| 摘要 |
A liquid crystal layer is formed by filling a space between alignment films provided on both glass substrates with a ferroelectric liquid crystal material having a spontaneous polarization. This ferroelectric liquid crystal exhibits a monostable state in which the average molecular axis of the liquid crystal molecular director is present in substantially one direction in the absence of an applied voltage. When a voltage of a first polarity is applied, the average molecular axis tilts from the monostable position to one side at an angle corresponding to the magnitude of the applied voltage, while, when a voltage of a second polarity having the opposite characteristic to the first polarity is applied, the average molecular axis tilts from the monostable position to a side opposite to the application of the voltage of the first polarity. A maximum tilt angle in the application of the voltage of the first polarity is not less than 35�, more preferably not less than 450�. With the use of a liquid crystal material having a large spontaneous polarization, a high-speed response is realized even when the applied voltage to the liquid crystal material is low. |
