Abstract: A segmented, rigid-rod aromatic polyimide mixed with a UV curable acrylate photopolymer material comprises an alignment layer for aligning nematic polymeric liquid crystal compensator films. The material may also provide an out-of-plane retardation. The segmented, rigid-rod aromatic polyimide-based UV curable acrylate alignment layer, when applied in appropriate thickness, functions as a negative uniaxial C-plate compensator and causes alignment of the nematic liquid crystal molecules. The combination of the retardation provided by the alignment layer and the compensator film deposited on it provides a significant improvement in the contrast and color stability of liquid crystal displays (LCDs) at large viewing angles.

Abstract: An anisotropic cross-linked PVA alignment layer for aligning nematic polymeric liquid crystal compensator films, which also provides an out-of-plane retardation. The cross-linked PVA alignment layer, when applied in sufficient thickness functions as both a negative uniaxial C-plate and causes alignment of the nematic liquid crystal molecules. The combination of the retardation provided by the alignment layer and the compensator film deposited on it provides a significant improvement in the contrast and color stability of liquid crystal displays (LCDs) at large viewing angles in which they are used.

Abstract: An improved normally white super-twist nematic (OMI) liquid crystal display exhibits a dramatically improved horizontal viewing angle as compared to conventional OMI displays. The display's liquid crystal cell has a twist angle greater than about 180.degree. and less than about 270.degree., preferably between 220.degree. and 250.degree., and a phase retardation of between 500 nanometers (nm) and 850 nm. The improved display includes a novel compensator which incorporates, as one of its compensation elements, a positively birefringent oblique compensator layer (referred to as an O-plate compensator layer). Additionally, a positively birefringent A-plate compensator layer and one or more negatively birefringent C-plate compensator layers may be used in the display.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display for viewing at various angles with respect to a normal axis perpendicular to the display includes a polarizer layer having an absorbing axis, an analyzer layer having an absorbing axis substantially perpendicular to the absorbing axis of the polarizer layer, a liquid crystal layer disposed between the polarizer layer and the analyzer layer and having a director exhibiting an azimuthal twist through the layer with respect to the normal axis, a first electrode proximate to a first major surface of the liquid crystal layer, a second electrode proximate to a second major surface of the liquid crystal layer, the first and second electrodes being adapted to apply a voltage across the liquid crystal layer when the electrodes are connected to a source of electrical potential, and a compensator, including a positively birefringent O-plate compensator layer disposed between the polarizer layer and the analyzer layer with its principal symmetry axis oriented at a substantially oblique angle with

Abstract: A thin film electroluminescent display panel is fabricated by using ion implantation at selected locations in a host layer. By this method, strips of electroluminescent material with different dopants can be created, and these different stripes can be addressed by separate electrodes in order to obtain a multicolor display panel.