Electro-Optic Properties Of A Homeotropic Liquid Crystal Cell With 90 Degrees Surface Rubbings And A Reverse-Handed Chiral Dopant

The electro-optic properties of a 90 degrees twisted-homeotropic liquid crystal (LC) cell with a chiral dopant whose handedness is opposite to the LC twist are studied. In the voltage-off state, the LC directors exhibit a homeotropic alignment. However, in the intermediate voltage state, the bulk LC directors behave like a homogeneous alignment due to the balanced torques between the electric field, surface anchoring, and reversed chiral dopant. Potential applications of this mode for liquid crystal displays, especially for dual-cell-gap transflective liquid crystal displays, are emphasized. (C) 2007 American Institute of Physics.