APPLICATIONS OF THE PARTICLE-IN-CELL TECHNIQUE TO LIQUID-CRYSTAL OPTICAL-DEVICES

For the first time we demonstrate the application of the particle-in-c ell (PIC) technique in modeling Liquid crystal (LC) optical devices. W e apply the technique to a two-dimensional cell including splay and be nd deformations. The simulation method is validated by comparing the n umerical results with analytical theory of Fredericksz transition in a parallel-plate LC cell. The phenomenon of the Fredericksz transition and the formation and dynamics of defect walls in highly inhomogeneous electric fields are investigated, demonstrating the applicability of the technique for modeling the dynamic behavior of LC devices. (C) 199 8 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.