GB2369233A

GB2369233A - Fabrication method for a parallel field liquid crystal device

Info

Publication number: GB2369233A
Application number: GB0203050A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Seung Hee Lee; Seok Lyul Lee; Hyang Yul Kim; Bong Gyu Rho; Sun-Gil Kwon; Hae Sung Park; Woo Ho Choi; Jung Yeal Lee
Original assignee: Hyundai Electronics Industries Co Ltd
Current assignee: SK Hynix Inc
Priority date: 1997-12-29
Filing date: 1998-05-29
Publication date: 2002-05-22
Anticipated expiration: 2018-05-29
Also published as: GB2369233B; GB0203050D0

Abstract

Disclosed is a liquid crystal display comprising: a first substrate and a second substrate, the first substrate being disposed opposite the second substrate and being disposed a first distance apart, each of the substrates having an inner surface and an outer surface opposite the inner surface; a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between the inner surfaces of the substrates, the liquid crystal layer including a plurality of liquid crystal molecules; a first electrode formed on the inner surface of the first substrate, the first electrode having a first width; and a second electrode formed on the inner surface of the first substrate, the second electrode having a second width, and spaced apart from the first electrode by a second distance, the first electrode and the second electrode being capable of aligning the liquid crystal molecules using an electric field produced between the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein the first distance is greater in length than the second distance, and the first and second electrodes each has a width to such a degree that the liquid crystal molecules above the first and second electrodes are substantially aligned by the electric field.

Description

LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY AND FABRICATION METHOD

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a display and a method of manufacturing the same. More particularly, the present invention provides a novel liquid crystal display having a relatively high transmittance and a relatively high aperture ratio. The present invention also provides a method of manufacturing the same.

Rapid progress in the device performance of active matrix liquid crystal displays ("LCDs") has opened a wide range of the applications, such as flat panel television ("tu") systems, and high-information content monitors for portable computers.

A common type of technology used in these displays is conventional twisted nematic ("TN") display mode. conventional TN display mode, however, has intrinsic properties of narrow viewing characteristics and slow response time. Most particularly, TN has slow response time for gray scale operation.

In order to solve these limitations, various techniques used in liquid crystal displays (i. e. , LCDs) have been suggested or suggested. As merely an example, techniques such as a multidomain TN structure, and an optically compensated birefringence ("OCB") mode that compensates physical characteristics of the liquid crystal molecules have been proposed.

Although the multi-domain structure is often useful in improving the viewing angle, any enhancement of the viewing zone is generally limited. Additionally, an intrinsic property of slow response time still remains unsolved, in part, and processes for forming the multi-domain structure are often complicated and difficult to achieve. In contrast, the OCB mode has typically

proved to have better electro-optic performances, including viewing characteristics and response time. The OCB mode, however, may have difficulties in controlling conformation of the liquid crystal molecules for sElf-compensation structure via a bias voltage Other technologies such as an in-plane switching ("IPS") mode where electrodes for controlling the liquid crystal molecules are formed on the same substrate has been proposed. As an example, M-Oh-e, M. Ohta, S. Aratani, and K. Kondo in"Proceeding of the 15th International Display Research Conference", p. 577 by Society for Information Display and the intrinsic of Television Engineer of Japan (1995) describe an IPS mode. The display with IPS mode also has numerous limitations. Since these displays often use materials that are opaque, display transmittance often decreases. In some cases, a back light with high intensity light which is undesirable for lower powered portable computing applications, as well as others. Additional limitations include difficulty in manufacturing, which often involves complex planarization processes. These and other limitations are described throughout the present specification.

From the above, it is seen that an improved technique for fabricating an LCD display is highly desirable.

SUMMARY or THE INVENTION According to the present invention, a technique including a method and a device for the manufacture of an improved display is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the invention increases an aperture ratio of the liquid crystal display and the transmittance thereof. In other aspects, the invention improves the topology of the structure of the lower substrate without the need of additional planarization process, which are commonly used in conventional devices.

According to one aspect of the invention, a liquid crystal display is provided. The display includes a variety of elements such as a first substrate and a second substrate, one being disposed opposite the other a first distance apart. Each substrate has an inner surface and an outer surface that is opposite the inner surface. The display also has a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between the inner surfaces of the substrates.

The liquid crystal layer has a plurality of liquid crystal molecules. A first electrode is ! formed on the inner surface of the first substrate and has a first width. A second electrode is formed on the inner surface of the first substrate and has a second width. The second electrode is spaced apart by a second distance from the first electrode. These electrodes align the liquid crystal molecules using an electric field produced between

the electrodes-The first and second electrodes are formed of a transparent conductive material (e. g., ITO). The display has the first distance that is greater than the second distance.

Preferably, the first and second electrodes each has a width to such a degree that the liquid crystal molecules above the first and second electrodes are substantially aligned by the electric field.

According to another aspect of the invention, a liquid crystal display is provided. The display includes a variety of elements such as a first substrate and a second substrate, one being disposed opposite the other a first distance apart. Each substrate has an inner surface and an outer surface that is opposite the inner surface. The display also has a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between the inner surfaces of the two substrate.

The liquid crystal layer has a plurality of liquid crystal molecules. A first electrode is disposed on the inner surface of the first substrate. The first electrode comprises a plurality of strips, each of the strips having a first width, and spaced apart by a second distance from another strip adjacent thereto. A second electrode is also disposed on the first substrate. The

second electrode comprises a plurality of strips, each of the strips being disposed between the strips of the first electrode, having a second width, and being spaced apart by a third distance from another strip adjacent thereto, each of the strips of the seond electrode being separated from each of the strips of the first electrode adjacent thereto with a fourth distance. An insulating layer is formed between the first and second electrodes. The insulating layer insulates the first electrode and the second electrode each other. The first electrode and the second electrode each is made of a transparent conductor, and the first distance is greater in length than the fourth distance. The second width is smaller than the second distance, and the first width is smaller than the third distance. preferably, the strips of the second electrode each has a width to such a degree that the liquid crystal molecules overlying the strips of the first electrode and the strips of the second electrode are substantially aligned in the presence of the electric field produced between the strips of the first electrode and the strips of the second electrode, and the first width is smaller than the third distance.

According to a further aspect of the invention, a liquid crystal display is provided. The display includes a variety of elements such as a first substrate and a second substrate, one being disposed opposite the other a first distance apart. Each substrate has an inner surface and an outer surface that is. opposite the inner surface. The display also has a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between the inner surfaces of the two substrate.

The liquid crystal layer has a plurality of liquid crystal molecules. A first electrode is formed on the inner surface of the first susbtrate. The first electrode has a squared plate structure. An insulating layer is disposed on the inner surface of the first substrate including the first electrode. A second electrode is disposed on the insulating layer. The second electrode comprises a plurality of strips, the strips each being

disposed to overlap with the first electrode and to have a first width and a second distance therebetween, wherein surface of the first electrode is partially exposed through spaces between the strips, the exposed portions of the first electrode each having a width of the second distance. The first and second electrodes each is made of a transparent conductor. The first distance between the first and second substrates is greater than a thickness of the insulating layer, and a second width and the first width each is to such a degree that the liquid crystal molecules above the exposed portions of the first electrode and the strips of the second electrode are substantially aligned by the electric field produced between the exposed portions of the second electrode and the strips of the second electrode.

According to still another aspect of the invention, a liquid crystal display is provided. The liquid crystal display includes a variety of elements such as first and second substrates. The first substrate are disposed opposite the second substrate. The first and second substrates are first distance apart Each of the substrates has an inner surface and an outer surface opposite the

inner surface. A liquid crystal layer is sandwiched between the inner surfaces of the substrates. The liquid crystal layer includes a plurality of liquid crystal molecules. A first electrode is formed on the inner surface of the first substrate.

The first electrode includes a plurality of strips. Each of the strips has a first width, and is spaced apart by a second distance from another strip adjacent thereto. A second electrode is formed on the inner surface of the first substrate. The second electrode includes a plurality of strips. Each of the strips is disposed between the strips of the first electrode, has a second width, and is spaced apart by a third distance from another strip adjacent thereto. Each of the strips of the second electrode is also separated from each of the strips of the first electrode adjacent thereto with a fourth distance. The first electrode and the second electrode each is made of a transparent conductor. The

first distance is greater in length than the fourth distance. The second width is smaller than the second distance. The first width is smaller than the third distance. The strips of the first and second electrodes are disposed on the same level plane, and the strips of the first and second electrodes each has a width to such a degree that the liquid crystal molecules overlying the strips of the first electrode and the strips of the second electrode are substantially aligned in the presence of the electric field produced between the strips of the first electrode and the strips of the second electrode.

According to even another aspect of the invention, a method for fabricating a liquid crystal display is provided. The method includes a variety of steps. First, a first transparent substrate is provided. Afterwards, a first transparent conductive layer is formed on the first transparent substrate. Thereafter, a first metal film is deposited on the first transparent conductive material and is then patterned to form a plurality of gate bus lines and a common signal line. Afterwards, a first transparent conductor film is deposited on the resulting structure and is then patterned to form a plurality of counter electrodes each including a plurality of strips that are orthogonal to the gate bus line. Thereafter, a gate insulator is formed on the resulting structure including the gate bus lines, common signal lines, and counter electrodes. A channel layer is formed on a selected portion of the gate insulating layer. A second transparent conductive layer is deposited on the gate insulator and is then patterned to form a plurality of pixel electrode each including a plurality of strips being arranged parallel to the strip of the counter electrode, and placed on the gate insulating layer between the strips of the counter electrode. A second metal film is deposited on the gate insulating layer and is then patterned to form a plurality of data bus lines that are orthogonal to the gate bus line, sources and drains. A first alignment layer is formed on the resulting structure.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, a method for fabricating a liquid crystal display is provided. The method includes a variety of steps. First, a first transparent substrate is provided. A first transparent conductive layer is formed on the first transparent substrate and is then patterned to form a plurality of counter electrodes. A first metal film is deposited on the first transparent conductive layer and is then patterned to form a plurality of gate bus lines and a common signal line such that the common signal line is contact with each of the counter electrodes. A gate insulating layer is formed on the resulting structure including the gate bus lines, the common signal line, and the counter electrodes-A channel layer is formed on a selected portion of the gate insulating layer. A second transparent conductive layer is deposited on the gate insulating layer and is then patterned to overlap with the counter electrode, to form a plurality of pixel electrodes. A second metal film is deposited on the gate insulating layer and is then patterned, to form a plurality of data bus lines, sources and drains. A first alignment layer is formed on the resultant structure. Here, the step for forming the gate bus lines and common signal line and the step for forming the counter electrode are exchangeable each other.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate presently preferred embodiments of the invention, and together with the general description given above and the detailed description of the preferred embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a simplified plan view of a conventional unit pixel and portions of adjacent pixel regions surrounding it in a liquid crystal display.

FIG. 2 is a simplified section view taken along the line 202-202'of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a simplified simulation result showing the transmittance variation according the lapse of time after the application of the electric field.

FIG. 4 is a simplified sectional view of the liquid crystal display according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. SA and 5B are simplified plan views of unit pixel region and portions of adjacent pixel regions surrounding it in the liquid crystal display according to embodiments of the present embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a simplified sectional view taken along the line 206-206'of FIGS. 5A and SB- FIGS. 7A and 7B are simplified views showing the relations between the alignment directions of an upper and lower alignment layers and between the polarizing directions of a polarizer and a analyzer in the liquid crystal display according to embodiments of the present invention.

PIGS. 8A to 8C are simplified views showing the method for fabricating the liquid crystal display according to embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9A is a simplified perspective view showing the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules in an absence of the electric field in the liquid crystal display according to embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 9B is a simplified perspective view showing the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules in the presence of the

electric field in the liquid crystal display according to embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a simplified schematic diagram for schematically showing the distribution of the electric force lines in the liquid crystal display according to embodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 11 and 12 shows simplified simulation results of the transmittance variation according to the lapse of time after the application of an electric field in the unit pixel region of the liquid crystal display according to embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a simplified graph showing the transmittance variation functioning as the driving voltage in the liquid crystal display according to embodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 14A and 14B are simplified plan views of unit pixel region and portions of adjacent pixel regions surrounding it in the liquid crystal display according to alternative embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a simplified sectional view taken along the line 215-215'of FIGS. 14A and 14B.

FIGS. 16 and 17 shows simplified simulation results of the transmittance variation according to the lapse of time after the application of an electric field in the unit pixel region of the liquid crystal display according to embodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 18A and 18B are simplified plan views of unit pixel region and portions of adjacent pixel regions surrounding it in

the liquid crystal display according to alternative embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a simplified section views taken along the line 219-219'of FIGS. 18A and 18B.

FIG. 20 shows a simplified simulation result of the transmittance variation according to the lapse of time after the application of an electric field in the unit pixel region of the liquid crystal display according to embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a simplified plan view of unit pixel region and portions of adjacent pixel regions surrounding it in the liquid crystal display according to alternative embodiments of the present invention FIG. 22 is a simplified sectional view taken along the line 222-222'of FIG. 21.

FIG. 23A shows a simplified contrast dependent on viewing angle in a liquid crystal display according to embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 23B shows a simplified contrast dependent on viewing angle in a conventional liquid crystal display.

FIG. 24 shows a simplified brightness dependent on viewing angle in a liquid crystal display according to embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a simplified graph showing the transmittance variation functioning as the driving voltage in the liquid crystal display according to embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

I. CONVENTIONAL LCD DISPLAYS FIG. 1 is a simplified plan view showing a conventional unit pixel region and portion adjacent pixel regions surrounding it in the IPS-mode liquid crystal display. Referring to FIG. 1, the liquid crystal display includes a plurality of gate bus lines 11 arranged in parallel with each other on a lower substrate in a first direction, and a plurality of data bus lines 15 arranged in parallel with each other on the lower substrate in a second direction normal to the first direction. The plurality of gate bus lines 11 and the plurality of data bus lines 15 are arranged in a matrix configuration, to thereby define a plurality of pixel regions each bounded by a pair of gate bus lines and a pair of data bus lines. The plurality of gate bus lines 11 and the plurality of data bus lines 15 are insulated from each other with gate insulating layer (not shown) intervening between the gate bus lines and the data bus lines. A counter electrode 12 is formed .. os a rectangular frame structure within a respective pixel region and is disposed on a surface of the lower substrate altogether with the gate bus lines 12.

A pixel electrode 14 is arranged on a surface of the counter electrode 12 with the gate insulating layer (not shown) intervening therebetween. The pixel electrode 14 is arranged in "I"letter configuration to thereby divide a region bounded by the counter electrode 12. The pixel electrode 14 includes a web portion 14c extending in the Y direction, to thereby divide the region surrounding the counter electrode 12 into two portions; and a first and second flange portions 14a and 14b overlapping with the counter electrode 12 in the X direction. Here, the two flange portions 14a and 14b are arranged opposite and in. parallel with each other.

A thin film transistor 16 which connects with a corresponding one of the data bus lines and a corresponding one of the pixel electrodes is formed on a crossing point of the gate bus lines 11 and the data bus lines 12. The transistor 16 includes a gate electrode formed as an integral tab-like portion projected into a respective pixel portion from the gate bus lines 11 ; a drain electrode formed as a tab-like protruding portion of the data bus lines 15; a source electrode extending from the pixel electrode 14; and a channel layer 17 formed over a gate electrode.

An additional-capacitance typed capacitor Cst is formed in an overlapped portion between the counter electrode 12 and the pixel electrode 14. Although not shown in FIG. 1, an upper substrate having a color filter (not shown) is disposed opposite the lower substrate 10 with a selected distance. Here, the gate bus lines 11, the counter electrode 12, the pixel electrode 14 and the data bus lines each is formed of an opaque metal such as aluminum, titanium, tantalum, chromium, or the like A process for forming the LCD having the IPS mode will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, for example.

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view taken from line II-II'of FIG. 1. Metal layer is formed for example, with a thickness of about 2500 to about 3500 Angstroms on a surface of the lower substrate 10. The metal layer is made of an opaque metal such as aluminum, titanium, tantalum, chromium or the like. Next, the metal layer is patterned thereby to form the gate bus lines 11 and the counter electrode 12. The counter electrode 12 only is shown in FIG. 2. A gate insulating layer 13 is also formed on a surface of the lower substrate 10 having the gate bus line 11 and the counter electrode 12. Afterwards, a channel layer 17 of the thin film transistor 16 is formed on a selected portion of the gate insulating layer 13 and a metal layer is formed with a thickness of about 4000 to 4500 Angstroms on a surface of the

resultant structure having the gate insulating layer 13 on which the channel layer 17 is formed. Here, the metal layer is made of an opaque metal such as aluminum, titanium, tantalum, chromium, or the like. Following the step of forming the metal layer, the metal layer is patterned, to thereby form a pixel electrode 14 and data bus lines 15. In FIG. 2, the pixel electrode 14 only is shown. Next, a first alignment layer 19 is formed on a resultant surface of the lower substrate 10.

I An upper substrate 20 is disposed opposite the lower substrate 10 with a selected distance d. Here, the distance, i. e. , a cell gap between the two substrates 10 and 20 (hereinafter the cell gap is referred to as d) is smaller than the distance i between the web portion 14c of the pixel electrode (hereinafter the web portion 14c of the pixel electrode is referred as the pixel electrode 14) and the counter electrode 12. This is to make an electric field produced between the pixel electrode and the counter electrode substantially parallel with surfaces of the substrates 10 and 20.

On an inner surface of the upper substrate 20 disposed opposite the lower substrate 10 is formed a color filter 21. On a surface of the color filter 21 is also formed a second alignment layer 22. Here. , the first and second alignment layers 19 and 22 serve to align liquid crystal molecules (not shown) such that longer axes thereof are substantially parallel with the surfaces of the substrates 10 and 20 in an absence of the electric field between the pixel electrode 14 and the counter electrode 12. And, the first and second alignment layers 19 and 22 are rubbed such that an angle between the rubbing axis and the gate bus lines 11 is set to be a selected angle.

And, although not shown in the drawing, a polarizer is disposed on an outer surface of the lower substrate 10 and an analyzer is disposed on an outer surface of the upper substrate

20.

In the liquid crystal display having an IPS mode, when a scanning signal is applied to a corresponding one of the gate bus lines 11 and a display signal is applied to a corresponding one of the data bus lines 15, a thin film transistor 16 which is formed on a crossing point of the gate bus lines 11 and the data bus lines 12 to which the signals are applied is turned on or off. If the thin film transistor is turned on, the display signal of the data bus lines 15 is transmitted to the pixel electrode 14 via the thin film transistor 16 and common signals are continue to be applied to the counter electrode 12.

Therefore, the electric field is produced between the counter electrode 12 and the pixel electrode 14.

At this time, as shown in FIG. 2, since a distance between the counter electrode 12 and the pixel electrode 14 is greater than that of the cell gap d, an electric field E which is substantially parallel with the surfaces of the substrate is produced. Therefore, the liquid crystal molecules within the liquid crystal layer are twisted so that optical axes thereof are in parallel with the electric field E, according to dielectric anisotropy characteristics of the liquid crystal molecules.

Therefore, a user views the longer axes of the liquid crystal molecules on the screen in all directions and a viewing angle of the liquid crystal display is thus enhanced.

Conventional liquid crystal displays having the IPS mode have numerous limitations. Referring to for example, the liquid crystal display having the IPS mode shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the counter electrode 12 and the pixel electrode 14 made of an opaque metal material such as aluminum are disposed on a light transmittance region, i. e. , the lower substrate 10. Therefore, an aperture ratio of the liquid crystal display decreases, and the transmittance thereof also decreases. In addition, so as to

obtain an appropriate brightness, a backlight with high intensity must often be used and thus an electrical consumption increases, which is often undesirable.

To solve these limitations, a counter electrode 12 and a pixel electrode 14 made of a transparent material have been proposed. In such a liquid crystal liquid display the aperture ratio is often increased, but the transmittance is often not improved. To produce an in-plane electric field, the distance f between the electrodes 12 and 14 must often be set to be greater than the cell gap d. To obtain a suitable intensity of the electric field to align the liquid crystal molecules, the electrodes 12 and 14 have relatively large dimension of width, for example, 10 to 20Am. These limitations to the electrodes 12 and 14 create an electric field substantially-pa-ra wlSh-the- surfaces of the substrates to be produced between the electrodes 12 and 14. The electric field, however, has little affect the liquid crystal molecules positioned right above the upper surfaces of the electrodes 12 and 14 having the large width to thereby have sparse equipotential lines in a portion above the upper surfaces of the electrodes. As the result, since the liquid crystal molecules above the upper surfaces of the electrodes continue to hold an initial configuration even in the presence of the electric field, the transmittance is little increased.

FIG. 3 shows the simulation result of the transmittance variation in the unit pixel region according to the lapse of time after the application of an electric field in the conventional liquid crystal display with the structure of the FIGS. 1 and 2.

In FIG. 3, upper box represents the transmittance variation and lower box distribution of electric force lines produced between the counter electrode and the pixel electrode wherein the electric force lines are equipotential lines. Reference numeral 15d represents liquid crystal molecules. Here, the liquid crystal display has the counter electrode and the pixel electrode made of

an opaque metal-The distance between the counter electrode and the pixel electrode is about 20m and the width of the counter electrode and the width of the pixel electrode each is about lOm and the cell gap is about 4. 5m. An angle between the rubbing axis of the first alignment layer and the electric field direction is about 22 degrees. A voltage which is applied to the pixel electrode is about 8V. As shown in FIG. 3, it is noted that the transmittance approaches only 23% even after the lapse of about 100 ma. This result indicates that response time is very slow.

As shown in FIG. 3, according to the simulation result, in the presence of the electric field, in an upper portion above the counter electrode and the pixel electrode, sparse equipotential lines are shown, which indicate the intensity of the electric field to be small. Therefore, the liquid crystal molecules positioned above the two electrodes little move. As the result, it is noted that the transmittance above the two electrodes is about a %. In addition, even when the counter electrode and the pixel electrode are made of the transparent material with the width described above, the liquid crystal molecules positioned above the two electrodes can hardly move, which is a similar fashion to the case that the two electrodes are made of the opaque material-Therefore, it is anticipated that the same level of transmittance as in the case of the opaque electrodes will be also obtained although the two electrodes are made of transparent material.

Returning to FIGS. 1 and 2, in an aspect of the fabricating method of the conventional liquid crystal display, the counter electrode 12 is formed simultaneously with the gate bus lines 11, and the pixel electrode 14 is formed simultaneously with the data bus lines 15 to a thickness and more of 3, 000 Angstroms. Although these simultaneous forming steps of two different layers are conducted for the purpose of simplifying the fabrication process

thereof, they cause large height differenc between the counter electrode 12 and the pixel electrode 14. The reason is because the thicknesses of the counter electrode 12 and the pixel electrode 14 are formed with respect to appropriate thicknesses of the gate bus line and the data bus line 11 and 15, not formed with respect to appropriate thicknesses thereof. In further detail, although it is possible that the counter electrode 12 and the pixel electrode 14 can be formed to a thickness of about 1, 000 Angstroms, the counter electrode 12 and the pixel electrode 14 each is foremd to a thickness of more of 3,000 Angstroms, thereby to cause a height difference of above 3000 Angstroms therebetween. Because of such height difference of the counter electrode 12 and the pixel electrode 14, the topology is bad in the surface of the lower substrate of the liquid crystal display. and therefore an additional planarization process is required. In addition, if the planarization process is not performed, there is a difficulty in carrying out the following rubbing process of the alignment layers. These and other limitations are often present in conventional LCD displays.

II. PRESENT LCD DISPLAYS Hereinafter, selected embodiments of the present invention will be explained in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. These drawings are merely illustrations and should not limit the scope of the claims herein. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize other variations, modifications, and alternatives.

As shown in FIG. 4, in the present invention, to improve transmittance and aperture ratio of a liquid crystal display with an IPS mode, a first electrode 32 and a second electrode 34 are respectively formed on inner surface of a lower or first substrate 30 with an insulating layer 33 intervening therebetween. The first electrode 32 and the second electrode 34 are made of transparent conductive material. An upper or second

substrate 36 is disposed opposite the first substrate 30 such that their inner surfaces are confronted each other. A liquid crystal layer 35 is sandwiched between the first and second substrate 30 and 36-In the FIG. 4, a cell gap D designates an interval between the first and second substrates 30 and 36.

In the present invention, the reason why the first and second electrodes 32 and 34 are made of transparent conductive material is to enlarge the area where incident light transmits through unit pixel region, thereby increasing aperture ratio and transmittance. The present invention has, among others, these aspects, which provide an improved display. In a specific embodiment, the first and second electrodes 32 and 34 are disposed a first distance Ll apart from each other or can be overlapped with each other. The first distance Ll between the first and second electrodes 32 and 34 is smaller than the cell gap D between the first and second substrates 30 and 36. The widths PI and P2 of the first and second electrodes 32 and 34 in the present invention are as narrow as possible or practical according to design rule.

From the above elements, which can be used alone or in combination, the width P1 of the first electrode 32 is equal to or can be different from the width P2 of the second electrode 34.

Relationship between the widths PI and P2 is described in the following embodiment. Also, a second distance L2 between the first electrodes 32 adjacent to each other is equal to or can be different from the width P2 of the second electrode 34. Further a third distance L3 between the second electrodes 34 adjacent to each other is equal to or can be different from the width Pi of the first electrode 32.

The above aspects occur, in part, for these reasons-If the first distance Li is smaller than the cell gap 0, fringe field E which is parabolic electric field with electric force lines of

parabolic form rather than in-plane field with electric force lines of straight line form, is produced between the first and second electrodes 32 and 34 in the presence of the electric field. The electrodes 32 and 34 must have a narrow width enough to densify equipotential lines above the electrodes 32 and 34 so that liquid crystal molecules disposed above the electrodes are substantially aligned. Therefore, it is preferable to form the width of the electrodes as narrow as possible. On the other hand, when electric field produced between the electrodes 32 and 34 has an intensity enough to substantially align the liquid crystal molecules disposed between the electrodes 32 and 34, the electrodes 32 and 34 must have a width greater than a selected range. Accordingly, the widths of the electrodes 32 and 34 must be determined considering these circumstances.

- --- --- -. ------ - --- In addition, a polarizer system (not shown) can be added to the liquid crystal display described above such that only the incident light beams are transmitted when liquid crystal molecules are tilted in the presence of the electric field. By doing so, the liquid crystal molecules move at all pixel regions of the liquid crystal display, to thereby improve transmittance.

In FIG. 4, reference symbol E designates electric field lines produced between the first and second electrodes 32 and 34.

The electric filed lines includes a parabolic field line component and a linear field line component.

1. Present Embodiment 1 Referring to FIG. 5A, FIG. 5B, and FIG. 6, a single pixel region and portions of adjacent pixel regions surrounding it, are illustrated. In a complete LCD display, rows of a number of gate bus lines and orthogonal columns of a number of data bus lines are arranged in a matrix configuration. Thus a pixel is formed in the regions bounded by these kinds of lines. That is, for example, a pair of gate bus lines 41a and 41b are arranged on a

lower or first substrate 40 in the direction of x-axis so that they are spaced apart from each other with a selected distance. A pair of data bus lines 47a and 47b are also arranged on the first substrate 40 in the direction of y-axis so that they are spaced apart from each other with a selected distance. Thus, a unit pixel is defined as a region bounded by a pair of gate bus lines 41a and 41b and a pair of data bus lines 47a and 47b. The pair of gate bus lines 41a and 41b and the pair of data bus lines 47a and 47b are only shown in the drawings. The unit pixel region in the present embodiment 1 has almost the same size as in the conventional LCDs.

A gate insulating layer 44 is interposed between the gate bus lines 41a and 41b and the data bus lines 47a and 47b, to

insulate them from each other. A common signal line 42 is - ---- - - --- -- - -------------------------- -- -- arranged between the pair of gate bus lines 41a and 41b in the direction of x-axis to be parallel to the gate bus lines 41a and 41b. The common signal line 42 is also disposed to be closer to the previous gate bus line 41b rather than the other corresponding gate bus line 41a. Here, the gate bus lines 41a and 4lob, the common signal line 42, and the data bus lines 47a and 47b are made of one element metal or alloy of at least two elements selected from the group consisting of Al, Mo, Ti, W, Ta, and Cr, in order to reduce RC delay time. The elements each has a good conductivity characteristics. In the present embodiment 1, MoW alloy is used as. material for the signal lines.

A first or counter electrode 43 is formed within the unit pixel region of the first substrate 40 and is disposed on the same level plane that the gate bus line 41a and 4lob. The counter electrode 43 is in contact with the common signal line 42, to thereby receive the common signal. The counter electrode 43 is made of transparent conductive material such as indium tin oxide ("ITO").

The counter electrode 43 includes a body 43a and a plurality of strips 43b branched from the body 43a. The body 43a is arranged to be parallel to the gate bus lines 41a and 41b. The plurality of strips 43b are arranged to be extended in the direction of the inverse y-axis. More specifically, the counter electrode 43 has a comb structure whose one sided ends thereof are closed by the body 43a and the other sided ends are open. In the present embodiment 1, for example, the strips 43b is eight per a unit pixel region. The strips 43b each has a selected width P11 and is spaced apart from each other with a selected distance L11. The strips 43b each is formed to have the width Pll narrower than in the conventional devices, in view of relation with a pixel electrode which will be further formed.

A second or pixel electrode 46 is disposed in the unit pixel region of the first substrate 40. The pixel electrode 46 includes a body 46a and a plurality of strips 46b branched from the body 46a-The body 46a is arranged to be parallel to the gate bus lines 41a and 41b. The plurality of strips 46b are arranged to be extended in the direction of the inverse y-axis. More specifically, the pixel electrode 46 has a comb structure whose one sided ends thereof are closed by the body 43a and the other sided ends are open. In the present embodiment 1, for example, the strips 46b are seven per a unit pixel region. The strips 46b of the pixel electrode 46 are formed to alternate with the strips 43b of the counter electrode 43 with the intervention of a gate insulating layer 44 as shown in FIG. 6. The pixel electrode 46 is made of transparent conductive material such as ITO like the counter electrode 43. The body 46a of the pixel electrode 46 overlaps with the body 43a of the counter electrode 43. The strips 46b each has a selected width P12 and is spaced apart from each other with a selected distance L12. The strips 46b each is also arranged between the strips 43b of the counter electrode 43.

As shown in FIG. 5B, the counter electrode 43 has a

structure where the two sided ends of the strips 43b thereof are bound by the respective corresponding bodies 43a and 43c which are parallel to the gate bus line 41a. The pixel electrode 46 has a structure where the two sided ends of the strips 46b thereof are also bound by the respective corresponding bodies which are parallel to the gate bus line 41a.

Although not shown in the drawings, at least one of two sided ends of the strips 43b may be connected to a body and at least one of two sided ends of the strips 46b may be also connected to a body.

In the present embodiment 1, the widths P12 of the strips 46b of the pixel electrode 46 are smaller than the distance Lll between the strips 43b of the counter electrode 43. Therefore, the strips 46b of the pixel electrode 46 each is disposed along the central portions of spaces between the strips 43b of the counter electrodes 43, and a distance between a strip 46b of the

pixel electrode 46 and a strip 43b adjacent thereto is Ill. Here, the distance ill is smaller than the cell gap dll between the first and second substrates as shown in FIG. 6. For example, ",. 1 area of the unit pixel is about 110 mx330 m, the distance fla- about O. lj. Lm to about 5 m. The strips 43b of the counter electrode 43 and the strips 46b of the pixel electrode 46 each has such a degree of widths to produce electric field by which all the liquid crystal molecules overlying the two electrodes can be aligned. For example, when the unit pixel region has an area of the unit pixel is about 110 mx330 m, the counter electrode 43 has eight strips 43b, and the pixel electrode 46 has seven strips 46b, the strips 43b and the strips 46b each has a width of about 1 to about 8pm, preferably, 2 to Sym.

Meanwhile, depending on the size of the unit pixel and the numbers of the strips 43b and of the strips 46b, the widths of the strips 43b and of the strips 46b and the distance

therebetween can be modified. However, it is noted in the present embodiment 1 that the strips of the electrodes each must be set to have such a range of the width that all the liquid crystal molecules overlying the electrodes 43 and 46 are substantially aligned. Preferably, the ratio of the width Pli of the strip 43b to the width P12 of the strip 46b must be set to be in a range of about 0.2 to about 4.0.

A thin film transistor ("TFT") 50 used as a switching element, is formed on a crossing point of the gate bus line 41a and the data bus line 47a. The TFT 50 includes a channel layer 45 formed on the gate bus line 41a, a drain electrode 48 extending from the data bus line 47a and overlapped with one side of the channel layer 4S by a selected portion, and a source electrode 49 overlapped with the other side of the channel layer 45 by a

- ---- ------- - - ----- -- - -------- - --. selected portion and connected to the pixel electrode 46.

A storage capacitor Cst is formed at an overlapped portion of the counter and pixel electrodes 43 and 46. In the present embodiment 1, the storage capacitor Cst is formed at the overlapped portion of the body 43a of the counter electrode 43 and the body 46a of the pixel electrode 46. The storage capacitor Cst holds data signal at a desired voltage level during one frame.

Referring to FIG. 6, an-upper or second substrate 52 is disposed opposite the first substrate 40 having the structure described above so that the first and second substrates 40 and 52 are spaced apart from each other with a selected cell gap dll. A color filter 54 is disposed on the inner surface of the second substrate 52.

A first alignment film 55 is disposed on the inner surface of the first substrate 40 and a second alignment film 56 is disposed on the inner surface of the second substrate 52. Each of

the first and second alignment films 55 and 56 has a pretilt angle of zero degree to 10 degrees, and aligns liquid crystal molecules to a selected direction.

Referring to FIG. 7A, the first alignment film 55 is rubbed so that its rubbing direction makes an angle relative to the x-axis and the second alignment film 56 is also rubbed so that its rubbing direction makes an angle 180 degrees relative to the rubbing direction of the first alignment film 55 Returning to the FIG. 6, a liquid crystal layer 57 comprising a plurality of molecules of a rod shape is interposed between the first and second alignment films 55 and 56. The liquid crystal layer 57 is nematic liquid crystal and has a twistable structure. The anisotropy of the refractive index An of the liquid crystal 57 is set so that a product of the refractive index An thereof and the cell gap dll is in a range of about 0.2 to about O. 6m. The dielectric anisotropy AE of the liquid crystal 57 is determined by the angle which the rubbing axis of the first alignment film 55 makes with the x-axis. Details for a determination of the dielectric anisotropy he will be explained later.

A polarizer 58 and an analyzer 59 are arranged on the outer surfaces of the first and second substrates 40 and 52, respectively. The polarizer 58 is optically related to the liquid crystal 57 and the'analyzer 59 is optically related to the polarizer 58. As shown in FIG. 7A, a polarizing axis sea of the polarizer 58 and an absorbing axis 59a of the analyzer 59 are orthogonal to each other. Here, the polarizing and absorbing axes serve to transmit only light beam oscillating in arallel with the axis directions.

The relation among the polarizing axis 58a of the polarizer 58, the absorbing axis 59a of the analyzer 59, and the rubbing

axes 55a and 56a of the first and second alignment films 55 and b6, will be explained in more detail with reference to FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B.

Referring to FIG. 7A, an angle between the polarizing axis c, aa of the polarizer 58 and the x-axis is and an angle between the polarizing axis 58a of the polarizer 58 and a longitudinal direction (equal to the y-axis direction) of the electrodes 43b and 46b is 90-. The absorbing axis 59a of the analyzer 59 and the polarizing axis 58a of the polarizer 58 are orthogonal to each other. The first alignment film 55 is rubbed so that its rubbing axis 55a substantially coincides with the polarizing axis 58a of the polarizer 58. The second alignment film 56 is rubbed such that its rubbing direction 56a differs by 180 degrees from the rubbing axis 55a of the first alignment film 55'rhis indicates that the first and second alignment films 55 and 56 are rubbed in the opposite directions each other.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7B, the rubbing axis 55b of the first alignment film 55 can be made to be orthogonal to the polarizing axis 58a of the polarizer 58 but to be parallel to the absorbing axis 59a of the analyzer 59. Here, the polarizing axis 58a of the polarizer 58 and the absorbing axis 59a of the analyzer 59 have the same direction as those of FIG. 7A. At this time, the rubbing axis 56a of the second alignment film 56 differs by 180 degrees from the rubbing axis 55b of the first alignment film 55.

As the liquid crystal layer 58, a negative liquid crystal with negative dielectric anisotropy or a positive liquid crystal with positive dielectric anisotropy can be alternatively used.

When the negative liquid crystal is used, the liquid crystal molecules are arranged such that their longer axes are orthogonal to the electric field direction applied. While when the positive liquid crystal is used, the liquid crystal molecules are arranged

such that their longer axes are parallel to the electric field applied.

When a liquid crystal display has the configuration of FIG. fA and the rubbing axis 55a of the first alignment film 55 makes an angle of 0 degree to 45 degrees with the x-axis, the negative liquid crystal layer is used. While, when a liquid crystal display has the configuration of FIG. 7A and the rubbing axis 55a of the first alignment layer 55 makes an angle of 45 degrees to 90 degrees with the direction of x-axis, the positive liquid crystal is used. Therefore, to obtain maximum transmittance, a liquid crystal layer with a suitable value of dielectric .'. tnisotropy is selected according to the rubbing axes of the alignment layers.

Details will be explained with reference to the following equation.

T'-. To sin (2x) sin (w'And/X).............. Eq. 1 where T is a transmittance, To is the transmittance with respect to reference light, X is an angle between the optical axis of the liquid crystal molecule and the polarizing axis of the polarizer, d is a cell gap or a distance between the first and second substrates or is the thickness of the liquid crystal layer, and X is a wavelength of incident light.

According to the Eq. l, in case the angle X is rr/4 (45 degrees) and tend/\ is 1/2, the transmittance is maximum.

Therefore, to insure maximum transmittance, And of the liquid

crystal molecule used should be X/2 and the optical axis of the liquid crystal molecule 57a must deviate by an angle of about 45 degrees from the polarizing axis 58a of the polarizer 58.

When an angle # between the rubbing axis 55a of the first

alignment film 55 and the electric field direction, i. e., the x-axis direction is 45 degrees or less, if the positive liquid crystal is used, the optical axis of the liquid crystal molecule 57a deviates within about 45 degrees from the polarizing axis 58a of the polarizer 58 in the presence of the electric field.

Accordingly, it is often difficult to insure maximum transmittance. On the other hand, if the negative liquid crystal is used, the optical axis of the liquid crystal molecule 57a deviates by an angle of about 90-0 from the polarizing axis 58a of the polarizer 58 in the presence of the electric field and therefore the transmittance T becomes maximum.

Furthermore, when the angle between the rubbing axis 55a of the first alignment film 55 and the field direction, i. e., the x-axis direction is 45 degrees or more,if the~positive liquid crystal is used, the optical axis of the liquid crystal molecule 57a deviates by an angle about 45 degrees or more from the polarizing axis 58a of the polarizer 58 in the presence of the electric field and therefore the transmittance T is maximum.

While if the negative liquid crystal is used, the optical axis of the liquid crystal molecule 57a deviates within an angle of about 90-0 from the polarizing axis 58a of the polarizer 58 in the presence of the field. Accordingly, it is often difficult to insure maximum transmittance.

Moreover, when the angle is 30 degrees, if the positive liquid crystal is used, the liquid crystal molecules are arranged such that their longer axes are parallel to the field direction in the presence of the field. Therefore, the optical axis of the liquid crystal molecule deviates by an angle 30 degree from the polarizing axis 58a of the polarizer 58. As a result, the transmittance T does not approach maximum in the presence of the

electric field. On the other hand, when the angle is 30 degrees, if the negative liquid crystal is used, the liquid crystal molecules are arranged such that their longer axes are

orthogonal to the electric field direction- Therefore the optical axis of the liquid crystal molecule deviates by an angle of 60 degree from the polarizing axis 58a of the polarizer 58. In the presence of the electric field, the liquid crystal molecules are twisted to 60 degrees through a region where the angle between the optical axis of the liquid crystal molecule and the polarizing axis of the polarizer is 45 degrees.

Hereinafter, a method of manufacturing the above liquid crystal display will be explained.

Referring to FIG. 8A, a transparent metal layer (not shown) such as ITO is formed on the first substrate 40 to a thickness of 400-1, 000 Angstroms. Here, the first substrate 40 is a transparent glass substrate and may comprise a passivation layer thereon. A metal layer, preferably, MoW layer is then formed on the ITO layer to the thickness of 2, 500-3, 500 Angstroms.

Thereafter, the metal layer is patterned by the widely-known photolithography technique, thereby to form a plurality of gate bus lines 41a and 41b and a common signal line 42. After the completion of the photolithography process, the previously deposited ITO layer is exposed at portions except places where the gate bus lines 41a and 41b, and the common signal line 42 are disposed. The exposed ITO layer is patterned to a comb structure having a body 43a and a plurality of strips 43b, thereby to form a counter electrode 43. The counter electrode 43 is formed so that its strips 43b each has a selected width and are spaced apart from each other with a selected distance and its body portion 43a is in contact with the common signal line 42.

Although not shown in the drawings, various methods for forming the counter electrode, the gate bus lines, the common signal line can be used.

For example, the counter electrode 43 is first formed by

depositing ITO on the first substrate and then patterning.

Afterwards, the gate bus lines 41a and 41b, and the common signal line 42 are formed by depositing MoW on the resultant structure including the counter electrode and then patterning.

According to another example, the gate bus lines 41a and 41b, and the common signal line 42 are first formed by depositing MoW on the first substrate 40 and then patterning. Afterwards, the counter electrode 43 is formed by depositing ITO on the resultant structure including the gate bus lines 41a and 41b, and the common signal line 42.

Referring to FIG. 8B, a gate insulating layer (not shown) is deposited on the resultant structure of the first substrate 40.

The gate insulating layer is made of one material selected from the group consisting of silicon oxide layer, silicon nitride layer, the stacked layers of silicon oxide layer and silicon nitride layer, and metal oxide layer.

Next, a semiconductor layer is deposited on the resultant structure of the first substrate 40 and patterned to form a channel layer 45. The semiconductor layer is made of one material selected from the group consisting of single crystal silicon layer, amorphous silicon layer, and polycrystalline silicon layer. Afterwards, a transparent conductive material such as ITO is deposited on the gate insulating layer (not shown) of the first substrate 40 to the thickness of 400-1, 000 Angstroms and then patterned, to form a pixel electrode 46 comprising a body 46a and a plurality of strips 46b normal to and extending from the body 46a. The body 46a of the pixel electrode 46 is in contact with the counter electrode 43 and the strips 46b are placed between the strips 43b of the counter electrode 43.

Referring to FIG. 8C, an opaque metal layer is formed on the structure of FIG. 8B to the thickness of 4,000-4, 500 Angstroms

and patterned by the widely-known photolithography technique, thereby to form a plurality of data bus lines 47a, drains 48, and sources 49, whereby a TFT 50 is formed. Here, the metal layer are made of one element or alloy of at least two elements selected from the group consisting of Al, Mo, Ti, W, Ta, and Cr. It is preferable that the counter and pixel electrodes 43 and 46 each is thinner in thickness than those of the conventional devices because each of the counter and pixel electrodes 43 and 46 is not simultaneously fomed with each of the gate bus lines 41a and 41b, and the data bus lines 47a and 47b. This provides an advantage that an additional planarization process is not required.

Although not shown in the drawings, a first alignment film with a pretilt angle of 10 degrees or less is formed on the resultant structure of the first substrate 40. The first alignment film is homogeneous alignment film which aligns the liquid crystal molecules parallel with the surface of the first alignment film.

A second or upper substrate on which a color filter is formed, is also provided. On the resultant upper substrate is formed a second alignment film with a pretilt angle of 10 degrees or less. The second alignment film used is also homogeneous alignment film. Thereafter, the first and second alignment films are rubbed in a selected direction so that liquid crystal molecules have a pretilt angle of 10 degrees or less. The second substrate is attached to the first substrate 40 with a selected cell gap so that the alignment films of the first and second substrates are opposite to each other. A liquid crystal is then filled in a space between the first and second alignment layers of the two substrates.

Next, operation of the above liquid crystal display will be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings.

When the gate bus line 41a is not selected, electric field is not produced between the counter and pixel electrodes 43 and 46b since no signals are applied to the pixel electrode 46. Thus, incident light passing through the polarizer 58 does not pass the liquid crystal layer. The reason is as follows Referring to FIGS. 7A and 9A, in case the polarizing axis 58a of the polarizer 58 and the absorbing axis 59a of the analyzer S9 are orthogonal to each other, the polarizing axis 58a of the polarizer 58 and the rubbing axis 55a of the first alignment film 55 are parallel to each other, and the rubbing axis 56a of the second alignment film 56 obviates by 180 degrees from the rubbing axis 55a of the first alignment film 55, the liquid crystal molecules 57a are arranged parallel to the rubbing axes 55a and 56a of the first and second alignment films 55 and 56 in an absence of the electric field. At this time, incident light beams are linearly polarized after the passing of the polarizer 58. The linearly polarized light beams do not change their polarized state in the passing of the liquid crystal layer 57 since their oscillation directions coincide with the longer axes of the liquid crystal molecules. As widely known to a skilled person, when an oscillation direction of linearly polarized light beams coincides with the optical axis of the liquid crystal molecules, their polarization state does not change. Therefore, such a result indicates that the longer axis of the liquid crystal molecules 57a coincides with the optical axis of the liquid crystal molecules. The light beams passing through the liquid crystal layer 57 is incident to the analyzer 59 but does not pass the analyzer 59 because the absorbing axis 59a of the analyzer 59 makes 90 degrees relative to the oscillation direction of the light beams after the passing the liquid crystal layer. Therefore, dark state is shown in the display.

Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 7B and 9B, in case the

polarizing axis 58a of the polarizer 58 and the absorbing axis S9a of the analyzer 59 are orthogonal to each other, the polarizing axis 58a of the polarizer 58 and the rubbing axis 55a of the first alignment film 55 are orthogonal to each other, and the rubbing axis 56a of the second alignment film 56 differs by 180 degrees from the rubbing axis 55a of the first alignment film 55, the liquid crystal molecules 57a are arranged parallel to the rubbing axes 55a and 56a of the first and second alignment films 55 and 56 in an absence of the electric field. At this time, incident light beams are linearly polarized after the passing of chue polariser 58. The linearly polarized light beams do not change their polarized state since their oscillation direction coincides with the shorter axis of the liquid crystal molecules during the passing of the liquid crystal layer 57. This indicates that the shorter axis of the liquid crystal molecules 57a also coincides with the optical axis of the liquid crystal molecules.

The light beams passing through the liquid crystal layer 57 are incident to the analyzer 59 but does not pass the analyzer 59 because the absorbing axis 59a of the analyzer 59 makes 90 degrees relative to the oscillation direction of the light beams after the passing the liquid crystal layer. Therefore, dark stat. e is also shown in the display.

On the other hand, referring to FIG. SA or FIG. 5B, when a scanning signal is applied to the gate bus line 41a and a display signal is applied to the data bus line 47a, the TFT 50 is turned on and therefore the display signal is applied to the pixel electrode 46. At this time, since a common signal continues to be applied to the counter electrode 43, electric field is produced between the counter and pixel electrodes 43 and 46. The electric field is substantially produced between the strips 43b of the counter electrode 43 and the strips 46b of the pixel electrode 46.

As described above, the distance ill between the strips 43b

of the counter electrode 43 and the strips 46b oE the pixel electrode 46 is narrower than that in the conventional devices.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, an electric field including of a small number of linear field lines Els and a larger number of parabolic field lines Elf having high curvature, is induced.

Here, the small number of linear field lines Els are generated only in edge regions of the upper surfaces between the strips 43b and the strips 46b adjacent thereto, having the different heights each other from the inner surface of the first substrate 40. The large number of parabolic field lines Elf are generated in major regions of the upper surfaces of each of the strips 43b and 46b- Since the parabolic electric field lines Elf affect liquid crystal molecules on almost all the upper surfaces of the strips 43b and 46b as well as between the adjacent Strips 43b and 4gob, almost all the liquid crystal molecules overlying all the strips of the electrodes, that is, substantially all the liquid crystal molecules within the liquid crystal layer, are aligned along the directions of the parabolic electric field lines Elf in the presence of the field. The reason that substantially all the liquid crystal molecules are oriented by the electric field is that the widths of the strips are narrower and the distance between the strips is shorter, compared to the conventional LCDs, resulting in the generation of the parabolic electric field in even the central region of the upper surfaces of the strips. In further detail, as shown in FIG. la, since the widths of the strip 43b of the counter electrodes 43, and the distance between the strip 43b thereof and the strip 46b of the pixel electrode 46 are narrow and short enough to such a degree that even the outmost field line el-n of the field lines el produced between the counter electrode 43b and left-sided pixel electrode 46b thereof is in a form of parabolic curve having a high curvature, even the liquid crystal molecules overlying the central regions of the upper surfaces of the strips of the electrodes are enough aligned under the influence of the electric field, which is different from in the conventional LCDs where the widths of the

strips of electrodes and the distance between the adjacent strips of the electrodes are wide and long.

In case an angle between the polarizing axis 55a and the Eield direction is in a range of zero degrees to 90 degrees, the liquid crystal molecules 57a are twisted so that their longer axes are orthogonal or parallel to the field direction, and thus incident light beams transmit. Such a result becomes apparent from the Eg. 1 showing a variation in transmittance according to the value of X which is an angle between the optical axes of the liquid crystal molecules and the polarizing axis of the polarizer.

Furthermore, since liquid crystal of either positive or negative dielectric anisotropy is selected in view of the angle between the rubbing axis of the alignment film and the field direction, the present liquid crystal display shows maximum transmittance.

Meanwhile, to obtain a threshold voltage lower than that of the conventional devices, the distance ill between the counter and pixel electrodes is made to be smaller than the cell gap d as shown in FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 6. The threshold voltage is defined as the following equation 2-

V=-n-/d (K2/oAe) -------Eq. 2, where Vth is the threshold voltage, P is the distance between electrodes, d is the cell gap, K2 is the twist elastic coefficient, Eo is the dielectric constant, and E̶ is the dielectric anisotropy.

According to the present embodiments, since the value of the lid in Eq. l is reduced relative to that of the conventional devices, the threshold voltage V, is also substantially reduced.

FIG. 11 is a simplified simulation result of the liquid crystal displays according to the present embodirnent 1 of the invention, and shows the behavior of the liquid crystal molecules and the transmittance variation in the presence of the electric field. Referring to FIG. 11, FIGS. 5A and 5B, and FIG. 6, the width Pll of the strip 43b of the counter electrode 43 and the width P12 of the strip 46b of the pixel electrode 46 are both 3psi, the distance ill between the strips 43b of the counter electrode 43 and the strips 46b of the pixel electrode 46 is IMM, the cell gap d is 3. 9m, the pretilt angle is 2 degrees, the angle between the rubbing axis 55a of the first alignment film 55, the field direction (x-axis) is 12 degrees and the dielectric anisotropy Ae of the liquid crystal 57 is-4, And is 0.29, light wavelength X is 546nm, and operation voltage is 6V. In the FIG.

11, reference numeral 57a designates liquid crystal molecules.

As shown in FIG. 11, since the liquid crystal molecules above the strips 43b and 46b as well as the liquid crystal molecules therebetween are aligned, uniform transmittance is shown at all the regions. When the voltage is applied to the pixel electrode 46b, the transmittance is saturated after the lapse of 31.17ms to reach about 40. 31%. Thus, the transmittance of the liquid crystal display in the present invention is higher than that in the conventional devices during the same time period-In addition, since the present liquid crystal displays are short in the time which reach the same transmittance than the conventional LCDs, response time becomes also faster compared with that of the conventional devices.

Furthermore, the present invention makes it possible to drive the present liquid crystal display by a relatively low voltage.

FIG. 12 shows a simplified simulation result of the liquid crystal displays according to the present embodiment 1 of the

invention and is different from FIG. 11 in that the width Pll of the strips 43b of the counter electrode 43 and the width P12 of the strips 46b of the pixel electrode 46 are both 4m.

Similarly with the result shown in FIG. ll, uniform transmittance is shown at all the regions. When a necessary voltage is applied to the pixel electrode 46b, transmittance is saturated after the lapse of 31. 08ms to reach about 37 Thus, the transmittance of the liquid crystal display in the present invention is higher than that in the conventional devices during the same time period. As a result, the response time of the present invention becomes faster than that of the conventional devices. The improved response time in these embodiments is due to the following reasons.

First reason is that distance of the linear electric field lines produced in the form of a straight line between the strips 43b and 46b is markedly shortened and accordingly intensity of the electric field is increased. Second reason is that the distance between the electrodes is shortened and accordingly the electric field lines produced in the form of parabola have curvature higher and radius smaller than those of the conventional devices, to thereby substantially align the liquid crystal molecules above the electrodes.

Therefore, it is noted that from the comparison between FIG.

11 and FIG. 12, the transmittance and response time of the liquid crystal display are improved as the widths of the electrodes are narrower.

FIG. 13 is a simplified graph showing light transmittance according to the display voltage applied to the pixel electrode, where Al-A3 corresponds to LCDs of the present invention while A4 corresponds to the conventional LCDs. In the FIG. 13, Al corresponds to a case that the width Pll of the strip 43b of the counter electrode 43 is 3 m, the width P12 of the strip 46b of t. he pixel electrode 46 is 3m, and the distance between the strip 43b of the counter electrode 43 and the second portion 46b of the

pixel electrode is lAm. A2 corresponds to a case that the width Vil of the strip 43b of the counter electrode 43 is 4hum, the width P12 of the strip 46b of the pixel electrode 46 is 31Am, and the distance between the strip 43b of the counter electrode 43 and the strip 46b of the pixel electrode is lm. A3 corresponds to a case that the width Pll of the strip 43b of the counter electrode 43 is 4m, the width P12 of the strip 46b of the pixel electrode 46 is 4m, and the distance between the strip 43b of the counter electrode 43 and the strip 46b of the pixel electrode is lm. A4 corresponds to a case the widths of the strips 43b and 46b are both 20 m and the distance therebetween is 21ohm. - ----- As shown in FIG. 13, Al, A2 and A3 shows that the incident starts to transmit at about 1.7V and their transmittances reach about 4. St at about 6V. On the other hand, the transmittance of A4 is lower than those of Al-A3 at the same voltage. In addition, the graph shows that saturation region in A4 case is very narrower than that in A1-A3 cases and its maximum transmittance reaches only 2. 8% at application of about 5V.

2. Present Embodiment 2 Referring to FIG. 14A, FIG. 14B, and FIG. 15, the configurations of gate bus lines. 61a and 61b, data bus lines 67a and 67b, and a common signal line 62 are same as that of the first embodiment. Here, the gate bus lines 61a and 61b, the common signal line 62, and the data bus lines 67a and 67b are made of one element or alloy of at least two elements selected from the group consisting of Al, Mo, Ti, W, Ta, and Cr each having a high conductivity. In the present embodiment 2, MoW is used.

A first or counter electrode 63 is disposed in the unit

pixel region of a first or lower substrate 60. The counter electrode 63 is disposed on the same level plane that the gate bus line 61a and 61b. The counter electrode 63 is in contact with a common signal line 62. The counter electrode 63 is formed of a transparent conductive material such as ITO. The counter electrode is made in a structure having the form of a squared plate structure. Preferably, the counter electrode 63 is made in the form of a reduced unit pixel. More particularly, the counter electrode 63 is arranged to be spaced apart with a selected distance from the gate bus lines 61a and 61b and the data bus lines 47a and 47b.

A second or pixel electrode 66 is disposed in the unit pixel region of the first substrate 60. The pixel electrode 66 includes a body 66a and a plurality of strips 66b branched from the body

- -- - - 66a. The body 66a is arranged to be parallel to the gate bus lines 6la and 61b (e. g., arranged in x-direction). The plurality of strips 66b are arranged to be extended in the direction of the inverse y-axis from the body 66a. In the present embodiment 2, for example, the strips 66b are seven. The pixel electrode 66 is formed to overlap with the counter electrode 63 with the intervention of a gate insulating layer 64 as shown in FIG. 15.

The pixel electrode 66 is made of a transparent conductive material such as ITO like the counter electrode 63.

The strips 66b each has a selected width P22 and is spaced apart from each other with a selected distance L22. When portions of the counter electrode 63 placed between the strips 66b of the pixel electrode 66 are hereinafter referred to as exposed portions of the counter electrode 63. Accordingly, in the present embodiment 2, like the first present embodiment 1, it can be identically thought that the strips 66b of the pixel electrode 66 alternate with the exposed portions of the counter electrode 63.

Meanwhile, open ends of the strips 66b of the pixel electrode 66 can be bound by another body 66c, as shown in FIG.

14B. The body 66c is also parallel to the x-axis direction.

Although not shown in the plane view of FIG. 14A and FIG.

14B, there exist a height difference between the exposed portions of the counter electrode 63 and the strips 66b of the pixel electrode 66, and it corresponds to the thickness of the gate insulating layer 64 as shown in the cross sectional view of FIG.

15.

When area of the unit pixel is 110mx330m, the distance L22 between the strips 66b of the pixel electrode 66 is set to be in

a range of about lm to 8/im. The distance range can be varied with area of the unit pixel and the number of the strips 66b.

However, regardless of area of the unit pixel region, the ratio of the width P22 of the strips 66b to the distance L22 between the strips 66b of the pixel electrode 66 must be set to be in a range of about 0.2 to 4. 0, and the ratio of the distance L22 between the strips 66b of the pixel electrode 66 to the cell gap d22 must be set to be in a range of about 0. 1 to 5. 0.

Here, referring to FIG. 15, like the present embodiment 1 described previously, the same result is also obtained in the present embodiment 2. By signal voltages respectively applied to the strips 66b of the pixel electrode 66 and the counter electrode 63, an electric field is induced. The electric field includes a small number of linear field lines E2s and a large number of parabolic field lines E2f having high curvature. Here, the small number of linear field lines E2s are generated only in edge regions of the upper surfaces between the strips 66b of the pixel electrode 66 and the exposed portions of the counter electrode 63 adjacent thereto, having a height difference each other from the inner surface of the first substrate. The large number of parabolic field lines E2f are generated in major regions of the upper surfaces of the strips 66b and the exposed

portions of the counter electrode 63. As a result, almost all the liquid crystal molecules overlying all the strips 66b of the pixel electrode and all the exposed portions of the counter electrode 63, that is, substantially all the liquid crystal molecules within the liquid crystal layer, are aligned along the directions of the electric field lines in the presence of electric field. The reason is that the widths P22 of the strips are narrower and the distance L22 is shorter, compared to the conventional LCDA, resulting in the generation of the parabolic electric field in even the central region of the upper surfaces of the strips of the pixel electrode and the exposed portions of the counter electrode.

Referring to FIGS. 14A and 14B, arrangement of a'fFT 70 is also the same as that of the embodiment 1. The TFT 70 includes a

- ------------------------------------------- -channel layer 65 disposed on the gate bus line 61a, a drain electrode 68 overlapped with one side of the channel layer 65, extending from the data bus line 67a, and a source electrode 69 overlapped with the other side of the channel layer 65 and connected to the pixel electrode 66.

In the present embodiment 2, storage capacitor Cst is formed at a first overlapped portion between the body 66a of the pixel electrode 66 and the counter electrode 63, and a second overlapped portion between the strips 66b of the pixel electrode 66 and the counter electrode 63. Accordingly, total storage capacitance in the present embodiment 2 increases compared with the present embodiment 1.

Referring to FIG. 15, an upper substrate 72 is disposed opposite the first substrate 70 having the above structure with a selected distance d22 therebetween. The first and second substrates 70 and 60 each has inner surfaces opposite to each other and outer surfaces not being opposite to each other-A color filter 54 is formed on the inner surface of the second

substrate 52.

Alignment directions of the first and second alignment films 75 and 76 and an angle between the rubbing axis and x-axis are same as those of the present embodiment 1. The arrangements of the polarizer 78 and the analyzer 79 are also same as those of the present embodiment 1.

A liquid crystal layer 77 is interposed between the first and second alignment films 75 and 76-The liquid crystal layer 77 is nematic liquid crystal and has a twistable structure. As described above, dielectric anisotropy Ae of the liquid crystal molecules is selected for the purpose of insuring maximum transmittance in view of the angle between the rubbing axis and x-axis. The anisotropy of refractive index an and the cell gap d22 are set so that the product of the An and the dll is in a range of about 0. 2-0. 6m.

Furthermore, the liquid crystal display according to the second embodiment can be fabricated according to the same method as that of the first embodiment. Therefore, the method will be omitted.

Hereinafter, operation of the liquid crystal display according to the second embodiment will be explained with reference to the PIGS. 14A, 14B, and 15.

When no signals are applied to the counter and pixel electrodes 63 and 68, and accordingly an electric field is not produced between the counter and pixel electrodes 63 and 66, the dark state appears as described in the present embodiment 1.

On the other hand, when signals are applied to the counter electrode 63 and pixel electrode 66, since there is no interval between the exposed portion of the counter electrode 63 and the

strips 66b of the pixel electrode 66, an electric field including the small number of the linear electric field line E2s and the large number of parabolic electric field lines E2f having high curvature, is produced. As described in the present embodiment 1, most of the liquid crystal molecules over the exposed portions of the counter electrode 63 and the strips 66b of the pixel electrode 66 are aligned under the influence of the parabolic field lines E2f, and accordingly incident light transmits the liquid crystal 77 and the analyzer. As a result, the white state appears in the display.

FIG. 16 shows a simplified simulation result of the liquid crystal displays according to the present embodiment 2 of the invention. Here, the width P22 of the strips 66b of the pixel electrode 43 is 3ym-The distance L22 between the strips 66b of

-------------the pixel electrode 66 is stem. The cell gap d is 3. 9m and the pretilt angle is 2 degrees. The angle between the rubbing axis of the first alignment film 75 and the electric field direction (x-axis direction) is 12 degrees and the dielectric anisotropy An of the liquid crystal 77 is-4. And is 0-29, light wavelength X is 546nm, and the driving voltage is 6.3V.

As shown in FIG. 16, since the liquid crystal molecules above the electrodes 63 and 66b as well as the liquid crystal molecules therebetween are all oriented, uniform transmittance is shown at all the regions. When a necessary voltage is applied to the strips 66b of the pixel electrode, the transmittance is saturated after the lapse of 40. 03ms to reach a high value of about 41. 88%. Thus, the transmittance of the liquid crystal display in the present invention is higher than that in the conventional LCDs during the same time period. Accordingly, it is noted that the liquid crystal display of the present invention is shorter in time which reach the same transmittance than the conventional devices, and thereby response time is also improved compared with that of the conventional devices.

FIG-17 shows a simplified simulation result of the liquid crystal display according to the present invention. Here, the width P22 of the strips 66b of the pixel electrode 66 is 3 m.

The distance L22 between the strips 66b of the pixel electrode 66 is 3pal. The cell gap d is 3. 9m and the pretilt angle is 2 degrees. The angle between the rubbing axis of the first alignment film 75 and the field direction (x-axis) is 12 degrees and the dielectric anisotropy A of the liquid crystal 77 is -4.

And is 0.28, light wavelength X is 546nm, and the driving voltage is 6V.

Similarly with the result shown in FIG. 16, uniform transmittance is shown at all the regions. When a necessary voltage is applied to the pixel electrode 66, transmittance is saturated after the lapse of 41. 15ms to reach a high value of about 40. 32%. Thus, the transmittance of the liquid crystal displays in the present invention is higher than that in the conventional LCDs during the same time period. As a result, the response time of the present invention is faster than that of the conventional LCDs.

3. Present Embodiment 3 Referring to FIGS. 20A and 20B, gate bus lines 8la and bulb, a common signal line 82, and data bus lines 87a and 87b are arranged on a first or lower substrate 80, which is the same manner as the present embodiment 1. Unit pixel regions of a liquid crystal display each is defined as a region bounded by a pair of gate bus lines 81a and BIb and a pair of data bus lines 86a and 86b. Here, the gate bus lines 81a and 81b, a common signal line 82, and the data bus lines 87a and 87b each can be made of an opaque material of one element or alloy of at least two elements selected from a group consisting of Al, Mo, Ti, W, Ta, and Cr. In the present embodiment 3, MoW alloy is used.

A counter electrode 83 is arranged in the unit pixel of the

first or lower substrate 80. The counter electrode 83 is placed on the same level plane that the gate bus lines 81a and 81b, i.. e. , on the surface of the lower substrate 80, and is electrically in contact with the common signal line 82. The counter electrode 83 is made of a transparent conductive material, for example, ITO. The counter electrode 83 includes a body 83a and a plurality of strips 83b. The body 83a is parallel to the gate bus lines 8la and Bib, i. e., x-direction and is electrically in contact with the common signal line 82. The plurality of strips 83b are branched from the body 83a, and are parallel to the direction of the inverse y-axis. The strips in the present embodiment 3 is eight. More specifically, the counter electrode 83 has a comb structure whose one sided ends are closed by the body 83a and the other sided ends are open. The strips 83b each has a selected width P31 and is spaced apart from a strip adjacent thereto by a selected interval L31. The width P31 is determined, considering relationship with pixel electrode which will be further formed.

A pixel electrode 86 is also arranged in the unit pixel region of the lower substrate 80. Like the counter electrode 83, the pixel electrode 86 is also made of transparent conductive material such as ITO. The pixel electrode 86 also includes a body 86a and a plurality of strips 86b. The body 86a is arranged to be parallel with the gate bus lines 81a and 81b, i-e., x-direction.

The plurality of strips 86b are arranged to be extended in the direction of the inverse y-axis. More specifically, the pixel electrode 86 has a comb structure whose one sided ends are closed by the body 86a and the other sided ends are open. The strips of the pixel electrode 86 in the present embodiment 3 is seven. In the present embodiment 3, the width P32 of the strips 86b is identical to the interval L31 between two adjacent strips 83b of the counter electrode 83, and interval L32 between two adjacent strips 86b is identical to the width P31 of the strip 83b. The strips 86b of the pixel electrode 86 each is placed between two

adjacent strips 83b of the counter electrode 83 such that both edge lines of the respective strips 86b are precisely aligned with edge lines of strips 83b of the counter electrode 83 adjacent thereto, whereby the strips 86b of the pixel electrode 86 alternate with the strips 83b of the counter electrode 83 with the intervention of a gate insulating layer 84 as shown in FIG.

19.

The strips 83b of the counter electrode 83 and the strips 86b of the pixel electrode 86 each has such a degree of width to produce electric field by which all the liquid crystal molecules overlying the two electrodes can be aligned. For example, when area of the unit cell region is 110 mx330 m in the present embodiment 3, the widths P31 of the strips 83b of the counter electrode 83 and the widths P32 of the strips 86b of the pixel

electrode 86 each is set to be in a range nf abou Flssrn to 8 Alternatively, the widths P31 and P32 can be varied with the area of the unit pixel, the numbers of the strips, and the number of the strips 86b. However, regardless of area of the unit pixel region, the ratio of the width P32 of the strips 86b to the width P31 of the strips 83b of the pixel electrode 66 must be set to be in a range of about 0. 2 to 4.0 Meanwhile, structures of the counter electrode and the pixel electrode can be modified. For example, as shown in FIG. 18B, the open sided ends of the strips 83b of the counter electrode 83 and the open sided ends of the strips 86b of the pixel electrode 86 are bound by respective corresponding bodies 83c and 86c which are parallel to the gate bus line Bla. Although not shown in the drawings, it is possible to selectively bind either the open sided ends of the strips 83b or the open sided ends of the strips 86b-Furthermore, the strips 86b of the pixel electrode 86 can be bound to each other only by one body 86c without using the body 86a.

A thin film transistor ("TFT") 90 used as a switching element, is formed on a crossing point of the gate bus line 81a and the data bus line 87a. The TFT 90 includes a channel layer 85 formed on the gate bus line 81a, a drain electrode 88 extending from the data bus line 87a and overlapped with one side of the channel layer 85 by a selected portion, and a source electrode 89 overlapped with the other side of the channel layer 85 by a

selected portion and connected to the pixel electrode 86.

I A storage capacitor Cat is formed between the body 83a of the counter electrode 83 and the body 86a of the pixel electrode 86.

As shown in FIG. 19, an upper or second substrate 92 is disposed opposite the first substrate 80 having the structure described above so that the first and second substrates 80 anc 92 are spaced apart from each other with a selected distance, i. e., cell gap d33. A color filter 96 is disposed on the inner surface of the second substrate 92.

First and second alignment films 95 and 96 have the same properties as those used in the present embodiment 1. Also, polarizer 98 and analyzer 99 are arranged in the same manner as the present embodiment 1.

A liquid crystal layer 97 comprising a plurality of liquid crystal molecules of a rod shape is interposed between the first and second alignment films 95 and 96. The liquid crystal layer 97 is nematic liquid crystal whose molecules are twisted in the presence of the electric field. Anisotropy of the refractive index An of the liquid crystal 97 is set such that it satisfies a condition for maximum transmittance. At this time, it is requested that an angle between rubbing axis of the first and second alignment films 95 and 96, and x-direction should be considered. In the present embodiment, a product of the

refractive index An and the cell gap d33 is set to be in a range of about 0-2 to 0. 614m.

Since a fabrication method of the above described LCD displays is the same as that of the present embodiment 1, description is intentionally omitted.

When electric field is not produced between the counter and pixel electrodes 83 and 86, incident light beams does not transmit the liquid crystal layer due to the same reason as the present embodiment 1.

- -- --------- ---- --------- - ---- - ----------- - -- -------- On the other hand, when a critical voltage is respectively applied to the counter electrode 83 and the pixel electrode 86, electric field is produced between the strips 83b of the counter electrode 83 and the strips 86b of the pixel electrodes 86. The electric field includes a small number of linear field lines E3s and a large number of parabolic field lines E3f having high curvature. Here, the small number of linear field lines E3s are generated only in edge regions of the upper surfaces between the strips 43b and the strips 46b adjacent thereto, having height difference each other from the inner surface of the first substrate 80. The large number of parabolic field lines E3f are generated in major regions of the upper surfaces therebetween.

Since the parabolic electric field lines E3f are induced on almost all the upper surfaces of the strips 83b and 86b between the adjacent electrodes 83b and 86b, almost all the liquid crystal molecules overlying all the strips of the electrodes, that is, substantially all the liquid crystal molecules within the liquid crystal layer, are aligned along the directions of the parabolic electric field lines E3f in the presence of the field The reason that substantially all the liquid crystal molecules

are aligned by the electric field is that the widths of the strips are sufficiently small, compared to the conventional LCDs, resulting in the generation of the parabolic electric field in even the central region of the upper surfaces of the strips B3b and 86b.

FIG. 20 shows a simplified simulation result of the liquid crystal display according to the present embodiment 3 of the invention. Here, the width P32 of the strips 86b of the pixel electrode 86 is 4 m. The distance L32 between the strips 86b of the pixel electrode 86 is 4m. The cell gap d is 3. 9pm and the pretilt angle is about 1 degree. The angle between the rubbing axis of the first alignment film 95 and the field direction (xaxis direction) is 15 degrees and the dielectric anisotropy As of the liquid crystal 77 is -3. 4. A product of anisotropy of the refractiveindexAnand cell gap d is 0. 25, light wavelength X is 546nm, and the driving voltage is 6V.

As shown in FIG. 20, since the liquid crystal molecules above the strips 83b and 86b as well as the liquid crystal molecules therebetween are aligned, uniform transmittance is shown at all the regions. When the voltage is applied to the pixel electrode 46b, the maximum transmittance is obtained after

the lapse of 30. Elms, and shows a high value of about 34 %. Thus, the maximum transmittance of the liquid crystal display in the present invention is higher than that in the conventional devices during the same time period. In addition, since the present liquid crystal displays are short in the time which reach the same transmittance than the conventional LCDs, response time becomes also faster compared with that of the conventional devices.

4-Present Embodiment 4 Referring to FIG. 21, gate bus lines 101a, lOlb, data bus lines 107a, 107b, and a common signal line 102 are all disposed

on a first or lower substrate 100 in the same arrangement as those of the embodiment 1. Here, the gate bus lines 101a and DOlb, a common signal line 102, and the data bus lines 107a and 107b each can be made of an opaque material of one element or alloy of at least two elements selected from a group consisting of Al, Mo, Ti, W, Ta, and Cr. In the present embodiment 4, MoW alloy is used.

A first or counter electrode 103 is formed within unit pixel region of the first substrate 100. The counter electrode 103 is electrically in contact with the common signal line 102, to thereby receive a common signal. The counter electrode 103 is preferably made of transparent conductive material such as indium tin oxide ("ITO").

Thë counter elecrode 103 includes first portion 103a ana ~ a second portion 103b. The first portion 103a is extended in parallel with the direction of x-axis and overlaps with the common signal line 102. The second portion 103b includes a plurality of strips branched perpendicularly from the body 103a.

The counter electrode 103 alternatively includes a third portion of another body 103c extending in parallel with the first portion 103a such that one of two outmost strips surrounds the remaining strips as shown in FIG. 21.

A second or pixel electrode 106 includes a first portion 106a and a second portion 106b. The first portion 106a is arranged in parallel with the direction of x-axis and is placed between the third portion 103c of the counter electrode 103 and open ends of the strips 103b of the counter electrode 103. The second portion 106b of the pixel electrode 106 includes a plurality of strips which are extended toward the first portion 103a of the counter electrode in the direction of y-axis from the first portion 106a. The strips of the second portion 106b of the pixel electrode 106 each is placed beteeen the strips 103b of the

counter electrode 103 a selected distance apart. The pixel electrode 106 is electrically connected with a drain electrode 109 of a thin film transistor. The thin film transistor further includes a source electrode 108 which is electrically connected with a corresponding data bus line 107a. The strips 106b of the pixel electrode 106 are formed to alternate with the strips 103b of the counter electrode 103. The pixel electrode 106 is made of transparent conductive material such as ITO like the counter electrode 103. Meanwhile, the third portion 103c of the counter electrode 103 is established for the purpose of preventing crosstalk between the first portion 106a of the pixel electrode 106 and a gate bus line 101a adjacent to the first portion 106a.

The third portion 103c can be omitted in the present embodiment 4.

FIG. 22 is a simplified sectional view taken along the line

- 222 : 2-22 -- ; - of the- FÏG. --ii---- -- - - - - --- --- - -- -- -- -- - -- -- --- -222-222 of the FIG. 21.

Referring to FIGS. 21 and 22, reference numeral P41 indicates a width of each strip 103b of the counter electrode 103, P42 a width of each strip 106b of the pixel electrode 106, L41 an interval between the strips 103b of the counter electrode 103, L42 an interval between the strips 106b of the pixel electrode 106, respectively. Also, reference numeral P41 indicates a distance between any strip 103b of the counter electrode 103 and a strip 106b of the pixel electrode 106 adjacent thereto. In the present embodiment 4, the strips 103b of the counter electrode 103 are disposed on the same level plane as the strips 106b of the pixel electrode 106 as shown in FIG-22, which is an element clearly distinguishing the present embodiment 4 from the embodiments 1-3.

Of course, the width P42 of each of the strips 106b of the pixel electrode 106, the interval L42 between the strips 106b of the pixel electrode 106, the width P41 of each of the strips 103b of the counter electrode 103, and the distance f 41 between any strip of the counter electrode 103 and a strip of the pixel electrode 106 adjacent thereto is determined considering relation

between them. However, the above elements is set to be in a range to such a degree that liquid crystal molecules overlying the strips 103b, 106b is substantially aligned depending on the direction of electric field in the presence of the electric field. For example, when area of the unit pixel is about 110 mx330 m, the counter electrode 103 has eight strips 103b, and the pixel electrode 106 has seven strips 106b, the strips 103b and the strips 106b each has a width of about 1 to about clam, preferably, 2/im to 5m. Also, it is desirable that the interval L42 between the strips 106b of the pixel electrode 106 and the

interval L41 between the strips 103b of the counter electrode 103 be approximately in a range of lm to BAm.

Meanwhile, depending on the size of the unit pixel and the numbers of the strips 103b and of the strips 106b, the widths of - - -- - -------- --- ------- ----- ------- --- - - - -- ------- ------ - the strips 103b and of the strips 106b and the distance therebetween can be modified. However, it is noted in the present embodiment 4 that the strips 103b and 106b each must be set to have a width to such a range that all the liquid crystal molecules overlying the electrodes 103 and 106 are substantially aligned. Preferably, the ratio of the width P41 of the strip 103b to the width P42 of the strip 106b must be set to be in a range of about 0.2 to about 4. 0. The distance 241 can be set to be in a range of O. lm to 5. Om. However, the distance/41 should be smaller than cell gap between two substrates.

A configuration of a second or upper substrate (not shown in FIG. 21 and FIG. 22), alignment state of a first and second alignment films (not shown in FIGs. 21 and 22), an angle between rubbing axis and x-axis are the same as those of embodiment 1.

Also, arrangement of polarizer and analyzer (not shown) are the same as those of embodiment 1.

* A liquid crystal layer comprising a plurality of molecules of a rod shape is interposed between the first substrate 100 and

the second alignment film (not shown). The liquid crystal layer is nematic liquid crystal and has a twistable structure depending on the absence or presence of electric field- As described in embodiment 1, dielectric anisotropy AE of the liquid crystal molecules is selected for the purpose of insuring maximum transmittance in view of the angle between the rubbing axis and x-axis. In addition, the anisotropy of refractive index An and the cell gap are set so that the product of the An and the the cell gap is approximately in a range of about 0. 2-0. 6m.

Hereinbelow, a method for fabricating the liquid crystal display in accordance with the embodiment 4 will be described with reference to FIGs. 21 and 22.

An opaque metal film is deposited on a transparent lower - - ----------------------- ------------- -- - -- --------- -- - - - - - - substrate 100. The opaque metal film is patterned to form a plurality of gate bus lines including a pair of gate bus lines 101a and 101b, and a common signal line 102. To insulate the gate bus lines 101a and lOlb, and the common signal line 102 from a conductive layer that is to be formed during subsequent process, a gate insulating layer 112 are deposited on the resulting lower substrate 10. The gate insulating film is either made of doublelayered insulation layer or by anode oxidizing the metal for the gate bus lines 101a and 101b or the common signal line 102.

Afterwards, a channel layer 105 made of material such as amorphous silicon is formed on a selected portion on the gate bus lines 101a and 101b. Thereafter, an opaque metal is deposited on the resulting structure and is then patterned to therby form the source electrode 109 and the data lines 107a and 107b including the drain electrode 108 of the thin film transistor 110. The drain electrode 108 overlaps with a selected portion of one sided terminal of the channel layer 105 and the source electrode 109 overlaps with a selected portion of the other sided terminal Next, a protective film 115 is deposited over the resulting structure and is then patterned to expose selected portions of

the source electrode 109 and the common signal line 102 to thereby form contact holes including reference symbol Cl.

Afterwards, a transparent conductor such as ITO is deposited to a selected thickness and is then patterned to thereby form counter electrode 103 and pixel electrode 106 having a structure as shown in FIG. 21. The following process is the same as that of the conventional farication process of LCDs. Therefore, description thereof is intentionally omitted.

When electric field is not produced between the counter and pixel electrodes 103 and 106, incident light beams does not transmit the liquid crystal layer due to the same reason as the present embodiment 1.

On the other hand, when a critical voltage is respectively applied to the counter electrode 103 and the pixel electrode 106, electric field is produced between the strips 103b of the counter electrode 103 and the strips 106b of the pixel electrodes 106.

Since the distance between the strips 103b and 106b is very small, a small number of linear field lines and a large number of parabolic field lines having high curvature are produced on the upper surfaces of the strips 103b and 106b. Since the parabolic electric field lines are induced on almost all the upper surfaces of the strips 103b and 106b between the adjacent strips 103b and 106b, almost all the liquid crystal molecules overlying all the strips of the electrodes, that is, substantially all the liquid crystal molecules within the liquid crystal layer, are aligned depending on the directions of the parabolic electric field lines in the presence of the field. The reason that substantially all the liquid crystal molecules are aligned by the electric field is that the widths of the strips are sufficiently small, compared to the conventional LCDs, resulting in the generation of the

parabolic electric field in even the central region of the upper surfaces of the strips 103b and 106b. As a result, incident light transmits through the central portions of the strips 103b and 106b as well as spaces therebetween and edge portions thereof, resulting in high transmittance and high aperture ratio.

FIG. 23 shows an iso-contrast curve according to the viewing angle in the present embodiments 1-4 and FIG. 23B shows an iso-contrast curve according to the conventional LCDs. In FIGS.

23A and 23B, all points on the screen are coordinated with x-y plane and z-axis normal to the x-y plane where is azimuthal angle changing from 0 degree to 360 degrees and 0 is polar angle changing from-90 degrees to 90 degrees.

In FIG. 23A, most of all regions shows a contrast ratio of

- - - - -- - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- -- - -- 10 or more but one-fold corresponding to the azimuthal angle of 0 degree to 90 degrees partly shows a region having a contrast ratio less than 10 at its edge portion. On the other hands, in FIG. 23B, a majority of regions show a contrast ratio less than 10-This result indicates that the region having the contrast ratio of about 10 is of wide distribution in the liquid crystal display of the present invention than in that of the conventional LCDs.

FIG. 24 shows the dependence of brightness on the viewing angle in the present embodiments 1-4. In FIG. 24, numeral 90% indicates a region where the brightness is above 90%. Numeral 70t indicates a region where the brightness is above 70%. In a similar manner, each numeral % indicates an illustrated region where the brightness is above the numeral barrier.

As shown in FIG. 24, all of the illustrated regions show the uniform brightness of 10% or more. Therefore, excessive white phenomenon which a large amount of light is transmitted at an azimuthal viewing angle of 180 degrees and excessive black

phenomenon which a little amount of light is transmitted at an azimuthal viewing angle of 0 degree, are not generated, which are quite different characteristics from the conventional TN mode PIG. 25 is a simplified graph showing light transmitt-ance according to driving voltage applied to the pixel electrode. In the FIG. 26, al and a2 are the transmittance curves of the liquid crystal display according to the present embodiments 1-3 of the present invention while a3 is the transmittance curve of the liquid crystal display according to the conventional LCDs having the general IPS mode. Here, al corresponds to a case the anisotropy of the refractive index An is 0. 08, a2 corresponds to a case the anisotropy of the refractive index An is 0. 1, and a3 corresponds to a case the anisotropy of the refractive index An is 0. 1.

As shown in FIG. 25, transmittance of the liquid crystal display according the embodiments 1-4 is superior to that of the liquid crystal display having IPS mode according to the conventional devices. comparing with al and a2, it is noted that the liquid crystal display with more higher index of refractive anisotropy shows a superior transmittance characteristic compared with the liquid crystal display with lower anisotropy of refractive index. However, if the anisotropy of the refractive index An is greatly high, the transmittance improves but color shift may be generated. Therefore. , in order to avoid the color shift, liquid crystal with appropriate the anisotropy of refractive index An must be selected. The present invention is not defined to the above embodiments. For example, the same effects can be obtained by forming the strips 4gob, 66b, or 86b of each of the pixel electrode 46, 66, or 86 such that their widths P12, P22, and p32 are greater than the widths of the exposed portion of the counter electrodes 43,63, or 83.

As described above, according to this invention, the counter

and pixel electrodes are both formed of transparent material, the distance between the two electrodes is formed to be smaller than t. he cell gap, the widths of the two electrodes are formed to be narrow sufficiently such that the parabolic field line component produced at both sides of them substantially move liquid crystal molecules overlying the two electrodes. As a result, a high transmittance can be obtained compared with that of the conventional devices.

Moreover, since the counter and pixel electrodes are formed of transparent material, aperture ratio is greatly enhanced.

Furthermore, since the distance between the counter electrode and the pixel electrode is a very small, parabolic field line component with high curvature and high intensity is produced to thereby effectively move the liquid crystal molecules overlying the two electrodes. As a result, response time is greatly improved.

Additionally, since the distance between the counter and pixel electrodes is smaller than the cell gap, threshold voltage can be lowered compared with the liquid crystal display of the conventional devices with the distance greater than the cell gap.

Further, wide viewing angle is obtained Moreover, since the height difference between the counter and pixel electrodes can be lowered, an additional planarization process is needless. As a result, the rubbing process becomes easier.

Various other modifications will be apparent to and can be readily made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of this invention. For example, the pixel electrode and the counter electrode may be exchangeable with some modification. Accordingly, it is not intended that the scope of t. he claims appended hereto be limited to the description as set forth herein, but rather that the claims be broadly construed

Claims

CLAIMS : 1. A method for fabricating a liquid crystal display, the method comprising the steps of: providing a first transparent substrate; forming a first transparent conductive layer on the first transparent substrate; forming a first metal film on the first transparent conductive material; patterning the first metal film such that said first transparent conductive layer is exposed, to form a plurality of gate bus lines and a common signal line; patterning the first transparent conductor to form a plurality of second electrodes; forming a gate insulator on the resulting structure including the gate bus lines, common signal lines, and second electrodes; forming a channel layer on a selected portion of the gate insulating layer; forming a second transparent conductive layer on the gate insulator; patterning the second transparent conductive layer to overlap with the second electrode, to form a plurality of first electrodes; depositing a second metal film on the gate insulating layer and then patterning the second metal film to form a plurality of data bus lines, sources and drains; and forming a first alignment layer on the resultant structure.
2. A method for fabricating a liquid crystal display, the method comprising the steps of:

providing a first transparent substrate ; forming a first transparent conductive layer on the first transparent substrate; patterning the first transparent conductive layer to form a plurality of second electrodes; forming a first metal film on the first transparent conductive layer; patterning the first metal film to form a plurality of gate bus lines and a common signal line such that the common signal line is contact with each of the second electrodes; forming a gate insulating layer on the resultant structure including the gate bus lines, the common signal line, and the second electrodes; forming a channel layer on a selected portion of the gate insulating layer; forming a second transparent conductive layer on the gate insulating layer; patterning the second transparent conductive layer to overlap with the second electrode, to form a plurality of first electrodes; depositing a second metal film on the gate insulating layer and then patterning the second metal film, to form a plurality of data bus lines, sources and drains; and forming a first alignment layer on the resultant structure; wherein the step for forming the gate bus lines and common signal line and the step for forming the second electrode are exchangeable with each other.
3. A method according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first and second transparent conductive material is indium tin oxide.
4. A method for fabricating a liquid crystal display substantially as described hereinabove with reference to each of the embodiments and as shown in Figures 4 to 25 of the accompanying drawings.