SIMULATION OF SWITCHING IN ANTIFERROELECTRIC LIQUID-CRYSTALS

We are simulating the dynamic response of surface stabilised antiferro electric liquid crystal displays, based on a one-dimensional approach. This leads to more detailed modelling than before The evolution of di rector profiles and the resulting optical transmission under applied v oltages are studied. The different switching modes between the alterna ting state and the two uniform states, observed in antiferroelectric t est cells, can be understood fairly well. The model incorporates a che vron geometry. The different terms in the bulk energy function can be rationally interpreted. The alignment layers are modelled by a polar a nd a non-polar surface energy term. The influence of parameters, such as the antiferroelectric coupling parameter, the polar and non-polar a nchoring strength, the elastic constant etc. are discussed.