Electric breakdown of dielectric thin films for high-voltage display applications

Smectic A liquid crystal is one of the most promising material for smart glass application due to infinite bistability and low haze at clear state. Voltage is needed to switch from scattering to transparent and it is likely for dielectric breakdown to occur. In order to reduce the probability of dielectric breakdown to occur, a dielectric insulating coating is usually employed. In this work we have compared electrical and optical properties of SiO 2 thin films with thickness up to 500 nm coated by flexographic printing and reactive magnetron sputtering. IV characteristics and dielectric breakdown values show sputtered coatings to have higher dielectric strength. For sputtered coatings with thickness >240 nm also self-healing effect can be observed.