37.3: Optimization of Photo-Aligned Asymmetric Ferroelectric Liquid Crystal Display Performance: Effect of Planar Layer

Photo-aligned ferroelectric liquid crystal (FLC) display reveals a perfect alignment in case of asymmetric boundary conditions, when the competition in aligning action of two solid surfaces is avoided. In this case a stable uniform photo-alignment on one of the cell substrates spreads out to the other, which is prepared to sustain planar alignment with a degenerate azimuthal direction. In the paper, a thin polyimide film was involved to improve smoothness of planar substrate, resulting in the better electrooptical properties of FLC display. A contrast ratio of 300:1 in a static addressing mode and 82:1 in a multiplex mode was demonstrated together with a perfect bistable switching of FLC display in static and multiplex addressing regimes.