Abstract: In a TFT type liquid crystal display device comprising first and second transparent substrates and a liquid crystal layer which is sandwiched between the first and second substrates, the first substrate includes a plurality of video signal lines, a plurality of scanning signal lines and a plurality of pixel regions which are formed as regions surrounded by the video signal lines and the scanning signal lines, each pixel region includes at least one active element, one pixel electrode and one common electrode, and color filter layers are formed between the pixel electrodes and the liquid crystal layer. The liquid crystal display device is substantially characterized in that the common electrodes are formed as layers above the color filters, the pixel electrodes are formed as layers below the color filters, and the color filters are superposed at least on the whole surfaces of the pixel electrodes in the pixel region.

Abstract: A bistable switchable waveguide having first and second states. The waveguide guides light along a predetermined path in the first state while providing no guiding of the light in the second state. The waveguide includes a guide layer constructed from a layer of a material having a first index of refraction when the molecules of the material are aligned in a first direction and a second index of refraction when the molecules are aligned in a direction orthogonal to the first direction. The guide layer is sandwiched between the first and second surfaces that are in contact with the guide layer. The first surface causes the molecules of the guide layer adjacent to the first surface to be aligned in the first direction. The second surface has first and second regions in which the second surface causes the molecules of the guide layer adjacent to the second surface to be aligned in the first direction.

Abstract: An angularity enhancement layer in a liquid crystal display, which display comprises a liquid crystal cell, wherein the angularity enhancement layer includes a negative birefringent polyimide layer comprising a plurality of structural units having pendant fluorene groups, said angularity enhancement layer being disposed on at least one surface of said liquid crystal cell. A liquid crystal display can comprise an angularity enhancement construction of the invention which comprises a polyimide layer.

Abstract: A polarization-sensitive beam splitter comprising at least one transparent wedge-shaped element of a birefringent material is made by providing each one of two substrate plates with an orientation layer, whereafter the substrate plates are arranged with their orientation layers facing each other while forming a wedge-shaped interspace. The interspace is filled with a liquid crystalline monomer composition, which is subsequently cured while forming a wedge-shaped element of a uniaxially oriented polymer material. After possible removal of the substrate plates, two or three of such wedge-shaped elements can be joined to a Wollaston prism for use in the pick-up element of a magneto-optical recording system.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a reflective type LCD, having the steps of: (a) providing a substrate; (b) forming a polymer resin layer on the substrate; (c) forming a positive-type photoresist layer on the polymer resin layer, wherein the upper surface of the photoresist layer has a convex/concave profile; and (d) performing a dry etching process to completely remove the photoresist layer and partially remove the polymer resin layer so as to shape the upper surface of the polymer resin layer into a convex/concave profile.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an optical element including the steps of: forming a through hole in a semiconductor element which has an optical section and an electrode electrically connected to the optical section; and forming a conductive layer extending from a first surface of the semiconductor element on which the optical section is formed, through an inner wall surface of the through hole, to a second surface opposite to the first surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel crosslinkable, photoactive polymers from the class of polyimides, polyamide acids and esters thereof, and to their use as orientation layers for liquid crystals and in the construction of unstructured and structured optical elements and multi-layer systems. The polymers contain as side-chains photo-crosslinkable groups of the following formula: The broken line indicates the point of linkage to the polymer main chain. In addition, A, B each independently of the other represents unsubstituted or optionally fluoro-, chloro-, cyano-, alkyl-, alkoxy-, fluoroalkyl- or fluoroalkoxy-substituted phenylene, pyridine-2,5-diyl, pyrimidine-2,5-diyl, cyclohexane-1,4-diyl, piperidine-1,4-diyl, piperazine-1,4-diyl; C represents unsubstituted or optionally fluoro-, chloro-, cyano-, alkyl-, alkoxy-, fluoroalkyl- or fluoroalkoxy-substituted phenylene, or pyrimidine-2,5-diyl, pyridine-2,5-diyl, 2,5-thiophenylene, 2,5-furanylene, 1,4- or 2,6-naphthylene.

Abstract: In a first aspect this invention provides a security article comprising an electrically actuated optical switch comprised of a liquid crystal material. In one embodiment the liquid crystal material is disposed in a layer of polymer dispersed liquid crystal material. In a second embodiment the liquid crystal material is micro-encapsulated with an orientable dye. In a second aspect this invention provides a document or currency that comprises a paper matrix that includes at least one security article, i.e. a security thread. In a third aspect this invention provides a device for verifying an authenticity of a document or currency of a type that includes at least one security article, i.e. at least one security thread. The at least one security thread includes the liquid crystal material having a visual characteristic that is switched between two states as a function of a presence or absence of an electric field between first and second electrodes.

Abstract: In a first aspect this invention provides a security article comprising an electrically actuated optical switch comprised of a liquid crystal material. In one embodiment the liquid crystal material is disposed in a layer of polymer dispersed liquid crystal material. In a second embodiment the liquid crystal material is microencapsulated with an orientable dye. In a second aspect this invention provides a document or currency that comprises a paper matrix that includes at least one security article, i.e. a security thread. In a third aspect this invention provides a device for verifying an authenticity of a document or currency of a type that includes at least one security article, i.e. at least one security thread. The at least one security thread includes the liquid crystal material having a visual characteristic that is switched between two states as a function of a presence or absence of an electric field between first and second electrodes.

Abstract: The invention relates to cyclohexane derivatives of the formula I in which R, R1, R2, R3, A, A1, A2, A3, Z, Z1, Z2, Z3, B, B1, X, p, m, n, r and s are as defined above.

Abstract: A twisted nematic liquid crystal-based electro-optic modulator with a twist angle between 0° and 90°, and preferably between 50° and 80° is provided. The modulator provides a relatively rapid switching time such as less than about 50 milliseconds, and provides relatively large extinction ratios, such as greater than −25 dB. Preferably the liquid crystal entrance director differs from the polarization direction by a beta angle of about 15°.

Abstract: A polymer laminate essentially consisting of at least two cholesteric, liquid-crystalline polymer layers and a light-absorbent layer in between is suitable as starting material for effect pigments having a color impression which is dependent on the viewing angle.

Abstract: Cationically curable adhesives and sealants with increased viscosities and improved rheological control and good storage stability are prepared using a cationically curable monomer and a thickening polymer which is the alkylation reaction product of poly(4-hydroxystyrene) or poly(2-hydroxystyrene) with a compound RX where R is allyl, methallyl, crotyl or prenyl and X is Cl, Br or I. The cationically curable monomer suitably includes at least one alkenyloxystyrene monomer. Such thickened adhesives are useful as edge sealants for flat panel display devices. A-stage curing of the adhesive with UV irradiation allows for near ambient temperature fixturing of the device assemblies and B-stage thermal curing of the adhesive can be conducted at much lower temperatures than are needed for glass frit sealants. The B-stage cured products have thermal resistance, outgassing and substrate adhesion properties adequate for flat panel display devices.

Abstract: A non-speckle laser projection display composed of a liquid crystal material for the generation of a high resolution, non-speckle image. The projection display screen includes a liquid crystal material which is constructed in a highly scattered state when no drive voltage is applied. When a high frequency, low voltage signal is applied to the liquid crystal projection display screen, the liquid crystal molecules vibrate slightly at a frequency higher than 60 Hz, thereby causing the speckle pattern to change quickly, and causing the eye to smooth out and see no speckle. In addition, provided is a non-speckle laser display system in which included is a laser image source and the liquid crystal projection display screen.

Abstract: An optical alignment composition including a first polymer selected from a cinnamate-series polymer and a coumarin-series polymer, and a second polymer selected from polyimide having a long-chain alkyl group at its side chains and polyimide having an alkyl group at its both ends, an alignment layer formed using the same, and a liquid crystal display having the alignment layer are provided. According to the present invention, the thermal stability of the alignment layer and pretilt angle characteristic of the liquid crystal are improved.

Abstract: A retardation film made of a polymerized liquid crystal material of the present invention includes: a first region having a first flat surface pattern; and a second region having a second flat surface pattern, wherein a thickness in the first region is different from that in the second region, thereby retardations in the first region and in the second region are different from each other.

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: An optical waveguide (5) for use in the in the visible range, the infrared range or the ultraviolet range. The waveguide has two cholesteric liquid crystal polymer layers (10) positioned parallel to each other, forming a gap between them. When electrically modulated to an `on` state, one or more of the cholesteric liquid crystal polymer layers become optically reflective, so that the waveguide becomes internally reflective, allowing a light beam (15) to be transmitted along the waveguide. The liquid crystal polymer is optically non-reflective when electrically modulated to an `off` state. The cholesteric liquid crystal polymer layers are each disposed on a substrate (30) having an electrically conductive layer (35) disposed between the substrate and the cholesteric liquid crystal polymer. A modulating means impresses an electrical signal upon the cholesteric liquid crystal polymer layers to convert them from the optically reflective state to the optically non-reflective state.

Abstract: This invention relates to a liquid crystal display apparatus formed by sealing a liquid crystal between two substrates having electrodes and an alignment film with a seal material, the production process comprising the steps of attaching two substrates in a vacuum, compressing under atmospheric pressure to provide a uniform cell gap, a temporary hardening process of the seal material by ultraviolet ray irradiation and a main hardening process of the seal material by heating, wherein a radically polymerizable curing resin is used in the liquid crystal seal material. The method provides a liquid crystal display panel having a uniform cell gap, without dislocation of the alighnment between substrates, or discharge of uncured component of a seal material to the liquid crystal, capable of having a seal material firmly attached to the substrates even at panel corner portions, and having an excellent straightness and moisture resistance of the seal material.

Abstract: Two optical waveguides comprising a light transmitting medium are disposed close to each other on a substrate, and electrodes are disposed parallel to each other so as to sandwich one optical waveguide. The light transmitting medium is formed by dispersing fine droplets of a liquid crystal in a light transmitting material, such as glass or polymer, the liquid crystal fine droplets having droplet diameters of about one digit smaller (that is, about an order of magnitude smaller) than the wavelength of light. Linearly polarized light having a plane of polarization in a direction parallel to the direction of application of voltage to the optical waveguide, i.e., in the direction of the substrate surface, is fed as input lights into the optical waveguides. Upon application of voltage, the refractive index of one optical waveguide changes, while the refractive index of the other optical waveguide remains unchanged. Hence, the coupling ratio changes, achieving an optical switch.

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: A variable index distributed mirror is disclosed used for high resolution reflective displays that are thin and have high resolution, reflectivity and contrast; wide viewing angle; low power consumption; and low voltage operation. The mirror is electrically switchable or variable between substantially transparent and reflective states. The mirror has alternating layers of a first material having a fixed refractive index, and a second material having a variable refractive index. The second material may be a nematic liquid crystal. The alternating layers are located between a pair of electrodes. The variable refractive index approximately equals the fixed refractive index in the transparent state and differs from the fixed refractive index in the reflective state. The variable refractive index varies in response to a signal applied across the electrodes. The mirror is tuned to a particular color to form a monochrome display.

Abstract: A lighting system has a light source (2), a liquid crystal dimmer plate (4) for scattering a desired quantity of light from the light source (2), and a control power supply (5) for controlling a light scattering rate or effect of the liquid crystal dimmer plate (4). A light component transmitted through the liquid crystal dimmer plate (4) can be controlled by controlling the scattering effect of the dimmer plate (4). The so controlled light can be used as an illuminating light for a camera for example.

Abstract: A phase spatial light modulator composed of a liquid crystal cell and a reflective element. The modulator capable of receiving and modulating substantially 100% of unpolarized light impinging thereupon. The modulator intended for use within an electro-optical system additionally composed of a light source, driver/control circuitry and an optional optical magnification system. In operation, an external stimulus is applied, such as a voltage supplied by an external power source, thereby changing the phase of light emitted therethrough, generating two beams of light traveling in different directions. The first beam of light impinges upon the reflective element and is reflected to travel in the same directional path as the second beam of light.

Abstract: A common path point diffraction interferometer uses dyed, parallel nematic liquid crystals which surround an optically transparent microsphere. Coherent, collimated and polarized light is focused on the microsphere at a diameter larger than that of the microsphere. A portion of the focused light passes through the microsphere to form a spherical wavefront reference beam and the rest of the light is attenuated by the dyed liquid crystals to form an object beam. The two beams form an interferogram which is imaged by a lens onto an electronic array sensor and into a computer which determines the wavefront of the object beam. The computer phase shifts the interferogram by stepping up an AC voltage applied across the liquid crystals without affecting the reference beam.

Abstract: Light diffraction device using reconfigurable spatial light modulators and the fractional Talbot effect. This device comprises two liquid crystal, electrically addressable spatial light modulators (M1, M2) on a semiconductor substrate and at least one polarizing beam splitter (2), the optical path between the modulators being equal to (2k+1) Z.sub.T /4.sup.n in which k and n are natural integers, n differing from zero, and Z.sub.T is the Talbot distance relative to a biperiodic hologram obtained by means of one of the modulators and at one of the periods equal to double the other, which makes it possible to obtain a reconfigurable hologram having four phase levels. Application to optical telecommunications.

Abstract: An electrically activated infrared filter utilizes a mixture of infrared absorbing dyes in liquid crystal which normally presents a substantial cross section of dye to absorb the infrared component of impinging light. Polarizing light to be parallel to the direction of liquid crystal alignment enhances the absorption of infrared components. In an alternative embodiment, a chiral additive to the liquid crystal solution increases the dye cross section density which, by absorption, attenuates a higher proportion of the infrared wavelengths. A predetermined voltage differential across the cell aligns the liquid crystal and dye molecules to the voltage gradient, presenting a substantially non-absorptive path to the infrared components of impinging light.