Memory versus elastic azimuthal anchoring of nematic on holographic gratings

The azimuthal anchoring strength and easy axis gliding of the nematic 5CB on holographic gratings were measured. Relation between the aligning elastic forces and the inelastic gliding of the surface easy axis for different grating amplitudes was established. Azimuthal extrapolation lengths of the gratings were estimated. q 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.