Liquid crystal phases in confined geometries

ABSTRACT

The orientation control of liquid crystal (LC) phases is essential for fundamental studies as well as practical applications. Surface treatment and topographic confinement have emerged as two of the most effective tools to control ordering and orientation of various types of LC phases. This review is intended to give an overview of the LC phases controlled in confined geometries at micro- and nanometre scales, in which the orientation control methods and the effective analytical techniques will be covered. Finally, the review closes with the applications using such confined LC phases.