Initially π-twisted nematic liquid crystal cell stabilized by a fluorinated polymer wall

The authors propose an initially pi-twisted nematic liquid crystal (NLC) cell which can be made by phase separation of LC molecules and fluorinated polymer material without using a chiral material. Excellent phase separation is achieved due to strong immiscibility of the fluorinated acrylates with LC molecules. The pi-twist state of the LCs surrounded with the fluorinated polymer wall is almost permanently stabilized. The initially pi-twisted NLC cell can be operated at a lower driving voltage compared to those of a conventional pi cell and chiral-doped cell. The switching time of the cell is as fast as the conventional pi cell. (C) 2007 American Institute of Physics.