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

2Disclosed 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): whereinthe subscripts represent the ring positions and each X is independently N or C-R;each Z is independently N, N-R, C-(R)(R), O, S, SO, SO, C═O, C═S, or C═NR;each R group is independently hydrogen or a substituent; andY 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.