The ground-state director configurations in a grating-aligned, zenithally bistable nematic device are calculated in two dimensions using a Q tensor approach. The director profiles generated are well described by a one-dimensional variation of the director across the width of the device, with the distorted region near the grating replaced by an effective surface anchoring energy. This work shows that device bistability can in fact be achieved by using a monostable surface term in the one-dimensional model. This implies that is should be possible to construct a device showing zenithal bistability without the need for a micropatterned surface.

We have previously shown that tilted micron-scale posts can be used to generate uniform liquid crystal alignment. By considering the geometry and symmetry of individual surface features in more detail, we have been able to demonstrate finer control of alignment, eliminate the need for tilted structures, and show multidomain alignment.

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Triple band polarization-independent ultra-thin metamaterial absorber using electric field-driven LC resonator J. Appl. Phys. 115, 064508 (2014); 10.1063/1.4865273Low-loss NiCuZn ferrite with matching permeability and permittivity by two-step sintering process J. Appl. Phys. 113, 17B301 (2013); 10.1063/1.4793508Broadband and low loss high refractive index metamaterials in the microwave regime