Abstract: In a method for addressing an array of pixels contained, for example, in a liquid crystal display device, the liquid crystal material is switched from a first stable state to a second stable state by applying a voltage of one polarity and a given duration between electrodes on opposite sides of the pixel. Likewise, the liquid crystal material is switched from the second stable state to the first stable state by applying a voltage of an opposite polarity and given duration between the electrodes, the magnitude of the voltage required between the electrodes to switch from either stable state to the other stable state being subject to different thresholds for different parts of the total area layer.

Abstract: A matrix of pixels of ferroelectric liquid crystal material has the pixels defined by areas of overlap between members of a first set of parallel electrodes and members of a second such set which cross the members of the first set. Each electrode of the first set includes first and second sub-electrodes connected by a resistive layer. The matrix is addressed by applying respective strobe signals simultaneously to the sub-electrodes of each electrode of the first set in turn, each time simultaneously applying data signals of variable amplitude and polarity in parallel to the electrodes of the second set. Each strobe signal includes a pre-pulse and a main pulse. The main pulses lie below and above the switching threshold of the material, respectively, and the pre-pulses are of the same polarity as, and of the opposite polarity to, the corresponding main pulse, respectively.