Abstract: A liquid crystal smectic A composition that can be switched by the application of different electric fields across it between a first stable state (left hand block in FIG. 4) and at least one second stable state (right hand block in FIG. 4) in which the composition is less ordered than in the first state. The radiation transmission properties of the first and second states are different.

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: The present invention provides an electro-optical device comprising a cell of polymer-stabilized blue phase (PSBP) liquid crystal under an electrical field and a method of controlling the reflection and transmission of an incident electromagnetic radiation such as visible light, by way of controlling the electrical field. The invention exhibits merits such as cost-effectiveness; simpler manufacturability due to the removal of requirements of polarizer and color filter; and fast switching, among others.

Abstract: In a method of operating a liquid crystal device having a liquid crystal composition with smectic-A properties, a first waveform is applied to optically clear the device so that it is substantially transparent to visible light and a second waveform is applied to disorder the material of the liquid crystal composition to afford a strongly light-scattering state.

Abstract: The present, invention relates to liquid crystal compositions having a smectic A structure for use in an optical device in which the composition is sandwiched between a pair of electrodes (12-15). In essence the composition includes a siloxane oligomer (component (a)) which may be seen to construct a layered SmA system of particular spacing and “strength”. Within this structure a low molar mass nematic mesogen (component (c)) is provided that may be considered to be that of a “plasticiser” which moderates the layer “strength”, while simultaneously providing tuneability to the properties of the composition, e.g. its refractive index or dielectric anisotropy. The addition of a side chain liquid crystal polysiloxane (component (d)) allows such systems to be further moderated since they can be considered as binding together the la>¾rs, both within a given layer and between layers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for termination detection of optical alignment of liquid crystal material, which includes: under influence of electrical field, irradiating light on liquid crystal material so that reactive monomers in liquid crystal material polymerizing; detecting a residual amount or a thickness change value of the reactive monomers in liquid crystal material to determine detected residual amount of reactive monomers or thickness change value in liquid crystal box reaching a default value; when reaching default value, terminating optical alignment of liquid crystal material. The present invention also provides a device for termination detection of optical alignment of liquid crystal material. Through detecting termination of optical alignment, the present invention realizes automatic control of irradiation time in optical alignment to reduce the effect of individual glass substrate variation on optical alignment to avoid affecting reaction process of alignment on reactive monomer.

Abstract: A ferroelectric liquid crystal composition having a chiral smectic C-phase is disposed as a liquid crystal composition layer between a first substrate and a second substrate arranged between two polarizing plates of which the planes of polarization are orthogonal to each other. The substrates are provided with vertically oriented films, respectively, and at least one of them is provided with orientation treatment that can form a pretilt angle in a certain direction. The C-director of the liquid crystal molecule is oriented in the certain direction at a portion being in contact with the substrate provided with the orientation treatment and is twisted by at least 180° between the first substrate and the second substrate. At least one of the substrates is provided with a pair of electrode structures generating electric fields approximately parallel to each other.

Abstract: An optical element and a stereoscopic image display device are provided. The optical element is a light-dividing element, for example an element that can divide incident light into at least two kinds of light having different polarized states. Therefore, the optical element can be used to realize a stereoscopic image.

Abstract: A liquid crystal smectic A composition that can be switched by the application of different electric fields across it between a first stable state (left hand block in FIG. 4) and at least one second stable state (right hand block in FIG. 4) in which the composition is less ordered than in the first state. The radiation transmission properties of the first and second states are different.

Abstract: The present, invention relates to liquid crystal compositions having a smectic A structure for use in an optical device in which the composition is sandwiched between a pair of electrodes (12-15). In essence the composition includes a siloxane oligomer (component (a)) which may be seen to construct a layered SmA system of particular spacing and “strength”. Within this structure a low molar mass nematic mesogen (component (c)) is provided that may be considered to be that of a “plasticiser” which moderates the layer “strength”, while simultaneously providing tuneability to the properties of the composition, e.g. its refractive index or dielectric anisotropy. The addition of a side chain liquid crystal polysiloxane (component (d)) allows such systems to be further moderated since they can be considered as binding together the la>¾rs, both within a given layer and between layers.

Abstract: Example embodiments disclosed herein relate to the stabilization of the orthoconic state in orthoconic antiferroelectric liquid crystal devices. According to some of the example embodiments, the stabilization may be obtained by tuning a device cell as well as material parameters. The orthoconic state may be stabilized by means of the cell surfaces, electric fields, and/or polymer-stabilization, and combinations thereof, under selected conditions. The example embodiments presented herein advances several new working modes as well as new types of applications of orthoconic antiferroelectric liquid crystals.

Abstract: An electrically controlled medium for modulating light includes two plastic thin film layers (1) and (2), and a mixture layer (3) is arranged between the two plastic thin film layers (1) and (2). The mixture layer (3) is consisted of smectic liquid crystals (31), polymer materials (33) and dopants (32). Electrode layers (4) are coated on one side of each of the two plastic thin film layers (1) and (2) facing to the mixture layer (3), and the electrode layers (4) are connected to a device of electrical driving system (5). The liquid crystal molecules are allowed to exhibit different molecule alignments by controlling the amplitude, frequency and driving time of the electric power applied to the electrode layers (4), so that the electrically controlled medium for modulating light can be switched between a blurredly scattering state and a fully transparent state, even may be switched among a plurality of gradual translucent states of different gray levels.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a high quality smectic aerogel which is not brittle and a method for producing the smectic aerogel by using a host material comprising a mixture of a smectic liquid crystal and a UV-curable material or a host material comprising a smectic UV-curable material and by selecting an appropriate host material. A smectic aerogel comprising 4-nonyl-4?-cyanobiphenyl (9BC) and air bubbles can be produced, wherein hexagonal or pentagonal air cells are separated from each other by a smectic layer comprising a smectic liquid crystal. The thickness of the wall of the smectic layer at the boundaries of the air cells is about 24 ?m, which corresponds to about 6000 smectic layers. The thickness of the wall of the smectic layer at the boundaries can be varied. Particularly, the thickness can be reduced to as thin as several smectic layers.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display includes a first alignment film having a first alignment direction, a second alignment film having a second alignment direction, and a liquid crystal layer having liquid crystal molecules between the first and second alignment films. The liquid crystal layer is doped with a chiral material that tends to induce a first twist in directors of the liquid crystal molecules when an electric field is applied to the liquid crystal layer. The first and second alignment films have orientations that tends to induce a second twist in the directors when an electric field is applied to the liquid crystal layer, in which the direction of the first twist is different from the direction of the second twist.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display includes a first alignment film having a first alignment direction, a second alignment film having a second alignment direction, and a liquid crystal layer having liquid crystal molecules between the first and second alignment films. The liquid crystal layer is doped with a chiral material that tends to induce a first twist in directors of the liquid crystal molecules when an electric field is applied to the liquid crystal layer. The first and second alignment films have orientations that tends to induce a second twist in the directors when an electric field is applied to the liquid crystal layer, in which the direction of the first twist is different from the direction of the second twist.

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 material in which liquid crystal molecules have uniform alignment state is provided. A liquid crystal layer containing a liquid crystal material is included between a TFT array substrate and an opposed substrate. The liquid crystal material has a phase system continuously showing an isotropic phase, a nematic phase, and a smectic ‘A’ phase in this order as temperature changes from higher state to lower state and shows electroclinic effect in the smectic ‘A’ phase. As the liquid crystal material is heated (temperature is increased), the nematic phase is shown after the smectic ‘A’ phase without other phase in between, and the isotropic phase is shown after the nematic phase without other phase in between. Since the alignment state of the liquid crystal molecules becomes uniform, the transmittance is precisely controlled.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a polar nematic liquid crystal assembly. The liquid crystal assembly comprises 5˜7.5% by weight of a dopant having the structure of Formula 1 below: (wherein X is an alkyl, alkenyl or heteroalkyl group having three or more carbon atoms) and 92.5˜95% by weight of smectic liquid crystal molecules having a linear alkyl chain wherein the N-bonding moiety of the dopant is spontaneously bonded to the alkyl chain of the smectic liquid crystal molecules to induce macroscopic spontaneous polarization in a particular direction.

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: A polymerizable composition comprising a bifunctional (meth)acrylate compound represented by general formula (1) and a monofunctional (meth)acrylate compound having a nitrile group at the terminal thereof represented by general formula (2). The mass ratio of them (the former/the latter) is from 90/10 to 40/60.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device being resistant to display unevenness without loss of responsivity and being capable of securing configurational stability is provided. A liquid crystal display device includes: a liquid crystal layer including liquid crystal molecules and a polymer compound including a structure represented by Chemical Formula 1; and a pair of substrates facing each other with the liquid crystal layer in between, where m and n each are an integer of 1 to 4 both inclusive.

Abstract: The invention relates 1,2,3,6,7,8-hexahydro-s-indacene derivatives and 6,7-dihydro-5H-indeno[5,6-d]-1,3-dioxole derivatives, and to the use thereof as component(s) in liquid-crystalline media. In addition, the present invention relates to liquid-crystal and electro-optical display elements which contain the liquid-crystalline media according to the invention.

Abstract: An electrically controlled medium for modulating light includes two plastic thin film layers (1) and (2), and a mixture layer (3) is arranged between the two plastic thin film layers (1) and (2). The mixture layer (3) is consisted of smectic liquid crystals (31), polymer materials (33) and dopants (32). Electrode layers (4) are coated on one side of each of the two plastic thin film layers (1) and (2) facing to the mixture layer (3), and the electrode layers (4) are connected to a device of electrical driving system (5). The liquid crystal molecules are allowed to exhibit different molecule alignments by controlling the amplitude, frequency and driving time of the electric power applied to the electrode layers (4), so that the electrically controlled medium for modulating light can be switched between a blurredly scattering state and a fully transparent state, even may be switched among a plurality of gradual translucent states of different gray levels.

Abstract: A light-modulating material includes a transparent front surface layer, an intermediate layer including a liquid crystal forming an isotropic phase and a transparent back surface layer, laminated in this order.

Abstract: A liquid crystal device comprises ferroelectric particles suspended in a liquid crystal material. A method for fabricating a light-modulating device is also disclosed. The method comprises the steps of providing a pair of substrates with a cell gap therebetween, wherein electrodes are disposed on the facing surfaces of the substrates, and permanently disposing a suspension of ferroelectric particles in a liquid crystal material into said cell gap. A method of generating an image comprises providing a pair of substrates with a cell gap therebetween, providing transparent electrodes on each of said substrates adjacent to the cell gap, permanently disposing a suspension of ferroelectric particles in a liquid crystal material within the cell gap, and applying an electric field across the electrodes.

Abstract: This disclosure outlines a new method of modifying the properties of existing liquid crystals by doping them with ferroelectric micro- and nanoparticles. We show that this approach, in contrast to the traditional time consuming and expensive chemical synthetic methods, enriches and enhances the electro-optical performance of many liquid crystal materials. We demonstrate that by changing the concentration and type of ferroelectric particles the physical properties of the nematic, smectic, and cholesteric liquid crystal materials can be changed, including the dielectric constants, the birefringence, the phase transition temperatures, and even the order parameter. We also demonstrate the performance of these new materials in various devices, including displays, light modulators, and beam steering devices.

Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid crystal display utilizing a vertically aligned state of liquid crystal molecules when no voltage is applied and to a method of manufacturing the same. The invention is aimed at providing a liquid crystal display and a method of manufacturing the same in which the existing step for forming vertical alignment films can be omitted to achieve a cost reduction. The liquid crystal display includes a monofunctional monomer having a structure expressed by X-R (where X represents an acrylate group or a methacrylate group, and R represents an organic group having a steroid skeleton). A liquid crystal material is sandwiched between substrates which is then irradiated with ultraviolet rays to cure the monofunctional monomer, thereby forming a polymer film at an interface of a substrate. The monofunctional monomer has a hydrophobic skeleton such as an alkyl chain and a photoreactive group on one side of the skeleton.

Abstract: A memory device includes first electrodes, second electrodes, third electrodes, heaters, and memory cells between the first electrodes and the heaters. Each third electrode is provided on the heaters, and each second electrode is provided at a side portion of the heaters. Each memory cell contains an electroconductive liquid crystal compound having a long linear conjugate structure and exhibiting a smectic phase as a liquid crystal phase. Information can be written in the memory cells by selectively heating the heaters to cause the corresponding memory cells to have both electroconductivity and optical anisotropy.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dual frequency addressable smectic A liquid crystal composition having a crossover frequency, wherein the smectic A phase is induced by mixing of at least a first nematic liquid crystal compound or composition and a second nematic liquid crystal compound or composition.

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: 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; R3 and R4 are different from each other and each represents H, F, Cl, Br, CN, CH3, CF3 or OCH3; Y1 represents -, —COO—, —CH2—, —CH2O—, —C2H2—, —C2— or —CF2O—; Z1 to Z4 each represents H, F, Cl, Br, OH, NO2, CN, CF3, CH3, C2H5, OCH3 or OC2H5; Z5 to Z7 each represents H, F, Cl, Br, OH, NO2, CN or CF3, provided that Z5, Z6 and Z7 do not represent H at the same time; n represents an integer of from 1 to 6; * represents a chiral center; and - means a connecting group.

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 a group selected among groups represented by the following formula (3): X3 is represented by the following formula (4): R1 represents a linear or branched hydrocarbon group having from 4 to 16 carbon atoms; R2 represents an optionally branched organosiloxane or organosilane having from 1 to 6 silicon atoms; R3 and R4 are different from each other and each represents H, F, Cl, Br, CN, CH3, CF3 or OCH3; Y1 and Y2 each represents —, —COO—, —CH2—, —CH2O—, —C2H2—, —C2— or —CF2O—; Z1 and Z2 each represents H, F, Cl, Br, OH, NO2, CN or CF3; Z3 and Z4 each represents H, F, Cl, Br, OH, NO2, CN or CF3; Z5 and Z6 each represents H, F, Cl, Br, OH, NO2, CN or CF3, provided that Z5 and Z6 do not represent H at the same time; n represents an integer of from 1 to 6; * represents a chiral ce

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: An object of the invention is to provide a liquid crystal device that uses a smectic liquid crystal and that can produce a uniform display. The liquid crystal device includes a pair of substrates, a smectic liquid crystal provided between the pair of substrates, an injection hole for injecting therethrough the smectic liquid crystal into a gap formed between the pair of substrates, a plurality of scanning electrodes arranged at right angles to the direction of injection of the smectic liquid crystal between the pair of substrates, an alignment film deposited over the plurality of scanning electrodes, and voltage applying means for applying a voltage to the plurality of scanning electrodes in sequence proceeding from a side nearest to the injection hole toward a side farthest therefrom.

Abstract: A bistable SmA liquid-crystal display is disclosed. A striped electrode pattern is coated on one of two substrates and an ITO film is coated on the other to switch the director of SmA liquid crystals between the homeotropic and planar states by applying a vertical electric field across the cell thickness and a horizontal electric field via the striped electrodes, respectively.

Abstract: A light path shift device is disclosed that is able to divide an effective region of a light path and drive the divided regions independently. The light path shift device includes a liquid crystal layer held between at least two opposite transparent substrates, the liquid crystal layer being homeotropically aligned and being able to form a chiral smectic C phase; and plural electrodes for applying an electric field in the liquid crystal layer in a horizontal direction. An effective region of the liquid crystal layer through which a light path passes is divided into plural sub-regions, plural light path shift elements with the electrodes formed thereon are stacked only at positions corresponding to the sub-regions, and are arranged so that boundary lines of the sub-regions are in agreement when being viewed along the direction of light propagation.

Abstract: A light blocking mask covering half of a picture element is formed on a first substrate. Thereafter, the first substrate and a second substrate are placed to face each other, and liquid crystals with negative dielectric anisotropy are sealed between these substrates, whereby a liquid crystal panel is formed. A polymer constituent which is polymerized by light is added in advance to the liquid crystals. Next, ultraviolet is irradiated from the side of the first substrate, and, after removing the light blocking mask, ultraviolet is once again irradiated. Thus, in picture element, a region where binding force with respect to liquid crystal molecules is large (a region where a threshold voltage in transmittance-voltage characteristics is high) and a region where binding force with respect to liquid crystal molecules is small (a region where a threshold voltage in transmittance-voltage characteristics is low) are formed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a polar nematic liquid crystal assembly. The liquid crystal assembly comprises 5˜7.5% by weight of a dopant having the structure of Formula 1 below: (wherein X is an alkyl, alkenyl or heteroalkyl group having three or more carbon atoms) and 92.5˜95% by weight of smectic liquid crystal molecules having a linear alkyl chain wherein the N-bonding moiety of the dopant is spontaneously bonded to the alkyl chain of the smectic liquid crystal molecules to induce macroscopic spontaneous polarization in a particular direction.

Abstract: Disclosed are hexahydrodibenzofuran compounds of formula I, the preparation thereof, the use thereof as components in liquid-crystalline media, and to electro-optical display elements which contain the liquid-crystalline media according to the invention.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device has a liquid crystal layer including liquid crystal molecules, each of which has an asymmetric carbon atom, and has a core portion and an organosilane or organosiloxane structure at positions opposed to each other with the asymmetric carbon atom therebetween.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dual frequency addressable smectic A liquid crystal composition having a crossover frequency, wherein the smectic A phase is induced by mixing of at least a first nematic liquid crystal compound or composition and a second nematic liquid crystal compound or composition.

Abstract: An imaging unit images light on a light receiving element, and includes an optical path shifting element, and a lens arranged on an input side or an output side of the optical path shifting element. The optical path shifting element includes a liquid crystal layer which is applied with an electrical field in a direction approximately parallel to an in-plane direction. The liquid crystal layer is made of a chiral smectic C phase ferroelectric liquid crystal having a homeotropic alignment. The optical path shifting element shifts an optical path of the light input thereto in an optical path shifting direction.

Abstract: Disclosed are hexahydrodibenzofuran compounds of formula I, the preparation thereof, the use thereof as components in liquid-crystalline media, and to electro-optical display elements which contain the liquid-crystalline media according to the invention.

Abstract: Disclosed are compounds of formula I and dielectrically positive liquid crystalline media comprising a dielectrically positive component, component A, comprising a dielectrically positive compound of formula I, and optionally a second dielectrically positive component, component B, comprising one or more dielectrically positive compounds having a dielectric anisotropy of more than 3, and optionally a dielectric neutral component, component C, as well as to liquid crystal displays comprising these media, especially to active matrix displays and in particular to TN and to IPS displays.

Abstract: Fluorinated indenes and 1,7-dihydroindacenes of the general formulae (I) and (II) of negative dielectric anisotropy (??<0) in which T, A, R, L, X, Y, U, W, Z, n, m, p and q are as defined herein are suitable for use in liquid crystal display elements.

Abstract: A method of addressing multistable nematic liquid crystal devices, in particular bistable nematic liquid crystal devices is provided. The method is a line at a time addressing scheme where one of at least two data waveforms is applied simultaneously to each of the column electrodes whilst a strobe waveform is applied to a row. The strobe waveform comprises a blanking portion sufficient to cause the liquid crystal material to blank, irrespective of which data waveform is applied, immediately followed by a discriminating portion which is such that in combination with an appropriate data waveform allows for selective latching. At least part of both the blanking portion and the discriminating portion are applied during the line address time for the particular row of interest.

Abstract: A liquid crystal device is provided that comprises a layer of liquid crystal material (2) disposed between two cell walls (4, 6) in an arrangement such that the liquid crystal material (2) can adopt any one of two or more stable liquid crystal configurations that will persist in the absence of an applied electric field. The liquid crystal device is operable in two modes; a first mode in which application of an appropriate latching voltage pulse can select any one of the two or more stable liquid crystal configurations, and a second mode in which application of an electric field can switch the layer of liquid crystal material from a latched configuration to a switched configuration and in which the layer of liquid crystal material will return to said latched configuration when the applied electric field is removed.

Abstract: The liquid-crystal switching or display device comprises a chiral smectic liquid-crystal mixture, where the ratio ?/? of the angle between the rubbing direction and the smectic layer normal to the tilt angle in the liquid-crystal mixture is at least 0.41. Preferably, the liquid-crystal mixture has the phase sequence I-N-C and the tilt angle ? at 25° C. is between 19° and 39°.

Abstract: An electro-optically active polymer gel material comprising a high molecular weight alignment polymer adapted to be homogeneously dispersed throughout a liquid crystal to control the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules and/or confer mechanical stability is provided. The electro-optically active polymer gel comprises a homogenous gel in which the polymer strands of the gel are provided in low concentration and are well solvated by the small molecule liquid crystal without producing unacceptable slowing of its electrooptic response. During formation of the gel, a desired orientation is locked into the gel by physical or chemical cross-linking of the polymer chains. The electro-optically active polymer is then utilized to direct the orientation in the liquid crystal gel in the “field off” state of a liquid crystal display.

Abstract: When a transition voltage, which is higher than a display voltage for image display, is applied to liquid crystal, the liquid crystal can transition to a bend alignment. Therefore, by applying a transition voltage to liquid crystal prior to image display period only for a transition time which depends on a transition voltage so as to cause a bend transition in the liquid crystal, an OCB mode LCD with a high speed response can be obtained. An interval d between pixel regions is set to be less than, for example, a transition distance of 5 ?m, so that a bend transition expands over inter-pixel regions to thereby achieve a bend transition all over the display region. In an active matrix type LCD, a electrical field is caused to be generated between a common electrode and data lines or gate lines disposed between pixel electrodes due to application of a transition voltage to the common electrode, thereby obtaining a bent transition over the entire surface of the display screen.