Pixel-liquid-crystal mode by using a patterned anisotropic phase separation for flexible LCDs

Abstract

A pixel-isolated liquid-crystal (PILC) mode for enhancing the mechanical stability of flexible-display applications is proposed. Because liquid-crystal (LC) molecules in this mode are isolated in each pixel by patterned or phase-separated microstructures, and the two substrates are tightly attached to each other by a solidified polymer layer, the LC alignment is stable against external pressure, and the cell gap of our structure is uniformly preserved against bending deformation of the plastic substrates. The mechanical stability of the PILC structure having plastic substrates was tested for its electro-optic properties.