Abstract: This invention solves the technical problem of compensating for the angular dependence of the contrast in optical devices comprising liquid crystal displays (LC optical light shutters, which operate on the principle of electrically controlled optical birefringence), with the aid of a compensation layer exhibiting optically negative birefringence, which enables the angular compensation of the LC layer birefringence in the state in which the LC molecules are homeotropically aligned (typical optically positive birefringence). The process for the manufacture of the optically negatively birefringent compensation layer is devised on the controlled spontaneous deformation of the polymer molecules during the polymerization procedure. The manufacturing process is feasible by the employment of known and well-controllable technical procedures, and enables the mass production of compensation layers.

Abstract: An oriented ferroelectric liquid crystal in the chiral smectic C phase with the smectic planes normal to bounding plates of a cell is interspersed with polymer which stabilizes and freezes the arrangement of the liquid crystal. The polymer which stabilizes the liquid crystal is formed by a method which includes introducing a mixture of a monomer and a ferroelectric liquid crystal between cell walls when the liquid crystal is in the isotropic phase, cooling the liquid crystal to a chiral nematic or smectic phase, and polymerizing the monomer. The cooling of the mixture can be done in the presence of a magnetic or electric field.

Abstract: An oriented ferroelectric liquid crystal in the chiral smectic C phase with the smectic planes normal to bounding plates of a cell is interspersed with polymer which stabilizes and freezes the arrangement of the liquid crystal.

Abstract: The invention provides a low loss liquid crystal modulator for coloring and shaping a light beam wherein liquid crystal light modulators provide continuous variation in color and intensity output by controlled scattering; the liquid crystal light modulators comprise addressable sheets of light-wave-length size liquid crystal occlusious in a transparent matrix; the modulators employ nematic liquid crystal exhibiting positive dielectric anisotropy; the modulator is employed in varying and coloring output beams to allow for colored data or video transmission; images produced may vary in time as is required for, e.g., color television; the modulator is employed in color projectors for both data and video projection, for color printing, and for colored stage illumination. Low loss transmission of the modulators provides for bright images which can be viewed under high ambient illumination.