Abstract: The present invention provides novel aromatic diamines useful in preparing polyimides for optical alignment layers in liquid crystal displays. The novel compositions comprise side-chains general formula I —L1—D—L2—Cf wherein D comprises 1 to 4 carbon-carbon double bonds, Cf is a monovalent C4 to C20 fluorocarbon radical and L1 and L2 are linking groups.

Abstract: The invention provides novel crosslinking aromatic diamines useful in preparing polyamic acids and polyimides for optical alignment layers. The novel compositions comprise crosslinking diamines containing a C3-C20 linear or branched hydrocarbon chains containing 1 to 4 carbon-carbon double bonds.

Abstract: This invention relates to an optical exposure system that is useful for exposing optical alignment layers with light in order to align liquid crystal. The exposure system comprises at least one source of optical radiation, means for partially collimating the optical radiation, means for partially polarizing the optical radiation, means for adjusting the degree of polarization, and means for transporting a substrate and radiation relative to one another. Other embodiments include means for partially filtering the optical radiation and means for some portion of said optical radiation to be incident at an oblique angle relative to the substrate. Another embodiment is a novel optical module and processes for aligning liquid crystals using the optical exposure systems.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for preparing an optical alignment layer for aligning liquid crystals and liquid crystal displays comprising exposing polyimide layers with polarized light. The invention further describes optical alignment layers, liquid crystal displays incorporating optical alignment layers and novel polymer compositions within the class of polyimide, polyamic acids and esters thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel polyimides, poly(amic acids) and poly(amide esters) thereof, and optical alignment layers derived therefrom, for inducing alignment of liquid crystals and liquid crystal displays. The novel compositions comprise side-chain polymers of the general formula I —L1—D—L2—Cf wherein D comprises 1 to 4 carbon-carbon double bonds, Cf is a monovalent C4 to C20 fluorocarbon radical and L1 and L2 are linking groups. The invention further describes liquid crystal displays and other liquid crystal devices.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for preparing an optical alignment layer for aligning liquid crystals and liquid crystal displays comprising exposing polyimide layers with polarized light. The invention further describes optical alignment layers, liquid crystal displays incorporating optical alignment layers and novel polymer compositions within the class of polyimide, polyamic acids and esters thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel polyamic acids and polyimide optical alignment layers for inducing alignment of a liquid crystal medium. The novel compositions comprise crosslinking diamines containing a C.sub.3 -C.sub.20 linear or branched hydrocarbon chains containing 1 to 4 carbon-carbon double bonds. The invention further describes liquid crystal displays comprising the novel polyimide optical alignment layers.

Abstract: A polyamic acid derived from an amine component comprising a 2-cyano-1,4-phenylene diamine and a family of diaryl ketones is claimed. The polyamic acids are useful in formation of polyimides, also claimed, and for the optical alignment of liquid crystals and the manufacture of liquid crystal optical elements, also claimed.

Abstract: A process for inducing alignment of a liquid crystal medium adjacent to a surface of an optical alignment layer comprising: exposing at least one optical alignment layer to polarized light; the polarized light having a wavelength within the absorption band of said optical alignment layer; wherein the exposed alignment layer induces alignment of the liquid crystal medium at an angle + and -.theta. with respect to the direction of the polarization of the incident light beam and along the surface of the optical alignment layer; and applying a liquid crystal medium to the optical alignment layer, wherein the optical alignment layer is a polyimide comprising an an amine component having a 2-substituted 1,4-benzenediamine wherein the 2-substituent X.sub.1 is an electron withdrawing group having a positive .sigma.. Also claimed is a liquid crystal display element made by the process.

Abstract: A differential optical modulator for modulating an optical beam with a forward propagating path includes a polarization component to polarize the optical beam and provide redirection of the optical beam dependent on its polarization state, a polarization dependent path component to generate two temporally sheared orthogonal polarization components of the optical beam, a polarization exchange component that mutually exchanges the two orthogonal polarization states, a reflective switch component to modulate the two temporally sheared orthogonal polarization components of the optical beam by an applied control signal and to reflect the modulated optical beam back along the forward propagating path creating a return path, and a control means for providing an applied control signal to the reflective switch component.