Light wave propagation within complex liquid crystal structures is undertak
en by the FDTD method, a purely numerical method that explicitly solves Max
well's equations in space and time. A specific FDTD arrangement suitable fo
r liquid crystal applications is described, allowing for efficient space te
rmination, oblique angles of illumination, and correct phasor representatio
n. Two application examples are considered: a two-domain twisted pixel form
ed by two oppositely twisted sub-domains, and a helical ferroelectric liqui
d crystal material. In each case comparison is also made with the optical p
rediction obtained by the Berreman method.