Application of Optical Alignment MEthod to Making Bistable Nematic LC Cells

Abstract

The optical alignment method was applied to make the bistable nematic (Bi-Nem)-LCD. As the alignment material, a polyimide SE610 (Nissan C, hem. Ind.) was used. The alignment layer formed on one of the substrates was rubbed to obtain strong polar anchoring and high pretilt angle. The alignment layer formed on another one of substrates was illuminated by the polarized UV light to obtain weak polar anchoring and no pretilt angle. Although the transition between different twisted states could be observed, no memory effect was confirmed.