Analysis of Electro-Optical Behavior in Liquid Crystal Cells with Asymmetric Anchoring Strength

Abstract

Liquid crystal director distributions have been numerically analyzed between asymmetric anchoring surfaces, that is, infinitely strong and very weak anchoring strength interfaces. In a hybrid aligned nematic (HAN) cell and a twisted nematic (TN) cell, HAN and TN orientations turn to a homogeneous orientation when the weak anchoring strength is lower than a critical one. Relationships between the anchoring strength and elastic constants of the liquid crystal were analyzed to be of a quasi-homogeneous orientation. The quasi-homogeneous orientation returned to the original HAN and TN orientations under voltage application. Low-driving electro-optical properties with no threshold voltage can be obtained in a quasi-homogeneous HAN cell. A unique voltage–transmission curve of 0–100–0% appeared in a quasi-homogeneous TN cell between the crossed polarizers.