Abstract
We studied the nematic liquid crystaL(NLC) aligning capabilities using the new alignment material of a nitrogenated diamond-like carbon(NDLC) thin film. The NDLC thin film exhibits high electrical resistivity and thermal conductivity that are similar to the properties shown by diamond-like carbon (DLC) thin films. The diamond-like properties and nondiamond-like bonding make NDLC an attractive candidate for applications. A high pretilt angle of about 9.9$^{\circ}$ by ion beam(IB) exposure on the NDLC thin film surface was measured. A good LC alignment is achieved by the IB alignment method on the NDLC thin films surface at annealing temperature of 200 $^{\circ}C$. The alignment defect of the NLC was observed above annealing temperature of 250 $^{\circ}C$. Consequently, the high pretilt angle and the good LC alignment by the IB alignment method on the NDLC thin film surface can be achieved.
