Fast bistable nematic display using monostable surface switching

Abstract

We present a novel surface-controlled bistable nematic liquid crystal display. This black and white device uses simple monostable planar anchorings and a dielectrically positive nematic. The two bistable textures are, respectively, quasiuniform U and almost half-turn twisted T. Short electric pulses break the surface anchorings. Hydrodynamically coupled breaking of both anchorings creates T. U is obtained by breaking only one anchoring. Write and erase times for high resolution video are achieved at voltages compatible with the usual drivers.