Effect of molecular structure and packing density of an azo self-assembled monolayer on liquid crystal alignment

- Photo-switchable liquid crystal alignment using azo-SAM is demonstrated.
- Azo-SAM with long octyloxy chain does not show photo-switchable LC alignment.
- Azo-SAM with short methyl group exhibits photo-switchable LC alignment.
- High packing density of azo-SAM suppresses the photo-switchable LC alignment.