Multi-domain low twist angle liquid crystal cells and methods of production thereof

A method of generating multi-directional alignment domains on a substrate, comprising the steps of:

• positioning a particle source in a first position relative to the substrate, the particle source being capable of generating a particle beam;
• positioning a mask between the particle source and the substrate;
• directing the particle beam at the substrate, wherein the mask allows exposure of one or more selected regions of the substrate to the particle beam;
• exposing at least a first region of the substrate to the particle beam,
• whereby at least one alignment domain having a first alignment direction is generated;
• adjusting the position of the particle source relative to the substrate to at least a second position;
• and
• exposing at least a second region of the substrate to the particle beam,
• whereby at least one alignment domain is generated having an alignment direction different than the first alignment direction.

A method of producing a liquid crystal cell, comprising the steps of:

• providing a first substrate and a second substrate;
• generating multi-directional alignment domains on the first substrate by:
• positioning a particle source in a first position relative to the first substrate, the particle source being capable of generating a particle beam;
• positioning a mask between the particle source and the first substrate;
• directing the particle beam at the first substrate, wherein the mask allows exposure of one or more selected regions of the first substrate to the particle beam;
• exposing at least a first region of the first substrate to the particle beam, whereby at least one alignment domain having a first alignment direction is generated;
• adjusting the position of the particle source relative to the first substrate to at least a second position;
• and
• exposing at least a second region of the first substrate to the particle beam, whereby at least one alignment domain is generated having an alignment direction different than the first alignment direction;
• generating at least one alignment direction on the second substrate;
• spacing the first substrate and the second substrate adjacent each other so as to create a cell gap;
• and
• inserting a liquid crystal medium in the cell gap.