LIQUID CRYSTAL DEVICE AND DISPLAY APPARATUS

摘要

A liquid crystal device comprises a first alignment surface (12) which induces a high pretilt greater than 45° but less than 90°; a typical value is 85°. The pretilt has a component parallel to the surface (12) pointing in a predetermined direction. A second alignment surface (13) induces a low pretilt which is less than 45° but greater than 0°; a typical pretilt is 5°. The low pretilt has a component parallel to the second surface (13) which also points in the predetermined direction. A layer of crystal material is disposed in between the first and second surfaces (12 and 13). A novel liquid crystal mode is thus provided and is referred to as the "splay-twist mode". Such a device may be used in a switchable public/private display.