Optically isotropic liquid crystal composite incorporating in-plane electric field geometry

Abstract

We demonstrate an intriguing liquid crystal display (LCD) mode that comprises an optically isotropic LC composite incorporating in-plane electric field geometry. No surface treatment, such as rubbing, is required to fabricate the LCD mode because it is based on an isotropic state. The measured response time is of submillisecond order. This rapid response originates from the local reorientation of molecules in small LC clusters as well as from strong polymer stabilization. The LCD mode has several unique features such as fast response, continuous greyscale capability and a high contrast ratio.