New bistable twisted nematic liquid crystal displays

Abstract

We have developed new bistable twisted nematic (BTN) displays that operate between the −π/2 and 3π/2 twist states and between the π/2 and 5π/2 twist states. Together with the (0,2π) BTN, this forms a set of all possible transmittive BTNs. Experimentally, it was confirmed that several switching wave forms could be used to switch the BTN from one state to another. Voltages below 10 V are sufficient to reset and switch these BTNs. The effect of the d/P0 ratio on the bistable switching characteristics is also investigated.