Abstract: A liquid crystal device is constituted by a pair of substrates each provided with an axis for aligning liquid crystal molecules in a uniaxial aligning direction, and a liquid crystal composition disposed between the pair of substrates and comprising at least a liquid crystal and an aligned gel-forming compound forming a gel with the liquid crystal. The gel-forming compound is aligned in a direction substantially parallel or perpendicular to the uniaxial aligning direction.

Abstract: Devices useful for storage of information which comprises mixtures of suitable chiral materials with nematic liquid crystals and in which by irradiation with light of two different wavelengths the chirality of the mixture can be reversibly switched between two stable states of different chirality, corresponding to two states of different optical properties.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. An orientation film orientation-processed by a non-rubbing method using a polymer is formed on the respective opposing surfaces of first and second substrates. The first and second substrates on which the orientation films are formed are sealed to form a space, and then liquid crystal is injected into the space. A liquid crystal cell into which the liquid crystal has been injected is heated, and an ultraviolet ray of a predetermined wavelength is irradiated on the liquid crystal cell for a predetermined period of time, thereby forming the liquid crystal display. Thus, the pretilt angle can be increased.

Abstract: A method of producing a liquid crystal alignment layer comprising exposing an organic film to polarized pulse laser beam to align molecules in a surface portion of the organic film. There is provided a liquid crystal alignment layer composed of a polyamide film having aligned molecules in a surface portion.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for vacuum fusion bonding of large, patterned glass plates. One or both glass plates are patterned with etched features such as microstructure capillaries and a vacuum pumpout moat, with one plate having at least one hole therethrough for communication with a vacuum pumpout fixture. High accuracy alignment of the plates is accomplished by a temporary clamping fixture until the start of the fusion bonding heat cycle. A complete, void-free fusion bond of seamless, full-strength quality is obtained through the plates; because the glass is heated well into its softening point and because of a large, distributed force that is developed that presses the two plates together from the difference in pressure between the furnace ambient (high pressure) and the channeling and microstructures in the plates (low pressure) due to the vacuum drawn.

Abstract: A lower substrate 3 on which an adhesive 1 has been applied and a liquid crystal material 2 has been deposited is held fixedly by vacuum suction with a suction-holding mechanism 5 within a vacuum chamber C. An upper substrate 6 held fixedly by vacuum suction with a suction-holding mechanism 7 is brought opposite to the lower substrate 3 with a predetermined spacing therebetween, and either or both of the substrates is/are brought in proximity with each other for bringing the upper substrate into contact with the adhesive 1 or the liquid crystal material 2. Both substrates 3, 6 are then moved relative to each other in a direction parallel to the substrate surface for position alignment, and thereafter, the substrates are moved closer to and pressed to each other so that they are affixed together.

Abstract: The present invention is provided a two-domain vertical aligned LCD with negative compensator. The liquid crystal molecules in each of the liquid crystal domains are orientated nearly perpendicular to surfaces of the transparent substrates with a little pre-tilted angle to the normal of said substrates when an electric field is not applied, the tilt angle projected on the azimuthal of substrate between the orientation of liquid crystal molecules in two domains are not equal to 180 degree, and the orientation of said liquid crystal molecules in two domains are oriented opposed direction. The structure that described above is obtained by ultraviolet exposure process.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display is furnished with: a liquid crystal display element having a pair of substrates, to which alignment members are provided to their respective opposing surfaces, and a liquid crystal layer sandwiched by the pair of substrates; an alignment mechanism for providing at least two different director configurations simultaneously on different arbitrary regions used for display in the liquid crystal layer; and a reflection film provided to at least one of the different arbitrary regions showing different director configurations; wherein the different arbitrary regions showing different director configurations are used for a reflection display section for showing reflection display and a transmission display section for showing transmission display, respectively.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display has a holographic polymer dispersed liquid crystal between transparent substrates, and a plurality of phase gratings are formed in the holographic polymer dispersed liquid crystal so as to selectively reflect light components for the three primary colors.

Abstract: In forming four liquid crystal panels on a glass substrate, layout is so made that peripheral driving circuit areas of the respective panels are opposed to each other. With this layout, the peripheral driving circuit areas, which are prone to be affected by particles, are prevented from existing in regions close to the perimeter of the glass substrate. This allows liquid crystal panels to be produced at a high yield, as well as enables efficient use of the glass substrate.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a liquid crystal display cell includes a first substrate having a light absorbent material patterned thereon. The light absorbent material includes a portion disposed within a pixel area. A conductive layer is formed on the light absorbent material for forming a first transparent electrode. A second electrode is spaced apart from the first electrode by a gap. The gap includes liquid crystal. A ridge or a trench is formed in the pixel area and projects into the liquid crystal. The ridge or trench is self-aligned to the portions of the light absorbent material in the pixel area. The first electrode and the second electrode provide an electric field therebetween wherein the ridge or trench provides pretilt control for the liquid crystal to provide an improved wide viewing angle and the portions of the light absorbent material absorb light leaked from the ridge. Other embodiments for active and passive displays are included as well as a method for employing the invention.

Abstract: A surface mode liquid crystal device is made by forming a cell containing a mixture of a liquid crystal and a pre-polymer. An electric field is applied across the cell to arrange the liquid crystal in a predetermined surface mode state, such as the V state in the case of a pi-cell configuration. The liquid crystal is held in this state by the field while the pre-polymer is polymerized or cross-linked, for instance by ultraviolet irradiation. The electric field is then removed. The polymer stabilizes the predetermined surface mode state, for instance preventing relaxation of the V state to twist or splay state in the pi-cell configuration.

Abstract: An alignment mark 4K is formed by a through hole in an opaque circuit substrate 1. An alignment mark 4I of an IC chip 3 is photographed by a CCD camera 9 through the alignment mark hole 4K, and the position of the IC chip 3 is adjusted so that the IC side alignment mark 4I is in the prescribed positional relationship to the substrate side alignment mark hole 4K. Then, the IC chip 3 is adhered to the circuit substrate 1 using the adhesive such as ACF 2, etc. Both alignment marks 4I and 4K can be simultaneously photographed by one photograph of the camera 9, and the alignment can be continuously performed.

Abstract: A method of making an anisotropic conductive element for use in microelectronic packaging includes providing a layer of an anisotropic conductive material incorporating a dielectric material in a fluid condition and electrically conductive particles in the dielectric material and applying a field to the anisotropic conductive material so as to alter the configuration of the particles. The layer has a pair of oppositely directed major faces, a vertical direction between the major faces and horizontal directions parallel to the major faces. The field applied to the layer of anisotropic conductive material may include electrical or magnetic fields. In certain embodiments, at last some of the conductive particles are elongated so that when the field is applied to the layer of anisotropic conductive material, the field turns the axes of elongation of at least some of the elongated particles towards the vertical direction.

Abstract: A system for aligning two plates, in accordance with the present invention, includes a first plate having a lithographically patterned structure formed on a first surface. A second plate also has a lithographically patterned structure formed on a second surface, the first and second surfaces being disposed to face each other. The patterned structures of the plates have corresponding and opposing edges to provide an interference fit between the patterned structures of the first and second plates wherein self-alignment between the first and second plates is realized by engaging the corresponding and opposing edges in the interference fit.

Abstract: An LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) including two substrates sandwiching an LC layer therebetween, and causing a plurality of different kinds of regions to coexist in the LC layer is disclosed. An electrode formed with an aperture is provided on at least one of the substrates. A second electrode is also provided on the same substrate as the above electrode in alignment with the electrode. A voltage higher than a voltage to be applied between the electrode with the aperture and a counter electrode facing it is applied between the second electrode and the counter electrode, thereby controlling the rising direction of LC molecules. The LCD is easy to produce and achieves a great viewing angle. In addition, the LC contains a polymer in order to fix the rising directions of the LC molecules.

Abstract: There is disclosed a lightweight and small liquid crystal display which achieves low power consumption and in which the optical anisotropy of the liquid crystal material is compensated for in order to enhance the viewing angle characteristics and the response speed of the liquid crystal material. Display electrodes and a common electrode are formed on one of the substrates. The orientation of the liquid crystal material is of the HAN (hybrid alignment nematic) type. This compensates for the optical anisotropy of the liquid crystal material and improves the response speed.

Abstract: A polymer surface in contact with a liquid crystal medium is exposed to polarized light, whereby a covalently bound anisotropic component of the polymer surface aligns in response to the polarized light. Alignment of the anisotropic component causes alignment of the liquid crystal medium. An interference pattern of two polarized lights causes the covalently bound anisotropic component to form microgrooves on the polymer surface. A liquid crystal cell includes at least one polymer surface that has a covalently bound anisotropic component that can align in response to polarized light and a liquid crystal in contact with the polymer surface.

Abstract: A technique for fabricating an electro-optic modulator material 1009 onto a transfer substrate 1001. The technique includes a method, which provides a first transfer substrate 1001. The method includes a step of forming an electro-optic material 1009 onto a surface of the first transfer substrate 1001 to attach the electro-optic material 1009 to the first transfer substrate 1001. A step of applying or forming a second transfer substrate 1008 overlying the electro-optic material 1009 is included. The second transfer substrate 1008 is attached using an adhesive to the electro-optic material at lower strength than the attachment of the first transfer substrate to the electro-optic material. To use the electro-optic material, a step of removing 1017 the second transfer substrate 1008 from the electro-optic modulator material 1009, which leaves the electro-optic material substantially affixed to the first transfer material, is also included.

Abstract: A system for aligning two plates, in accordance with the present invention, includes a first plate having a lithographically patterned structure formed on a first surface. A second plate also has a lithographically patterned structure formed on a second surface, the first and second surfaces being disposed to face each other. The patterned structures of the plates have corresponding and opposing edges to provide an interference fit between the patterned structures of the first and second plates wherein self-alignment between the first and second plates is realized by engaging the corresponding and opposing edges in the interference fit.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display apparatus includes a polarization plate, a twisted-mode type liquid crystal layer having coexistent regions with different twisted directions of liquid crystal orientations and different tilt angles of liquid crystal molecules within one pixel, and a compensation layer, having biaxial refractive anisotropy, interposed between the polarization plate and the liquid crystal layer.

Abstract: A polymer dispersed liquid crystal electro-optical device comprising a liquid crystal polymer complex layer having a liquid crystal and a polymer, wherein said liquid crystal and said polymer are aligned in the same direction when no electric field is applied, and an electrode structure formed on each side of said liquid crystal polymer complex layer for applying an electric field to said liquid crystal polymer complex layer to align said liquid crystal along the electric field so as to render said liquid crystal polymer complex layer in a light-scattering state.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display having both wide angle viewing and fast response is described. A key feature of the method is the addition to the liquid crystal of a small amount of a monomer, selected from among the diacrylates or the monoacrylates, as well as a chiral dopant. Once the display has been assembled, the usual turn-on voltage (about 5 volts) is applied. After allowing the orientations of the directors to stabilize, the liquid crystal is irradiated with ultraviolet light for a few seconds. This causes the dissolved monomer to polymerize in place. The UV irradiation and applied voltage are then terminated. Defects that slow down the director stabilization are now prevented from re-forming so that the next time voltage is applied, the system responds in a few milliseconds. Adding a photoinitiator, in addition to the monomer, is an option.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display and a liquid crystal display manufactured by the same are provided. The method comprises the steps of coating an orientation film on the respective opposing surfaces of first and second transparent substrates, orientation-processing the orientation films by rubbing said orientation film, injecting and sealing liquid crystal between the orientation films, and irradiating an ultraviolet ray having an energy of 200 J/cm.sup.2 or less on a liquid crystal cell to which the liquid crystal has been injected.

Abstract: An LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) including two substrates sandwiching an LC layer therebetween, and causing a plurality of different kinds of regions to coexist in the LC layer is disclosed. An electrode formed with an aperture is provided on at least one of the substrates. A second electrode is also provided on the same substrate as the above electrode in alignment with the electrode. A voltage higher than a voltage to be applied between the electrode with the aperture and a counter electrode facing it is applied between the second electrode and the counter electrode, thereby controlling the rising direction of LC molecules. The LCD is easy to produce and achieves a great viewing angle. In addition, the LC contains a polymer in order to fix the rising directions of the LC molecules.

Abstract: An LC aligning substrate (3) is used for an LCD. The substrate is rubbed with a roller (5). The roller has irregularities on the surface thereof, or instead, one of the roller and substrate is vertically vibrated. As a result, the orientation of molecules at the surface of the substrate is finely changed to conceal sharp changes in the orientation of the surface molecules, thereby preventing the LCD from displaying defective rubbing stripes.

Abstract: A process for inducing alignment of a liquid crystal medium adjacent to a surface of an optical alignment layer comprising: exposing at least one optical alignment layer to polarized light; the polarized light having a wavelength within the absorption band of said optical alignment layer; wherein the exposed alignment layer induces alignment of the liquid crystal medium at an angle + and -.theta. with respect to the direction of the polarization of the incident light beam and along the surface of the optical alignment layer; and applying a liquid crystal medium to the optical alignment layer, wherein the optical alignment layer is a polyimide comprising an an amine component having a 2-substituted 1,4-benzenediamine wherein the 2-substituent X.sub.1 is an electron withdrawing group having a positive .sigma.. Also claimed is a liquid crystal display element made by the process.

Abstract: A method of aligning liquid crystal material by bringing into contact with a thin layer of polymer which contains the anthracenyl group, the polymer having previously been treated with plane polarised ultraviolet light. A liquid crystal cell is described wherein each of the substrates defining two opposing cell walls are coated on their inner surface with a suitable polymer for carrying out the invention. A typical embodiment of the invention would have repeat unit (II).

Abstract: The invention relates to an electro-optical liquid-crystal display having a realignment layer for realigning the liquid crystals whose field has a significant component parallel to the liquid-crystal layer and which contains a liquid-crystalline medium of positive dielectric anisotropy, where the medium comprises at least one mesogenic compound of the formula II ##STR1## in which R.sup.1 is H, an alkyl or alkenyl radical having 1 to 15 carbon atoms which is unsubstituted or monosubstituted or polysubstituted by halogen and in which one or more CH.sub.2 groups may each, independently of one another, be replaced by --O--, --S--, --CO--, --COO--, --OCO-- or --OCO--O-- in such a way that O atoms are not linked directly to one another.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display apparatus, having a designated drive composed of a group of electrodes forming pixels in a n.times.m matrix and active devices, in which the electrodes have a structure such that an electric field parallel to the interface can be applied to the liquid crystal composite layer, and the cell-gap between substrates facing each other is 6 .mu.m or less and the response time is less than or equal to 100 ms, and greater than or equal to 1 ms.

Abstract: A method for producing a liquid crystal display device including a pair of substrates and a liquid crystal layer held between the pair of substrates, wherein the liquid crystal layer includes a polymeric region and a liquid crystal region substantially surrounded by the polymeric region, and liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal region are axis-symmetrically oriented, the method including the steps of: injecting a precursor mixture containing a liquid crystal material and a polymerizable material between the pair of substrates; heating the precursor mixture to a first temperature which is equivalent to or higher than a miscible temperature of the precursor mixture; cooling the precursor mixture from the first temperature to a second temperature which is lower than the miscible temperature; forming the polymeric region substantially surrounding the liquid crystal region by polymerizing the polymerizable material; and providing a tilt angle to the liquid crystal molecules in a liquid crystal droplet ph

Abstract: A patterned polarization-rotating optical element includes a layer of birefringent material having a thickness d and birefringence .DELTA.n, wherein the layer includes at least one first region and at least one second region, at least one of the first and second regions comprising twisted birefringent material having a fixed twist angle .phi. such that .DELTA.n.multidot.d>>.phi..multidot..lambda./.pi., where .lambda. is a wavelength in vacuum of optical radiation, so that the at least one first region provides a first fixed angle of rotation of polarization of light and the at least one second region provides a second fixed angle of rotation of polarization of light, the second angle being different from the first fixed angle.

Abstract: A twisted nematic liquid crystal display which have a pixel divided into at least one is fabricated by using a UV light irradiated photo-polymer layer provided on a substrate, which includes a polysiloxane based material or polyvinylfluorocinnamate. The alignment direction and pretilt angle direction are adjusted by anchoring energy and flowing effect of liquid crystal material between substrates.

Abstract: A polymeric optical low-pass filter of the birefringent type is provided which is lightweight and small, and which can be easily produced. Also provided are a polymeric optical low-pass filter device including the polymeric optical low-pass filter; and a composite optical filter including the polymeric optical low-pass filter. The optical low-pass filter comprises an optically anisotropic polymer film in which the displacement distance S between the ordinary ray and the extraordinary ray represented by the following formula is 1-70 .mu.m:S={(b.sup.2 -a.sup.2)/2c.sup.2 }.multidot.sin 2.phi.e,wherein a=1/n.sub.e, b=1/n.sub.0, c.sup.2 =a.sup.2 sin.sup.2 .phi.+b.sup.2 cos.sup.2 .phi., n.sub.e is the extraordinary-ray refractive index, n.sub.0 is the ordinary-ray refractive index, .phi. is the angle formed between the normal at the plane of incidence of light from a subject and the optic axis of the polymer film, and e is the thickness of the polymer film.

Abstract: A film of photosensitive material is illuminated from first and second sides with coherent polarized light so as to form an interference pattern within the film. Regions of cyclicly varying refractive index are provided in the film in accordance with the intensity of the interference patten, thereby forming an polarization sensitive refractive index grating. The refractive index grating may be used as a polarization and wavelength dependent mirror, patterned polarizer, beamsplitter or filter.

Abstract: An improved method of driving liquid crystal optical devices utilizing a ferroelectric liquid crystal is described. A ferroelectric liquid crystal material disposed between a pair of substrates in the optical device has an apparent negative dielectric anisotropy at its operational temperatures, e.g. not higher than 40.degree. C. The liquid crystal consists of a number of layers normal to the substrates. The constituent layers consist, in turn, of liquid crystal molecules parallel to the substrates. Misalignment of the molecules yields bends in the layered structure which degrades the contrast ratio. When alternating electric field is given, the molecules are subjected to an electric torque which exerts thereon in order to force the molecules parallel to the substrate by virtue of the apparent negative dielectric anisotropy so that the bends can be removed. It was found that the absolute value of the apparent negative dielectric anisotropy increased as the driving frequency increased.

Abstract: The liquid crystal display device of this invention includes: a pair of substrates facing each other and a display medium sandwiched between the pair of substrates. In this liquid crystal display device, at least one of the pair of substrates is a flexible film having polarizer properties and the display medium includes a liquid crystal phase and a polymer phase.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display element has: a pair of substrates facing each other; a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between the pair of substrates; a unit for applying an electric field to the liquid crystal layer, the electric field being substantially parallel to surfaces of the pair of substrates; and an alignment structure that an interface of one of the pair of substrates with the liquid crystal layer is not subjected to a positive alignment process and an interface of the other of the pair of substrates with the liquid crystal layer is subjected to the positive alignment process, wherein the alignment state of liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer is changed between directions both parallel to the surfaces of the pair of substrates.

Abstract: A phase spatial light modulator composed of a liquid crystal cell having molecular orientation recorded during the fabrication process as a direct result of a photochemical reaction exerted upon the liquid crystal material, a mechanically-induced change of a liquid crystal alignment layer, or by varying a plurality of polymer materials that compose the liquid crystal alignment layer, thereby affecting the liquid crystal material contained within the cell. The modulator, or scanner, thereby capable of altering the phase, thus steering light passing therethrough. During operation, the liquid crystal molecules deflect the light beam passing therethrough based on their orientation as recorded during fabrication when the applied voltage is "OFF" or in an altered state when the applied voltage is "ON".

Abstract: A ferroelectric liquid crystal display device of the present invention includes: a pair of substrates; a ferroelectric liquid crystal layer provided between the pair of substrates; and an electrode for applying a voltage to the ferroelectric liquid crystal layer, wherein the ferroelectric liquid crystal layer has bent smectic layers, and an effective bend angle .theta.L of the bent smectic layers satisfies the relationship: .theta.Leff>.theta.L>0.degree. in a temperature range in which the ferroelectric liquid crystal display device is stored, where an effective bend angle of the smectic layers in a first state is .theta.Leff, the first state being obtained by cooling the ferroelectric liquid crystal layer from a temperature higher than a phase transition temperature of a chiral smectic C phase--a smectic A phase to a temperature not higher than a phase transition temperature of the chiral smectic C phase--the smectic A phase.

Abstract: A method of aligning liquid crystals includes the steps of aligning chiral smectic liquid crystal sandwiched between a pair of substrates each having an electrode by applying an alternating electric field between the substrates under periodically changing temperature conditions in which a width of changes of the temperature for a single period differs in every period.

Abstract: A fabrication method for a liquid crystal alignment layer which has an excellent liquid crystal orientation efficiency and stability, and which can be mass-produced includes coating a thermoplastic polymer film on a transparent electrode to have a thickness of not less than 500.perp., fabricating a temporary cell with a structure of transparent electrode (ITO glass) / polymer film / liquid crystal / polymer film / transparent electrode (ITO glass) by attaching two transparent electrodes having polymer films coated thereon and infusing liquid crystal, fabricating a stack with a structure of transparent electrode (ITO glass)/polymer film /liquid crystal by contacting liquid crystal on the polymer film, heating the temporary cell or the stack at lower than phase separation temperature of a blend of liquid crystal and the polymer film, while applying a magnetic field exceeding 0.2 tesla, and cooling the temporary cell or the stack in the magnetic field at a cooling rate of not more than 100.degree. C. per minute.

Abstract: A thin film comprising a discotic compound having diacetylene groups at the side chain moiety thereof, and a compound represented by formula (1): ##STR1## wherein R.sup.2 represents an alkyl group or an aryl group.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optically anisotropic element to be used for improvement of visual angle characteristics for display contrast and display color of TN type liquid crystal display element, and to a method for manufacturing the same. The optically anisotropic element has a liquid crystal display element, which comprises a liquid crystal cell, in which a twist nematic liquid crystal is squeezed between two electrode substrates and two polarizing elements disposed on both sides thereof, said optically anisotropic element being disposed between said liquid crystal cell and said polarizing element, whereby it has sheet-like structure and exhibits negative uniaxial property and is arranged in such manner that its optical axis is neither perpendicular nor in parallel to sheet surface, for example, it is inclined at an angle of 10.degree. to 40.degree. from a direction perpendicular to sheet surface.

Abstract: A ferroelectric liquid crystal device is constituted by a pair of substrates disposed parallel to each other and each having on its inner surface an electrode, an insulating film and an alignment control film, and a ferroelectric liquid crystal disposed between the substrates. The alignment control films on the pair of substrates are provided with uniaxial alignment axes in directions which are substantially parallel and opposite to each other. The ferroelectric liquid crystal is placed in an alignment state showing a pretilt angle .alpha. of 5 degrees <.alpha.<45 degrees formed by transition from a bistable state giving a lower apparent tilt angle to a bistable state giving a higher apparent tilt angle, the action of mechanical or electrical means, such as application of ultrasonic treatment, static load or AC electric field.