LIQUID CRYSTAL MEDIUM AND LIGHT MODULATION ELEMENT
20200299579 ยท 2020-09-24
Assignee
Inventors
Cpc classification
C09K19/04
CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
C09K2019/3027
CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
G02F1/134363
PHYSICS
C09K19/3003
CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
C09K19/02
CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
C09K19/12
CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
International classification
Abstract
The invention relates to a liquid crystal medium comprising one or more dielectrically negative compounds and one or more dielectrically positive compounds, characterized in that the medium as a whole exhibits a dielectrically anisotropy () in the range from 0.25 to +0.25. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method of production of such medium and to the use of such medium in a light modulation element utilizing flexoelectric switching.
Moreover, the invention relates to a light modulation element utilizing flexoelectric switching comprising the described medium, to a method of production of such light modulation element, to the use of such light modulation element in electro-optical devices and to these electro-optical devices as such.
Claims
1. Medium comprising one or more dielectrically negative compounds and one or more dielectrical positive compounds, characterized in that the medium exhibits a dielectrically anisotropy () in the range from 0.25 to +0.25 determined at a frequency of 1 kHz and at 20 C.
2. Medium according to claim 1, comprising one or more dielectrical negative compounds selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae IA, IB and IC, ##STR00103## in which R.sup.2A, R.sup.2B and R.sup.2C each, independently of one another, denote H, an alkyl or alkenyl radical having up to 15 C atoms which is unsubstituted, monosubstituted by CN or CF.sub.3 or at least monosubstituted by halogen, where, in addition, one or more CH.sub.2 groups in these radicals may be replaced by O, S, ##STR00104## CC, CF.sub.2O, OCF.sub.2, OCO or OCO in such a way that O atoms are not linked directly to one another, L.sup.1-4 each, independently of one another, denote F, Cl, CF.sub.3 or CHF.sub.2, Z.sup.2 and Z.sup.2 each, independently of one another, denote a single bond, CH.sub.2CH.sub.2, CHCH, CF.sub.2O, OCF.sub.2, CH.sub.2O, OCH.sub.2, COO, OCO, C.sub.2F.sub.4, CFCF, CHCHCH.sub.2O, p denotes 0, 1 or 2, q denotes 0 or 1, and v denotes 1 to 6.
3. Medium according to claim 1, comprising one or more dielectrical positive compounds, which are selected from the group of compounds of formulae II and III, ##STR00105## in which R.sup.21 denotes alkyl, alkoxy, fluorinated alkyl or fluorinated alkoxy having 1 to 7 C atoms, alkenyl, alkenyloxy, alkoxyalkyl or fluorinated alkenyl having 2 to 7 C atoms and preferably alkyl or alkenyl, ##STR00106## on each appearance, independently of one another, denote ##STR00107## L.sup.21 and L.sup.22 denote H or F, preferably L.sup.21 denotes F, X.sup.21 denotes halogen, halogenated alkyl or alkoxy having 1 to 3 C atoms or halogenated alkenyl or alkenyloxy having 2 or 3 C atoms, preferably F, Cl, OCF.sub.3, OCH.sub.2CF.sub.3, OCHCH.sub.2, OCHCF.sub.2 or CF.sub.3, very preferably F, Cl, OCHCF.sub.2 or OCF.sub.3, m denotes 0, 1, 2 or 3, preferably 1 or 2 and particularly preferably 1, R.sup.31 denotes alkyl, alkoxy, fluorinated alkyl or fluorinated alkoxy having 1 to 7 C atoms, alkenyl, alkenyloxy, alkoxyalkyl or fluorinated alkenyl having 2 to 7 C atoms and preferably alkyl or alkenyl, ##STR00108## on each appearance, independently of one another, are ##STR00109## L.sup.31 and L.sup.32, independently of one another, denote H or F, preferably L.sup.31 denotes F, X.sup.31 denotes halogen, halogenated alkyl or alkoxy having 1 to 3 C atoms or halogenated alkenyl or alkenyloxy having 2 or 3 C atoms, F, Cl, OCF.sub.3, OCH.sub.2CF.sub.3, OCHCF.sub.2, OCHCH.sub.2 or CF.sub.3, very preferably F, Cl, OCHCF.sub.2 or OCF.sub.3, Z.sup.31 denotes CH.sub.2CH.sub.2, CF.sub.2CF.sub.2, COO, trans-CHCH, trans-CFCF, CH.sub.2O or a single bond, preferably CH.sub.2CH.sub.2, COO, trans-CHCH or a single bond and very preferably COO, trans-CHCH or a single bond, and n denotes 0, 1, 2 or 3, preferably 1 or 3 and particularly preferably 1.
4. Medium according to claim 1, wherein the liquid-crystalline medium comprises one or more compounds of formula IV ##STR00110## in which R.sup.41 and R.sup.42 independently of one another, have the meaning indicated above for R.sup.21 under formula II, ##STR00111## independently of one another and, if ##STR00112## occurs twice, also these independently of one another, denote ##STR00113## Z.sup.41 and Z.sup.42 independently of one another and, if Z.sup.41 occurs twice, also these independently of one another, denote CH.sub.2CH.sub.2, COO, trans-CHCH, trans-CFCF, CH.sub.2O, CF.sub.2O, CC or a single bond, and p denotes 0, 1 or 2.
5. Medium according to claim 1, comprising one or more compounds of the formula V, ##STR00114## in which R.sup.51 and R.sup.52 independently of one another, have the meanings indicated above for R.sup.21 under formula II, ##STR00115## on each appearance, independently of one another, denotes ##STR00116## Z.sup.51 and Z.sup.52 independently of one another and, if Z.sup.51 occurs twice, also these independently of one another, denote CH.sub.2CH.sub.2, COO, trans-CHCH, trans-CFCF, CH.sub.2O, CF.sub.2O or a single bond, and r denotes 0, 1 or 2.
6. Medium according to claim 1, wherein the amount of compounds of the formulae IA and/or IB and/or IC in the liquid-crystalline medium as a whole is at least 10%.
7. Medium according to claim 1, wherein the amount of compounds of the formulae II and/or III in the liquid-crystalline medium as a whole is in the range from 2 to 90%.
8. Medium according to claim 1, wherein the amount of compounds of the formulae IV and/or V in the liquid-crystalline medium as a whole is in the range from 2 to 70%.
9. Medium according to claim 1, exhibiting a birefringence in the range from 0.08 or more to 0.35 or more.
10. Light modulation element utilizing the flexoelectric effect comprising a medium according to claim 1.
11. Light modulation element according to claim 10, wherein the light modulation is induced by an applied in-plane electric field
12. The light modulation element according to claim 10, wherein the induced retardation in the on-state is in the range from 1 nm to 500 nm.
13. (canceled)
14. Electro-optical device comprising the light modulation element according to claim 10.
Description
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0084] A suitable liquid-crystalline medium in accordance with the present invention comprises 2 or more, preferably at least 3, particularly preferably at least 4 and very particularly preferably at least 5, different liquid-crystalline compounds. If only 2 liquid-crystalline compounds are employed, their typical concentration ranges from about 70% to 99% by weight of the total mixture.
[0085] In the following conditions for the liquid-crystalline media according to preferred embodiments of the present invention are given. These preferred conditions may be fulfilled individually or, preferably in combinations with each other. Binary combinations thereof are preferred, whereas ternary or higher combinations thereof are particularly preferred.
[0086] In accordance with the invention, the liquid-crystalline medium preferably exhibits neutral values for the dielectric anisotropy . In this case, preferably has a value of in the range from approximately 0.25 to approximately +0.25, more preferably from approximately 0.10 to approximately +0.10, even more preferably from approximately 0.05 to approximately +0.05 determinedat a frequency of 1 kHz and at 20 C.
[0087] In accordance with the invention, the liquid-crystalline medium preferably exhibits high values for , while at the same time, the liquid-crystalline medium preferably exhibits high values for .
[0088] Preferably, and each and independently from another have a value of in the range from approximately 1 to approximately 20, more preferably from approximately 2 to approximately 15, even more preferably from approximately 3 to approximately 10.
[0089] The liquid-crystal media in accordance with the present invention preferably have a clearing point of approximately 65 C. or more, more preferably approximately 70 C. or more, still more preferably 80 C. or more, particularly preferably approximately 85 C. or more and very particularly preferably approximately 90 C. or more.
[0090] The nematic phase of the media according to the invention preferably extends at least from approximately 0 C. or less to approximately 65 C. or more, more preferably at least from approximately 20 C. or less to approximately 70 C. or more, very preferably at least from approximately 30 C. or less to approximately 70 C. or more and in particular at least from approximately 40 C. or less to approximately 90 C. or more. In individual preferred embodiments, it may be necessary for the nematic phase of the media according to the invention to extend to a temperature of approximately 100 C. or more and even to approximately 110 C. or more.
[0091] The n of a suitable liquid-crystal media is preferably as high as possible. Typically, the n of the liquid-crystal media in accordance with the present invention, at 589 nm (NaD) and 20 C., is preferably in the range from approximately 0.08 or more to approximately 0.35 or more, more preferably in the range from approximately 0.10 or more to approximately 0.30 or more, even more preferably in the range from approximately 0.12 or more to approximately 0.25 or more.
[0092] The liquid-crystal media used in the light modulation element according to the present invention preferably have an elastic constant K.sub.11 of approximately 10 pN or more, more preferably of approximately 12 pN or more, and even more preferably of approximately 15 pN or more.
[0093] The liquid-crystal media used in the light modulation element according to the present invention preferably have an elastic constant K.sub.33 of approximately 35 pN or less, more preferably of approximately 30 pN or less, and even more preferably of approximately 25 pN or less.
[0094] The rotational viscosity of a suitable liquid-crystal media is preferably as low as possible. Typically, the media according to the present invention, exhibit a rotational viscosity of approximately 300 mPas or less, preferably of approximately 200 mPas or less.
[0095] In a preferred embodiment, the medium in accordance with the present invention comprises one or more dielectrically negative compounds selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae IA, IB and IC,
##STR00005## [0096] in which [0097] R.sup.2A, R.sup.2B and R.sup.2C each, independently of one another, denote H, an alkyl or alkenyl radical having up to 15 C atoms which is unsubstituted, monosubstituted by CN or CF.sub.3 or at least monosubstituted by halogen, where, in addition, one or more CH.sub.2 groups in these radicals may be replaced by O, S,
##STR00006##
CC, CF.sub.2O, OCF.sub.2, OCO or OCO in such a way that O atoms are not linked directly to one another, [0098] L.sup.1-4 each, independently of one another, denote F, Cl, CF.sub.3 or CHF.sub.2, [0099] Z.sup.2 and Z.sup.2 each, independently of one another, denote a single bond, CH.sub.2CH.sub.2, CHCH, CF.sub.2O, OCF.sub.2, CH.sub.2O, OCH.sub.2, COO, OCO, C.sub.2F.sub.4, CFCF, CHCHCH.sub.2O, [0100] p denotes 0, 1 or 2, [0101] q denotes 0 or 1, and [0102] v denotes 1 to 6.
[0103] In the compounds of the formulae IA and IB, Z.sup.2 may have identical or different meanings. In the compounds of the formula IB, Z.sup.2 and Z.sup.2 may have identical or different meanings.
[0104] In the compounds of the formulae IA, IB and IC, R.sup.2A, R.sup.2B and R.sup.2C each preferably denote alkyl having 1-6 C atoms, in particular CH.sub.3, C.sub.2H.sub.5, n-C.sub.3H.sub.7, n-C.sub.4H.sub.9, n-C.sub.5H.sub.11.
[0105] In the compounds of the formulae IA and IB, L.sup.1, L.sup.2, L.sup.3 and L.sup.4 preferably denote L.sup.1=L.sup.2=F and L.sup.3=L.sup.4=F, furthermore L.sup.1=F and L.sup.2=Cl, L.sup.1=Cl and L.sup.2=F, L.sup.3=F and L.sup.4=Cl, L.sup.3=Cl and L.sup.4=F. Z.sup.2 and Z.sup.2 in the formulae IA and IB preferably each, independently of one another, denote a single bond, furthermore a C.sub.2H.sub.4 bridge.
[0106] If, in the formula IB, Z.sup.2C.sub.2H.sub.4 or CH.sub.2O, Z.sup.2 is preferably a single bond or, if Z.sup.2C.sub.2H.sub.4 or CH.sub.2O, Z.sup.2 is preferably a single bond. In the compounds of the formulae IA and IB, (O)C.sub.vH.sub.2v+1 preferably denotes OC.sub.vH.sub.2v+1, furthermore C.sub.vH.sub.2v+1. In the compounds of the formula IC, (O)C.sub.vH.sub.2v+1 preferably denotes C.sub.vH.sub.2v+1. In the compounds of the formula IC, L.sup.3 and L.sup.4 preferably each denote F.
[0107] Preferred compounds of the formulae IA, IB and IC are indicated below:
##STR00007## ##STR00008## ##STR00009##
in which alkyl and alkyl* each, independently of one another, denote a straight-chain alkyl radical having 1-6 C atoms.
[0108] Particularly preferred mixtures according to the invention comprise one or more compounds of the formulae IA-2, IA-8, IA-14, IA-26, I-28, IA-33, IA-39, IA-45, IA-46, IA-47, IA-50, IB-2, IB-11, IB-16 and IC-1.
[0109] If present, the proportion of compounds of the formulae IA and/or IB and/or IC or their subformulae in the mixture as a whole is preferably at least 10% by weight, more preferably at least 12% by weight, especially at least 15% by weight.
[0110] If present, the proportion of compounds of the formulae IA and/or IB and/or IC or their subformulae in the mixture as a whole is preferably at most 50% by weight, more preferably at most 45% by weight, especially at most 40% by weight.
[0111] Further preferred liquid-crystalline media comprise one or more dielectrically negative tetracyclic compounds of the formulae
##STR00010##
in which
R.sup.7-10 each, independently of one another, have one of the meanings indicated for R.sup.2A as given above, and
w and x each, independently of one another, denote 1 to 6.
[0112] Particular preference is given to mixtures comprising at least one compound of the formula V-9.
[0113] Further preferred is a liquid-crystalline medium which comprises one or more dielectrically negative compounds of the formulae Y-1 to Y-6,
##STR00011##
in which R.sup.14-R.sup.19 each, independently of one another, denote an alkyl or alkoxy radical having 1-6 C atoms; z and m each, independently of one another, denote 1-6; x denotes 0, 1, 2 or 3.
[0114] If present, the medium according to the invention particularly preferably comprises one or more compounds of the formulae Y-1 to Y-6, preferably in amounts of 2.5% by weight.
[0115] Further preferred is a liquid-crystalline medium which comprises one or more dielectrically negative fluorinated terphenyls of the formulae T-1 to T-19,
##STR00012## ##STR00013## ##STR00014##
in which
R denotes a straight-chain alkyl or alkoxy radical having 1-7 C atoms, and m=0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 and n denotes 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4.
[0116] R preferably denotes methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, butoxy, pentoxy.
[0117] If present, the medium according to the invention preferably comprises the terphenyls of the formulae T-1 to T-19 in amounts of 2-30% by weight, in particular 5-10% by weight.
[0118] Particular preference is given to compounds of the formulae T-1, T-2, and T-4. In these compounds, R preferably denotes alkyl, furthermore alkoxy, each having 1-5 C atoms.
[0119] The terphenyls are preferably employed in the mixtures according to the invention if the n value of the mixture is to be 0.1. Preferred mixtures comprise 1-10% by weight of one or more terphenyl compounds selected from the group of the compounds T-1 to T-19.
[0120] Further preferred is a liquid-crystalline medium which comprises one or more dielectrically negative compounds of the formulae Z-1 to Z-7,
##STR00015##
in which R and alkyl have the meanings indicated above.
[0121] Preferred liquid-crystalline media according to the invention comprise one or more dielectrically negative substances which contain a tetrahydronaphthyl or naphthyl unit, such as, for example, the compounds of the formulae N-1 to N-5,
##STR00016##
in which R.sup.1N and R.sup.2N each, independently of one another, have the meanings indicated for R.sup.2A, preferably denote straight-chain alkyl, straight-chain alkoxy or straight-chain alkenyl, and [0122] Z.sup.1 and Z.sup.2 each, independently of one another, denote C.sub.2H.sub.4, CHCH, (CH.sub.2).sub.4, (CH.sub.2).sub.3O, O(CH.sub.2).sub.3, CHCH CH.sub.2CH.sub.2, CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CHCH, CH.sub.2O, OCH.sub.2, COO, OC O, C.sub.2F.sub.4, CFCF, CFCH, CHCF, CF.sub.2O, OCF.sub.2, CH.sub.2 or a single bond.
[0123] Preferred mixtures comprise one or more compounds selected from the group of the dielectrically negative difluorodibenzochroman compounds of the formula BC, chromans of the formula CR, fluorinated phenanthrenes of the formulae PH-1 and PH-2, fluorinated dibenzofurans of the formula BF-1 and BF-2,
##STR00017##
in which
R.sup.B1, R.sup.B2, R.sup.CR1, R.sup.CR2, R.sup.1, R.sup.2 each, independently of one another, have the meaning of R.sup.2A. C is 0, 1 or 2. R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 preferably, independently of one another, denote alkyl or alkoxy having 1 to 6 C atoms.
[0124] If present, the mixtures according to the invention preferably comprise the compounds of the formulae BC, CR, PH-1, PH-2 and/or BF in amounts of 1 to 10% by weight, in particular in amounts of 2 to 8% by weight.
[0125] Particularly preferred compounds of the formulae BC and CR are the compounds BC-1 to BC-7 and CR-1 to CR-5,
##STR00018## ##STR00019##
in which
alkyl and alkyl* each, independently of one another, denote a straight-chain alkyl radical having 1-6 C atoms, and
alkenyl and alkenyl* each, independently of one another, denote a straight-chain alkenyl radical having 2-6 C atoms.
[0126] Very particular preference is given to mixtures comprising one, two or three compounds of the formula BC-2, BF-1 and/or BF-2.
[0127] Preferred mixtures comprise one or more dielectrically negative indane compounds of the formula In,
##STR00020##
in which
R.sup.11, R.sup.12, R.sup.13 each, independently of one another, denote a straight-chain alkyl, alkoxy, alkoxyalkyl or alkenyl radical having 1-6 C atoms,
R.sup.12 and R.sup.13 additionally denote halogen, preferably F,
##STR00021##
denotes
##STR00022##
i denotes 0, 1 or 2.
[0128] Preferred compounds of the formula In are the compounds of the formulae In-1 to In-16 indicated below:
##STR00023## ##STR00024##
[0129] Particular preference is given to the compounds of the formulae In-1, In-2, In-3 and In-4.
[0130] If present, the compounds of the formula In and the sub-formulae In-1 to In-16 are preferably employed in the mixtures according to the invention in concentrations 2% by weight, in particular 3-15% by weight and very particularly preferably 5-10% by weight.
[0131] Further preferred is a liquid-crystalline medium which comprises one or more dielectrically negative compounds of the formulae L-1 to L-11,
##STR00025## ##STR00026##
in which
R, R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 each, independently of one another, have the meanings indicated for R.sup.2A in claim 5, and alkyl denotes an alkyl radical having 1-6 C atoms. s denotes 1 or 2.
[0132] Particular preference is given to the compounds of the formulae L-1 and L-4, in particular L-4.
[0133] If present, the compounds of the formulae L-1 to L-11 are preferably employed in concentrations of 2-25% by weight, in particular 2-20% by weight and very particularly preferably 5-15% by weight.
[0134] In a preferred embodiment, the liquid-crystalline medium comprises one or more dielectrically positive compounds, which are selected from the group of compounds of formulae II and III,
##STR00027## [0135] in which [0136] R.sup.21 denotes alkyl, alkoxy, fluorinated alkyl or fluorinated alkoxy having 1 to 7 C atoms, alkenyl, alkenyloxy, alkoxyalkyl or fluorinated alkenyl having 2 to 7 C atoms and preferably alkyl or alkenyl,
##STR00028## [0137] on each appearance, independently of one another, denote
##STR00029## [0138] L.sup.21 and L.sup.22 denote H or F, preferably L.sup.21 denotes F, [0139] X.sup.21 denotes halogen, halogenated alkyl or alkoxy having 1 to 3 C atoms or halogenated alkenyl or alkenyloxy having 2 or 3 C atoms, preferably F, Cl, OCF.sub.3, OCH.sub.2CF.sub.3, OCHCH.sub.2, OCHCF.sub.2 or CF.sub.3, very preferably F, Cl, OCHCF.sub.2 or OCF.sub.3, [0140] m denotes 0, 1, 2 or 3, preferably 1 or 2 and particularly preferably 1, [0141] R.sup.31 denotes alkyl, alkoxy, fluorinated alkyl or fluorinated alkoxy having 1 to 7 C atoms, alkenyl, alkenyloxy, alkoxyalkyl or fluorinated alkenyl having 2 to 7 C atoms and preferably alkyl or alkenyl,
##STR00030## [0142] on each appearance, independently of one another, are
##STR00031## [0143] L.sup.31 and L.sup.32, independently of one another, denote H or F, preferably L.sup.31 denotes F, [0144] X.sup.31 denotes halogen, halogenated alkyl or alkoxy having 1 to 3 C atoms or halogenated alkenyl or alkenyloxy having 2 or 3 C atoms, F, Cl, OCF.sub.3, OCH.sub.2CF.sub.3, OCHCF.sub.2, OCHCH.sub.2 or CF.sub.3, very preferably F, Cl, OCHCF.sub.2 or OCF.sub.3, [0145] Z.sup.31 denotes CH.sub.2CH.sub.2, CF.sub.2CF.sub.2, COO, trans-CHCH, trans-CFCF, CH.sub.2O or a single bond, preferably CH.sub.2CH.sub.2, COO, trans-CHCH or a single bond and very preferably COO, trans-CHCH or a single bond, and [0146] n denotes 0, 1, 2 or 3, preferably 1 or 3 and particularly preferably 1.
[0147] Preferred compounds of formula II are selected from the group of compounds of subformulae II-1 and II-2:
##STR00032##
in which the parameters have the respective meanings indicated above under formula II, and L.sup.23 and L.sup.24, independently of one another, denote H or F, preferably L.sup.23 denotes F, and ring A.sup.21 and ring A.sup.22 have one of the meanings given above
and, in the case of formulae II-1 and II-2, X.sup.21 preferably denotes F or OCF.sub.3, particularly preferably F, and, in the case of formula II-2,
##STR00033##
independently of one another, preferably denote
##STR00034##
[0148] Preferred compounds of formula III are preferably selected from the group of compounds of formulae III-1 and III-2:
##STR00035##
in which the parameters have the meanings given under formula III.
[0149] The media in accordance with the present invention preferably comprise, alternatively or in addition to the compounds of the formulae III-1 and/or III-2, one or more compounds of the formula III-3
##STR00036##
in which the parameters have the respective meanings indicated above, and the parameters L.sup.33 and L.sup.34, independently of one another and of the other parameters, denote H or F.
[0150] The liquid-crystal medium preferably comprises compounds selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae II-1 to II-4 in which L.sup.21 and L.sup.22 and/or L.sup.23 and L.sup.24 both denote F.
[0151] In a preferred embodiment, the liquid-crystal medium comprises compounds selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae II-2 and II-3 in which L.sup.21, L.sup.22, L.sup.23 and L.sup.24 all denote F.
[0152] The liquid-crystal medium preferably comprises one or more compounds of the formula II-1. The compounds of the formula II-1 are preferably selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae II-1a to II-1e, preferably of formula II-1d:
##STR00037##
in which the parameters have the respective meanings indicated above, and L.sup.25 and L.sup.26, independently of one another and of the other parameters, denote H or F, and preferably in the formulae II-1a and II-1 b, L.sup.21 and L.sup.22 both denote F, in the formulae II-1c and II-1d, L.sup.21 and L.sup.22 both denote F and/or L.sup.23 and L.sup.24 both denote F, and in formula II-1e, L.sup.21, L.sup.22 and L.sup.25 denote F.
[0153] The liquid-crystal medium preferably comprises compounds selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae II-1a to II-1e in which L.sup.21 and L.sup.22 both denote F and/or L.sup.23 and L.sup.24 both denote F.
[0154] In a preferred embodiment, the liquid-crystal medium comprises compounds selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae II-1a to II-1d in which L.sup.21, L.sup.22, L.sup.23 and L.sup.24 all denote F.
[0155] The liquid-crystal medium preferably comprises one or more compounds of the formula II-2, which are preferably selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae II-2a to II-2j, preferably of formula II-2j:
##STR00038##
in which the parameters have the respective meanings indicated above, and L.sup.25 to L.sup.28, independently of one another, denote H or F, preferably L.sup.27 and L.sup.28 both denote H, particularly preferably L.sup.26 denotes H.
[0156] Especially preferred compounds of the formula II-2 are the compounds of the following formulae:
##STR00039##
in which R.sup.21 and X.sup.21 have the meanings indicated above, and X.sup.21 preferably denotes F.
[0157] The liquid-crystal medium preferably comprises one or more compounds of the formula III-1. Suitable compounds of the formula III-1 are preferably selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae III-1a to III-1j, preferably from formulae III-1c, III-1f, III-1g and III-1j:
##STR00040## ##STR00041##
in which the parameters have the meanings given above and preferably in which the parameters have the respective meanings indicated above, and the parameters L.sup.35 and L.sup.36, independently of one another and of the other parameters, denote H or F.
[0158] The liquid-crystal medium preferably comprises one or more compounds of the formula III-1c, which are preferably selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae III-1c-1 to III-1c-5, preferably of formulae III-1c-3 and III-1c-4:
##STR00042##
in which R.sup.31 has the meaning indicated above.
[0159] The liquid-crystal medium preferably comprises one or more compounds of the formula III-1f, which are preferably selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae III-1f-1 to III-1f-5, preferably of formulae III-1f-1, III-1f-2, III-1f-4 and III-1f-5, more preferably of formulae III-1f-1, III-1f-4 and III-1f-5, more preferably:
##STR00043##
in which R.sup.31 has the meaning indicated above.
[0160] The liquid-crystal medium preferably comprises one or more compounds of the formula III-1g, which are preferably selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae III-1g-1 to III-1g-5, preferably of formula III-1g-3:
##STR00044##
in which R.sup.31 has the meaning indicated above.
[0161] The liquid-crystal medium preferably comprises one or more compounds of the formula III-1 h, which are preferably selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae III-1 h-1 to III-1 h-3, preferably of the formula III-1 h-3:
##STR00045##
in which the parameters have the meanings given above, and X.sup.31 preferably denotes F.
[0162] The liquid-crystal medium preferably comprises one or more compounds of the formula III-1i, which are preferably selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae III-1 i-1 and III-1i-2, preferably of the formula III-1i-2:
##STR00046##
in which the parameters have the meanings given above, and X.sup.31 preferably denotes F.
[0163] The liquid-crystal medium preferably comprises one or more compounds of the formula III-1j, which are preferably selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae III-1j-1 and III-1j-2, preferably of the formula III-1j-1:
##STR00047##
in which the parameters have the meanings given above.
[0164] The liquid-crystal medium preferably comprises one or more compounds of the formula III-2. The compounds of the formula III-2 are preferably selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae III-2a and III-2b:
##STR00048##
in which the parameters have the respective meanings indicated above, and the parameters L.sup.33 and L.sup.34, independently of one another and of the other parameters, denote H or F.
[0165] The liquid-crystal medium preferably comprises one or more compounds of the formula III-2a, which are preferably selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae III-2a-1 to III-2a-6:
##STR00049##
in which R.sup.31 has the meaning indicated above.
[0166] The liquid-crystal medium preferably comprises one or more compounds of the formula III-2b, which are preferably selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae III-2b-1 to III-2b-4, preferably III-2b-4:
##STR00050##
in which R.sup.31 has the meaning indicated above.
[0167] Alternatively, or in addition to the compounds of the formulae III-1 and/or III-2, the media in accordance with the present invention preferably comprise one or more compounds of the formula III-3
##STR00051##
in which the parameters have the respective meanings indicated above under formula III.
[0168] These compounds are preferably selected from the group of the formulae III-3a and III-3b:
##STR00052##
in which R.sup.31 has the meaning indicated above.
[0169] The compounds of the formulae II and/or III are preferably employed in concentrations of 1-10% by weight, in particular 1.5-5% by weight and very particularly preferably 1.5-3% by weight.
[0170] Further preferred is a liquid-crystalline medium, which comprises additionally to the above described dielectrically positive or negative compounds one or more compounds of the formula Z,
##STR00053##
in which [0171] R.sup.31 and R.sup.32 each, independently of one another, denote a straight-chain alkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl, alkoxyalkyl or alkoxy radical having up to 12 C atoms, and
##STR00054##
denotes
##STR00055## [0172] Z.sup.3 denotes a single bond, CH.sub.2CH.sub.2, CHCH, CF.sub.2O, OCF.sub.2, CH.sub.2O, OCH.sub.2, COO, OCO, C.sub.2F.sub.4, C.sub.4H.sub.8, or CFCF.
[0173] Preferred compounds of the formula Z are indicated below:
##STR00056##
in which
alkyl and
alkyl* each, independently of one another, denote a straight-chain alkyl radical having 1-6 C atoms.
[0174] The medium according to the invention preferably comprises at least one compound of the formula Za and/or formula Zb.
[0175] If present, the proportion of compounds of the formula Z in the mixture as a whole is preferably at least 5% by weight
[0176] Further preferred is a liquid-crystalline medium, which comprises additionally to the above described dielectrically positive or negative compounds one or more compounds of the formula
##STR00057##
and if present, preferably in total amounts of 5% by weight, in particular 10% by weight.
[0177] Preference is furthermore given to mixtures according to the invention comprising the compound (acronym: CC-3-V1)
##STR00058##
and if present, preferably in amounts of 1-20% by weight.
[0178] Preferred mixtures comprise 1-30% by weight, preferably 5-25% by weight, in particular 10-20% by weight, of the compound of the formula (acronym: CC-3-V)
##STR00059##
[0179] Preference is furthermore given to mixtures which comprise a compound of the formula (acronym: CC-3-V)
##STR00060##
and/or a compound of the formula (acronym: CC-5-V)
##STR00061##
and/or a compound of the formula (acronym: CC-3-V1)
##STR00062##
[0180] Further preferred is a liquid-crystalline medium, which comprises additionally to the above described dielectrically positive or negative compounds one or more biphenyls of the formulae B-1 to B-3,
##STR00063##
in which
alkyl and alkyl* each, independently of one another, denote a straight-chain alkyl radical having 1-6 C atoms, and
alkenyl and alkenyl*each, independently of one another, denote a straight-chain alkenyl radical having 2-6 C atoms.
[0181] The proportion of the biphenyls of the formulae B-1 to B-3 in the mixture as a whole is preferably at least 3% by weight, in particular 5% by weight.
[0182] Of the compounds of the formulae B-1 to B-3, the compounds of the formula B-2 are particularly preferred.
[0183] Particularly preferred biphenyls are
##STR00064##
in which alkyl* denotes an alkyl radical having 1-6 C atoms. The medium according to the invention particularly preferably comprises one or more compounds of the formulae B-1a and/or B-2c.
[0184] Further preferred is a liquid-crystalline medium, which comprises additionally to the above described dielectrically positive or negative compounds one or more compounds of the formulae O-1 to O-19,
##STR00065## ##STR00066##
in which R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 have the meanings indicated for R.sup.2A. R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 preferably each, independently of one another, denote straight-chain alkyl or alkenyl.
[0185] Preferred media comprise one or more compounds of the formulae O-1, O-3, O-4, O-6, O-7, O-10, O-11, O-12, O-14, O-15, O-16, O-17 and/or O-18.
[0186] Mixtures according to the invention very particularly preferably comprise the compounds of the formula O-10, O-12, O-16, O-17 and/or O-18, and if present, in amounts of 2-15%.
[0187] Preferred compounds of the formulae O-10 and O-18 are indicated below:
##STR00067##
[0188] Very particularly preferred mixtures comprise the compounds O-10a and O-17a:
##STR00068##
[0189] Very particularly preferred mixtures comprise the compounds O-10b and O-17a:
##STR00069##
[0190] Preferred mixtures comprise at least one compound selected from the group of the compounds
##STR00070##
in which R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 have the meanings indicated above. Preferably in the compounds O-6, O-7 and O-17, R.sup.1 denotes alkyl or alkenyl having 1-6 or 2-6 C atoms respectively and R.sup.2 denotes alkenyl having 2-6 C atoms.
[0191] Preferred mixtures comprise at least one compound of the formulae O-6a, O-6b, O-7a, O-7b, O-17e, O-17f, O-17g and O-17h:
##STR00071##
in which alkyl denotes an alkyl radical having 1-6 C atoms.
[0192] The liquid-crystalline media in accordance with the present invention preferably comprise one or more compounds selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae IA, IB and/or IC and one or more compounds selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae II and/or III. Besides the compounds of the formula IA, IB and/or IC, the liquid-crystal mixtures in accordance with the present invention preferably comprise compounds of the formulae II and/or III, preferably of the formula II. Further preferred liquid-crystalline media in accordance with the present invention preferably comprise one or more compounds selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae IA, one or more compounds selected from the group of the compounds of the formula IB, one or more compounds selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae IC and one or more compounds selected from the group of the compounds of the formula II.
[0193] The liquid-crystal mixtures in accordance with the present invention particularly preferably comprise additionally one or more compounds selected from the group of compounds of formulae B-2c, Zb, O-16, T-20, and/or T-21.
[0194] Further preferred liquid-crystalline media in accordance with the present invention preferably comprise [0195] one, two, three, four, five or more compounds selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae IA, preferably selected from formulae IA-2and/or IA-8, [0196] one, two, three, four, five or more compounds selected from the group of the compounds of the formula IB, preferably selected from formulae IB-2, [0197] one or more compounds selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae IC, preferably selected from formula IC-1, [0198] one, two, three, four, five or more compounds selected from the group of the compounds of the formula II, preferably selected from the group of the compounds of the formula II-1, more preferably selected from the group of the compounds of the formula II-1d, [0199] optionally one, two, three, four, five or more compounds selected from the group of the compounds of the formula B-2, preferably selected from the group of the compounds of the formula B-2c, [0200] optionally one, two, three, four, five or more compounds selected from the group of the compounds of the formula Zb, [0201] optionally one, two, three, four, five or more compounds selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae G-20 and/or G-21, [0202] optionally one, two, three, four, five or more compounds selected from the group of the compounds of the formula O-16, and [0203] optionally one or more compounds selected from CC-3-V and/or CC-5-V,
each in the preferred amounts as given above.
[0204] The media according to the invention may optionally comprise further liquid-crystal compounds in order to adjust the physical properties. Such compounds are known to the person skilled in the art. Their concentration in the media in accordance with the present invention is preferably 0% to approximately 30%, more preferably approximately 0.1% to approximately 20% and very preferably approximately 1% to approximately 15%.
[0205] The liquid-crystalline medium in accordance with the present invention optionally comprises further compounds, for example stabilisers, and or antioxidants. They are preferably employed in a concentration of 0% to approximately 30%, particularly preferably 0% to approximately 15%, and very particularly preferably 0% to approximately 5%.
[0206] The liquid-crystal media according to the present invention are prepared in a manner conventional per se. In general, the desired amount of the components used in lesser amount is dissolved in the components making up the principal constituent, preferably at elevated temperature. It is also possible to mix solutions of the components in an organic solvent, for example in acetone, chloroform or methanol, and to remove the solvent again, for example by distillation, after thorough mixing. It is furthermore possible to prepare the mixtures in other conventional manners, for example using pre-mixes, for example homologue mixtures, or using so-called multibottle systems.
[0207] A typical method of production of a medium according to the present invention comprises the step of mixing one or more dielectrically negative liquid crystalline compounds with one or more dielectrically positive liquid crystalline compounds.
[0208] Further, the invention relates to the use of the medium as described above and below in a light modulation element. Preferably, such light modulation element comprises a pair of substrates, an electrode structure, which is capable to allow the application of an electric field, which is substantially parallel to the substrate main plane, at least one planar alignment layer, at least one homeotropic alignment layer and a medium as described above and below.
[0209] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the layer of the liquid-crystalline medium is arranged between two substrate layers.
[0210] In accordance with the invention, the substrate material is preferably selected each and independently from another, from polymeric materials, glass or quartz plates.
[0211] Suitable and preferred polymeric substrate materials are, for example, films of cyclo olefin polymer (COP), cyclic olefin copolymer (COC), polyester such as polyethyleneterephthalate (PET) or polyethylene-naphthalate (PEN), polyvinylalcohol (PVA), polycarbonate (PC) or triacetylcellulose (TAC), very preferably PET or TAC films. PET films are commercially available for example from DuPont Teijin Films under the trade name Melinex.
[0212] COP films are commercially available for example from ZEON Chemicals L.P. under the trade name Zeonor or Zeonex. COC films are commercially available for example from TOPAS Advanced Polymers Inc. under the trade name Topas.
[0213] Preferably, both substrates are glass plates.
[0214] In a preferred embodiment, the substrates are arranged with a separation in the range from approximately 1 m to approximately 50 m from one another, preferably in the range from approximately 2 m to approximately 40 m from one another, and more preferably in the range from approximately 3 m to approximately 30 m from one another. The layer of the liquid-crystalline medium is thereby located in the interspace.
[0215] The substrate layers can be kept at a defined separation from one another, for example, by spacers or electrodes, which extend through the full cell thickness or projecting structures in the layer. Typical spacer materials are commonly known to the expert, as for example spacers made of plastic, silica, epoxy resins, etc.
[0216] The light modulation element in accordance with the present invention as described above and below, comprises one planar alignment layer and one homeotropic alignment layer.
[0217] Typical homeotropic alignment layer materials are commonly known to the expert, such as, for example, layers made of alkoxysilanes, alkyltrichlorosilanes, CTAB, lecithin or polyimides, preferably polyimides, such as, for example JALS-2096-R1.
[0218] Suitable planar polyimides are commonly known to the expert, such as, for example, AL-3046 or AL-1254 both commercially available from JSR.
[0219] Typically, the alignment layer materials can be applied onto the substrates or electrode structures by conventional coating techniques like spin coating, roll-coating, dip coating or blade coating, by vapour deposition or conventional printing techniques that are known to the expert, like for example screen printing, offset printing, reel-to-reel printing, letter press printing, gravure printing, rotogravure printing, flexographic printing, intaglio printing, pad printing, heat-seal printing, ink-jet printing or printing by means of a stamp or printing plate.
[0220] The planar alignment layer is preferably processed by rubbing or photo-alignment techniques known to the skilled person, in order to achieve a uniform preferred direction of the ULH texture, preferably by rubbing techniques. Accordingly, a uniform preferred direction of the ULH texture can be achieved without any physical treatment of the cell like shearing of the cell (mechanical treatment in one direction), etc. The rubbing direction is uncritical and mainly influences only the orientation of polarizers is applied. Typically, the rubbing direction is in the range of +/45, more preferably in the range of +/20, even more preferably, in the range of +/10, and in particular, in the range of the direction +/5 with respect to substrates main plane.
[0221] In a preferred embodiment, the device according to the present invention comprises an electrode structure, which is capable to allow the application of an electric field, which is substantially parallel to the substrate main plane or the layer of the LC medium, or has at least a substantial component in that direction.
[0222] Unless the entire display assembly is intended to be flexible, preferably the electrodes may be formed on a low cost rigid substrate, which will further increase the durability of the device. In a preferred embodiment, the substrate carries patterns of parallel electrodes, for example, in a comb-like electrode arrangement.
[0223] Other suitable electrode structures are commonly known to the expert and for example disclosed in WO 2004/029697 A1.
[0224] In another preferred embodiment, one of the substrates includes a pixel electrode and a common electrode for generating an electric field substantially parallel to a surface of the first substrate in the pixel region.
[0225] Different kinds of devices having at least two electrodes on one substrate are known to the skilled person wherein the most important difference is that either both the pixel electrode and the common electrode are structured, as it is typical for IPS displays, or only the pixel electrode is structured and the common electrode is unstructured, which is the case for FFS displays.
[0226] In a further preferred embodiment, the in-plane electrode structure is selected from interdigitated electrodes, IPS electrodes, FFS electrodes or comb like electrodes, preferably interdigitated electrodes or comb like electrodes. In this connection, document WO 2008/104533 A1 describes arrangements where the electrodes are arranged as an IPS electrode and arrangements where an additional base electrode is disposed on the same substrate, as a fringe-field switching (FFS) electrode.
[0227] Suitable electrode materials are commonly known to the expert, as for example electrodes made of conductive polymers, metal or metal oxides, such as, for example, transparent indium tin oxide (ITO), which is preferred according to the present invention.
[0228] In a preferred embodiment, the electrodes can have a circular cross-section, in the form of a solid wire or a cylinder, or the electrodes can have a rectangular or an almost rectangular cross section. Especially preferred is a rectangular or almost rectangular cross section of the electrodes.
[0229] The gap between the electrodes is preferably in the range from approximately 1 m to approximately 50 m, more preferably in the range from approximately 5 m to approximately 25 m, and even more preferably in the range from approximately 7 m to approximately 12 m
[0230] The width of the electrodes is preferably in the range from approximately 1 m to approximately 50 m, more preferably in the range from approximately 5 m to approximately 25 m, and even more preferably in the range from approximately 7 m to approximately 12 m
[0231] As commonly known, the electrode structure can typically be provided on the substrate by current lithographic techniques.
[0232] In a preferred embodiment, the electrodes of the light modulation element are connected with an electrically switching element, such as a thin film transistor (TFT) or a thin film diode (TFD).
[0233] In a preferred embodiment, the electrode structure is in direct contact with the liquid crystalline medium.
[0234] In another preferred embodiment, the substrate and/or the electrode structure is covered with a thin homeotropic alignment layer to control the alignment of the liquid crystal material.
[0235] Preferably, the electrodes of the light modulation element are associated with a switching element, such as a thin film transistor (TFT) or thin film diode (TFD).
[0236] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the light modulation element comprises two or more polarisers, at least one of which is arranged on one side of the layer of the liquid-crystalline medium and at least one of which is arranged on the opposite side of the layer of the liquid-crystalline medium. The layer of the liquid-crystalline medium and the polarisers here are preferably arranged parallel to one another.
[0237] The polarisers can be linear polarisers. Preferably, precisely two polarisers are present in the light modulation element. In this case, it is furthermore preferred for the polarisers either both to be linear polarisers. If two linear polarisers are present in the light modulation element, it is preferred in accordance with the invention for the polarisation directions of the two polarisers to be crossed.
[0238] It is furthermore preferred in the case where two circular polarisers are present in the light modulation element for these to have the same polarisation direction, i.e. either both are right-hand circular-polarised or both are left-hand circular-polarised.
[0239] The polarisers can be reflective or absorptive polarisers. A reflective polariser in the sense of the present application reflects light having one polarisation direction or one type of circular-polarised light, while being transparent to light having the other polarisation direction or the other type of circular-polarised light. Correspondingly, an absorptive polariser absorbs light having one polarisation direction or one type of circular-polarised light, while being transparent to light having the other polarisation direction or the other type of circular-polarised light. The reflection or absorption is usually not quantitative; meaning that complete polarisation of the light passing through the polariser does not take place.
[0240] For the purposes of the present invention, both absorptive and reflective polarisers can be employed. Preference is given to the use of polarisers, which are in the form of thin optical films. Examples of reflective polarisers which can be used in the light modulation element according to the invention are DRPF (diffusive reflective polariser film, 3M), DBEF (dual brightness enhanced film, 3M), DBR (layered-polymer distributed Bragg reflectors, as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,038,745 and 6,099,758) and APF (advanced polariser film, 3M).
[0241] Examples of absorptive polarisers, which can be employed in the light modulation elements according to the invention, are the Itos XP38 polariser film and the Nitto Denko GU-1220DUN polariser film. An example of a circular polariser, which can be used in accordance with the invention, is the APNCP37-035-STD polariser (American Polarizers). A further example is the CP42 polariser (ITOS).
[0242] Accordingly, a further preferred light modulation element according to the present invention comprises, preferably consists of, the following layer stack: [0243] polariser, [0244] substrate, [0245] processed planar alignment layer, [0246] liquid crystalline medium, [0247] homeotropic alignment layer, [0248] electrode structure, [0249] substrate, and [0250] polariser.
[0251] The light modulation element may furthermore comprise filters, which block light of certain wavelengths, for example, UV filters. In accordance with the invention, further functional layers commonly known to the expert may also be present, such as, for example, protective films and/or compensation films.
[0252] The light modulation elements as described above and below are beneficially obtainable by commonly known methods of mass production.
[0253] Therefore, the invention relates to a method of production of a light modulation element as described above and below comprising the steps of [0254] a. providing an electrode structure on at least one of the substrates, [0255] b. providing at least one planar alignment layer on one of the substrates, [0256] c. providing at least one homeotropic alignment layer on the other substrate, [0257] d. providing a layer of a medium as described above and below on one of the substrates, and [0258] e. assembling the cell.
[0259] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the liquid crystal composition may be interposed between the first and second substrates by combining the second substrate to the first substrate after loading the liquid crystal composition on the first substrate.
[0260] In a further preferred embodiment, the liquid crystal is dispensed dropwise onto a first substrate in a process known as one drop filling (ODF) process, as disclosed in for example JPS63-179323 and JPH10-239694, or using the Ink Jet Printing (IJP) method.
[0261] In an alternative embodiment, the liquid crystal composition is injected between the first and second substrates or is filled into the assembled cell by capillary force after combining the first and second substrates. Accordingly, the steps d) and e) can be adapted depending on the filling method.
[0262] The functional principle of the light modulation element according to the invention will be briefly explained below. It is noted that no restriction of the scope of the claimed invention, which is not present in the claims, is to be derived from the comments on the assumed way of functioning.
[0263] The light transmission of the device according to the invention is dependent on the applied electric field. In a preferred embodiment, the light transmission of the device is high when an electric field is applied and low in the initial state when no electric field is applied.
[0264] In a preferred embodiment, the device according to the invention has a boundary state A and a boundary state B. For the purposes of the present application, the term boundary state is taken to mean a state in which the transmission reaches a maximum or minimum value and changes no further or virtually no further on a further reduction or increase in the of the applied electric field.
[0265] The light modulation element preferably has the boundary state A with a transmission T.sub.A when no electrical field is applied, the so called off state, in which the liquid crystal medium is essentially in the HAN alignment state.
[0266] The light modulation element preferably has another boundary state B when an electric field is applied, the so called on state, whereby
T.sub.A<T.sub.B.
[0267] The light modulation element preferably exhibits an induced retardation in the on-state in the range from approximately 1 nm to approximately 500 nm, more preferably from approximately 1 nm to approximately 400 nm, even more preferably from approximately 1 nm to approximately 300 nm.
[0268] The low applied electric fields required to switch the light modulation elements according to the present invention have several advantages. The inter-electrode spacing is substantially larger than the inter-electrode spacing found in current IPS devices. Accordingly, lower cost patterning of the electrodes, improved yields, increased optical apertures and lower driving voltages are some benefits from the light modulation element according to the present invention.
[0269] The HAN aligned off state of the device provides excellent optical extinction and therefore a favourable contrast.
[0270] Due to the orientations of the alignment layers, the liquid crystalline medium adopts a hybrid alignment (HAN), i.e. at the substrate bearing planar alignment layer the alignment of the adjacent liquid crystal molecules is planar while at the other substrate bearing the homeotropic alignment layer the alignment of the adjacent liquid crystal molecules is homeotropic. Such elastic deformation of the nematic bulk layer gives rise to a flexoelectric polarization (P.sub.f), since e.sub.3 is dominant at homeotropic surface and e.sub.1 dominates at planar surface:
P.sub.f=e.sub.1n(div n)+e.sub.3(curl n)n
where e.sub.1 is the splay flexoelectric coefficient, e.sub.3 is the bend flexoelectric coefficient, and n (div n), and (curl n)n are the splay and bend vectors respectively.
[0271] Preferably, the elastic deformation and the flexoelectric polarization are lying in the same plane parallel to the electrode pattern and perpendicular to the cell substrates.
[0272] When a DC electric field is applied, the flexoelectric polarization couples linearly to the applied electric field (E) providing a fast switching of the liquid crystals whereby the flexoelectric response provides polarity dependent switching, opening the opportunity for active on- and off-switching resulting in significantly improved response speeds.
[0273] The light modulation element according to the present invention can be operated with a conventional driving waveform as commonly known by the expert.
[0274] However, in a preferred embodiment according to the present invention an alternative driving waveform can be utilized. Therefore, a short duration kick or pre-pulse that is a number of times larger than the amplitude of the DC pulse required to obtain the desired amplitude of switching can be used to simulate the presence of a higher voltage, thus allowing a faster switching speed to be obtained.
[0275] Typically, the total switching time (t.sub.on+t.sub.off) of a light modulation element is in the range from 1 to 20 ms, preferably in the range from 1 to 10 ms, more preferably in the range from 1 to 5 ms.
[0276] The required applied electric field strength is mainly dependent on the electrode gap. In a preferred embodiment, the applied electric field strengths are preferably lower than approximately 0.5 V/m.sup.1, preferably lower than approximately 0.2 V/m.sup.1 and more preferably lower than approximately 0.1 V/m.sup.1.
[0277] In a preferred embodiment, the applied driving voltage is in the range from 0 V to approximately 10 V, more preferably in the range from approximately 1 V to approximately 7V, and even more preferably in the range from approximately 1.5 V to approximately 4.V.
[0278] The light modulation element of the present invention can be used in various types of optical and electro-optical devices.
[0279] Therefore, the invention relates to the use of a light modulation element as described above and below, in electro-optical devices and to electro-optical devices, such as an LCD, comprising at least one light modulation element as described above and below.
[0280] Said optical and electro optical devices include, without limitation electro-optical displays, liquid crystal displays (LCDs), non-linear optic (NLO) devices, optical information storage devices, light shutters and Smart Windows, privacy windows, virtual reality devices and augmented reality devices.
[0281] It will be appreciated that many of the features described above, particularly of the preferred embodiments, are inventive in their own right and not just as part of an embodiment of the present invention.
[0282] Independent protection may be sought for these features in addition to, or alternative to any invention presently claimed.
[0283] It will be appreciated that variations to the foregoing embodiments of the invention can be made while still falling within the scope of the invention. Alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose may replace each feature disclosed in this specification, unless stated otherwise. Thus, unless stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.
[0284] All of the features disclosed in this specification may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. In particular, the preferred features of the invention are applicable to all aspects of the invention and may be used in any combination. Likewise, features described in non-essential combinations may be used separately (not in combination).
[0285] Without further elaboration, it is believed that one skilled in the art can, using the preceding description, utilize the present invention to its fullest extent. The following examples are, therefore, to be construed as merely illustrative and not limitative of the remainder of the disclosure in any way whatsoever.
[0286] The parameter ranges indicated in this application all include the limit values including the maximum permissible errors as known by the expert. The different upper and lower limit values indicated for various ranges of properties in combination with one another give rise to additional preferred ranges.
[0287] In the present application and especially in the following examples, the structures of the liquid crystal compounds are represented by abbreviations, which are also called acronyms. The transformation of the abbreviations into the corresponding structures is straightforward according to the following three tables A to C. Table A lists the symbols used for the ring elements, table B those for the linking groups and table C those for the symbols for the left hand and the right-hand end groups of the molecules.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE A Ring Elements C
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE B Linking Groups E CH.sub.2CH.sub.2 V CHCH T CC W CF.sub.2CF.sub.2 B CFCF Z COO ZI OCO X CFCH XI CHCF O CH.sub.2O OI OCH.sub.2 Q CF.sub.2O QI OCF.sub.2
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE C End Groups Left hand side, used alone or in Right hand side, used alone or in combination with others combination with others -n- C.sub.nH.sub.2n+1 -n C.sub.nH.sub.2n+1 -nO- C.sub.nH.sub.2n+1O -nO OC.sub.nH.sub.2n+1 -V- CH.sub.2CH -V CHCH.sub.2 -nV- C.sub.nH.sub.2n+1CHCH -nV C.sub.nH.sub.2nCHCH.sub.2 -Vn- CH.sub.2CHC.sub.nH.sub.2n -Vn CHCHC.sub.nH.sub.2n+1 -nVm- C.sub.nH.sub.2n+1CHCHC.sub.mH.sub.2m -nVm C.sub.nH.sub.2nCHCHC.sub.mH.sub.2m+1 -N- NC -N CN -S- SCN -S NCS -F- F -F F -CL- Cl -CL Cl -M- CFH.sub.2 -M CFH.sub.2 -D- CF.sub.2H -D CF.sub.2H -T- CF.sub.3 -T CF.sub.3 -MO- CFH.sub.2O -OM OCFH.sub.2 -DO- CF.sub.2HO -OD OCF.sub.2H -TO- CF.sub.3O -OT OCF.sub.3 -A- HCC -A CCH -nA- C.sub.nH.sub.2n+1CC -An CCC.sub.nH.sub.2n+1 -NA- NCCC -AN CCCN Left hand side, used in combination Right hand side, used in with others only combination with others only - . . . n . . . - C.sub.nH.sub.2n - . . . n . . . C.sub.nH.sub.2n - . . . M . . . - CFH - . . . M . . . CFH - . . . D . . . - CF.sub.2 - . . . D . . . CF.sub.2 - . . . V . . . - CHCH - . . . V . . . CHCH - . . . Z . . . - COO - . . . Z . . . COO - . . . ZI . . . - OCO - . . . ZI . . . OCO - . . . K . . . - CO - . . . K . . . CO - . . . W . . . - CFCF - . . . W . . . CFCF wherein n und m each are integers between 1 and 12 and three points . . . indicate a space for other symbols of this table.
EXAMPLES
Test Cell
[0288] A test cell with the following parameters is prepared:
[0289] Substrate: AF-glass
[0290] IPS electrode structure: 4 m electrode width and 8 m electrode spacing
[0291] Alignment layer, bottom substrate provided with the electrode structure: homogenous PI, AL-3046 (commercially available from JSR, Japan)
[0292] Alignment layer, top substrate:
[0293] Homeotropic PI, AL-60702 (commercially available from JSR, Japan).
Mixture M1
[0294] The following mixture M-1 is prepared
TABLE-US-00004 Composition Compound No. Abbreviation Conc./% Physical Properties T(N, I) = 79 C. 1 CY-3-O2 16.0 n.sub.e (20 C., 589.3 nm) = 1.621 2 CY-5-O2 13.0 n.sub.o (20 C., 589.3 nm) = 1.487 3 CCY-3-O3 12.0 n (20 C., 589.3 nm) = 0.134 4 CCY-4-O2 8.0 5 CPY-2-O2 12.0 .sub.| | (20 C., 1 kHz) = 7.8 6 CPY-3-O2 12.0 .sub. (20 C., 1 kHz) = 10.3 7 CC-5-V 3.0 (20 C., 1 kHz) = 2.5 8 PYP-2-4 12.0 9 PUQU-3-F 6.00 10 PUQU-2-F 6.00 100.0
Mixture M-2
[0295] The following mixture M-2 is prepared
TABLE-US-00005 Composition Compound No. Abbreviation Conc./% Physical Properties T(N, I) = 106 C. 1 CC-3-V 13.0 n.sub.e (20 C., 589.3 nm) = 1.719 2 CPGP-4-3 5.0 n.sub.o (20 C., 589.3 nm) = 1.517 3 CPGP-5-2 5.0 n (20 C., 589.3 nm) = 0.202 4 CPGP-5-3 3.0 5 CP-3-O1 14.0 .sub.| | (20 C., 1 kHz) = 3.4 6 PGP-1-2V 9.0 .sub. (20 C., 1 kHz) = 3.0 7 PGP-2-2V 9.0 (20 C., 1 kHz) = 0.4 8 PGP-3-2V 8.0 9 PGP-2-3 5.0 10 PGP-2-4 5.0 11 PGP-2-5 10.0 12 PP-1-2V1 14.0 100.0
Mixture M-3
[0296] The mixture M-3 is prepared by mixing 0.029g of mixture M-1 (14%-w/w) with 0.176 g of mixture M-2 (86%-w/w) resulting in mixture M-3 having the following dielectric characteristics:
TABLE-US-00006 .sub. (20 C., 1 kHz) 3.752 .sub. (20 C., 1 kHz) 3.736 (20 C., 1 kHz) 0.016
Comparison Example 1
[0297] A test cell as described above is assembled resulting in a cell gap of 2.47 m. The cell is capillary filled with mixture M-1.
[0298] The switching speeds t.sub.on and t.sub.off are determined in dependence of the applied voltage.
TABLE-US-00007 Applied voltage (V) (0-peak) t.sub.on (ms) t.sub.off (ms) 2.08 42 15 4.12 35 10.7 6.08 23 10.5 8.40 14 11.3 10.4 8.2 11.5 12.2 5.8 11.9 14.8 4.1 11.7 16.8 2.5 12.1 18.6 1.9 12.3
[0299] As can be seen from the table given above, the test cell shows a strong dependence for t.sub.on with an increasing applied field, and almost no dependence with t.sub.off, indicating the expected dielectric type switching mechanism.
Example 1
[0300] A test cell as described above is assembled resulting in a cell gap of 2.85 m. The cell is capillary filled with mixture M-3.
[0301] The switching speed t.sub.on and t.sub.off are determined in dependency of the applied voltage.
TABLE-US-00008 Applied voltage (V) (0-peak) t.sub.on (ms) t.sub.off (ms) 10.6 11.4 5.3 15.6 11.3 5.4 21.0 10.3 5.6 26.0 10.2 5.3 31.0 9.5 5.4 36.0 12.9 5.0
[0302] As can be seen from the table given above, the test cell shows a much weaker dependence of the switching speed with applied field in comparison to comparison example 1, indicating that dielectric switching is not the key mechanism.
[0303] By using overdriving addressing or kick addressing, e.g. applying a high electric field for a short time period, such as for 21 V 0-peak the application of a 69.9 V kick pulse for a short time at the front of the waveform, a t.sub.on under 1 ms can be achieved. Furthermore, by applying a negative kick pulse, an improvement of t.sub.off below 1 ms can be achieved.