Ferroelectric Liquid Crystal Electro-Optics Using the Surface Stabilized Structure

Abstract

Abstract The strong linear coupling of the director ň to electric field E in ferroelectric liquid crystals can be utilized to perform high-speed electro-optic switching suitable for device applications. In this article we summarize the current understanding of the high-speed, bistable, threshold-sensitive electro-optic effects obtained in planar structures using surface interactions to suppress the spontaneous director helix characteristic of the bulk ferroelectric liquid crystal.