Method for forming pattern, method for forming alignment film, droplet ejection apparatus, apparatus for forming alignment film, electro-optic device, and liquid crystal display

A method for forming an alignment film on a substrate by ejecting droplets containing an alignment film forming material onto the substrate, the method comprising:

• ejecting, in a first ejecting direction inclined with respect to a normal line of the substrate, first droplets containing the alignment film forming material from a plurality of first ejection ports that are aligned along a certain direction on a surface of the substrate;
• and
• ejecting, in a second ejecting direction and onto areas between adjacent pairs of the first droplets on the substrate, second droplets containing the alignment film forming material from a plurality of second ejection ports that are aligned along the certain direction.

A droplet ejection apparatus that forms a pattern on a substrate by ejecting droplets containing a pattern forming material onto the substrate, the apparatus comprising:

• a first ejection port forming surface opposed to the substrate, wherein the first ejection port forming surface includes a plurality of first ejection ports that are aligned in a certain direction on a surface of the substrate, each of the first ejection ports ejecting a first droplet containing the pattern forming material in a first ejecting direction inclined with respect to a normal line of the substrate;
• and
• a second ejection port forming surface opposed to the substrate, wherein the second ejection port forming surface includes a plurality of second ejection ports that are aligned in the certain direction, each of the second ejection ports ejecting a second droplet containing the pattern forming material in a second ejecting direction and onto a corresponding one of areas between adjacent pairs of the first droplets on the substrate.

An alignment film forming apparatus that forms an alignment film on a substrate by ejecting droplets containing an alignment film forming material onto the substrate, the apparatus comprising:

• a first ejection port forming surface opposed to the substrate, wherein the first ejection port forming surface includes a plurality of first ejection ports that are aligned in a certain direction on a surface of the substrate, each of the first ejection ports ejecting a first droplet containing the alignment film forming material in a first ejecting direction inclined with respect to a normal line of the substrate;
• and
• a second ejection port forming surface opposed to the substrate, wherein the second ejection port forming surface includes a plurality of second ejection ports that are aligned in a certain direction on a surface of the substrate, each of the second ejection ports ejecting a second droplet containing the alignment film forming material in a second ejecting direction and onto a corresponding one of areas between adjacent pairs of the first droplets on the substrate.