Abstract: Disclosed is a display apparatus, comprising a first display region serving as a fingerprint identification region and a second display region serving as a display region, and comprising a display layer and a driver layer stacked in a stacking direction perpendicular to a plane where the display apparatus is placed. The display layer comprises a first electrode layer and a second electrode layer stacked in the stacking direction, and the driver layer comprises a plurality of driver units. In the first display region, the first electrode layer has a first part corresponding to the first display region, the second electrode layer has a second part corresponding to the first display region, and a projection of the first part in the stacking direction and a projection of the second part in the stacking direction are not completely overlapped.

Abstract: A display system including a display screen having first and second display sub-pixels where each first display sub-pixel includes a first light-emitting component emitting a first radiation and covered with a first colored filter and first conductive tracks and where each second display sub-pixel includes a second light-emitting component emitting a second radiation and covered with a second colored filter and second conductive tracks. The display system further includes an image sensor detecting the first or second radiation or a third radiation. The first display sub-pixels include first elements absorbing the first radiation and the second radiation and covering the first conductive tracks. The first absorbing elements and/or the first colored filter delimit a first passageway along the stacking direction for the first, second, or third radiation.

Abstract: A light sensitive display.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a UV curing device, a sealant curing system and a sealant curing method. The UV curing device includes: a light-emitting mechanism configured to emit and guide UV rays in an output direction; and a first adjustment mechanism connected to the light-emitting mechanism and configured to adjust the output direction of the UV rays from the light-emitting mechanism so that the UV rays enter a to-be-cured display panel at an incident angle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid crystal compound having a structure as shown by formula I, wherein R is selected from H and alkyl or alkoxy containing 1-12 carbon atoms in which one or more H are unsubstituted or substituted with halogens; A1, A2 and A3 are each independently selected from: a single bond, 1,4-cyclohexylene, 1,4-phenylene, wherein hydrogen in 1,4-phenylene may be each independently substituted with one or more halogens; and Z1 and Z2 are each independently selected from a single bond or —(CH2)2—. The compound of the invention has the characteristics of low rotational viscosity, large dielectric anisotropy, good mutual solubility and stability. The driving voltage of a device can be remarkably reduced after the compound is added to a composition. Thus, the compound of the invention has prosperous applications in LCD industry.

Abstract: A display system including a display screen having first and second display sub-pixels where each first display sub-pixel includes a first light-emitting component emitting a first radiation and covered with a first colored filter and first conductive tracks and where each second display sub-pixel includes a second light-emitting component emitting a second radiation and covered with a second colored filter and second conductive tracks. The display system further includes an image sensor detecting the first or second radiation or a third radiation. The first display sub-pixels include first elements absorbing the first radiation and the second radiation and covering the first conductive tracks. The first absorbing elements and/or the first colored filter delimit a first passageway along the stacking direction for the first, second, or third radiation.

Abstract: The invention provides a transparent display device including a lower polarizer, a first substrate, a liquid crystal layer, a second substrate and an upper polarizer sequentially stacked in that order. On a direction parallel to an image display plane of the transparent display device, the transparent display device includes multiple transparent areas and multiple display areas alternately arranged with the transparent areas. In the liquid crystal layer, each transparent area and the display area neighboring therewith have a partition plate disposed therebetween. The partition plate is connected between the first substrate and the second substrate and for separating liquid crystals corresponding to the transparent area and the display area. An initial direction of longitudinal axis of the liquid crystal in the transparent area is perpendicular to an initial direction of longitudinal axis of the liquid crystal in the display area.

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: A structural interface having an adaptive liquid crystal material that is positioned to receive electromagnetic radiation and adapted to reflect a selective band of the received electromagnetic radiation so as to help with cooling of a structure in the summer and/or heating of the structure in the winter. The adaptive liquid crystal material is designed to change its selective reflection band when exposed to an activating temperature or an activating light or both. Depending on the interior and/or exterior conditions, the adaptive liquid crystal material has one or more selective reflection bands with a peak wavelength selected from the following: within a sunlight wavelength span, outside a thermal infrared wavelength span, outside the sunlight wavelength span, or within the thermal infrared wavelength span. The structural interface may be applied to an exterior or interior surface of a structural envelop or be integrated into a structural envelope material.

Abstract: A spatial light modulator, a holographic image display including the same, and a method for spatially modulating light. The spatial light modulator modulates a phase of light that is incident on a plurality of pixels and includes a variable refractive index layer that has a refractive index which is variable based on one of an optical signal and an electrical signal, and a metal layer that is disposed on the refractive index-change layer, and a high refractive index layer on the metal layer. Light incident on the metal layer causes generation of a surface plasmon at an interface between the variable refractive index layer and the metal layer.

Abstract: A multicolor electronic display is based on an array of luminescent semiconductor nanocrystals. Nanocrystals which emit light of different colors are grouped into pixels. The nanocrystals are optically pumped to produce a multicolor display. Different sized nanocrystals are used to produce the different colors. A variety of pixel addressing systems can be used.

Abstract: A driving method for a panel structure including at least two liquid crystal layers is disclosed. The liquid crystal layers display different colors. When the panel structure includes a first liquid crystal layer and a second liquid crystal layer, the first and the second liquid crystal layers are initialized. A light source is utilized to emit the first and the second liquid crystal layers to write data to at least one of the first and the second liquid crystal layers. When the panel structure further includes a third liquid crystal layer, the first, the second and the third liquid crystal layers are first initialized. A light source is utilized to emit the first, the second and the third liquid crystal layers to write data to at least one of the first, the second and the third liquid crystal layers.

Abstract: An exposing device includes: a first light-emitting element that emits first light; a second light-emitting element that emits second light; and a liquid crystal panel that is disposed between the first and second light-emitting elements and a photoreceptor body to be exposed to the second light, and focuses the second light on the photoreceptor body by a convex refractive index distribution that is formed in the liquid crystal panel by an orientation variation that is caused by illumination with the first light.

Abstract: Example embodiments relate to a solar cell configured to scatter incident light to be penetrated so as to increase a light progress path and includes a polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) layer on at least one of a first and a second electrodes.

Abstract: A device used in laser display systems for despeckling includes a liquid crystal cell disposed in sandwiched relation between an input and a grounded electrode. A glass cover overlies each electrode. In a first embodiment, the cell may include vertically or randomly oriented liquid crystal molecules and the liquid crystal cell is larger than a laser beam in size for random phase modulation or retardation. Light loss due to diffraction and scattering are substantially eliminated in the absence of pixel structures. In another embodiment, the input electrode is divided into two separate parts. Vertically aligned liquid crystal molecules rotate and follow field fringes created by applying a first voltage to the input electrodes. Additional embodiments include a device that has two wedge-shaped liquid crystal layers, a device that includes plural field-induced gradient index prisms, a device including a tilted mirror, and composite devices.

Abstract: In a photo-alignment liquid crystal panel capable of achieving a uniform display quality and highly reliable photo-alignment properties, and excellent electro-optical properties (transmittance, contrast, viewing angle, and response) for improving a basic performance and a high image quality of a liquid crystal panel and a liquid crystal display device, a structural composition of a polymer, which is preferable as a photo-alignment film, is unclear. The invention optimizes a copolymerization ratio and a modification rate of a photopolymer in order for a compound having photo-alignment properties to be contained as the photo-alignment film so as to enable the photo-alignment film to have the photo-alignment properties, and achieves the discovery of a preferred structural composition of the polymer.

Abstract: A display has a screen which incorporates a light modulator. The screen may be a front projection screen or a rear-projection screen. The screen is illuminated with light from a light source comprising an array of controllable light-emitters. The controllable-emitters and elements of the light modulator may be controlled to adjust the intensity of light emanating from corresponding areas on the screen. The display may provide a high dynamic range.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device suppresses generation of image sticking in AC mode. A liquid crystal display device comprises an alignment film arranged on at least one of a pair of substrates. The alignment film comprises a polymer containing a first constitutional unit and a second constitutional unit. The first constitutional unit controls alignment of the liquid crystal molecules by photoirradiation. The second constitutional unit controls alignment of the liquid crystal molecules regardless of photoirradiation.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display screen includes a resistance-type touch panel and a liquid crystal display panel. The touch panel includes a first electrode plate and a second electrode plate opposite to the first electrode plate. The first electrode plate includes a first substrate and a first transparent conductive layer located on the first substrate. The second electrode plate includes a common substrate and a second transparent conductive layer. The liquid crystal display panel includes an upper optical polarizer, an upper substrate, an upper electrode, an upper alignment layer, a liquid crystal layer, a lower alignment layer, a thin film transistor panel, and a lower optical polarizer, from top to bottom in sequence. The upper substrate is the same with the common substrate. The upper optical polarizer is sandwiched between the second transparent conductive layer and the common substrate.

Abstract: A liquid crystal spatial light modulator for adjusting an optical signal is configured in such a manner that a region of one element is partitioned into two regions so as to perform intensity modulation in one region and phase modulation in the other region. Since the region for performing the intensity modulation and the region for performing the phase modulation can be formed by partitioning one region of the liquid crystal spatial light modulator, only one element allows adjusting functions, both the optical signal intensity modulation and phase modulation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a liquid crystal composition formed by including a polymerizable compound represented by general formula (I) in a nematic liquid crystal composition with negative dielectric anisotropy (??). In the formula, ring C1 represents a benzene-1,2,4-triyl group, or the like; rings C2 to C4 represent a 1,4-phenylene group, a naphthalene-2,6-diyl group, or the like; M1 to M3 represent a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; Z1 and Z2 are a direct coupling, -L1-, -L1O—, -L1O—CO—, or the like; Z6 is a direct coupling, -L2-, -OL2-, —O-COL2-, or the like; at least one of Z1, Z2, and Z6 is not a direct coupling; L1 and L2 represent a C1-10 alkylene group; Z3 to Z5 represent a direct coupling, an ester bond, or the like; and p, q, and r are 0 or 1, wherein 1?p+q+r?3.

Abstract: An electromagnetic source has an electrode structure coupled to a substrate. The electrode structure has interspaced electrodes, at least one of which is spiral-shaped. At least one electrical contact interconnects the electrodes of the electrode structure. The electrode structure is responsive to an applied electrical current to generate a spatially non-uniform magnetic field. This field can act on a LC layer such that optical properties of the layer are controllable.

Abstract: Provided is a liquid crystal display device with a high degree of freedom in the size of pixel electrodes. A liquid crystal display device (1) of the present invention includes a first substrate (11) having a plurality of pixel electrodes (2) affixed thereto, a second substrate (12) which is provided with an opposite electrode (3) that faces the pixel electrodes (2) and which faces the first substrate (11), and a liquid crystal layer (4) that is interposed between the first substrate (11) and the second substrate (12) and that contains vertical orientation type crystal molecules (14). The liquid crystal molecules (14) are aligned and tilted radially or concentrically with respect to each of the pixel electrodes (2) in response to the voltage applied between the pixel electrodes (2) and the opposite electrode (3).

Abstract: A liquid crystal spatial light modulator for adjusting an optical signal is configured in such a manner that a region of one element is partitioned into two regions so as to perform intensity modulation in one region and phase modulation in the other region. Since the region for performing the intensity modulation and the region for performing the phase modulation can be formed by partitioning one region of the liquid crystal spatial light modulator, only one element allows adjusting functions, both the optical signal intensity modulation and phase modulation.

Abstract: An image record apparatus for recording a visible image on each of image record media 14 has a light application section 30 for applying exposure light to the plurality of placed image record media 14, a voltage application section 20 for applying an image write voltage to each of the plurality of placed image record media 14, and a control section 40 for controlling the light application section 30 and the voltage application section 20 so that exposure light for representing a visible image is applied to the plurality of placed image record media and the image write voltage is applied to the image record medium 14 on which the same visible image as the image is to be recorded.

Abstract: An illumination device having a filtering device is configured such that the filtering device comprises an optically addressable spatial light modulator with a filtering aperture which is generated by addressing. The position of the filtering aperture within the Fourier plane and/or the size of the filtering aperture is controlled by the control unit. The light modulator is addressed such that the position of the filtering aperture in the Fourier plane corresponds with the position of the intermediate image of the activated light source. At the same time the position of the imaged intermediate image corresponds with the detected position in the observer plane, and the size of the filtering aperture is determined by maximal one diffraction order of the light which is diffracted by the electrically addressable spatial light modulator. The field of application of this invention includes holographic projection displays.

Abstract: To provide an optical writing device that outputs image light to be recorded to a display recording medium. An optical element thereof includes a two-dimensional periodic structural body including periodic structure sections sectioned along a direction orthogonal to the direction along which transparent layers and light absorption layers are arranged alternately in a repeated manner. At least a part of the periodic structure sections is in a periodic structure in which the transparent layers and the light absorption layers are arranged alternately by varying phases of spatial frequencies of the transparent layers neighboring in the orthogonal direction. Repeated period pitches of the transparent layers and the light absorption layers in the two orthogonal directions of the two-dimensional periodic structural body are set to match with each other, and the repeated period pitches are set to be narrower than a layout pitch of the pixels of the spatial light modulating element.

Abstract: A recording device that includes an obtainment unit that obtains image information representing an image; and a voltage application unit that applies a voltage with a frequency according to the image information obtained by the obtainment unit, to a pair of electrodes equipped with a display medium, the display medium having a multi-layered liquid-crystal phase provided between the pair of electrodes, the multi-layered liquid-crystal phase having a first layer capable of assuming a specific alignment when the applied voltage is greater than or equal to a pre-set first voltage threshold, and a second layer capable of assuming a specific alignment when the applied voltage is greater than or equal to a second voltage threshold. An application of a voltage to the pair of electrodes effecting a first voltage component and a second voltage component applied to the first layer and the second layer, respectively.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device having a built in touch screen including a first substrate having pixel units comprising: a plurality of pixels displaying an image and sensor regions having light sensors formed adjacent to the corresponding pixel units to sense a position of a contacted object; a second substrate disposed on the first substrate, comprising: color filters formed on regions corresponding to the pixel units and first black matrices formed on regions corresponding to the sensor regions of the pixel units; a liquid crystal layer interposed between the first substrate and the second substrate; and a backlight assembly disposed on a bottom portion of the first substrate and providing light to the first substrate and the second substrate. The liquid crystal display device with the built in touch screen determines a point of contact on the touch screen.

Abstract: A recording device includes a first voltage application unit that applies a first voltage to a display layer; a second voltage application unit that applies a second voltage; a first irradiation unit that irradiates to the display layer first light synchronized with the application of the second voltage; a second irradiation unit that irradiates to the display layer a second light after the application of the second voltage is terminated, the second light having a third intensity if the second light is irradiated at an area corresponding to the first tone in the second liquid crystal layer, the second light not being irradiated if the second light is irradiated at an area corresponding to the second tone in the second liquid crystal layer.

Abstract: A driving method for a panel structure including at least two liquid crystal layers is disclosed. The liquid crystal layers display different colors. When the panel structure includes a first liquid crystal layer and a second liquid crystal layer, the first and the second liquid crystal layers are initialized. A light source is utilized to emit the first and the second liquid crystal layers to write data to at least one of the first and the second liquid crystal layers. When the panel structure further includes a third liquid crystal layer, the first, the second and the third liquid crystal layers are first initialized. A light source is utilized to emit the first, the second and the third liquid crystal layers to write data to at least one of the first, the second and the third liquid crystal layers.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a liquid crystal display. The liquid crystal display includes a display panel, a plurality of pixels formed on the display panel, a sensing unit disposed among the pixels and generating a sensor data signal based on a touch to the display panel, a plurality of image data lines connected to the pixels and transmitting image data signals, and a sensor data line connected to the sensing unit and transmitting the sensor data signal. The sensor data line is separated from an image data line adjacent thereto with respect to the pixel.

Abstract: A display device that includes a first substrate having pixel electrodes; a second substrate having a color filter corresponding to the pixel electrodes to display images; a photo switching element disposed at the first substrate; a red or green color filter corresponding to the photo switching element formed at the second substrate to sense an amount of external light; a driving controller configured to output a driving control signal responsive to the amount of external light sensed by the light sensing unit; and a light generation unit configured to provide the display unit with an internal light controlled by the driving control signal. This photo sensor is well suited to human-eye luminosity and uses external light to determine how much backlight is needed.

Abstract: A production method of a substrate for a liquid crystal display in which an exposure pattern of a color filter or a black matrix is formed in a predetermined position of a TFT substrate at a high level of precision. Therefore the production method includes following steps: applying a photosensitive material for a color filter or a black matrix onto a TFT substrate; image-capturing a pixel region by an imaging unit while transporting the TFT substrate coated with the photosensitive material at a predetermined velocity by a transporting unit; detecting a reference position preset in the pixel region image-captured by the imaging unit at an image processing section of a control unit; and controlling irradiation timing of a light source in an exposure optical system by a lamp controller with reference to the detected reference position, and forming an exposure pattern of a color filter or a black matrix at a predetermined position of the TFT substrate.

Abstract: In a light sensing element having simplified structure, an array substrate having the light sensing element and an LCD apparatus having the light sensing element, the light sensing element includes a first electrode, a control electrode and a second electrode. An alternating bias voltage is applied to the first electrode. An off voltage is applied to the control electrode. The second electrode outputs a light-induced leakage current based on an externally provided light and the bias voltage. Therefore, the array substrate includes one light sensing switching element corresponding to one pixel so that structure of the array substrate is simplified and opening ratio is increased.

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 novel information recording medium is provided which records information upon the application of thermal energy, reads the recorded information by detecting the value of photoelectric current generated by light applied to the information recorded portion, and can realize multi-valued information recording or analog information recording. The information recording medium comprises: a pair of electrodes; and a liquid crystal material filled into a gap between the electrodes, the liquid crystal material having a property such that the charge-transport properties are varied according to the phase transfer between a plurality of stable liquid crystal phases of the liquid crystal and/or the history of the phase transfer.

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: An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic circuit device capable of reducing the occurrence of electromagnetic waves accompanying the propagation of a signal. The electronic circuit device comprises a plurality of transparent substrates, on which an optical sensor and an optical shutter are formed. An optical signal is inputted from the external into the electronic circuit device, and the optical signal is directly irradiated on the optical sensor disposed on the transparent substrate, or the optical signal is transmitted through the transparent substrate and inputted into an optical sensor on the other substrate. The optical sensor converts the optical signal into an electric signal, and the circuit disposed on the substrate is operated. The optical shutter is controlled by the output of the circuit, the light is inputted from the external into this optical shutter, and whether the light has been transmitted or not is determined, thereby taking out the signal.

Abstract: A fast and highly practical photoinduced switching liquid crystal device is provided. In the photoinduced switching liquid crystal device, in-plane switching of an optical anisotropic axis of dichroic nematic liquid crystal is performed at a high speed by light.

Abstract: In a light sensing element having simplified structure, an array substrate having the light sensing element and an LCD apparatus having the light sensing element, the light sensing element includes a first electrode, a control electrode and a second electrode. An alternating bias voltage is applied to the first electrode. An off voltage is applied to the control electrode. The second electrode outputs a light-induced leakage current based on an externally provided light and the bias voltage. Therefore, the array substrate includes one light sensing switching element corresponding to one pixel so that structure of the array substrate is simplified and opening ratio is increased.

Abstract: A radiation-curing liquid crystal having cholesteric regularity is applied to a glass substrate 11 provided with an alignment layer 12 to form a first cholesteric liquid crystal film 13 in the uncured state (FIG. 2(a)). Radiation 20 is then selectively applied, through a photomask 14, to the desired portions of the first cholesteric liquid crystal film 13 to partially cure it (FIG. 2(b)); thereafter, the first cholesteric liquid crystal film 13 is immersed in an organic solvent 22 to remove the uncured portions 13b thereof (FIG. 2(c)), thereby forming the first cholesteric liquid crystal film 13 in a desired pattern (FIG. 2(d)). Then, in the same manner as described above, a radiation-curing liquid crystal having cholesteric regularity is applied to the surface of the formed first cholesteric liquid crystal film 13 and the alignment layer 12 to form a second cholesteric liquid crystal film 13? in the uncured state (FIG. 2(e)).

Abstract: A light adjuster which is free from occurrence of cloudiness, and can maintain sufficient workability to improve the yield. In the light adjuster, transparent electrically conductive films 102a and 102b are provided on respective surfaces of a pair of PET films 103a and 103b, a liquid crystal layer 101 is interposed between the transparent electrically conductive films 102a and 102b, and the force required for stripping the liquid crystal layer 101 from the transparent electrically conductive films 102a and 102b is in a range of 15 to 50 g/cm.

Abstract: A display system includes a light writable display associated with an identification code and arranged to receive an image wise pattern of light to form an image on the display; a display writer for producing the image wise pattern of light for writing the image on the display; a scanner connected to the display writer for sensing the identification code; and a processor linked to the scanner and the display writer and responsive to the identification code for programming the display writer to write an image associated with the identification code.

Abstract: A projection screen is provided that includes a display surface having a plurality of elements. Each element has an optical property that is responsive to an appropriate applied voltage. The display surface may be configured so that the optical properties of each element may be coordinated with the projected image.

Abstract: A light sensitive display.

Abstract: A liquid crystal device including a front electrode layer, rear electrode layer, a liquid crystal material located between the front electrode layer and the rear electrode layer. A polarizer is located between the liquid crystal material and the front electrode layer and changing an electrical potential between the rear electrode layer and the front electrode layer modifies portions of the liquid crystal material to change the polarization of the light incident thereon. A plurality of light sensitive elements are located together with the rear electrode layer and a processor determines the position of at least one of the plurality of light sensitive elements that has been inhibited from sensing ambient light.

Abstract: In a liquid crystal device a substrate (1) favors at least two stable or metastable differently directed liquid crystal alignments, and switching means for causing the liquid crystal material to switch between the alignments includes means arranged for optically irradiating said device. The latter may provide linearly polarized light (3) for inducing a torque on the liquid crystal to determine the alignment direction, and may optionally cooperate with a second energy supplying means such as an electric field (V) for assisting and switching. Alternatively, the alignment of the liquid crystal may be switched by a second energy supplying means such as an electric field, the light serving to produce heat to aid the switching. Either or both energy sources may be applied locally for switching of selected areas or pixels. Energy levels at the bistable substrate may be adjusted by the use of an oligomeric additive (slippery surface).

Abstract: The invention relates to an optically active isosorbide derivative represented by general formula (I) and an optically active isomannide derivative represented by general formula (V), wherein R1 and R9 each independently represent an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, an aryl group, a heterocyclic group, an alkoxy group, an aryloxy group or —NR17R18, wherein R17 and R18 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group or an aryl group; R2 and R10 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group or an aryl group; R3 to R6 and R11 to R14 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an alkyl group or an alkoxy group; R7, R15, R8 and R16 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group; and R2 and R4, and R10 and R12 may in each combination be combined with each other to form a 5- or 6-membered ring.

Abstract: In a liquid crystal device a substrate (1) favors at least two stable or metastable differently directed liquid crystal alignments, and switching means for causing the liquid crystal material to switch between the alignments includes means arranged for optically irradiating said device. The latter may provide linearly polarized light (3) for inducing a torque on the liquid crystal to determine the alignment direction, and may optionally cooperate with a second energy supplying means such as an electric field (V) for assisting and switching. Alternatively, the alignment of the liquid crystal may be switched by a second energy supplying means such as an electric field, the light serving to produce heat to aid the switching. Either or both energy sources may be applied locally for switching of selected areas or pixels. Energy levels at the bistable substrate may be adjusted by the use of an oligomeric additive (slippery surface).