Abstract: Disclosed is a discotic liquid crystal compound, a liquid crystal composition comprising the same, and an optical film using the same liquid crystal composition. More particularly, there is provided a liquid crystal material of a viewing angle compensation film with high quality characteristics, which can improve a contrast ratio and minimize variations in color with viewing angles in a black state, a liquid crystal composition comprising the same liquid crystal material, and a compensation film obtained from the same liquid crystal composition.

Abstract: A method of making a wide temperature-range smectic liquid crystal material comprises taking a wide temperature-range nematic mixture and doping this with a mesogenic silicon-containing material. Aspects of the invention provide wide temperature-range smectic materials and devices using the smectic materials.

Abstract: A liquid crystal composition is provided that satisfies at least one characteristic among the characteristics such as a high maximum temperature of a nematic phase, a low minimum temperature of a nematic phase, a small viscosity, a large optical anisotropy, a large dielectric anisotropy, a large specific resistance, a high stability to ultraviolet light and a high stability to heat, or is properly balanced regarding at least two characteristics. An AM device is provided that has a short response time, a large voltage holding ratio, a large contrast ratio, a long service life and so forth. The liquid crystal composition having a nematic phase contains a specific five-ring compound having a large maximum temperature as the first component, a specific compound having a small viscosity as the second component, and a specific four-ring compound having a high maximum temperature as the third component. The liquid crystal display device contains the liquid crystal composition.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a composition for forming a substrate, comprising: a liquid crystal thermosetting oligomer having one or more soluble structural units in the main chain thereof and having thermosetting groups at one or more ends of the main chain thereof; and a metal alkoxide compound having reaction groups which can be covalently bonded with the thermosetting groups.

Abstract: The present invention relates to mesogenic, cross-linkable mixtures comprising (i) a cross-linkable liquid crystalline host compound comprising at least one cross-linkable liquid crystalline compound, and (ii) at least one chiral or achiral rod shaped additive component, wherein said additive component has a rigid core and comprises at least two fused or linked, optionally substituted, non-aromatic, aromatic, carbocyclic or heterocyclic groups, and also comprises at least one optionally substituted alkyl residue, and at least one polymerizable group and wherein the additive component has a transition temperature to the isotropic state of 40° C. or lower.

Abstract: The racemic and chiral compounds expressed by common formula 1 and formula 2: wherein the lateral substituents X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7 and X8 in the benzene rings represent independently hydrogen and fluorine atoms, bridge group Z represent independently the single bond or COO, CH2CH2, CH2O and OCH2 group, substituent Y represents CH3, or CH2F, CHF2, CF3, C2H5 group, symbols n, m, r and t are independently integers of 1 to 8; symbols p and s signify independently number of 0 to 1 and its orthoconic antiferroelectric long helical pitch mixtures prepared by the methods 1) to the racemic components selected from compounds 1 are added chiral components selected from the compound of formula 1 and/or chiral components selected from the compounds of formula 2 and/or another optically active compounds with high helical twisting power, 2) to chiral compound 1 which helical pitches increases with the temperature increase is added chiral compound 1 which helical pitch decreases with temperature increase.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a composition for forming a substrate, including: a compound prepared by polymerizing a liquid crystal thermosetting oligomer having one or more soluble structural units in a main chain thereof and having a thermosetting group at one or more of two ends of the main chain thereof with a fluorine compound having a functional group which can react with the main chain of the liquid crystal thermosetting oligomer.

Abstract: The subject is to provide a liquid crystal composition that satisfies at least one characteristic among characteristics such as a high maximum temperature of a nematic phase, a low minimum temperature of a nematic phase, a small viscosity, a suitable optical anisotropy, a negatively large dielectric anisotropy, a large specific resistance, a high stability to ultraviolet light and a high stability to heat, or that is suitably balanced regarding two or more characteristics. The other subject is to provide an AM device that has a short response time, a high voltage holding ratio, a high contrast ratio, a long service life and so forth.

Abstract: The invention provides a liquid crystal compound that has an excellent compatibility with other liquid crystal compounds and also has at least one of characteristics such as a high stability to heat, light or the like, a suitable refractive index anisotropy (?n), a low threshold voltage and a suitable dielectric anisotropy (??). A compound represented by formula (1). For example, R1 is alkyl having 1 to 10 carbons, R2 is halogen or alkenyl having 2 to 10 carbons; the ring A1, the ring A2 and the ring A3 are 1,4-cyclohexylene or 1,4-phenylene; Z1, Z2 and Z3 are a single bond or alkylene having 1 to 4 carbons; G is —CH2— or —O—; and m is 1, and n and p is 0 or 1.

Abstract: The invention provides a metal nanoparticle comprising a metal and a chiral and/or thiolate group bonded to the metal. The monolayer-protected metal nanoparticle may be used as a chiral dopant in a liquid crystal. Accordingly, the invention also provides a colloidal suspension or dispersion comprising a metal nanoparticle comprising a metal and a chiral and/or thiolate group bonded to the metal, and a liquid crystal.

Abstract: Subject The subject is to provide a liquid crystal composition that satisfies at least one of characteristics such as a high maximum temperature of the nematic phase, a low minimum temperature of the nematic phase, a small viscosity, a large optical anisotropy, a large dielectric anisotropy, a large specific resistance, a high stability to ultraviolet light, a high stability to heat and a short helical pitch, or that is suitably balanced regarding at least two of the characteristics. The subject is also to provide an AM device that has a short response time, a large voltage holding ratio, a large contrast ratio, a long service life, a little light-leak and so forth.

Abstract: A liquid crystalline polyester resin composition is provided, by which a molded article with an enhanced specific modulus can be produced. The liquid crystalline polyester resin composition comprises mica fillers in an amount of 15 to 30 parts by mass and carbon fibers with specific volume resistance of 108 ?cm or more in an amount of 5 to 20 parts by mass with respect to 100 parts by mass of the liquid crystalline polyester.

Abstract: This invention relates to liquid crystal compositions, and polymer networks and articles comprising the compositions. The compositions comprise at least one compound of the group of compounds represented by the structures of each of the following Formulas (IV), (V) and (VI), as defined herein. A process for making the composition is also provided.

Abstract: A polymerizable compound represented by general formula (1): wherein A represents a ring assembly composed of at least two 6-membered rings each optionally having a substituent; X1 and X2 each represent a (meth)acryloyloxy group; and Y1 and Y2 each independently represent a single bond, an optionally branched alkylene group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, an ether linkage, —COO—, —OCO—, a 6-membered ring optionally having a substituent, a naphthalene ring optionally having a substituent, or a combination thereof; the substituent being a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a nitrile group, an optionally branched alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, an optionally branched alkoxy group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, or an optionally branched alkenyl group having 2 to 8 carbon atoms, wherein the alkyl, alkoxy, or alkenyl group may have its —CH2— moiety replaced with a sulfur atom or an oxygen atom and may have its hydrogen atom replaced with a halogen atom or a nitrite group.

Abstract: The invention is to provide a liquid crystal composition that satisfies at least one of characteristics such as a high maximum temperature of a nematic phase, a low minimum temperature of a nematic phase, a small viscosity, a suitable optical anisotropy, a large negative dielectric anisotropy, a large specific resistance, a high stability to ultraviolet light and a high stability to heat, or that is suitably balanced regarding at least two of the characteristics, wherein the liquid crystal composition has negative dielectric anisotropy and includes a specific compound having a large negative dielectric anisotropy as a first component, a specific compound containing a pyran ring and having a large negative dielectric anisotropy as a second component, a specific compound having a small viscosity as a third component, and a specific compound having a large negative dielectric anisotropy as a fourth component, and the liquid crystal display device contains this composition.

Abstract: The invention provides a liquid crystal composition that satisfies at least one characteristic among the characteristics such as a high maximum temperature of a nematic phase, a low minimum temperature of a nematic phase, a small viscosity, a large optical anisotropy, a large dielectric anisotropy, a large specific resistance, a high stability to ultraviolet light, and a high stability to heat, or provides a liquid crystal composition that is properly balanced regarding at least two characteristics. The invention provides an AM device that has a short response time, a large voltage holding ratio, a large contrast ratio, a long service life and so forth. A liquid crystal display device contains the liquid crystal composition having a nematic phase that includes two components, wherein the first component is a specific compound having a large optical anisotropy and a large dielectric anisotropy and the second component is a specific compound having a small viscosity or a large maximum temperature.

Abstract: Subject The subject is to provide a liquid crystal composition that satisfies at least one of characteristics such as a high maximum temperature of a nematic phase, a low minimum temperature of a nematic phase, a small viscosity, a suitable optical anisotropy, a large dielectric anisotropy, a large elastic constant ratio, a small temperature dependence of the threshold voltage, a small frequency dependence of the dielectric anisotropy and a short helical pitch, or that is suitably balanced regarding at least two of the characteristics. The subject is to provide a STN device that has a short response time, a large contrast ratio, a low threshold voltage, a small electric power consumption, a steep voltage-transmission curve and a small light leak.

Abstract: The purpose the invention is to provide a polymerizable liquid crystal compound which has an excellent solubility with other compounds, a high homeotropic property, and a spirobiindan-backbone, and a liquid crystal composition comprising this compound. The purpose is attained with a polymerizable liquid crystal compound represented by Formula (1). A polymer which is excellent in many characteristics can be obtained from this compound and a formed body having optical anisotropy, produced from this polymer can be obtained. In Formula (1), G is a single bond or oxygen; R is hydrogen, methyl (Me) or a group represented by Formula (a), wherein at least two of R are groups represented by Formula (a); P is a polymerizable group represented by any of Formula (P1) to Formula (P8). In Formula (a), a desirable A is 1,4-cyclohexylene or 1,4-phenylene; Z is a bonding group; m is an integer of 0 to 3; X0 is a single bond or alkylene; Z0 is a single bond, —O—, —OCO—, or —OCOO—; X is a single bond or alkylene.

Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid crystalline polyester resin composition suitable for an optical pickup unit. The composition comprises a liquid crystalline polyester, a mica and a hollow filler. Using the liquid crystalline polyester resin composition, an optical pickup unit with a high soldering resistance and a high torsional elastic modulus can be produced while suppressing breakage of the hollow filler in the composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to new polymerizable mesogenic or liquid crystalline compounds comprising a terminal cyclohexylphenyl group wherein the phenyl group has polar substituents, to polymerizable mesogenic or liquid crystalline mixtures and anisotropic polymers prepared thereof, and to the use of the new compounds and the mixtures and polymers prepared thereof in optical and electrooptical devices, adhesives, synthetic resins with anisotropic mechanical properties, cosmetics, diagnostics, liquid crystal pigments, decorative and security applications, nonlinear optics, optical information storage, electronic devices like organic field effect transistors (FET or OFET) or electroluminescent devices.

Abstract: A compound having a good durability against light and capable of producing desired liquid crystallinity after polymerization, and a polymerizable liquid crystal composition containing such a compound, are provided. Further, an optical element having a good durability against light, and an optical information writing/reading device employing such an element, are provided. A compound represented by CH2?CR1—COO—R2-Cy-Ph-R3—OCO—CR4?CH2. R1 and R4 are each preferably a hydrogen atom. R3 is preferably a C1-6 alkylene group wherein an oxygen atom is present or not present at an end of the group to be bonded to a cyclic group, and wherein some or all of hydrogen atoms bonded to carbon atoms in the group may be substituted by fluorine atoms; or an alkylene group wherein an oxygen atom is present at an end of the group to be bonded to a cyclic group.

Abstract: This invention relates to a liquid crystal composition and articles comprising the composition. The composition comprises at least one compound of each of the Formulas (I), (II) and (III), as defined herein. A process for making the composition is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to fused naphthalenes of the general formula I, in which A1, A2, A3, A4, Q1-Q2, G1-G2, R1, R2, X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, Z1, Z2, Z3, Z4, q, r, s and t have the meaning indicated, and to the use thereof as components of liquid-crystalline media and to an electro-optical display element containing them.

Abstract: A liquid crystal electro-optic device. The liquid crystal electro-optic device comprises at least one liquid crystal cell comprising: a pair of substrates having a gap therebetween; a pair of electrodes, the pair of electrodes positioned on one of the substrates or one electrode positioned on each substrate; and a ferroelectric, oligosiloxane liquid crystal material disposed in the gap between the pair of substrates, the ferroelectric, oligosiloxane liquid crystal material exhibiting an I-? SmC* phase sequence wherein the liquid crystal electro-optic device is bistable in operation. The invention also involves a method for making a liquid crystal electro-optic device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid-crystalline medium having negative dielectric anisotropy based on a mixture of polar compounds, which comprises at least one compound of the formula I in which R11 and R12 have the meanings indicated in claim 1, in amounts of ?30% by weight, based on the medium, and to the use thereof for an active-matrix display based on the ECB, PALC, FFS or IPS effect.

Abstract: The invention relates to chiral reactive mesogen (RM) mixtures, polymer films obtained thereof, and the use of the mixtures and polymer films in optical, electrooptical or electronic components or devices, in decorative, security or cosmetic applications, especially for use in broadband reflective polarizers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to dielectrically positive liquid-crystalline media comprising a dielectrically positive component, component A, comprising a dielectrically positive compound of the formula (I), in which the parameters have the meaning indicated in the specification, and optionally a second dielectrically positive component, component B, comprising one or more dielectrically positive compounds having a dielectric anisotropy of greater than 3 and optionally a dielectrically neutral component, component C, and to liquid-crystal displays, especially to active-matrix displays and in particular to TN, IPS, FFS and OCB displays, containing these media.

Abstract: To provide a liquid crystal optical modulation element which is excellent in durability against blue laser and which can maintain the characteristics for a long period of time. A liquid crystal optical modulation element to modulate a laser beam having a wavelength of at most 500 nm, which comprises a layer of a polymer liquid crystal composition sandwiched between a pair of transparent substrates facing each other, characterized in that each of the pair of transparent substrates has an alignment film on the surface which faces the other transparent substrate, and the polymer liquid crystal composition is a polymer liquid crystal containing a hindered amine compound and a hindered phenol compound.

Abstract: Various non-limiting embodiments disclosed herein provide phase-separating polymer systems including a cured polymeric liquid crystal matrix phase and a guest phase including at least one photoactive material where the guest phase separates from the matrix phase during the curing process. Optical elements, including ophthalmic elements and other articles of manufacture including the phase-separating polymer systems are also disclosed. Methods of forming a liquid crystal phase-separating photoactive polymer system are also described.

Abstract: A novel dioxetane compound is provided having a cationically polymerizable oxetane group, which compound is excellent in compatibility with a liquid crystalline compound and a non-liquid crystalline compound. An optical film is also provided with excellent liquid crystal orientation retention properties and mechanical strength, produced by aligning a composition of the dioxetane compound and a cationically polymerizable compound in a liquid crystal orientation and fixing the liquid crystal orientation by polymerization. Further, a liquid crystal display device is provided with the optical film.

Abstract: A composition comprising at least one liquid-crystal compound and a polymer having at least one group of the following formula: wherein Mp represents a trivalent linking group; L represents a single bond, or a divalent linking group; X represents a substituted or unsubstituted cyclic linking group; Y represents a single bond, or a divalent linking group; Z represents a substituted or unsubstituted cyclic group; n is 1 to 10.

Abstract: A composition comprising at least one liquid-crystal compound and a polymer having at least one group of the following formula (A) as the constitutive unit thereof: wherein Mp represents a trivalent linking group; L represents a single bond, or a bivalent linking group; X represents a substituted or unsubstituted functional group having a cyclic structure.

Abstract: Provided are multilayer laminates having one or more layers comprising twisted nematic liquid crystals and one or more layers of a polymeric sheet. The twisted nematic liquid crystal layers reflect infrared radiation. Thus, the multilayer laminates are useful to reduce the transmission of infrared energy. For example, in some embodiments the multilayer laminates are useful as windows to reduce energy consumption necessary to cool the interior of a structure such as an automobile or building. Preferably, the multilayer laminates retain one or more of the beneficial properties of safety glass. The multilayer laminates may include additional layers such as infrared absorbing layers, half wave plates, and the like, to minimize the transmission of infrared energy. The multilayer laminates may also include further additional layers such as polymeric films, polymeric sheets, rigid sheets, and the like.

Abstract: The compound of the present invention is represented by the formula (1). In the formula (1), R1 and R2 are hydrogen, fluorine, chlorine, methyl or ethyl; X1 and X2 are hydrogen, fluorine, methyl or trifluoromethyl; Z1 and Z2 are a single bond, —COO—, —OCO—, —CH?CH—COO—, —OCO—CH?CH—, —CH2CH2—COO—, —OCO—CH2CH2—, —CH2O—, —CONH—, —(CH2)4—, —CH2CH2— or —C?C—; Z3 and Z4 are a single bond or —O—; A1 and A2 are 1,4-cyclohexylene, 1,4-phenylene, 1,3-phenylene, pyridin-2,5-diyl, pyrimidin-2,5-diyl, naphthalen-2,6-diyl or tetrahydronaphtlane-2,6-diyl; and Y1 and Y2 are alkylene having from 2 to 20 carbon atoms.

Abstract: Disclosed are a liquid-crystalline medium of negative dielectric anisotropy based on a mixture of polar compounds, which contains at least one compound of formula IA and at least one compound of formulae IB, IC and/or ID and the use thereof for an active-matrix display, in particular based on the ECB, PALC, FFS or IPS effect.

Abstract: A compound represented by the following formula (1), a liquid crystal composition containing the compound and a liquid crystal display device containing the composition: all the symbols in the formula (1) are defined in the specification.

Abstract: The subject is to provide a liquid crystal composition that satisfies at least one characteristic among the characteristics such as a high maximum temperature of a nematic phase, a low minimum temperature of a nematic phase, a small viscosity, a large optical anisotropy, a large dielectric anisotropy, a large specific resistance, a high stability to ultraviolet light and a high stability to heat, or that is suitably balanced regarding at least the two characteristics. It is to provide an AM device that has a short response time, a large voltage holding ratio, a large contrast ratio, a long service life and so forth.

Abstract: The invention provides a liquid crystal composition that satisfies at least one characteristic among the characteristics such as a high maximum temperature of a nematic phase, a low minimum temperature of a nematic phase, a small viscosity, a large optical anisotropy, a large dielectric anisotropy, a large specific resistance, a high stability to ultraviolet light, and a high stability to heat, or provides a liquid crystal composition that is properly balanced regarding at least two characteristics. The invention provides an AM device that has a short response time, a large voltage holding ratio, a large contrast ratio, a long service life and so forth.

Abstract: The invention relates to compounds of Formula (I): The invention further relates to liquid crystal compositions comprising compounds of Formula (I); compositions further comprising one or more chiral compounds; and polymer networks derived from the polymerization of the liquid crystal compositions. Another embodiment relates to processes for providing compounds of Formula (I).

Abstract: A liquid crystal composition having a nematic phase that includes two components, wherein the first component is a specific four-membered ring compound having a large maximum temperature, and the second component is a specific four-membered ring compound having a large dielectric anisotropy and a large optical anisotropy, and a liquid crystal display device containing the composition.

Abstract: A liquid crystal molecule includes a structure represented by Formula (1): wherein X1 in Formula (1) is represented by Formula (2); X2 in Formula (1) is a group selected from Formula (3); X3 in Formula (1) is represented by Formula (4).

Abstract: A liquid crystal molecule is disclosed, having a structure represented by the following general formula (1): wherein X1 is a group selected among groups represented by the following formula (2): X2 is represented by the following formula (3): R1 represents a linear or branched hydrocarbon group or an alkoxy group each having from 4 to 16 carbon atoms; R2 represents an optionally branched organosiloxane or organosilane having from 1 to 6 silicon atoms; other variables in formulae are defined therein.

Abstract: Disclosed are a novel liquid crystal compound containing a sulfone group, a liquid crystal composition comprising the same, and an optical film using the same liquid crystal composition. More particularly, there are provided a liquid crystal material for a viewing angle compensation film with high quality characteristics, which can improve a contrast ratio measured at a tilt angle to the front and minimize variations in color with viewing angles in a black state, a liquid crystal composition comprising the same liquid crystal material, and a compensation film obtained from the same liquid crystal composition.

Abstract: The invention includes compounds represented by Formula (1): wherein Ra is a polymerizable group such as (meth)acryloyloxy, an oxirane ring, an oxetane ring or the like; A is 1,4-cyclohexylene, 1,4-phenylene or the like; Z is a single bond, alkylene having 1 to 20 carbon atoms or the like; Y is a single bond, alkylene having 1 to 20 carbon atoms or the like; and m and n are an integer of 0 to 5.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid-crystalline medium comprising 1,2-difluoroethene compounds of the general formula I, in which R1, ring A, Z1, Z2, m, X and L1-6 are as defined in Claim 1. The invention also relates to the use of the medium for electro-optical purposes and to displays containing this medium. Novel 1,2-difluoroethene compounds having 3 or more rings are disclosed.

Abstract: A composition for a liquid crystal film includes: 100 parts by weight of a vertically aligned liquid crystal mixture; 0.001-20 parts by weight of a chiral dopant; and 50-900 parts by weight of a solvent.

Abstract: The invention relates to compounds represented by Formula (1): wherein Ra is alkyl or the like; Rb is fluorine or —CF3; A is 1,4-cyclohexylene, 1,4-phenylene or the like; Z is a single bond, alkylene or the like; Y is a single bond, alkylene or the like; and m and n are an integer of approximately 0 to approximately 5.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to mesogenic media comprising one or more compounds which comprise two or more mesogenic groups two of which are linked to the ortho-positions of an aromatic ring, preferably of formula (I) wherein the parameters are as specified in the text, preferably the instant invention relates to mesogenic media showing a blue phase and their use in electro-optical light modulation elements and their respective use in displays, as well as to such devices. The instant invention further relates to compounds of formula (I).

Abstract: A novel liquid crystal comprising a first liquid compound having bent structures and a second liquid crystal compound. A liquid crystal phase formed by the first liquid crystal compound exhibits ferroelectricity or antiferroelectricity while a liquid crystal phase formed by the second liquid crystal compound exhibits neither ferroelectricity nor antiferroelectricity. A smectic liquid crystal phase formed by the first liquid crystal compound has a tilted structure while a smectic liquid crystal phase formed by the second liquid crystal compound has no tilted structure. The first liquid crystal compound is represented by the following chemical formula (m=16) and the second liquid crystal compound is represented by the following chemical formula (m=4).

Abstract: Disclosed are a vinylsulfone derivative, a liquid crystal composition comprising the same, and a compensation film for a liquid crystal display device using the same liquid crystal composition. More particularly, the vinylsulfone derivative is a liquid crystal material of a high-quality view angle compensation film, which improves a contrast ratio measured at a tilt angle when compared to a contrast ratio measured from the front surface and minimizes color variations in a black state depending on view angles.