Electrooptic Effect of Free-Standing Ferroelectric Liquid Crystal Gel Film with Polymer Network

Abstract

A free-standing gel film containing ferroelectric liquid crystal in polymer network was formed for a future flexible flat display which will implement attractive features of ease of large-size fabrication, light-weight and anti-shock panel structure. The 3μ m-thick gel film fastening transparent substrates was obtained by dispersing acrylate monomer of more than 20% concentration using photopolymerization-induced phase separation. It exhibited electrooptic response faster than 300μ s, high extinction ratio over 100, grayscale capability due to switching domain distribution. The high-speed response and physical stiffness can be consistent in it, because low-molecular weight liquid crystal molecules are separated from high polymer molecules which restrict conical switching behavior of the liquid crystal.