GRAYSCALE-MEMORY SPATIAL LIGHT-MODULATOR WITH POLYMER-DISPERSED PHASE-TRANSITION LIQUID-CRYSTAL

A new storage-type spatial light modulator has been developed which us es a polymer-dispersed phase-transition liquid crystal film and a phot oconductor for high-brightness projection displays. The liquid crystal film containing micrometer-sized chiral nematic liquid crystal domain s subdivided by a unique honeycomb polymer network functions as a memo ry layer for an input image. The liquid crystal domains independently maintain the binary alignment states in the opaque (light-scattering) cholesteric phase or transparent nematic phase. Grayscale images can b e displayed according to the spatial distribution of the bistable liqu id crystal domains. The device exhibits rapid response of a few ms and a limiting resolution of 32 lp/mm. It has the advantages of high tran smittance without polarizers and ease of fabrication due to the free-s tanding liquid crystal film.