Abstract: This invention provides an optical film, which can freely regulate the tilt angle and can easily be manufactured without simultaneously regulating polymerization and mixing, and a method for manufacturing the same. The optical film is a film having birefringence. The film has been produced by association through an intermolecular hydrogen bond between at least two compounds having a refractive index anisotropy-providing structure and a proton-receptive group and at least one compound having a refractive index anisotropy-providing structure and a proton-providing group. The method for manufacturing the optical film comprises mixing at least two compounds having a refractive index anisotropy-providing structure and a proton-receptive group with at least one compound having a refractive index anisotropy-providing structure and a proton-providing group and forming a film from the mixture on an aligning film.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel photo-responsive liquid crystal composition in which an oriented state of a liquid crystalline compound is capable of being controlled by an irradiation of light. The photo-responsive liquid crystal composition is composed of a liquid crystalline compound and a gelling agent mixed with the liquid crystalline compound to form a gelling mixture, wherein the liquid crystalline compound is capable of being controlled in a state orientated in one direction by the irradiation of light. In the photo-responsive liquid crystal composition, the liquid crystalline compound is oriented in a direction parallel to the direction of the irradiation of light. In the photo-responsive liquid crystal composition, the gelling agent is formed of a compound having an azobenzene structural part and a specific skeletal structure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel photo-responsive liquid crystal composition in which an oriented state of a liquid crystalline compound is capable of being controlled by an irradiation of light. The photo-responsive liquid crystal composition is composed of a liquid crystalline compound and a gelling agent mixed with the liquid crystalline compound to form a gelling mixture, wherein the liquid crystalline compound is capable of being controlled in a state orientated in one direction by the irradiation of light. In the photo-responsive liquid crystal composition, the liquid crystalline compound is oriented in a direction parallel to the direction of the irradiation of light. In the photo-responsive liquid crystal composition, the gelling agent is formed of a compound having an azobenzene structural part and a specific skeletal structure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a photo-responsive liquid crystal composition which is composed of a liquid crystalline compound and a gelling agent, an information-recording medium and an information-recording process making use of the information-recording medium. The gelling agent consists of a photochromic compound having a group capable of forming an intermolecular hydrogen bond in its molecule as well as a photo-responding site of a specific structure. The composition can exist in any state of gel of a first phase and gel of a second phase and can undergo changes in state between the gel of the first phase and the gel of the second phase. The information-recording medium has a recording layer formed of the composition, and the information-recording process utilizes changes in state between the gel phases in the recording layer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a photo-responsive liquid crystal composition which is composed of a liquid crystalline compound and a gelling agent, an information-recording medium and an information-recording process making use of the information-recording medium. The gelling agent consists of a photochromic compound having a group capable of forming an intermolecular hydrogen bond in its molecule as well as a photo-responding site of a specific structure. The composition can exist in any state of gel of a first phase and gel of a second phase and can undergo changes in state between the gel of the first phase and the gel of the second phase. The information-recording medium has a recording layer formed of the composition, and the information-recording process utilizes changes in state between the gel phases in the recording layer.