Simulation of Switching in Antiferroelectric Liquid Crystals

Abstract We are simulating the dynamic response of surface stabilised antiferroelectric liquid crystal displays, based on a one-dimensional approach. This leads to more detailed modelling than before1. The evolution of director profiles and the resulting optical transmission under applied voltages are studied. The different switching modes between the alternating state and the two uniform states, observed in antiferroelectric test cells, can be understood fairly well. The model incorporates a chevron geometry. The different terms in the bulk energy function can be rationally interpreted. The alignment layers are modelled by a polar and a non-polar surface energy term. The influence of parameters, such as the antiferroelectric coupling parameter, the polar and non-polar anchoring strength, the elastic constant etc. are discussed.