Abstract: A process of producing a substrate for liquid crystal display device comprising an optically anisotropic layer, which comprises forming the optically anisotropic layer by a process comprising the following [1] to [3]: [1] preparing a substrate having a raw optically anisotropic layer; [2] subjecting the raw optically anisotropic layer to patterned exposures of two or more types having different exposure conditions to each other; [3] subjecting the substrate obtained after the exposure to a heat treatment at 80° C. or higher and 400° C. or lower. By the process, a substrate for liquid crystal display device which contribute to reducing viewing angle dependence of color of a liquid crystal display device can be easily produced.

Abstract: The invention relates to a laser-induced process that employs a transfer element comprising a liquid crystal material for a thermal transfer onto a receiving surface. The process is suitable for generating markings with various appearance or optical effects on a surface of choice. The transfer element comprises a light-to-heat conversion layer and a transfer layer The transfer layer comprises a liquid crystal material, especially a liquid crystal polymer film.

Abstract: Cholesteric liquid crystal compositions are disclosed that produce high clarity cholesteric liquid crystal films. The cholesteric liquid crystal compositions are a reaction product of a cholesteric liquid crystal compound of formula (I) R—R1—R2R3R4nR5—R6??(I) as defined herein, and a thiol compound.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polymerised liquid crystal (LC) film comprising at least one photoisomerisable compound and having a pattern of regions with different retardation and/or different orientation of the LC material, to methods of preparing such a film, and to its use as alignment layer, optical retardation film or optical waveguide in liquid crystal displays or other optical or electrooptical components or devices, or for decorative or security applications.

Abstract: An optical compensation film is provided and includes a first optically anisotropic layer and a second optically anisotropic layer. It is characterized in that the first optically anisotropic layer includes discotic liquid crystal and the second optically anisotropic layer has an Re(550) value of 15 to 150 nm and an Rth(550) value of ?40 to 10 nm, and a polarizing plate using such an optical compensation film.

Abstract: The present invention provides a photosensitive material for non-substrate liquid crystal display. This photosensitive material includes photo-initiator selected from the free-radical type or cation type photo-initiator or mixture thereof, photosensitive polymerizable monomers or oligomers selected from the group consisting of double-bond compounds, compounds having epoxy functional group and mixtures thereof, and modifier selected from the group consisting of long-alkyl-chain functional group, silicone-alkyl compounds, double-bond compounds and mixtures thereof. The photosensitive material can surround liquid crystal display cell and separate from assisting substrates that a non-substrate liquid crystal cell surrounded by photosensitive material is acquired.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a material pattern, and mold using thereof, metal thin-film pattern, metal pattern, and method of forming the sames. A method of forming the material pattern according to the present invention comprises the steps of; (a) forming a photo-sensitive material film by coating a photo-sensitive material on a substrate; (b) deciding an exposure section on the photo-sensitive material film; (c) disposing a light refraction film and a light diffusion film at a route of light exposed on the photo-sensitive material film; and (d) forming a pattern on the photo-sensitive material film, by projecting a light on the exposure section of the photo-sensitive material film, wherein the light transmits the light refraction film and the light diffusion film.

Abstract: A retardation plate is provided and includes: a transparent support; and an optically anisotropic layer formed from a discotic liquid crystalline compound.

Abstract: An optical film comprising an optically anisotropic layer including a liquid crystalline compound, wherein the optically anisotropic layer satisfies the following formulae: Re(450)/Re(650)<1.25: ??Formula (1) wherein Re(450) and Re(650) are in-plane retardation values (unit: nm) of the optically anisotropic layer at wavelengths of 450 nm and 650 nm, respectively; 0.09<Re—m(550)/d: ??Formula (2) wherein Re_m(550) is an in-plane retardation value (unit: nm) of a uniaxial alignment layer in which the director of the liquid crystalline compound is aligned to be parallel in the plane at a wavelength of 550 nm, and d is the thickness of the uniaxial alignment layer (unit: nm).

Abstract: A diffractive optical element such as a diffuser, diffraction grating, and/or hologram, can be manufactured by using a surface relief pattern on a surface of a surface relief tool. A layer of curable material is physically contacted with the surface relief pattern on the surface of the surface relief tool to thereby imprint the pattern on a surface of the layer. Diffractive features are formed in the layer by propagating energy through the surface relief tool and into the layer such that refractive index variations corresponding to the pattern are created in the layer. The resultant product is a diffractive optical element comprising a layer of material having diffractive features formed by a predetermined pattern of refractive index variations. The diffractive features originate at an undulating boundary and extend only from one side of the boundary into the material. The undulating boundary has an undulating pattern that corresponds to the predetermined pattern of refractive index variations.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a polarizer of the invention, wherein the polarizer comprises a film that comprises: a matrix made of an optically-transparent resin containing a dichroic absorbing material; and minute domains that are made of an energy ray-curable birefringent material having liquid crystalline properties and are aligned and dispersed in the matrix; and comprising a process of applying energy rays for fixing the alignment of the birefringent material having liquid crystalline properties. A polarizer obtained by the method has a high transmittance and a high polarization degree, and being able to control unevenness of the transmittance in the case of black viewing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid crystal composition obtained by dissolving a dichroic dye in a mixture of a cross-linked polymer having a liquid crystalline group in the side chains and a low molecular weight liquid crystal, and preferably the cross-linked polymer is a cross-linked siloxane polymer having a liquid crystalline group in the side chains, and the dielectric constant anisotropy of the liquid crystal composition is changed from positive to negative by increasing the frequency of the voltage to be applied. The present invention further provides a liquid crystal element containing the liquid crystal composition and a cross-linked siloxane polymer preferably usable for the liquid crystal composition.

Abstract: A simple technique for introducing a hybrid alignment or a homeotropic (vertical) alignment into liquid crystal films, which, by their nature, tend to have a horizontal alignment of liquid crystal molecules. The technique does not require special alignment films. A liquid crystal composition for forming a liquid crystal film contains a polymerizable liquid crystal compound and a hydrolysate of an alkoxysilane compound. The hydrolysate of the alkoxysilane compound contains a siloxane oligomer of which degree of polymerization is from 2 to 25. Furthermore, the alkoxysilane compound is a trialkoxysilane compound having a functional group. This liquid crystal film composition can be produced by hydrolyzing an alkoxysilane compound to obtain a hydrolysate and then uniformly mixing the hydrolysate with a polymerizable liquid crystal compound.

Abstract: The invention provides a space-variant liquid-crystal (LC) photo-aligned waveplate having a vortex optic axis pattern, and an apparatus and method for fabricating thereof. The method in it preferred embodiment includes exposing a substrate coated with a photo-alignable material such as LPP to linearly polarized UV radiation through a wedge-shaped aperture, while rotating two of the aperture, the substrate and the polarization of the UV light, so that an exposure area performs a full rotation about a center point on the substrate, at angular velocities selected so as to form a vortex alignment pattern of a pre-defined order. An LC material is then deposited on the substrate in direct contact with the photo-alignable material so that the LC director is aligned according to the photo-induced vortex alignment pattern. The method enables to fabricate vortex waveplate of any pre-defined vortex order.

Abstract: A main object of the present invention is to provide a liquid crystal display using a ferroelectric liquid crystal, showing the mono-stability operation mode using a material showing the chiral smectic C phase via the smectic A phase in the temperature cooling process as the ferroelectric liquid crystal.

Abstract: A polymer liquid crystal device. The polymer liquid crystal device is fabricated by the following steps. A first substrate is provided, and a coating of a photosensitive composition is formed on the first substrate. Next, a second substrate is disposed on the first substrate. Finally, the coating is completely cured without a mask, forming a polymer dispersed liquid crystal film between the first and second substrate. Furthermore, the coating can also be cured with mask, forming a phase separation composite film between the first and second substrate.

Abstract: There is disclosed a liquid crystal display device having two substrates which are placed opposite to each other with a liquid crystal material sandwiched therebetween. A phase plate is formed on the liquid-crystal side surface of one of the substrates. The phase plate is covered with color filters.

Abstract: A thin film transistor comprises a layer of organic semiconductor material comprising a tetracarboxylic diimide naphthalene-based compound having, attached to each of the imide nitrogen atoms, a substituted or unsubstituted alicyclic ring system, optionally substituted with electron donating groups. Such transistors can further comprise spaced apart first and second contact means or electrodes in contact with said material. Further disclosed is a process for fabricating an organic thin-film transistor device, preferably by sublimation deposition onto a substrate, wherein the substrate temperature is no more than 100° C.

Abstract: A coating composition for the formation of a low refractive index layer, comprising: a fluorine-containing olefin-based polymer that has a polysiloxane segment represented by formula 1 in its main chain, has a fluorine content of 30 mass % or more, and contains a plurality of ethylenically unsaturated groups; and a hollow silica fine particle having an average particle diameter of 5 to 200 nm and a refractive index of 1.17 to 1.40: Formula 1: [wherein R1 and R2, which may be the same or different, each represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an alkyl halide group or an aryl group].

Abstract: A mesogenic, crosslinkable mixture comprising at least one polymerisable liquid crystal and at least one polymerisable dichroic dye of the general formula I: wherein A represents a dichroic residue exhibiting at least partial absorption in the visible region >400 nm; n1, n2, n3, n4 signifies 0 or 1 whereby the sum of n1, n2, n3 and n4 is >0, and B1 and B4 represent a group of substructure II wherein the broken line symbolises the linkage to said dichroic residue.

Abstract: Liquid crystalline epoxy compounds, compositions including the compounds, and methods of using the compositions are disclosed. In one aspect, an epoxy compound may have a melting point that is less than 140° C. and may be liquid crystalline at a temperature greater than 150° C.

Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid crystal mixed-composition comprising one or more cellulose derivatives and one or more liquid crystal compounds (preferably low-molecular liquid crystal compound) which can be oriented in a specific direction differing from that of the cellulose derivative, wherein the ratio by weight of the both is preferably in a range from 1:9 to 9:1, a retardation film produced using the composition, a circularly or elliptically polarizing film using the retardation film and an image display device provided with a circularly or elliptically polarizing film. The liquid crystal mixed-composition can be easily oriented in a specific direction on a rubbed substrate. If this orientation is fixed, a retardation film can be easily obtained which has such wavelength dispersion characteristics that the same level of retardation can be imparted to each wavelength in a wide visible region.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel photochromic liquid crystal materials which may be used in various electro-optic devices including liquid crystal devices. The materials can be converted into another form on irradiation by light which may make it feasible for them to be addressed by light in electro-optic devices. The materials are based on 5-membered heterocycles.

Abstract: A new photopolymerizable material allows single-step, fast recording of volume holograms with properties that can be electrically controlled. Polymer-dispersed liquid crystals (PDLCs) in accordance with the invention preferably comprise a homogeneous mixture of a nematic liquid crystal and a multifunctional pentaacrylate monomer, in combination with photoinitiator, coinitiator and cross-linking agent. Optionally, a surfactant such as octanoic acid may also be added. The PDLC material is exposed to coherent light to produce an interference pattern inside the material. Photopolymerization of the new PDLC material produces a hologram of clearly separated liquid crystal domains and cured polymer domains. Volume transmission gratings made with the new PDLC material can be electrically switched between nearly 100% diffraction efficiency and nearly 0% diffraction efficiency. By increasing the frequency of the switching voltage, switching voltages in the range of 50 Vrms can be achieved.

Abstract: A new photopolymerizable material allows single-step, fast recording of volume holograms with properties that can be electrically controlled. Polymer-dispersed liquid crystals (PDLCs) in accordance with the invention preferably comprise a homogeneous mixture of a nematic liquid crystal and a multifunctional pentaacrylate monomer in combination with photoinitiator, coinitiator and cross-linking agent. Optionally, a surfactant such as octanoic acid may also be added. The PDLC material is exposed to coherent light to produce an interference pattern inside the material. Photopolymerization of the new PDLC material produces a hologram of clearly separated liquid crystal domains and cured polymer domains.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a polymerizable liquid-crystal composition for obtaining a liquid-crystal film having good adhesiveness to supporting substrates. A polymerizable liquid-crystal layer of controlled alignment can be formed from the polymerizable liquid-crystal composition, and when the polymerizable liquid-crystal composition is polymerized, it gives a liquid-crystal film. The polymerizable liquid-crystal composition of the invention contains a polymerizable liquid-crystal compound represented by Formula (1) and a organosilicon compound having a primary amino group. wherein W is hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, halogen, —CN or -(G-Sp)r-P; P is a polymerizable group; Sp is alkylene; G is a bonding group; and MG is a mesogenic group represented by Formula (2): wherein T1 and T2 are ringed group; G1 is a bonding group; and f is an integer of 0 to 4. The symbols in these formulae are defined in detail in claim 2.

Abstract: The invention relates to materials and devices including these materials which have three-dimensional optical data storage capabilities, as well as to related methods and apparatus for storage, reading and erasing optical data. In particular, the invention relates to a three-dimensional optical data storage device comprising a data storage material which comprises a polymer matrix and nematic liquid crystal droplets wherein the nematic liquid crystal droplets are dispersed through the polymer matrix.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a display substrate includes forming a plurality of thin film transistors (TFTs) on a first substrate in a matrix, forming a plurality of pixel electrodes connected to the TFTs, forming a connecting pad to receive a common voltage, forming an organic pattern on the connecting pad, depositing an inorganic alignment layer covering the organic pattern on the first substrate, and removing the organic pattern and the inorganic alignment layer remaining on the organic pattern.

Abstract: A chiral nematic liquid crystal composition, characterized in that a self-organizing type gelling agent is contained and the phase transition temperature between liquid crystal and isotropic phases is higher than the sol-gel transition temperature, a liquid crystal display device wherein the chiral nematic liquid crystal composition is put and held between a pair of substrates having an electrode, and a method for producing a liquid crystal display device wherein the chiral nematic liquid crystal composition is heated to a temperature of not lower than the phase transition temperature between liquid crystal and isotropic phases and then cooled down to room temperature.

Abstract: A liquid crystal device comprises a layer of a liquid crystal material contained between two spaced-apart cell walls with electrodes for applying an electric field across at least some of the liquid crystal material. At least one of the cell walls includes an alignment structure for inducing a desired local orientation of molecules of the liquid crystal material adjacent thereto. The liquid crystal material includes non-polymerisable low molecular weight surfactant molecules. The invention also provides a liquid crystal composition for use in the device and a method of manufacturing the device.

Abstract: A nematic liquid crystal composition includes at least one of liquid crystal compounds containing a trans-4-trifluoromethoxycyclohexyl group in a backbone, in which the number of an intramolecular cyclohexane ring is 2 to 4; at least one of compounds in which ?? is less than 1 in absolute value; and at least one selected from liquid crystal compounds containing a naphthalene-2,6-diyl group, a decahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group, or a 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2, 6-diyl group in a backbone, in which ?? is 1 or more in absolute value, and a liquid crystal compound in which the number of a six-membered ring is 2 to 4, and ?? is 1 or more in absolute value.

Abstract: An LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) includes a first panel having a first resolution; a second panel having a second resolution, the second resolution lower than the first resolution; and a compensation pattern on an array substrate of the second panel for maintaining a cell gap. According to the present invention, though a color filter layer of the second panel having the lower resolution has a lower thickness, a uniform cell gap can be maintained.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device includes a first substrate; a second substrate facing the first substrate; a pixel electrode on the first substrate; a common electrodes on the second substrate; a first alignment layer on the pixel electrode; a second alignment layer on the common electrode; a liquid crystal layer between the first and second alignment layers, liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer disposed in a bend state; and a hydrogen-bonded structure in the liquid crystal layer, the hydrogen-bonded structure having a bow shape to maintain the bend state of the liquid crystal molecules.

Abstract: An LCD device includes a reflective area in each pixel. A reflection film having a convex-concave surface is provided in the reflective area, film in cross section configuration is formed. Each pixel includes a pixel electrode and a common electrode for applying a lateral electric field on a LC layer. The inclination angle of the reflection film has an inclination angle distribution, wherein the angle component in an area corresponding to the electrodes has a lower angle distribution than the angle components in an area corresponding to a gap between adjacent two of the electrodes.

Abstract: A flat panel display comprising a liquid crystal module, a backlight module, and a transition film is disclosed. The backlight module provides light to the liquid crystal module, and the transition film is disposed above the liquid crystal module. The transition film comprises a material capable of filtering light of specific wavelengths. The material can be organic dye material phthal-ocyanine Copper (CuPc) or C32H16N8Cu. The transition film can be an evaporation layer, so the transition film can be formed on the polarizer of the liquid crystal module. The transition film has a transparency ratio with respect to blue light and a transparency ratio with respect to red light, and the ratios range from 0.5 to 0.95. The transparency ratio with respect to blue light is greater than that with respect to red light. The backlight module comprises one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) to provide light.

Abstract: Liquid crystal compositions are provided having a high “higher limit temperature” of a nematic phase, a low “lower limit temperature” of a nematic phase, small viscosity, suitable optical anisotropy, low threshold voltage and large specific resistance. The composition includes at least one compound selected from a group of compounds represented by formula (1) as a first component, at least one compound selected from a group of compounds represented by formula (2) as a second component, at least one compound selected from a group of compounds represented by formula (3) as a third component, and at least one compound selected from a group of compounds represented by formulae (4) and (5) as a fourth component: wherein R1 is alkyl; R2 is alkenyl; R3 is alkyl or alkenyl; A1 and A2 are 1,4-phenylene, for example; Z1, Z2, and Z3 are a single bond, for example; Y1 and Y2 are fluorine, for example.

Abstract: An aspect of the invention provides a method of recording an image (28) comprising: providing a display cell (4) having a first cell wall (6) and a second cell wall (8) opposed to the first cell wall, the cell walls enclosing a layer of a display medium (10) comprising a liquid crystal material (12) having finely-divided pigment particles (14) dispersed therein, each cell wall (6,8) including an electrode (16,18) for applying an electric field across the display medium (10); applying via the electrodes (16,18) a first electric field of a first polarity and of sufficient magnitude and duration to cause the particles (14) to migrate and accumulate at the first cell wall (6); illuminating at least some of the particles (14) with an image to be recorded; and applying via the electrodes (16,18) a second electric field of opposite polarity to the first polarity and of sufficient magnitude and duration to cause some but not all particles (14) to migrate from the first cell wall (6) so as to produce a recorded ima

Abstract: Provided are methods and systems for imprinting a pattern formed on surfaces of an imprint mask onto a double-sided substrate. The method includes deforming the surfaces of the first and second imprint stamps to produce respective first and second deformed surfaces, each having an arc therein. A pressure is applied to bring the deformed first and second surfaces into intimate contact with the first and second substrate surfaces, respectively. The applied pressure substantially flattens the deformed surfaces. To separate the two surfaces, the applied pressure is released. The method also includes transporting a substrate having first and second patterning surfaces and a shaped edge using a carrier having a holding portion that holds the shaped edge of the substrate, the holding surface having a shape that is complementary to the shaped edge of the substrate, such that the patterning surfaces remain untouched by the carrier.

Abstract: To provide a polarizing plate including a polarizing layer containing anisotropic metal nanoparticles produced by reducing a metal ion in a liquid crystal matrix. An embodiment in which the liquid crystal matrix is characterized in that molecules of a liquid crystal compound are fixed in an alignment state of any one of substantially horizontal alignment, substantially vertical alignment, diagonal alignment, hybrid alignment and spiral alignment; an embodiment in which the reduction is at least one of photoreduction, thermal reduction and chemical reduction; and the like are favorable.

Abstract: A dope containing cellulose acylate as a main content of polymer is cast on a front surface of a moving belt in a method of producing a film from a solution. A drying apparatus is confronted to a back surface of said belt to evaporate a solvent in the gel-like film. Further, a condensers are confronted to a cast surface of said gel-like film to condense a solvent vapor for recovery. A wind speed above and near the gel-like film is from 0.01 m/s to 0.5 m/s, and the belt is transported downwards at the casting position PS. When d (mm) is a distance between the casting surface and each condenser, Tw (° C.) is a temperature of each condenser, and Ts (° C.) is a temperature of the casting dope, conditions are satisfied: Q=(Ts?Tw)/d and 5<Q<100. The obtained film is excellent in thickness uniformity and optical properties, and therefore adequate for the optical film.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a color former phase. According to one exemplary embodiment discussed herein, an exemplary color former phase includes at least one color former, a radiation absorber, and an acrylic resin, in which the color former, the radiation absorber, and the acrylic resin form an amorphous solid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of forming a polymer dispersed liquid crystal cell. It also relates to a cell produced by such method and to uses of such cells.

Abstract: A process of readily producing a patterned birefringent product excellent in resolution and heat-resistance is provided. Said process comprises at least the following steps [1] to [3] in order: [1] preparing a birefringence pattern builder which comprises an optically anisotropic layer comprising a polymer, and said optically anisotropic layer has a retardation disappearance temperature in the range higher than 20° C., at said retardation disappearance temperature in-plane retardation becomes 30% or lower of the retardation at 20° C. of the same optically anisotropic layer, and said retardation disappearance temperature rises by light exposure; [2] subjecting the birefringence pattern builder to patterned light exposure; [3] heating the laminated structure obtained after the step [2] at 50° C. or higher and 400° C. or lower.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a high contrast reflective display comprising at least one substrate, at least one electrically conductive layer and at least one close-packed, ordered monolayer of domains of electrically modulated material in a fixed, preferably crosslinked, polymer matrix and a method of making the same.

Abstract: A phase difference film characterized in that said film is obtained by orienting and fixing, on a substrate, a composition containing a polymerizable liquid crystal monomer represented by the following formula (I): wherein, in the formula (I), X represents any one of Br, a halogen atom other than Br, -SMe and -SPh, R1 and R2 represent each independently a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, R3 and R4 represent each independently an alkylene group of a carbon number of 2 to 12, and R5 and R6 represent each independently —O—CO— or —CO—O—.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a display comprising at least one substrate and at least one electronically modulated imaging layer and at least one electrically conductive layer, wherein the electronically modulated imaging layer comprises a self-assembled, close-packed, ordered monolayer of domains of electrically modulated material in a water insoluble, hydrophobic polymer matrix and the at least one electrically conductive layer comprises electronically conductive polymer and a conductivity enhancing agent.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for preparing photo-patterned mono- or polychromatic, polarizing films. The polarizer can be pixelated into a number of small regions wherein some of the regions have one orientation of the principal neutral or color absorbing axis; and some other of the said regions have another orientation of the principal neutral or color absorbing axis. The axis orientation is determined by the polarization vector of actinic radiation and the multi-axes orientation is possible by a separated masked exposure. This polarizer can be placed on the interior substrate surface of the LCD cell.

Abstract: A process to produce a polymer liquid crystalline composition having temperature dependency of desired circular polarization selective reflection wave length property by only mixing two or more kinds of starting materials having different weight-average molecular weight comprising, mixing two or more kinds of rigid rodlike helical polymers with chiral side chains having different weight-average molecular weight synthesized from same molecules and having same repeating unit whose molecular weight distribution defined by the ratio of weight average molecular weight/number average molecular weight is from 1.00 to 1.25, and controlling weight average molecular weight, number average molecular weight and molecular weight distribution by mixing ratio.

Abstract: The invention relates to optical devices for producing and/or transforming polarized electromagnetic emission by means of anisotropic absorption and/or optical rotation effects and/or birefringence and can be used as different polarizers (dichroic, reflecting), lagging layers (retarders), liquid-crystal displays and indicators and also for producing polarizing glass for building construction and for sun and antiglare glasses, masks, aprons and faceplates. The inventive optical device is based on at least one molecularly oriented layer of a low-molecular or oligomeric dichroic material which can form a stable lyotropic liquid crystal structure. The projection of at least one anisotropically absorbing fragment of a molecule of the dichroic material on the surface of the molecularly oriented layer of a dipole moment of optical transition is disposed in a parallel position to the optical axis of the molecularly oriented layer at least within several ranges of wavelength of the electromagnetic emission.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of the present invention is applied to manufacture of a liquid crystal display device comprising an array board, an opposing board opposing the array board, and a liquid crystal layer interposed between the pair of boards. The method includes a step of performing alignment processing on an alignment film formed on the surface of at least one of the pair of boards in contact with the liquid crystal. The alignment processing is performed by irradiating energy having an anisotropy such as ion beams to the alignment film in a plurality of steps while the energy intensity is set to be lowest in the final irradiation step.