Abstract: A novel polarization selective membrane is disclosed. The membrane comprises a liquid crystal molecule having a helical structure and selectively transmits specific polarized light and selectively reflects the other polarized light. The helical axis of the helical structure is practically oriented in the normal direction of the membrane plane, and the angle between the helical axis of the helical structure and the long axis of the liquid crystal molecules is from 5° to 85°.

Abstract: An anisotropic scattering film, wherein said film has a sea-island structure comprising a matrix phase consisting of at least one polymeric material, and a dispersed phase consisting of at least one polymeric material, wherein the dispersed phase is rod-like, the dispersed phase substantially orientates to one direction, the refractive index of the dispersed phase in the major axis direction differs from the refractive index of the matrix phase in the corresponding direction, the diameter of the dispersed phase is 200 nm or less, and the length of the dispersed phase is 800 nm or more.

Abstract: An anti-reflection film, having a low-refractive-index layer formed by hardening a composition, the composition containing a polysiloxane compound having a reactive organic functional group represented by formula 1, and a perfluoroolefin copolymer: wherein R1, R2, R3 and R4 each are a substituent having 1 to 20 carbon atoms; R1s, R2s, R3s or R4s each are the same or different; at least one of R1, R3 and R4 is the reactive organic functional group; x is an integer of 1?x?4; y is an integer of 10?y?500; z is an integer of 0?z?500; and the polysiloxane compound may be a random or block copolymer.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical retardation film comprising two layers of an anisotropic polymer adjacent to each other or adjacent to both sides of a substrate, characterized in that each layer exhibits a tilted structure with an optical symmetry axis having a tilt angle ? relative to the plane of the layer, to a means to produce substantially linear polarized light comprising such an optical retardation film and to a liquid crystal display comprising such an optical retardation film.

Abstract: A liquid crystal screen display is disclosed which is capable of restraining occurrence of display unevenness. In the display of the invention, a conductive member to which a negative voltage is applied is placed between a substrate and an alignment layer so as to be in partial contact with the alignment layer. Uneven ion distribution attributable to ion generation within broken or pin hole parts of an overcoat film is restrained, for instance, by exposing gate signal lines etc. to the alignment layer so that ions are intentionally generated in the regions of the liquid crystal layer corresponding to the exposed regions.

Abstract: A novel optical compensatory sheet is disclosed the sheet comprises a transparent support and an optically anisotropic layer formed of discotic liquid-crystal molecules thereon. The anisotropic layer comprises at least one air interface control agent, thereby having an air interface polarity of at least 1.5-fold relative to that of a layer which does not comprise said air interface control agent.

Abstract: An optical compensation film comprising a cellulose ester film is disclosed. In the film, (a) each of photoelastic coefficient C(md) in a mechanical direction and photoelastic coefficient C(td) in the transverse direction of the cellulose ester film is 1×10?9 to 1×10?13 Pa?1 and C(md)<C(td), (b) retardation R0 within the plane of the cellulose film defined by Formula (I) is 20 to 70 nm, (c) retardation Rt of the cellulose ester film in a thickness direction, defined by Formula (II) is 70 to 400 nm, and (d) both of a dimensional variation ratio S(md) in the mechanical direction and a dimensional variation ratio S(td) in the transverse direction of the cellulose ester film prior to and after being allowed to stand at ambient conditions of 80° C. and 90 percent relative humidity for 50 hours are ?1 to 1 percent, and |S(md)|>|S(td)|.

Abstract: A substantially colorless and optically anisotropic material is obtained from substantially colorless and optically anisotropic micelles. The micelles are oriented in a definite direction. The optically anisotropic material is usable in optical films and polarization elements.

Abstract: A film which is a single polymer film and has a smaller phase difference as the wavelength becomes shorter. This film is made from an olefin-based polymer which has an alicyclic group in the side chain, such as hydrogenated polystyrene, the amount of the alicyclic group in the side chain being 60 to 90 wt % based on the whole polymer, and satisfies the following expression: R(450)/R(550)<1 wherein R(450) and R(550) are phase differences on the film plane at a wavelength of 450 nm and a wavelength of 550 nm, respectively.

Abstract: An optical sheet constituted by a retardation film; and a transparent layer provided on one of opposite surfaces of the retardation film. The retardation film exhibits Nz=(nx?nz)/(nx?ny) in a range of from 0.6 to 0.9 and (nx?ny)d in a range of from 200 to 350 nm in which d is a thickness of the retardation film, nz is a refractive index in a direction of a Z axis expressing a direction of the thickness d of the retardation film, nx is a refractive index in a direction of an X axis expressing a direction of the retardation film in a plane perpendicular to the Z axis while the X axis also expresses a direction of the highest in-plane refractive index, and ny is a refractive index in a direction of a Y axis expressing a direction of the retardation film perpendicular both to the Z axis and to the X axis. The transparent layer has a thickness not larger than 10 ?m and exhibits refractive index anisotropy of nx?ny>nz.

Abstract: An optical diffusing layer comprising a resin coated layer having a surface fine concavo-convex structure, wherein an average of peak-to-peak distance (Sm), an average of center line surface roughness (Ra), and an average of ten-point surface roughness (Rz) on the surface with fine concavo-convex structure satisfy specified equations, is capable of maintaining antiglare property and screen glare simultaneously controlled, when applied to an LCD in which high definition is required.

Abstract: An antiglare film applicable to polarizers or displays includes a light-transparent resin, first light-transparent particles dispersed on surface of the light-transparent resin and second light-transparent particles dispersed inside the resin. The first light-transparent particles have a same refractive index as that of the resin and particle diameters of 9 to 500 nanometers that provide a less roughness surface of the resin in order to prevent from large angle diffusion to the interior light and improve clarity of image. The second particles have a different refractive index from the resin so as to diffuse the exterior light that comes to the antiglare film so as to decrease glare. The antiglare film can be made by one time of coating. The two layer light-transparent particles provide light interference and achieve a low reflectivity.

Abstract: The present invention is based on a chiral nematic liquid crystal composition which shows cholesteric liquid crystal phase and be able to reflect light in visible region selectively, comprising: a nematic liquid crystal material; a first chiral material with shift direction of selective reflection wavelength toward long wavelength direction depending on temperature; and a second chiral material with shift direction of selective reflection wavelength toward short wavelength direction depending on temperature; wherein at least one chiral material between the first chiral material and the second chiral material comprises two or more chiral compounds, and relates to a preparation method of the above chiral nematic liquid crystal composition and a (layered-type) liquid crystal display using the same.

Abstract: The invention pertains to an anisotropic composite comprising a mixture of a) an anisotropic oriented polymeric network with one or more binding moieties obtainable from a liquid crystalline monomer or a liquid crystalline mixture of monomers, at least one of the monomers comprising a polymerizable group selected from acrylate, epoxy, oxetane, vinyl ether, and thiolene, and b) an inorganic material, characterized in that the network has an order parameter S greater than 0.01 and that the inorganic material is a substantially water-insoluble inorganic salt, a free metal particle, or a mixture thereof.

Abstract: A unique class of chiral additive materials is disclosed for use in cholesteric displays that possess a helical twist power substantially independent of temperature. The additives have a solubility and a helical twist power large enough to be used as a single chiral component with little dilution of the physical properties of the nematic liquid crystal host mixture. The chiral additives may be used in combination with non-chiral additives to provide a helical twisting power substantially independent of temperature suitable for cholesteric displays.

Abstract: A liquid crystal composite material for use in a liquid crystal layer of a liquid crystal display device having a pair of substrates with the liquid crystal layer interposed therebetween, and an electrode structure for generating an electric field having a component predominantly in parallel with one of said pair of substrates. The liquid crystal composite material includes a liquid chemical compound represented by a general chemical formula (I) In the formula (I), X1, X2 and X3 are selected from a group consisting of fluoro group, cyano group, trifluoromethyl group, trifluoromethoxyl group, nitro group and hydrogen atom and not all three X1, X2 and X3 being a hydrogen group. Further, R is selected from a group consisting of alkyl group and alkoxyl group having the carbon number 1 to 10 which can be substituted, and ring A is selected from a group consisting of cyclohexane ring, benzene ring, dioxane ring, pyrimidine ring, and [2,2,2]-bicyclohexane ring.

Abstract: A novel polymerizable compound represented by Formula (I) is disclosed. In the formula, A1 to A4 respectively denotes a hydrogen or substituent and at least one of A1 to A4 is halogen, alkyl group, alkoxy group, formyl or cyano; B1 and B2 respectively denotes a substituent and at least one of them is a substituent containing acryloyloxy, methacryloyloxy or epoxy. An optical compensator comprising a layer formed from a compound represented by Formula (I) is also disclosed.

Abstract: A projecting film enables adhesion to a reflecting film 44 made of an inorganic material to be improved, and alteration of optical properties of the reflecting film 44 to be prevented. A method is provided for forming such a projecting film that enables the surface roughness to be controlled freely through few manufacturing steps. A sol-form application liquid in which are mixed metal compounds and solvent(s) is prepared, the prepared sol-form application liquid is applied onto a glass substrate 40 to form a mixed layer 41 on the glass substrate 40, and the mixed layer 41 on the glass substrate 40 is dried, thus evaporating off the solvent(s), and hence bringing about phase separation into an upper layer and a lower layer, whereby an internal scattering layer is formed.

Abstract: A film for a liquid crystal display. The film is a cellulose ester film with a thickness between 20 and 65 &mgr;m and containing fine particles. The average diameter of fine particles is 0.05 to 3.0 &mgr;m. The number of fine particles per 1,000 &mgr;m2 is 5 to 500 in the cross-section perpendicular to the cellulose ester film in a region of a depth of not more than 10 &mgr;m.

Abstract: The invention provides liquid crystal switching devices, liquid crystal cells made from the switching devices, and electrooptical cells made from the switching devices. The invention further provides methods for methods for changing the orientation of a liquid crystal in a liquid crystal switching device. The liquid crystal switching devices are constructed from a redox-active material supported by a substrate and a liquid crystal having a salt dispersed therein disposed atop the redox-active material.

Abstract: A novel retarder comprising a long transparent substrate, and up on the substrate, a first and a second optically anisotropic layers formed from a homogenously aligned rod-like liquid crystal compound and having a phase shift substantially equal to n measured and equal to &pgr;/2 respectively at a wavelength of 550 nm; and a first alignment layer having a rubbing axis defining the azimuthal direction of the homogenous alignment in the first anisotropic layer. The angle between the slow axis of the first anisotropic layer and the longitudinal direction of the transparent substrate is 75°, the angle between the slow axis of the second anisotropic layer and the longitudinal direction is 15°, the angle between the slow axis of the second anisotropic layer and the slow axis of the first anisotropic layer is 60° and the azimuthal direction of the homogenous alignment in the first anisotropic layer is substantially orthogonal to the rubbing axis of the first alignment layer.

Abstract: A novel optical compensatory sheet is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a liquid crystal composition comprising at least a liquid crystal compound including at least one polymerizing group, a chiral agent and a polymerization initiator, and being filtered using a filter having a pore size of 1 &mgr;m or less; a liquid crystal composition comprising the components of the above-described liquid crystal composition, an air-interface orientation agent and a solvent, and having a viscosity ranging from 1 to 100 cP; a color filter produced using one of these compositions; and a liquid crystal display device employing the color filter.

Abstract: An antistatic optical film comprising an antistatic layer laminated on at least one side of an optical film, wherein the antistatic layer comprises a water soluble or a water dispersible conductive polymer, has excellent antistatic effect, optical characteristics and appearance.

Abstract: This invention provides a polymerizable liquid crystal compound having a large value of &Dgr;n/n, excellent in coating properties on an alignment film and easily aligned. Disclosed is a polymerizable liquid crystal compound having at least one polymerizable reactive group and showing nematic liquid crystal properties, having a &Dgr;n/n value of 0.14 or more wherein n is average refractive index and &Dgr;n is extraordinary light refractive index (ne) minus ordinary light refractive index (no), and being aligned by application onto an alignment film.

Abstract: A transmittable light-scattering sheet (a transmitting type light-scattering sheet) of the present invention comprises a plurality of layers, each having a bicontinuous structure composed of a plurality of polymers. The layers differ from each other in average period size of the bicontinuous structure. The sheet may comprise, for example, a first layer having a bicontinuous structure (e.g., the average period size of the bicontinuous structure of 1.5 to 4 &mgr;m) and a second layer each having a bicontinuous structure (e.g., the larger average period size of the bicontinuous structure than that of the first layer by 0.5 to 8 &mgr;m). In the sheet, the first layer may be next to the second layer. The ratio of the period size of the first layer to that of the second layer may be the first layer/the second layer=1.3/1 to 4/1. Such a sheet can impart a directionality to a reflected light.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical compensator and process for a liquid crystal display comprising a transparent polymeric support, an orientation layer, and an optically anisotropic layer, in order, and optionally, other layers, wherein a chemically bound surfactant is contained in at least one layer. The uniformity and quality of the film is enhanced by the use of a chemically bound surfactant in a layer.

Abstract: A process for producing an optical element which comprises a polymeric liquid crystal layer having a helically twisted molecular structure and has satisfactory thickness precision and satisfactory optical properties. The process comprises applying a mixed solution containing a polymerizable nematic liquid crystal compound and a polymerizable chiral reagent to an oriented substrate, followed by drying, to orient the liquid crystal compound; and irradiating the mixed solution applied with radiation from the oriented substrate side while maintaining the mixed solution in contact with a gas comprising oxygen to thereby polymerize and cure the mixed solution.

Abstract: To provide an electro-optical liquid-crystal displays with low addressing voltages and low to moderate multiplex ratios, in particular STN displays, organic alignment layers of low layer thickness are utilized.

Abstract: Oriented materials and methods for their formation are disclosed. The oriented material is formed by depositing an oriented component from an oriented liquid crystal medium. Oriented materials having multiple layers and methods for their formation are also disclosed.

Abstract: A liquid crystal panel is provided that has a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between a pair of substrates, wherein the liquid crystal layer comprises a liquid crystal and a cross-linked resin, the cross-linked resin comprises a cross-linked structural part adhered to a liquid crystal layer contacting surface and a terminal part rising from the liquid crystal layer contacting surface, and at least one of three conditions: the outer surface of at least one substrate is curved; a liquid crystal layer contacting surface is curved; and the thickness of one of the substrates is not more than ½ of the thickness of the other substrate, is satisfied. It is possible to obtain a liquid crystal panel having increased freedom in the appearance, device weight reduction, simplified structure, etc. by improving the outer and/or inner surfaces of the device.

Abstract: A chiral nematic liquid crystal composition that exhibits a cholesteric phase, said chiral nematic crystal composition comprising 55 wt % to 90 wt % of a nematic liquid crystal composition that comprises, as main components thereof, a liquid crystal ester compound and a liquid crystal pyrimidine compound, wherein said liquid crystal ester compound does not include a tolan skeleton therein and said liquid crystal pyrimidine compound includes a fluorine atom therein; and 10 wt % to 45 wt % of at least one chiral agent. A liquid crystal light modulating apparatus comprising a pair of substrates at least one of which is transparent; and the chiral nematic liquid crystal composition disposed between the substrates.

Abstract: A polyester film composite material comprising a biaxially oriented polyester film having a thickness of 5 at least 50 gm but not more than 200 gm and an easy-adhesion coating applied onto one or each surface thereof, and having a haze value of less than 2% and a total light transmissivity of at least 90%, and a light-diffusing plate comprising a light-diffusing layer 10 laminated on the surface of the easy-adhesion coating thereof. According to the present invention, a light-diffusing plate having excellent optical properties when used in a liquid crystal display and a substrate 15 therefor are provided.

Abstract: Liquid-crystalline media comprising one or more compounds of the formula I 1

Abstract: An optical compensation film comprising a cellulose ester film is disclosed. In the film, (a) each of photoelastic coefficient C(md) in a mechanical direction and photoelastic coefficient C(td) in the transverse direction of the cellulose ester film is 1×10−9 to 1×10−13 Pa−1 and C(md)<C(td), (b) retardation R0 within the plane of the cellulose film defined by Formula (I) is 20 to 70 nm, (c) retardation Rt of the cellulose ester film in a thickness direction, defined by Formula (II) is 70 to 400 nm, and (d) both of a dimensional variation ratio S(md) in the mechanical direction and a dimensional variation ratio S(td) in the transverse direction of the cellulose ester film prior to and after being allowed to stand at ambient conditions of 80° C. and 90 percent relative humidity for 50 hours are −1 to 1 percent, and |S(md)|>|S(td)|.

Abstract: An optical compensatory sheet comprises a transparent support and an optically anisotropic layer. The optically anisotropic layer is formed from liquid crystal molecules. Three principal refractive indices of the optically anisotropic layer are different from each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to chiral compounds of formula I wherein X1,X2,X1,X2,x1,x2,y1,y2,B,C,U1,U2,V1,V2,W1 and W2 have the meaning given in claim 1, to liquid crystal mixtures comprising at least one chiral compound of formula I, to chiral linear or crosslinked liquid crystal polymers obtainable by polymerizing a polymerizade mixture comprising at least one chiral compound of formula I, to the use of chiral compound of formula I and mixtures and polymers obtained thereof in liquid crystal display, active and passive optical elements, adhesives, synthetic resins with anisotropic mechanical properties, cosmetic and pharmaceutical compositions, diagnostics, liquid crystal pigments, for decorative and security applications, nonlinear optics, optical information storage or as chiral dopants, and to a liquid crystal display comprising a mixture comprising at least one chiral compound of formula I.

Abstract: Liquid crystal compositions which comprise as a first component at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by the formula (I) and as a second component at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by the formula (II), the content of the first component being not less than 30% by weight based on the total weight of the composition wherein R1 and R3 are independently an alkyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms and any —CH2— in the alkyl may be replaced by —O— or —CH═CH—; R2 is an alkyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, —F or —Cl; X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7, X8 and X10 are independently —F or —H; X9 is —F, —Cl, —CF3, —OCF3 or —OCF2H; A1 and A2 are independently 1,4-cyclohexylene, pyrimidine-2,5-diyl or 1,4-phenylene in which any —H may be replaced by —F; Z1 and Z3 are independently a single bond, —(CH2)2— or —(CH2)4—; Z2 is a single

Abstract: New polymers, compositions comprising these polymers, and methods of using these compositions are provided. The polymers comprise styrene and maleic anhydride monomers with at least some of the maleic anhydride monomers having certain functional groups bonded thereto. Preferred functional groups include those derived from adhesion promoters (e.g., 2-aminophenol), photoinitiators (e.g., 4-aminoacetophenone), and solubilizers (e.g., 4-aminobenzoic acid). The polymers can be incorporated according to conventional processes into compositions which are then used to form a color filter to be used in a liquid crystal display. The final color filter has a high resolution, is highly resistant to solvents typically used in the color filter manufacturing process, is strongly adhered to the color filter substrate, has superior optical clarity, is highly soluble in a wide range of alkali developers, and has excellent heat and UV light stability.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel reflective microflakes for use in making “additive-primary” coloring media having improved reflection characteristics over the red, green and blue super-bright color characteristics, and “super-white” coloring media having Magnesium-Oxide like color characteristics. The coloring media of the present invention provides a palette of colors for imparting color characteristics or forming color images upon surfaces of arbitrary surface geometry. In the preferred embodiments of the invention, the microflakes are made from cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) material, wherein the pitch of the helices of the liquid crystal molecules in each CLC microflake varies along the thickness dimension (i.e. transverse to the surface) thereof. Depending on the final spiral structure of the materials utilized, the CLC circularly polarizing materials reflect either left-handed or right-handed circularly polarized light.

Abstract: The active-matrix display contains a chiral smectic liquid-crystal mixture comprising at least one compound of the formula (I) R1—(A1—M1)a—(A2—M2)b—A3—X—B1—(B2)c—R2  (I). where the symbols are as defined in the description.

Abstract: A transparent electroconductive film has a polymer film, a primary layer formed on the polymer film, and a transparent electroconductive thin film or a multi-lamination film composed of at least one metal-compound layer and at least one electroconductive-metal layer, formed on the primary layer. The primary layer is made of silicon compound. The primary layer is formed by sputtering, using a target having a density of 2.9 g/cm3 or more.

Abstract: An organic electroluminescence device is made to show an improved carrier transporting ability and an improved carrier injecting property by doping a liquid crystal compound having a high degree of carrier mobility without generating any ionic current. The organic electroluminescence device comprises a carrier transport layer formed by doping a smectic liquid crystal compound having a hexagonal order structure with a Lewis acid compound, a light-emitting layer and a protection layer arranged between the carrier transport layer and the light-emitting layer and composed of an organic compound having a carrier transporting property of the same type as that of carrier transport layer and a carrier conducting property of the type different from that of the carrier transport layer.

Abstract: The glare protection device for welding applications contains an active electro-optical filter element (2) with an electronic control circuit (3). The active filter element (2) absorbs the UV-radiation up to 380 nm. An IR-plastic filter (10) is completely joined with the active electro-optical filter element by means of a compact adhesive layer (11) and together with it forms a single optical and mechanical unit (1), which comprises a high transmittance in the visual region of the spectrum. The IR-plastic filter (10) contains a dye and it absorbs the infrared radiation in a wave length range of 780-1400 nm. With this, a robust, cheap and safe in operation glare protection device for various applications is created.

Abstract: A quinone compound represented by formula (1) or (2) below: (wherein X1 to X4 independently represents an oxygen atom, sulfur atom or N—R1; R1 represents a hydrogen atom, alkyl group, aryl group or heterocyclic group; Ar1 to Ar4 independently represents an atomic group necessary for forming an aromatic ring or aromatic rings, where at least one of such aromatic rings formed by Ar1 and Ar2 and at least one of such aromatic rings formed by Ar3 and Ar4 have substituent selected from the group consisting of alkylthio group, arylthio group, heteroarylthio group and —N(R2)(R3) group; and R2 and R3 independently represents a hydrogen atom, alkyl group, aryl group or heterocyclic group, where R2 and R3 may be linked together to form a ring) was disclosed.

Abstract: A liquid crystal device comprising tilted smectic phases of banana-shaped liquid crystal molecules is disclosed. 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 and permanently disposing at least one banana-shaped liquid crystal material into said cell gap. The present invention also provides a method of generating an image, comprising providing a pair of substrates with a cell gap therebetween, providing transparent electrodes on each of the substrates adjacent to the cell gap, disposing at least one banana-shaped liquid crystal material into the cell gap; and applying an electric field across the electrodes. The tilted smectic phases of banana-shaped liquid crystal may be in either a racemic or a chiral state.

Abstract: An optical compensatory sheet comprises a transparent support and an optically anisotropic layer. The optically anisotropic layer is formed from liquid crystal molecules. Three principal refractive indices of the optically anisotropic layer are different from each other.

Abstract: Disclosed optical compensator for a liquid crystal display comprising a transparent polymeric support, an orientation layer, and an optically anisotropic layer comprising a nematic liquid crystal, in order, wherein the anisotropic layer contains a colorless polymer having a weight average molecular weight that is greater that the entanglement molecular weight of the polymer. The uniformity and quality of this film is enhanced by the addition of a high molecular weight polymer.

Abstract: A method for making broadband cholesteric liquid crystals with improved bandwidth. The method includes the main steps of: (a) preparing a polymerization mixture containing first and second chiral liquid crystals, wherein the first chiral liquid crystal possesses a cholesteric liquid crystal phase and the second chiral liquid crystal possesses a helix-inversion characteristic, and at least one of the first or second chiral liquid crystals contains a polymerizable functional group; and (b) subjecting the polymerization mixture to a polymerization reaction, wherein the polymerization reaction is conducted such that the first chiral liquid crystal will go through a helix-inversion phenomenon. In a preferred embodiment, the second chiral liquid crystal has a temperature-dependent helicity which exhibits a helix inversion characteristic at a helix inversion temperature.

Abstract: Method of producing nematic liquid-crystal devices, wherein a low zenithal anchoring energy of the liquid crystal is obtained on at least one of its confinement plates by the steps consisting in: