A method for quantitatively analyzing the angle of direction for arbitral c-axis alignment with retardation measurements. (January 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shimoi, Norihiro; Tanaka, Yasumitsu
• Is Part Of: Optics & laser technology. Volume 65(2015)
• Page Start: 189
• Page End: 193
• Publication Date: 2015-01
• Subjects: Optical c-axis alignment -- Photonic-crystal array -- Optical compensator film; Optics -- Periodicals; Lasers -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 621.366
• DOI: 10.1016/j.optlastec.2014.07.022
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0030-3992

Abstract

Abstract: c -axis alignment in a polymer or crystal structure has drawn attention in numerous scientific and technological applications, including crystals, thin film growth, electro-optic devices, and phase difference optics. We here demonstrate a new approach based on retardation measurement that can obtain the direction of the c -axis alignment. This is employed to visualize the three-dimensional direction of continuous crystals as a thin optical film utilizing a liquid crystal panel, using retardation analysis equipment with high resolution measurement capability. The direction of the c -axis alignment is shown so as to allow a detailed characterization of the direction perpendicular to the plane. In this analysis, the direction of the c -axis alignment is identified, and differences between molecules at inequivalent sites are quantified. The results suggest that the excellent lubrication properties of the c -axis alignment may be due to a significant localization in lateral directions. Highlights: There was no report to analyze c -axis alignment directly. A new analysis approach is demonstrated with a direction of the c -axis alignment. We could visualize the three-dimensional direction of optical axes in a thin film.