| 摘要 |
<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an optical path deviation element that can easily realize a uniform orientation state while holding a large cone angle. <P>SOLUTION: With an inclined angle θ provided between a pair of transparent substrates 2, 3, an inclined area 11 is formed, into which a liquid crystal layer 9 composed of a chiral smectic-C phase is filled. In this structure, this liquid crystal composed of the chiral smectic-C phase is oriented in a monostable state where two directions are present, i.e., the direction of a stable state in which the major axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules 8 follows in a rubbing direction where an orientation treatment is applied, and the direction of a nonstable state which is a direction different from that of the stable state and which is where the major axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules 8 is oriented in accordance with an applied voltage only when it is applied between transparent electrode films 4, 5. As a result, compared with orientation in a bistable state, uniform orientation is made possible very easily, with no orientation defect caused, and with the yield improved in manufacturing the element. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO |
