Abstract
We propose a novel bend-alignment liquid-crystal (LC) cell with a three-dimensional aligned polymer, which can stabilize the bend state in the initial stage. This bend-cell was fabricated by using photo-polymerization-induced phase separation under an electric field. As the mixed solution of the liquid-crystalline monomer and LC sandwiched between the two substrates was subjected to an electric field and partially irradiated with ultraviolet light, the monomer aligned with LC molecules was polymerized to form a vertical wall with respect to the substrate. Consequently, the bend-alignment of the LC was stabilized by both interfaces of the polymer wall and substrate. The fabricated device exhibits great potential for display applications, such as no need of the initialized voltage to transit form spray to bend state, and no operating bias voltage above the critical voltage to keep the bend-state.
