Emerging Liquid Crystal Displays Based on the Kerr Effect

The device physics and electro-optical properties of emerging liquid crystal displays (LCDs) based on the Kerr effect are investigated. With a voltage applied, both blue phase and polymer-stabilized blue phase exhibit a fascinating isotropic-to-anisotropic transition. We have developed a numerical model to understand the underlying device physics in order to optimize device performance. The operating voltage is found to be inversely proportional to the square-root of Kerr constant of the LC composite. To reduce operation voltage while keeping high transmittance and fast response time, device structures with strong and deep horizontal electric fields, and LC materials with a large Kerr constant play equally important roles.