New bistable twisted nematic liquid crystal displays

Abstract

We have developed new bistable twisted nematic (BTN) displays that operate between the $\text{−π/2}$ and $\text{3π/2}$ twist states and between the $\text{π/2}$ and $\text{5π/2}$ twist states. Together with the $\text{(0,2π)}$ BTN, this forms a set of all possible transmittive BTNs. Experimentally, it was confirmed that several switching wave forms could be used to switch the BTN from one state to another. Voltages below 10 V are sufficient to reset and switch these BTNs. The effect of the ${\mathrm{d/P}}_0$ ratio on the bistable switching characteristics is also investigated.