Abstract: In a method of driving a matrix of ferroelectric liquid crystal devices in a TDM mode, each strobing signal comprises first and second pulses (20,21) of opposite polarities and of different amplitudes, together with a dc voltage (26) which is applied from the end of the second pulse to the beginning of the first pulse of the next strobing signal on the same strobe line to cancel the dc level which would be caused by the unequal pulses. Data ON signals applied selectively to data lines of the matrix comprise two consecutive pulses (22,23) of opposite polarities. Data OFF signals (24,25) may be the inverse of the data ON signals or may comprise a constant dc level. The combination of the two pulses with a dc level to form each strobing signal means that only two strobe pulse time slots per frame are required for addressing each strobe line, as compared with the conventional systems in which four time slots per frame are required.

Abstract: In a process for mass producing optical storage sheets, an elongate film of a liquid crystalline material is fed lengthwise along a path through an aligning gate. The aligning gate applies to successive areas of the film a field which aligns the molecules. The field may be an electric field and/or a shear field. An aligning layer, such as a surfactant layer may also be used for alignment of the film areas. The aligned film may then be cut into pieces for use as microfiches or microfilms. The film material is preferably a liquid crystal polymer material.

Abstract: A liquid crystal device comprises a ferroelectric smectic phase liquid crystal enclosed between two surfaces, the surfaces being such that the directors of the liquid crystal adjacent the surfaces are not parallel to the surfaces. The directors adjacent one of the surfaces are not parallel to the directors adjacent the other surface, the liquid crystal cone angle being equal to half the angle between a pair of directors each adjacent a different one of the surfaces.