Characteristics of a liquid crystal display using optically isotropic phases of bent-core mesogens

A liquid crystal display ( LCD) mode based on non-oriented samples of bent-core molecules is presented. The display uses an optically isotropic phase, which is relatively common in bent-core compounds. The LCD switches between the isotropic phase ( off-state), and a conventional SmCP phase ( on-state) that gives rise to the bright state. The device exhibits good performance: fast response (similar to 0.1 ms), quite large contrast ratio (similar to 100:1), continuous grey levels and wide viewing angle. These characteristics have been observed down to 80 degrees C. Other remarkable advantages are the robustness of the cells and the simplicity of their preparation, since the material need not be aligned.