Optical device with memory function employing liquid crystal/orientation-sustaining material composite, and method for using same
US6023312A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 25, 1996 |
| Grant date | Feb 8, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 25, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02F1/13345
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An optical device employs a composite of a liquid crystalline substance and an orientation-sustaining material, such as a selected polymer, flat particles, or other material capable of sustaining the state of orientation of the liquid crystalline substance. The optical device has a memory function which is erased by the application of an electrical signal. External force for writing on the device generates local changes of the state of orientation of the liquid crystalline substance. The written display is memorized, and can be erased by the application of an electrical signal. When a two-frequency-driving liquid crystalline substance is used, the device has a long-term memory function. In this device, writing can be conducted at one frequency and erasure easily conducted at the other frequency. These optical devices can be used for light adjustment, display, and data storage.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.