Reply To: Alignment layer for Mode solver

[Guilin Sun]

I assume you mean Lumerical MODE- FDE solver (or FDTD),  you can simulate LC: 

https://optics.ansys.com/hc/en-us/articles/360034915153-LC-Rotation-Simulation-object

FDTD examples  https://optics.ansys.com/hc/en-us/articles/360043705813-Liquid-crystals-list-of-examples

FDE is to solve eigen modes for waveguides. Make sure you have the proper waveguide cross section.

https://optics.ansys.com/hc/en-us/articles/360034917233-MODE-Finite-Difference-Eigenmode-FDE-solver-introduction

https://optics.ansys.com/hc/en-us/articles/360034396734-FDE-solver-analysis-Mode-List-and-Deck

https://optics.ansys.com/hc/en-us/articles/360034916973-FDE-solver-Simulation-object

https://optics.ansys.com/hc/en-us/articles/360034917333-FDE-solver-analysis-window-overview

https://optics.ansys.com/hc/en-us/articles/360034396914-Tips-for-finding-modes-in-FDE-and-the-mode-source

 

I am not sure what do you mean "a mechanical alignment layer top of the liquid crystal."  you can directly add a rectangle geometry with desired material on top of the LC object. If you want to add such a rectangle along the direction of the lc molecule, it should have one LC direction uniformly, ideally along the coordinate axis.