ELECTROOPTIC CHARACTERISTICS OF A LIQUID-CRYSTAL CELL IN A HOMOGENEOUS TO TWISTED PLANAR MODE

The electro-optic properties of a novel liquid crystal device associat ed with a homogeneous to twisted-planar (HTP) transition have been inv estigated. The cell plates are prepared in such a way that in the abse nce of an electric held the liquid crystal orientation is uniform thro ughout the cell, and thus between crossed polarizers the cell appears black (off state), When an electric field of a particular configuratio n is applied, a 90 degrees twist is imposed, and the cell transmits li ght (on state). It was found that the HTP device exhibits wide viewing angle and excellent color characteristics. The dependence of the elec tro-optic effect on rubbing directions and cell gap has also been inve stigated. (C) 1998 American Institute of Physics.