Kent Skarp

Properties of Azo-Dye Alignment Layer on Plastic Substrates

The alignment properties of the azo dye photo-alignment material SD-1/SDA-2 on plastic substrates are investigated. Excellent alignment with high anchoring energy can be achieved with a polarized UV dose less than 1.0 J/cm2. A reflective 6-digit flexible passive matrix driven TN-LCD for smart card applications showing excellent electro-optical properties is demonstrated.

Spectrophotometric determination of reflective liquid crystal cell parameters

We introduce a method for determination of the optical retardation, its wavelength dispersion, the cell twist angle, and the orientation of the input director in a reflective liquid crystal (LC) ce ...

Synthesis, spectroscopic characterization and alignment of novel azobenzene‐containing monomers

A series of novel bifunctionalized photochromic monomers were synthesized, focusing on those with polymerizable acrylic/methacrylic groups attached to both ends of an azobenzene core via flexible spacers. The phase behaviour of the monomers was investigated using DSC, polarizing optical microscopy and X‐ray diffraction. The change in UV‐vis absorbance of the monomers under illumination with non‐polarized/polarized UV light was studied for both solutions and thin films; also studied was its relaxation in the dark. On illumination with LPUV light, in‐plane reorientation of the molecules normal to the polarization of the exciting UV light, and aggregation of the molecules in the films, were found.

Characterization of flexible reflective liquid-crystal cells

We consider peculiarities in testing flexible reflective liquid-crystal (LC) cells. Several new methods for measuring optical retardation of filled reflective LC cells on plastic substrates are pro ...

26.2: Optical Properties of Single-Polarizer Reflective Bistable Nematic Displays

Optical modes for the direct view single-polarizer reflective bistable nematic display are derived using Jones matrix method. Both theoretical and experimental results show that these modes possess excellent brightness, high contrast ratio and wide viewing angles. Bistable switching realized by anchor breaking on a photosensitive polymer is demonstrated.

37.4: Production Line Characterization of LC Cells

We present the system MePaLC for characterization of empty and filled transmissive and reflective LC cells in a production line. Cell gap and twist angle are determined from spectroscopic measurements in real time. The measurements do not require knowledge of an alignment direction.

40.3: Anchoring Energy Control and Bistable Surface Switching Based on Photo-Alignment Technology

Anchoring Energy Control and Bistable Surface Switching Based on Photo-Alignment Technology

Optical Modes for Direct-View Single-Polarizer Reflective BTN-LCD

Optical modes for the surface-controlled direct-view single-polarizer reflective BTN (bistable twisted nematic) LCD (liquid-crystal display) are derived with the Jones matrix method. The modes show excellent brightness and high contrast ratio. By use of a quarter-wave retardation film in the optical configuration, the contrast can be increased.

P‐106: Optical Performance of Bistable Reflective and Transflective Ferroelectric LCDs

We study optical properties of bistable reflective and transflective direct view ferroelectric liquid crystal displays (FLCDs). Single and double polarizer FLCDs with and without a retardation film are considered. Maximal contrast ratio versus optical retardation of liquid crystal layer for different configurations of FLCDs is calculated. Advantages and disadvantages of each configuration are discussed.

23.1: Inkjet Printing of Linearly Photopolymerizable Polymer as Alignment in LCD

In this paper we have studied inkjet printing as an alternative for coating of photo-polymerizable polymer (LPP) as alignment layers in LCDs. Film properties such as boundary condition, film thickness and surface topography are investigated, and compared with those of spin-coated LPP films. In addition, inkjet printing parameters are studied and optimized.