High reflectivity liquid crystal display cell

• Main Author: LOWE; ANTHONY CYRIL
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 25.04.2000
• Edition: 7
• Subjects: DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS, THE OPTICAL OPERATION OF WHICH ISMODIFIED BY CHANGING THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIUM OF THEDEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF THE INTENSITY,COLOUR, PHASE, POLARISATION OR DIRECTION OF LIGHT, e.g.SWITCHING, GATING, MODULATING OR DEMODULATING; FREQUENCY-CHANGING; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICS; PHYSICS; TECHNIQUES OR PROCEDURES FOR THE OPERATION THEREOF

A novel multi-layer display cell is disclosed in which contrast ratios similar to that available from cells which use polarisers are achieved, as well as levels of reflectivity similar to that available from cells that do not use polarisers. This is achieved by using two or more compartments for the display cell separated by dielectric membranes. The electro-optic characteristics of the mixture in the two compartments differs in that the mixture in one of the compartments switches at a low voltage, being switched completely below the switching threshold of material in the other of the compartments.