Interdigitated pixel electrodes with alternating tilts for fast fringe-field switching of liquid crystals.

We propose an interdigitated pixel electrode structure with alternating tilts for fast fringe-field switching of liquid crystals (LCs). In contrast to an LC cell, where the pixel electrodes are parallel to the LC alignment direction, this device does not require a non-zero pretilt angle, owing to an obliquely applied electric field; thus, it can retain a much wider viewing angle by aligning the LCs without a pretilt. In addition to a short response time and wide viewing angle, the proposed device allows a much larger deviation of the LC alignment direction, which is essential for mass production. Moreover, LCs with negative dielectric anisotropy can be used to minimize the transmittance decrease.