Ms. NGUYEN, Thi Trinh (2nd year doctoral student in MIZUTANI Laboratory of Applied Physics Area) received Student Award in the 12th International Symposium on Atomic Level Characterizations for New Materials and Devices '19（ALC '19）

The ALC symposia focus on practical applications of atomic level characterization of new materials and devices, including bio- and organic materials as well as inorganics. Descriptions of new applications and instrumentation for various analytical techniques of surface and interface analysis are solicited in these symposia. The goal is to promote stimulating discussions among researchers specializing in different probe methods. The symposium also encourages discussion of fundamental problems to be solved in the further development of atomic level characterization of materials, including approaches based on theory and simulations. The Student Awards are designed to encourage students to present their work.

ALC '19 was held in Kyoto, Japan,20-25 October 2019.

■Date Awarded
October 23, 2019

■Title
Nonlinear vibrational spectroscopy of steroidal structure side chains of Polyimide surface

■Author
NGUYEN, Thi Trinh

■Abstract
Alignment films are an essential component of a liquid crystal display (LCD) and directly affect the performance of LCD panels. Polyimide (PI) is one of the most appropriate material for the alignment film because of its high chemical and thermal stability, high optical transmission and high electrical resistance. In this study, a rubbed novel PI film containing steroidal structure side chains prepared by spin coating on an indium tin oxide (ITO) - coated glass substrate was investigated. In order to determine how steroidal structure side chains of PI are oriented at the air-polymer interface and how they are affected by mechanical rubbing, Sum frequency generation (SFG) vibrational spectra of this PI were measured. The difference between the SFG spectra with different input/output polarization combinations and azimuthal angles ψ indicated that methylene groups have no net polar orientation in this PI and methyl groups are aligned by rubbing.

■Comment
Firstly, I would like to thank to ALC'19 organizers who gave me a good opportunity to take part in the interesting international symposium where I could present my research and took many useful comments from specialists and attended stimulating lectures. ALC symposium is a prestigious conference, thus it was a great honor when I received the Student Award of this symposium. Secondly, I would like to give special thanks go to my supervisor Professor Goro Mizutani, who always gave me the strong supports and encourages to overcome difficulties in research and personal life. Finally, I also would like to express many thanks to all members in our laboratory who helped me adjust my life in Japan.

November 14,2019