Patent ID: 6356248
Filing Date: 2002-03-12
Classification: G02F

Abstract:
An addressing structure for an electro-optical addressing system, comprising:a first electrode structure including a plurality of support structures extending from a base and defining nonintersecting, spaced-apart channels generally aligned and in a first direction, the support structures having top surfaces the channels containing plural first electrodes and adapted to contain an ionizable gaseous medium; a layer of dielectric material supported on the top surfaces of the support structures; a second electrode structure including plural nonoverlapping second electrodes aligned in a second direction on a major surface facing the layer of dielectric material, the areas of overlap between the channels and the second electrodes defining active regions of the addressing structure; a layer of liquid crystal material positioned between the layer of dielectric material and the second electrode structure, the liquid crystal material forming at the active regions an array of picture elements that respond optically to electronic signals conducted by the first and second electrodes; and multiple particulate spacers positioned within the layer of liquid crystal material and distributed between the dielectric layer and the second electrode structure, the spacers being positioned within the array of picture elements, staying position within the array elements, confined to regions outside of the active regions, and maintaining the second electrode structure at a predetermined distance from the layer of dielectric material, the predetermined distance enabling the switching of the liquid crystal material between optical states in response to electrical signals conducted by the first and second electrodes.