Influence of the alignment process on the switching of high contrast antiferroelectric liquid crystal displays

In this paper we investigate the causes of poor alignment in antiferroelect ric liquid crystal devices making use of spin coated and rubbed polyimide. We found that poor alignment is due to the deviation of the layer normal fr om the rubbing direction. By optimising the skew between the rubbing direct ion on opposite substrates we found that a high quality and stable alignmen t can be obtained. Quantitative experimental results showing a static extin ction ratio higher than 3000:1 and dynamic contrast ratio higher than 2000: 1 are presented.