Patent ID: 6327016
Filing Date: 2001-12-04
Classification: G02F

Abstract:
A liquid crystal display device, comprising:a first substrate having a substrate surface;a second substrate disposed facing the first substrate;a liquid crystal layer having liquid crystal molecules, interposed between the first and second substrates;a protrusion-like structure provided on the substrate surface facing the liquid crystal layer; anda vertical aligmnent layer provided on the first substrate so as to cover the protrusion-like structure;wherein:the liquid crystal layer is divided by the protrusion-like structure into a plurality of liquid crystal regions including subregions each of which is surrounded by the protrusion like structure;the liquid crystal molecules have negative dielectric anisotropy and, in the presence of an applied voltage, are aligned axially symmetrically within at least one of the plurality of liquid crystal regions about an axis substantially perpendicular to the substrate surface; andthe protrusion-like structure includes a side wall sloped with respect to the substrate surface, and a pit region in a top portion of the protrusion-like structure, wherein the pit region is located at a boundary of at least one of the liquid crystal regions.