Abstract: The polymerizable liquid crystal composition includes at least two selected from the group of compounds represented by the following Formulas (1) and (2): wherein m is 5 or 10; and wherein n is 3, 4, 6, 7, 8 or 9, and R is hydrogen or methyl wherein said composition includes at most only two compounds of Formula (1) in which m is 10; and wherein said composition does not include a compound of Formula (2) in which n is 3 and R is hydrogen.

Abstract: Doped electrically actuatable (electrically addressable or switchable) polymer flakes have enhanced and controllable electric field induced motion by virtue of doping a polymer material that functions as the base flake matrix with either a distribution of insoluble dopant particles or a dopant material that is completely soluble in the base flake matrix. The base flake matrix may be a polymer liquid crystal material, and the dopants generally have higher dielectric permittivity and/or conductivity than the electrically actuatable polymer base flake matrix. The dopant distribution within the base flake matrix may be either homogeneous or non-homogeneous. In the latter case, the non-homogeneous distribution of dopant provides a dielectric permittivity and/or conductivity gradient within the body of the flakes.

Abstract: At least one cholesteric liquid crystal composition is mixed with at least one first nematic liquid crystal compound or composition, thereby exhibiting a TGBA phase at room temperature. The first nematic liquid crystal compound or composition preferably includes a compound having a cyano group, a halogen atom, a nitro group, a perfluoroalkoxy group or a perfluoroalkyl group at the terminal thereof. The cholesteric liquid crystal composition preferably contains a second nematic liquid crystal compound or composition and a chiral reagent.

Abstract: Methods of applying covert features using security inks comprise transparent chiral birefringent pigments or a mixture of transparent chiral birefringent pigments and reflective pigments are described. Hidden features appear to be bright and achromatic against dark background when overlaid with circular polarizer.

Abstract: A substantially transparent conductive layer is provided on a support, the layer comprising a conductive ionic liquid and a conductive metal network distributed therein.

Abstract: A glassy cholesteric liquid crystalline composition comprising compounds with a volume-expanding core bound to one or more hybrid chiral-nematic (or Ch) pendant moieties and a method of producing oriented films of such compounds. The Ch pendant moieties are comprised of chiral spacer groups connected to the core via linker groups and nematic groups linked to the chiral spacer groups. Thin-films of the composition are morphologically stable for extended periods of time. Also, the thin-films are able to selectively interact with light from the visible to near-IR wavelength range.

Abstract: A cholesteric liquid crystal composition containing at least one esterified product selected from the group consisting of (1) an esterified product of a hydrolysate of (A) a ?-oryzanol and (B1) a carboxylic acid compound, (2) an esterified product of a hydrogenated product of a hydrolysate of (A) a ?-oryzanol and (B2) a carboxylic acid compound, and (3) an esterified product of a hydrogenated product of (A) a ?-oryzanol and (B3) a carboxylic acid compound. The ?-oryzanol (A) is a mixture containing at least one ferulate ester of a vegetable sterol and at least one ferulate ester of a triterpene alcohol, and the hydrolysate of the ?-oryzanol (A) is a mixture containing at least one vegetable sterol and at least one triterpene alcohol.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of a polarizer is provided. The method comprises providing a liquid crystal composition comprising a liquid crystal host and a viscosity enhancer; providing a thin film of said composition on a substrate; orienting said liquid crystal host to obtain an aligned film in a first liquid crystal mesophase, wherein the liquid crystal host is aligned planar to said substrate; gelating said viscosity enhancer to congeal said film; and obtaining a second liquid crystal state in said congealed film. By the use of a viscosity enhancer in the composition, homeotropic alignment of the liquid crystal host can be suppressed.

Abstract: A polymerizable optically active compound of formula (1) has high helical twisting power. When added to a liquid crystal (LC) composition it achieves required helical pitch without largely impairing the physical and optical properties of the LC composition. The compound is suited to be compounded with a LC material, particularly a cholesteric LC material for making an optically anisotropic element excellent in heat resistance, solvent resistance, transparency, optical characteristics, and LC alignment fixing ability. The compound is also useful to form a LC alignment layer, a LC alignment controlling agent, a coating material, a protective film, etc. X1 and X2 each represent a (meth)acryloyloxy group; Y1 and Y2 each represent a single bond, an optionally branched C1-8 alkylene group, an ether linkage, a thioether linkage, —COO—, —OCO—, —OCO—O—, —S—CO—, —CO—S—, an optionally substituted 6-membered ring, an optionally substituted naphthalene ring, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: Co-topo-polymeric indicator compositions and methods for making and using the same are provided. Indicator compositions of the invention include a polymer and undergo a color change, which may be reversible or irreversible, in response to an applied stimulus, e.g., temperature. Aspects of methods of producing the compositions include setting a fluid co-topo-polymeric precursor composition into a solid product and then subjecting the solid product (either immediately or after a delay period) to polymerizing conditions to produce the desired indicator composition. Also provided are indicator devices that include the indicator compositions of the invention. The compositions of the invention find use in a variety of different applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to photo-tunable dopant compositions comprising a photo-reactive chiral compound capable of undergoing a photochemical reaction resulting in the loss of chirality, and a triplet sensitizer. The present invention also relates to a display comprising a substrate, a liquid crystalline layer thereon, wherein the liquid crystalline layer comprises a nematic host, at least one chiral dopant, a photo-reacted compound, and a triplet sensitizer, and at least one transparent conductive layer. The present invention also relates to a method of tuning a cholesteric liquid crystal material comprising providing at least one mesogenic compound, at least one triplet sensitizer, and at least one photo-reactive chiral compound; combining the at least one mesogenic compound, at least one triplet sensitizer, and at least one photo-reactive chiral compound to form a mixture; and irradiating the mixture for a period of time.

Abstract: The invention relates to a high dielectric anisotropy liquid crystal compound which is a pyridyl derivative with substituents of electrons push-pull effect. Furthermore, the high dielectric anisotropy liquid crystal compounds are colorless and have high thermal and photo stability as well as high compatibility in a liquid crystal host. A liquid crystal composition containing the high dielectric anisotropy liquid crystal compound can reduce threshold voltage of cholesteric reflective displays, thus saving power and extending lifetime of driver ICs.

Abstract: An identifying medium comprises a nematic liquid crystal layer for forming a latent image with gradation, and the nematic liquid crystal layer has a thickness distribution corresponding to the gradation.

Abstract: The invention relates to new 3,4-alkylenedioxythiophenes which are substituted with mesogenic groups, if desired via a bridging group, and their polymeric derivatives (poly-(3,4-alkylenedioxythiophenes)).

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally provide methods and compositions that are used during electrophoretic deposition (EPD) processes. In one embodiment, a method for forming a metallization material during an EPD process is provided which includes positioning a substrate containing apertures disposed thereon, exposing the substrate to a flux agent to form a flux coating within the apertures, exposing the flux coating to an EPD mixture to form a particulate layer therein, and exposing the substrate to a reflow process to form a metallization layer within the apertures. Optionally, the particulate layer may be exposed to the flux agent prior to the reflow process. The EPD mixture generally contains a dielectric hydrocarbon fluid, metallic particles, and a liquid crystal material (LCM), such as a cholesteryl compound. In some embodiments, an abietic acid compound may be used as the flux agent, or alternatively, as the LCM.

Abstract: A liquid crystal-containing composition and a liquid crystal display device including the same, the liquid crystal-containing composition including a cholesteric liquid crystal and microcapsules containing the cholesteric liquid crystal, and having a wall component comprising at least one selected from the group consisting of polyurethane and polyurea, the wall component further including a first isocyanurate component having a cyclo ring structure and a second isocyanate component other than the first isocyanurate component.

Abstract: A low power bistable device and method are provided.

Abstract: A liquid crystal composition including at least two kinds of gelling agents and a liquid crystal. The liquid crystal shows a liquid crystal phase at room temperature. A liquid crystal display device using the liquid crystal composition also is provided.

Abstract: A black-white liquid crystal display using a cholesteric liquid crystal material and a method for manufacturing such a liquid crystal display using polymerization/phase-separation, resulting in diffused polymeric molecules and polymeric cell walls, so as to minimize the manufacturing time, strengthen the polymeric wall and enhance the contrast ratio as well as the brightness.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device, comprising: a liquid crystal layer comprising a cholesteric liquid crystal and a self-organizing type gelling agent, and a manufacturing method thereof, comprising: spreading a cholesteric liquid crystal containing a gelling agent in a heated state over at least one of substrates to form a liquid crystal layer, or a manufacturing method thereof, comprising: spreading a cholesteric liquid crystal that contains a gelling agent and exhibits flowability at room temperature over at least one of substrates to form a liquid crystal layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid crystal composition having at least a liquid crystal and a chiral dopant, in which the chiral dopant is a compound having a liquid crystalline group of a specific structure bonded to a rigid optically active compound. The present invention provides a liquid crystal element having at least a pair of electrodes in which at least one of the electrodes is a transparent electrode, and a liquid crystal layer containing the liquid crystal composition. The present invention also provides a reflective display material and a light-controlling material having at least the liquid crystal element, and a method of preparing the liquid crystal element by adding the chiral dopant to a host liquid crystal.

Abstract: At least one cholesteric liquid crystal composition is mixed with at least one first nematic liquid crystal compound or composition, thereby exhibiting a TGBA phase at room temperature. The first nematic liquid crystal compound or composition preferably includes a compound having a cyano group, a halogen atom, a nitro group, a perfluoroalkoxy group or a perfluoroalkyl group at the terminal thereof. The cholesteric liquid crystal composition preferably contains a second nematic liquid crystal compound or composition and a chiral reagent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polymerised liquid crystal (LC) film comprising at least one photoisomerisable compound and having a pattern of regions with different retardation and/or different orientation of the LC material, to methods of preparing such a film, and to its use as alignment layer, optical retardation film or optical waveguide in liquid crystal displays or other optical or electrooptical components or devices, or for decorative or security applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of generating a second peak wavelength of reflected light from a cholesteric liquid crystal having a first peak wavelength of reflected light comprising by exposing or conditioning the cholesteric liquid crystal to a high temperature or a high humidity. The invention also relates to an electrically modulated imaging layer and a display containing a liquid crystal material that has conditioned and unconditioned forms, wherein the unconditioned form of liquid crystal material reflects a first wavelength of light and wherein the conditioned form of liquid crystal material reflects a second wavelength of light.

Abstract: A polymerizable liquid crystalline composition comprises a side chain liquid crystalline polymer obtained by radical-copolymerizing a (meth)acrylic compound has an optically active site and a (meth)acrylic compound having an oxetanyl group, and a cation generator and thus have no functional group the synthesis of which is difficult, such as an epoxy group. The use of the polymerizable liquid crystalline composition provides a cholesteric liquid crystal film which is excellent in a capability of retaining the orientation after being aligned and fixed in a liquid crystal orientation and in mechanical strength without the necessity of a complicated operation such as photo irradiation under an inert gas atmosphere.

Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid crystal mixed-composition comprising one or more cellulose derivatives and one or more liquid crystal compounds (preferably low-molecular liquid crystal compound) which can be oriented in a specific direction differing from that of the cellulose derivative, wherein the ratio by weight of the both is preferably in a range from 1:9 to 9:1, a retardation film produced using the composition, a circularly or elliptically polarizing film using the retardation film and an image display device provided with a circularly or elliptically polarizing film. The liquid crystal mixed-composition can be easily oriented in a specific direction on a rubbed substrate. If this orientation is fixed, a retardation film can be easily obtained which has such wavelength dispersion characteristics that the same level of retardation can be imparted to each wavelength in a wide visible region.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel photochromic liquid crystal materials which may be used in various electro-optic devices including liquid crystal devices. The materials can be converted into another form on irradiation by light which may make it feasible for them to be addressed by light in electro-optic devices. The materials are based on 5-membered heterocycles.

Abstract: A liquid crystal-containing composition according to the present invention includes a cholesteric liquid crystal, a polymer, and particles having hydrophobic surfaces. The particles having hydrophobic surfaces are at the interface between the region containing the cholesteric liquid crystal and the region containing the polymer.

Abstract: A chiral nematic liquid crystal composition, characterized in that a self-organizing type gelling agent is contained and the phase transition temperature between liquid crystal and isotropic phases is higher than the sol-gel transition temperature, a liquid crystal display device wherein the chiral nematic liquid crystal composition is put and held between a pair of substrates having an electrode, and a method for producing a liquid crystal display device wherein the chiral nematic liquid crystal composition is heated to a temperature of not lower than the phase transition temperature between liquid crystal and isotropic phases and then cooled down to room temperature.

Abstract: A polymerisable mixture that can be applied as a layer, an orientation layer of the mixture, and an optical component, such as a retarder or a liquid crystal display, having a layer of which the mixture is a precursor.

Abstract: A liquid crystal-containing composition includes a cholesteric liquid crystal, a polymer, and concave and convex portions located at the interface between a region including the cholesteric liquid crystal and a region including the polymer.

Abstract: The polymerizable liquid crystal composition includes at least two selected from the group of compounds represented by the following Formulas (1) and (2): whereinin m is 5 or 10; and wherein n is 3, 4, 6, 7, 8 or 9, and R is hydrogen or methyl wherein said composition includes at most only two compounds of Formula (1) in which m is 10; and wherein said composition does not include a compound of Formula (2)in which n is 3 and R is hydrogen.

Abstract: The invention pertains to an isosorbide derivative having at least one polymerizable group, characterized in that the isosorbide derivative further comprises at least one photo-convertible group for adjusting the helical twisting power of the isosorbide derivative. According to a preferred embodiment the isosorbide has the formula wherein A stands for a bond or a p-phenylene group; B and B? are independently O—(CH2)oO—CO—CR??CH2, o being 2-12 and R? being H or CH3; P stands for a CH2 or a C?O group; Q and Q? are independently selected from H, C1-C3 alkyl, C1-C3 alkoxy, halogen, and CN; n is an integer from 1 to 3; and m is an integer from 0 to 2.

Abstract: A method for preparing an optical film, which comprises applying and developing an application liquid mixture containing a liquid crystal monomer, a chiral agent and a polymerization initiator on an orientation substrate, subjecting the resultant developed layer to a heat treatment, to orient the monomer to a cholesteric structure, and then subjecting the developed layer to a poltmerization treatment, to polymerize the oriented liquid crystal monomer, thereby forming an optical film exhibiting a selective reflection wave length of 100 to 320 nm. An optical film prepared by the above method is reduced in the coloring due to selective reflection.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a phenylethanediol derivative having at least one polymerizable group, characterized in that the phenylethanediol derivative further comprises at least one photo-convertible group for adjusting the helical twisting power of the phenylethanediol derivative. According to a preferred embodiment the phenylethanediol has the formula wherein A stands for a bond or a p-phenylene group; B and B? are independently (O)p—CoH2o—O—CO—CR??CH2, o being 2-12, p being 0 or 1, and R? being H or CH3; P stands for a CH2 or a C?O group; Q and Q? are independently selected from H, C1-C3 alkyl, C1-C3 alkoxy, halogen, and CN; n is an integer from 1 to 3; and m is an integer from 0 to 2; and: wherein A stands for a bond or a p-phenylene group; B is (O)p—CoH2o—O—CO—CR??CH2, o being 2-12, p is 1, and R? being H or CH3; P stands for a CH2 or a C?O group; Q is selected from H, C1-C3 alkyl, C1-C3 alkoxy, halogen, and CN; and m is an integer from 0 to 2.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical compensation plate having an optical compensation layer in which cracks occurring due to an applied pressure is suppressed. By applying a curable adhesive agent onto at least one surface of the optical compensation layer and curing the adhesive, an anti-cracking layer is formed directly on the surface of the optical compensation layer. The occurrence of cracks in the optical compensation layer can be prevented by this anti-cracking layer. The optical compensation layer preferably is a layer having a cholesteric structure, and the constituent material thereof is preferably a non-liquid crystal polymer formed by polymerizing aligned liquid crystal monomers or an aligned liquid crystal polymer.

Abstract: A cholesteric display including a liquid crystalline mixture having a dipolar dopant dissolved in the liquid crystalline mixture and the resulting mixture is reflecting light in the visible range of the spectrum when in planar state. In accordance with another aspect, a process includes forming a composition with a dipolar molecule to result in a liquid crystal dipolar dopant, and liquid crystal is added to the composition. In accordance with still another aspect, a device includes a liquid crystal composition includes a cholesteric liquid and a dipolar dopant. The liquid crystal composition is switchable between a focal-conic state and a planar state in the presence of an electric field and is stable in the respective state when the electric field is removed.

Abstract: A cholesteric display including a cholesteric liquid crystal, and a dipolar dopant having limited miscibility in the cholesteric liquid crystal is provided. In accordance with another aspect, a process is provided for forming a cholesteric liquid crystal composition by dissolving a dipolar dopant having limited solubility into a cholesteric liquid crystal. The liquid crystal composition can be utilized to produce a cholesteric display. The liquid crystal domains in the liquid crystal composition rotate away from a planar state in the presence of an applied electric field and the degree of rotation is a function of the applied electric field strength. The reflected color is then a function of the applied electric field.

Abstract: A cholesteric liquid crystal composition includes a) a cholesteric liquid crystal compound or a cholesteric liquid crystal precursor; and b) a compound of formula (I), formula (II) or formula (III): where, n is 1, 2, 3, or 4; m is 1, 2, or 3; R is an acrylate, methacrylate, acrylamide, isocyanate, epoxy, or silane; R1 is a (C3–C8) alkylene, (C3–C8) alkenylene, or (C3–C8) alkylyne; R2 is a bond, —O—, —C(O)O—, —O(O)C—, —OC(O)O—, —C(O)N—, —CH?N—, —N?CH—, or —NC(O)—; R3 is a cycloalkylene, cycloalkenylene, heterocyclylene, arylene, or hetroarylene; R4 is a bond, (C1–C8) alkylene, (C2–C8) alkenylene, (C2–C8) alkylyne, carbonyl, —O—, —C(O)O—, —O(O)C—, —OC(O)O—, —C(O)N—, —CH?N—, —N?CH—, or —NC(O)—; R5 is a bond, cycloalkylene, cycloalkenylene, hetrocyclylene, arylene, or hetroarylene; R6 is hydrogen, cyano, halo, (C1–C8) alkoxy, (C1–C8) alkyl, nitro, amino, carboxy, mercapto, (C1–C4)thioalkyl, COCH3, CF3, OCF3, or SCF3; R7 is a (C1–C2) alkylene, (C2) alkenylene, or (C2) alkylyne; R8 is is hydrogen, halo, (C1–C8)

Abstract: The invention provides a cholesteric liquid crystal composition that includes at least one cholesteric liquid crystal precursor, and at least one non-liquid crystalline additive that is a non-liquid crystalline compound of formula I The invention also provides cholesteric liquid crystal films and optical bodies formed from cholesteric liquid crystal compositions of the invention. The invention further provides an optical display that includes a display medium, and a reflective polarizer including a cholesteric liquid crystal composition in accordance with the invention.

Abstract: A liquid crystal layer is formed on an alignment substrate 13 by the use of a photo-curing chiral nematic liquid crystal having cholesteric regularity, or the like, and liquid crystalline molecules in the liquid crystal layer are aligned by the alignment-regulating action of the alignment substrate 13. A predetermined amount of radiation 20 is applied to the liquid crystal layer formed on the alignment substrate 13 to three-dimensionally cross-link and cure the liquid crystal layer, thereby forming a cholesteric layer 12 in the semi-cured state. Thereafter, the semi-cured cholesteric layer 12 formed on the alignment substrate 13 is brought into contact with an organic solvent 21 under the specific conditions. There is thus finally obtained an optical element 10 comprising the cholesteric layer 12 formed on the alignment substrate 13.

Abstract: A chiral nematic liquid crystal composition has minimal temperature dependency of the natural pitch and temperature dependency of the wavelength selective reflection and low temperature storage stability thereof is excellent. A chiral nematic liquid crystal composition with a broad liquid crystal temperature range is used in a bistable liquid crystal display element, and a bistable liquid crystal display element comprising the liquid crystal composition. The chiral nematic liquid crystal composition comprises optically active compounds represented by general formula (I-a) and general formula (II-a): R2P1-L1SP2-L2-P3—R3??(II-a) wherein the general formula (II-a) has the same helical twisting direction as the general formula (I-a), and shows a positive temperature dependency for the natural pitch, and a HTP value of at least 3. A bistable liquid crystal display element comprises the liquid crystal composition.

Abstract: A method of increasing helical twisting power (HTP) in an optically active compound used in a liquid crystal material is provided. An optically active compound which exhibits a large HTP value is also provided. Furthermore, a liquid crystal composition which exhibits a high upper temperature limit of the liquid crystal after the addition of the optically active compound, and a liquid crystal display device using the same are provided. In a method, an HTP of a compound having a partial structure represented by formula (A), which has an asymmetric carbon atom, is increased by replacing the partial structure represented by formula (A) by a partial structure represented by formula (B) (wherein * represents the position of an asymmetric carbon atom, Y1 represents a substituent such as an alkyl group and a halogen).

Abstract: The present invention provides a compound represented by formula (1) defined in the specification. The invention further provides a liquid crystal composition comprising at least two compounds, which at least one compound out of them is the above compound. The invention still further provides a polymer obtained by polymerizing the above composition, and uses of the polymer such as a molded article having an optical anisotropy, an optical compensation element, a wavelength functional plate, an optical element, and a liquid crystal display element comprising the polymer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a compound represented by formula (1) defined in the specification and a liquid crystal composition comprising the compound. The invention further provides a polymer obtained by polymerization of compound or composition above, and further the present invention provides a film, an optical anisotropic material, A ¼ or ½ wavelength functional plate, an optical compensation element, an optical element and a liquid crystal display element employing the polymer.

Abstract: The invention relates to chiral compounds of formula (I) wherein Y1, Y2, Y3, Y4, X1, X2, X3 and X4 have the meaning given in claim 1, to liquid crystalline mixtures comprising at least one chiral compound of formula (I), to chiral linear or crosslinked liquid crystalline polymers obtainable by polymerizing a polymerizable mixture comprising at least one chiral compound of formula (I), to the use of chiral compounds of formula (I) and mixtures and polymers obtained thereof in liquid crystal displays, active and passive optical elements, adhesives, synthetic resins with anisotropic mechanical properties, cosmetic and pharmaceutical compositions, diagnostics, liquid crystal pigments, for decorative and security applications, nonlinear optics, optical information storage or as chiral dopants, and to a liquid crystal display comprising a mixture comprising at least one chiral compound of formula (I)

Abstract: The instant invention relates to liquid crystal displays of the flexoelectric type operating in the uniformly lying helix mode and in particular to the orientation of the cholesteric liquid crystalline media, which have a short pitch, in these displays by making the system non-symmetric. The media comprise a bimesogenic component, component A and a chiral component, component B. The display comprises one substrate on which the liquid crystal is oriented homogeneously and preferably a second substrate on which the liquid crystal is oriented homeotropically.

Abstract: In color printing, and in the fine arts, cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) color inks are known to possess much higher color saturation and brightness than conventional pigment and dyed based inks. However, prior art CLC ink formulations are inconvenient because in the liquid phase they have to be confined in cells, and in the solid phase, they have to be applied at high temperature, and have to be aligned by some means to produce the optimum color. This invention solves the problem encountered in the CLC prior art, by making pre-aligned CLC platelets or flakes of appropriate thickness and size and mixing them in appropriate host fluids producing a novel CLC ink which can be applied at room temperature and without the need for alignment. The new pre-aligned room temperature CLC ink can be used as a substitute for conventional inks in almost all printing and plotting, and manual drawing and painting. Using the notch filter CLC platelets, the brightness is further enhanced.

Abstract: A glassy chiral-nematic liquid crystal composition includes a compound having the structural formula wherein each N represents a nematic group connected to the 1, 3, 5-benzenetricarbonyl central moiety by a carboxylic ester linkage and Ch represents a chiral group connected to the central moiety by a carboxylic ester linkage. An optical device is formed from at least one of the glassy chiral-nematic liquid crystal compositions.

Abstract: The invention deals with thermoplastic compositions comprising at least one transparent or translucent thermoplastic material and a pigment wherein the thermoplastic composition comprises at least one cholesteric liquid crystal polymeric plate shaped pigment in a quantity of 0.55 or less parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the transparent or translucent thermoplastic material.