LIQUID-CRYSTAL SEIGNETTE-ELECTRIC DISPLAY UNIT Russian patent published in 1997 - IPC

FIELD: electric optics, in particular, information displays, image processing devices, light shutters. SUBSTANCE: device has two transparent plates with transparent current-conducting covers which are connected to alternating-sign power supply. Space between plates is filled with Seignette-electric liquid crystal which alters its optical anisotropy when sign of voltage is changed. This results in alternation of light-passing state of unit and light which is passed through unit is modulated. When voltage is switched off, unit keeps either state of maximal/minimal light pass (two-stable states) or keeps arbitrary intermediate state of light pass (multiple-stable states) depending on molecular structure of Seignette-electric liquid crystal. Said states do not depend on chemical composition and structure current-conducting covers without electric training because depth of Seignette-electric liquid crystal layer is greater than 10 mcm, this layer is optically active with spiral step of more than 1 mcm and Seignette-electric liquid crystal consists of non-chiral smectic mix which includes displaced diphenylpyrimidine and phenyl-benzoate compounds and chiral doping which includes optically active derivatives of terphenyldicarbon acid. Mix components selection and their weight ratio conform to condition of two stable states and lack of chevron deformation of layer of Seignette-electric liquid crystal, if value of spontaneous polarization of Seignette-electric liquid crystal is greater than 10 nC/sq.cm. Multiple stable states are achieved if value of spontaneous polarization of Seignette-electric liquid crystal is greater than 50 nC/sq.cm. EFFECT: increased functional capabilities. 3 cl, 2 tbl, 5 dwg