Abstract: An optically responsive film that includes liquid crystal dispersed in a polymer matrix that includes the reaction product of (1) one or more polymerizable matrix reactants other than an acid reactant and (2) at least one copolymerizable acid reactant.

Abstract: Arylazo and poly(arylazo) dyes having at least one core radical selected from naphthyl or anthracyl and having at least one 2,3-dihydro-1,3-dialkyl perimidine substituent, a guest-host composition comprising a liquid crystal host solvent and the arylazo or poly(arylazo) dichroic dye, and a liquid crystal display comprising the guest-host composition, are disclosed.

Abstract: A mesomorphic compound of the formula (I) according to claim 1 is suitable as a component for a liquid crystal composition providing improved response speed and decreased. The mesomorphic compound of the formula (I) is characterized by having at least one terminal cyclic group free from a side chain and also having a core structure including at least one group ##STR1## The above liquid crystal composition is useful as an element of a liquid crystal device and a display apparatus providing a good display characteristics.

Abstract: A liquid crystal device with little temperature-dependence of drive characteristics, such as response speed, and with good storage stability, can be produced by using a liquid crystal composition, successively assuming SmA (smectic A) phase and SmC* (chiral smectic) phase on temperature decrease. The layer spacing composition has a temperature-dependence of layer spacing d in smectic phase such that the layer spacing d increases, is constant or decreases on temperature decrease in SmA phase temperature range, assumes a first transition point where the layer spacing d abruptly decreases on temperature decrease in vicinity of transition temperature from SmA phase to SmC* phase, and assumes a second transition point where the layer spacing d commences to increase on further temperature decrease below the first transition point in SmC* temperature range.

Abstract: A cholesteric liquid crystal compound containing a central biphenyl ester group having a rigid central group, increased molecular stability and a wide liquid crystalline phase temperature range. Accordingly, display devices employing the cholesteric liquid crystal compound can be operated at high temperatures and has good multi-color characteristics.

Abstract: A ferroelectric chiral smectic liquid crystal composition, comprising at least one compound represented by the following formula (I): ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 denotes a linear or branched alkyl group having 1-18 carbon atoms capable of having a substituent, R.sub.2 denotes a linear or branched alkyl group having 1-14 carbon atoms capable of having a substituent; X.sub.1 and X.sub.2 respectively denote a single bond, ##STR2## m is 0-7; and n is 0 or 1; and at least one compound represented by the following formula (II): ##STR3## wherein R.sub.3 denotes a linear or branched alkyl group having 1-18 carbon atoms capable of having a substituent; R.sub.4 denotes a linear alkyl group having 1-10 carbon atoms; X.sub.

Abstract: A liquid crystalline polymer film useful as a high functional optical element is provided. Said liquid crystalline polymer film is formed on a substrate and having at least a tilt orientation fixed, and said tilt orientation is such that the angle between a director of said liquid crystalline polymer and a flat surface of said substrate is in the range of 5 to 85 degrees in terms of an average value.

Abstract: The use of a compound of the formula I, in liquid crystal mixtures,R.sup.1 (--A.sup.1).sub.a (--M.sup.1).sub.b (--A.sup.2)--O--CF(CF.sub.3)--COO--(--A.sup.3)(--M.sup.2).sub.c (--A.sup.4).sub.d --R.sup.2 Iin which the symbols and indices have the following meanings:R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are identical or different and are hydrogen, a straight-chain or branched alkyl radical having 1 to 20 carbon atoms (with or without asymmetrical carbon atoms), where one or more --CH.sub.2 -- groups may also be replaced by --O--, --CO--, cyclopropane-1,2-diyl, --Si(CH.sub.3).sub.2 --, with the proviso that oxygen atoms must not be bonded directly to one another, and/or one or more H atoms of the alkyl radical may be substituted by --F; M.sup.1 and M.sup.2 are identical or different and are --CO--O--, --O--CO--, or a single bond;A.sup.1, A.sup.2, A.sup.3 and A.sup.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display comprising a compound of the formula ##STR1## wherein each of Y.sup.1 and Y.sup.2 is independently F, Cl, CN, OCN, SCN, OCF.sub.3, OCF.sub.2 H, OCF.sub.2 CF.sub.3, CF.sub.3, R, --OR, --COOR or --OCOR, wherein R is alkyl, alkenyl or alkoxyalkyl, provided that at least one of Y.sup.1 and Y.sup.2 is R, --OR, --COOR or --OCOR; each of Z, Z.sup.1, Z.sup.2, Z.sup.3 and Z.sup.4 is independently a single bond. CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 --, --CH.dbd.CH--, --C.dbd.C--, --COO--, --OCO--, --CH.sub.2 O--, OCH.sub.2 --, --(CH.sub.2).sub.4 --, --(CH.sub.2).sub.3 --O-- or --O--(CH.sub.2).sub.3 --: ring A is a group of formula (II): ##STR2## wherein each of X.sup.1, X.sup.2, X.sup.3, X.sup.4, X.sup.5, X.sup.6, X.sup.7, X.sup.8, X.sup.9, and X.sup.

Abstract: An anti-ferroelectric liquid crystal composition consisting essentially of an anti-ferroelectric liquid crystal (A) and a ferrielectric liquid crystal (B) shows a low threshold voltage so that the driving voltage can be decreased, and the composition can give a liquid crystal display device utilizing a fast response time or switching among tristabile states, a distinct threshold voltage characteristic and excellent memory performance.

Abstract: A poly(2,6-piperazinedione) liquid crystal alignment film providing high voltage holding ratio and high tilt angle when used in active matrix and super twisted nematic liquid crystal displays.