Abstract: A new liquid crystal electro-optic device similar to the SSFLC device is described. It uses the same kind of polar chiral smectics and the same geometry as the SSFLC device (thin sample in the "book-shelf" layer arrangement) but instead of using a tilted smectic phase like the C* phase, it utilizes the above-lying, essentially non-ferroelectric A phase. The achievable optical intensity modulation is considerably lower than for the SSFLC device, but the device is about one hundred times faster. It is thus appropriate for modulator rather than for display applications. Sample fabrication is simpler and, finally, the device is insensitive to polarization compensation from external charges. The electro-optic switching at moderate applied voltages can be detected through the full range of the A phase.