LIQUID CRYSTAL MATERIAL, ITS PRODUCTION METHOD, LIQUID CRYSTAL FILM, ITS PRODUCTION METHOD AND METHOD OF USE

摘要

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a liquid crystal material having photo-response characteristics which deform by a specific light irradiation, a production method of the material, a liquid crystal film having the characteristics, a production method and a method of use thereof. SOLUTION: The material which comprises a copolymer of a monofunctional monomer having an azobenzene structure and a polyfunctional monomer is obtained by photopolymerizing the monomers in a liquid crystal state. The liquid crystal film comprises an oriented copolymer molecule obtained by the production method. A photo-responsing film which comprises the liquid crystal film deforms in response to a light. In the production method of the liquid crystal film, a copolymer molecule obtained by the photopolymerization is oriented. The liquid crystal film is used by deforming the film through the first radiation irradiation and restoring the shape through the second radiation irradiation. The deformation and restoration of the film is preferably carried out in a swelling state.