High contrast homeotropic alignment of difluorotolane liquid crystals

Abstract

High contrast and excellent homeotropic alignment of high birefringence (Δn∼0.3) and negative dielectric anisotropy difluorotolane liquid crystals were demonstrated using long chain alcohol evaporated SiO₂ inorganic layers and buffed polyimide layers. The addition of 5–10% isothiocyanatotolane not only improves the contrast ratio but also enhances the figure‐of‐merit. A disadvantage is the increased threshold voltage.