order to controlling the pretilt anlge of liquid crystal. We used the photoresist with different thickness to developing, and then the groove will get with different depth of groove. The PDMS was injected to the surface of groove with slow motion. When the liquid-like PDMS was curing, the PDMS can readily convert into solid elastomers by cross-linking. Finally, The microgrooved PDMS structure will obtain.