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Abstract
Novel, optically bistable, twisted nematic liquid crystal display configurations obtained using photoaligned and photopatterned substrates are presented. Switching by 360° between two stable twist configurations is shown. Undesired intermediate states which reduce bistability are effectively suppressed by photopatterned domains around picture elements which exhibit different azimuthal- and zenithal-aligning directions. The high degree of stability of the new, domain-stabilized bistable configurations enables the formation of nematic displays with inherent long term optical memory. Display switching at a few volts is demonstrated.