Azimuthal Anchoring Strength in Photopatterned Alignment of a Nematic
Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
Overall the paper is well presented and it is clear what is being described in terms of this particular study. There are a number of questions that arise during reading the article that the authors should consider including prior to publication.
In this study you explain clearly that the liquid crystal was selected due to equal elastic constant values. What is not clear to me is why you have selected a negative delta epsilon material. You also describe applying electric fields to the device to see what effect there is on the defects but it may be useful to give details to the device geometry so a reader knows where the expected deformations may . Ie, is this a device with parallel electrodes or top/bottom electrodes? Presumably the liquid crystal is planar aligned within the device so again this needs to be more specific in the document. Would you expect to get the same results with a positive dielectric material?
The results of the study show that the anchoring is clearly a function of the irradiation time but bearing in mind you are using an azo compound what is the ageing of the experiment showing? Does that anchoring energy change as a result of being exposed to more light over time? Do factors such as humidity or temperature affect the anchoring strength during irradiation?
Once you have answered some of these concerns then I would be supportive of publication.
Author Response
Thank you so much for your valuable suggestions and comments. Please see the attachment for our reply.
Author Response File: 
Author Response.docx
Reviewer 2 Report
The article entitled “Azimuthal anchoring strength in photopatterned alignment of a nematic” characterize the strength of azimuthal anchoring energy based on the optical property.
I think it is novel idea to measure azimuthal anchoring energy.
It is appropriate for the “Crystals” journal scope.
Before accepted, it should check several spell error and should add reference related to the measurement of azimuthal anchoring energy.
Author Response
Thank you so much for your valuable suggestions and comments. Please see the attachment for our reply.
Author Response File: Author Response.docx
