A New Multi Layer Wide Angle Electro-Optic Shutter

Abstract

A multi-layered device has been produced with a similar operating mode to a polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC), but with a low molar mass (LMM) nematic mixture sandwiched between two homeotropically aligned polymer liquid crystal substrates. The refractive index matching between the LMM nematic and the polymer liquid crystal (PLC) in the “on state” gives rise to a wide viewing angle of ±60°. In this paper we describe the preparation technique, the optical properties and the electro-optic behaviour. This geometry also negates the problems inherent in producing dispersions of polymer liquid crystal based PDLCs.

Key Words:

• polymer
• multi layer
• wide angle
• PDLC