Analysis of weak-boundary-coupling effects in liquid-crystal displays

Abstract

The analysis of Rapini and Papoular for homeotropic and homogeneous geometries is extended to predict the effects of weak boundary coupling on liquid-crystal display performance. An implicit expression for deformation as a function of applied field is derived for the case of equal elastic constants. Steeper transitions with complete saturation at low fields are found, which promise improved optical performance and multiplexing capability. A similar analysis of twisted nematic displays predicts a less pronounced improvement in electro-optic response and indicates a minimum boundary-coupling strength below which spontaneous deformation occurs.