Effects of dielectric anisotropy on DSM-type display devices

The transmission of dynamic-scattering-mode (DSM) liquid-crystal cells was studied as a function of dielectric anisotropy and surface alignment. Dielectric anisotropy of about -0.2 was found to be optimum for the devices from the viewpoints of threshold voltage, contrast ratio, and recovery time. Vertical-aligned cells were found to have higher contrast ratios and longer recovery times than parallel-aligned cells.