Patent ID: 7369204
Filing Date: 2008-05-06
Classification: G02F

Abstract:
1. A method of producing a stable, fast-response optical modulator with vertically aligned (VA) fringing field switching (FFS) liquid crystals, comprising the steps of: a) forming a top substrate and a bottom substrate capable of supporting a top and bottom common electrode, respectively, connected to a voltage source, b) placing a nematic liquid crystal layer between the top and bottom substrate of (a) so that the molecules of said liquid crystal are vertically aligned when there is no voltage applied, c) including parallel top and bottom pixel electrodes next to the liquid crystal layer, said pixel electrodes having discontinuous and narrow segments, the narrow segments of the top pixel electrode asymmetrically aligned with the narrow segments of the bottom pixel electrodes; and d) connecting the top and bottom pixel electrodes of (c) to a top and bottom voltage source; and e) providing insulation between the top and bottom pixel electrodes and the top and bottom electrode of (a), respectively, with a passivation layer, whereby intensity and phase modulation for displays and optical communication are accomplished in the optical modulator with vertically aligned fringing field switching liquid crystals.