high alignment efficiency of azo dye aligning layers for reactive mesogens is demonstrated. This alignment principle is especially useful to produce patterned retarder

O. Yaroshchuk, T. Sergan, J. Lindau, S.N. Lee, J. Kelly, L.-C. Chien. Light induced structures in liquid crystalline side-chain polymers with azobenzene functional groups. J.Chem.Phys., 114, 12, 5330-5337 (2001). pdf

J. Kelly, O. Yaroshchuk, Yu. Reznikov, T. Sergan, L.-C. Chien "Optical Compensation Film for Liquid Crystal Display" US Patent 6,822,713 B1 (Filed on Nov. 27, 2000, as Appl. No. 09/722,991; Date of Patent: Nov. 23, 2004). [KSU provisional patent 189 (1999)]. pdf