Ferroelectric liquid crystal devices

摘要

PCT No. PCT/GB95/02036 Sec. 371 Date Feb. 27, 1997 Sec. 102(e) Date Feb. 27, 1997 PCT Filed Aug. 30, 1995 PCT Pub. No. WO96/07123 PCT Pub. Date Mar. 7, 1996In order to the effects of impact on liquid crystal devices a polymer network is introduced into ferroelectric liquid crystal cells. A liquid crystal device comprises two spaced cell walls each bearing electrode structures and treated on at least one facing surface with an alignment layer, a layer of a smectic liquid crystal material enclosed between the cell walls, characterised in that the liquid crystal material contains a small amount of monomer. The liquid crystal material may also contain a photoinitiator. The monomer material may be cured to produce the polymer network; the curing may be carried out in the presence of an electric or magnetic field. Further, the monomer may be cured in an isotropic or liquid crystal phase.