Abstract: A ferroelectric liquid crystal cell with a monochevron structure includes a pair of opposed substrates each having an alignment layer. The alignment layer includes a conventional polymer and a ferroelectric copolymer. A ferroelectric liquid crystal material is disposed between the pair of opposed substrates and interacts with the alignment layers which force the ferroelectric liquid crystal into a monochevron structure because of the interaction between the ferroelectric liquid crystal material polarization and polarization of the alignment layers.

Abstract: A light modulating cell comprises a pair of substrates, alignment layers disposed on at least one of the substrates and a solution of polymerizable prepolymer and low molecular weight organic material disposed between the pair of substrates. The solution is phase separated and forms a layer of polymeric material and a layer of organic material between the two substrates. An external force may then be applied across the substrates to alter the optical appearance of the layer of organic material from one state to another. A photo-sensitive layer may also be provided in the cell.