Template induced chiral ordering in nematic liquid crystalline materials: A deuterium nuclear magnetic resonance study.

Glancing angle deposition is used to create porous liquid crystal alignment layers with high aspect-ratio, three-dimensional features. We use solid-state deuterium nuclear magnetic resonance to determine the alignment of alpha deuterated 4′-pentyl-4-cyanobiphenyl in a 3.2 μm thick SiO2 film comprised of independent, helical structures. Comparing measured spectra with models, we determine that the liquid crystalline molecules exhibit chiral ordering dictated by the features of the template films. In the plane of deposition the liquid crystalline molecules tilt away from the substrate normal at an average angle of 51°, which is commensurate with the helical features of the chiral template. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]