Passive matrix SSFLC display with analogue grey levels using PTFE alignment films

Fabrication and performance of a surface stabilised ferroelectric liquid crystal display are reported. Grey shades are obtained by modulating the width of switched FLC microdomains by means of an electric field gradient distributed over the pixel, between adjacent metal columns. Such a gradient, depending on the data voltages, is achieved through a high resistance film deposited on the column glass plate. The choice of PTFE (Poly-tetra-fluoro-ethylene) alignment layers, easily deposited by friction, provides very low hysteresis and sticking effect. Morphology of alignment layers, carried out by AFM, is briefly described and evaluated. Addressing mode voltage wave-forms to obtain grey shades are also reported. © 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.