Aligned liquid crystal layer containing azolium salts and process for increasing the tilt

Disclosed is a multilayer film comprising a substrate bearing an aligned liquid crystal layer wherein the aligned liquid crystal layer contains an azolium salt represented by formula (I): wherein the subscripts represent the ring positions and each X is independently N or C-R; each Z is independently N, N-R, C-(R)(R), 0, S, S02, SO, C-O, C-S, or C-NR; each R group is independently hydrogen or a substituent; and Y is a charge balancing anion, which may be a separate moiety or part of an X, Z, or R; provided two or more X, Z and R groups may form a ring; provided the salt may be part of an oligomer or polymer. Such a film provides a predetermined increase in pre-tilt angle for use in liquid crystal devices.