Ferroelectric liquid crystal optical modulation device providing gradation by voltage gradient on resistive electrode

摘要

An optical modulation device suited for gradational display, includes a first conductor film electrically connected to a first electrode and a second electrode, and a second conductor film disposed opposite to the first conductor film, an optical modulation material disposed between the first and second conductor films; and driving means for (a) setting the first electrode at a first reference potential and supplying the second electrode with a first voltage of one polarity relative to the first reference potential to furnish the first conductor film with a first potential gradient; (b) supplying the second conductor film with a first voltage of the other polarity relative to the first reference potential in phase with the first voltage of one polarity; (c) setting the second electrode at a second reference potential and supplying the first electrode with a second voltage of the other polarity relative to the second reference potential to furnish the first conductor film with a second potential gradient; (d) supplying the second conductor film with a second voltage of one polarity relative to the second reference potential in phase with the second voltage of the other polarity; and (e) setting the second voltage of one (or the other) polarity to satisfy a compliment relationship with the first voltage of the other (or one) polarity.