Vertically aligned carbon nanotube arrays stabilize homeotropic liquid crystal devices

Understanding the alignment phenomena of a nematic liquid crystals on nanostructured surfaces remains an important area of research, as the alignment process determines the LC's molecular orientation and conformation - which influence the LC's optical and electro-optical characteristics in modern LCDs. Researchers report that an inorganic nanostructured surface - vertically aligned carbon nanotube arrays - can be employed as the alignment agent to design an electro-optic homeotropic LC device.