JP2000122034A - Liquid crystal device and electronic apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a BTN(bistable twisted nematic) liquid crystal device by which a wide driving voltage margin is obtained. SOLUTION: The liquid crystal device has liquid crystal molecules between a substrate having plural scanning signal lines and a substrate having plural datum signal lines. The liquid crystal molecules have a prescribed twisted angle in the initial state and have two metastable states different from the initial state, in a relaxation state, after applying a voltage for subjecting the liquid crystal molecules to Freedericksz transition. Here, the driving margin of this liquid crystal device depends on the value of d/p, wherein d is thickness of the liquid crystal and p is helical pitch of the liquid crystal, and the liquid crystal having the value of d/p which makes the driving margin nearly maximum is used.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a bistable liquid crystal having a memory property using a nematic liquid crystal containing an optically active additive (BTN = Bistable Twiste).
d Nematic) (hereinafter referred to as a BTN liquid crystal device).

[0002]

BACKGROUND ART A bistable liquid crystal display using a nematic liquid crystal has already been disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 1-51818, and describes initial alignment conditions, two stable states, and a method of realizing the stable state. .

[0003] However, the contents described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 1-51818 only describe operations or phenomena in two stable states, but do not describe means for putting it into practical use as a display. Further, the above publication does not describe any matrix display having the highest practical application as a display body and a high display capability.

Therefore, a BTN liquid crystal display system for performing a matrix display is disclosed in T.K. Tanaka, et al. , Asi
a Display, 59 (1995), and JP-A-6-230751 by the present applicant.

Hereinafter, a BTN liquid crystal device as a background art will be described in detail.

(Structure) FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a BTN liquid crystal device.

The structure of this BTN liquid crystal device is arranged at a distance d (μm) via a pair of transparent electrode substrate spacers (not shown) coated with an alignment film such as polyimide. The orientation film is subjected to surface treatment by rubbing or the like so that the directions of the pretilt angles θ1 and θ2 are opposite and the twist angle becomes φrad (π in FIG. 1). A chiral nematic liquid crystal composition in which the helical pitch is adjusted to p (μm) by adding an optical activator in this narrow space is injected to obtain a liquid crystal device having a twisted structure with a twist angle φ.

(Display Principle) FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining various states of a BTN liquid crystal device, FIG. 2 is an example of a liquid crystal applied voltage waveform of the BTN liquid crystal device, and FIG. 3 is a BTN liquid crystal device.
It is sectional drawing of a liquid crystal device.

When the BTN liquid crystal device is in the initial alignment state, it is subjected to a rubbing treatment to make φrad (πra in FIG. 1).
d) Twisted state. When a reset voltage _Vr is applied to the liquid crystal in the initial alignment state in the reset period T1, a Freedericksz transition occurs as shown in FIG. 1 so that liquid crystal molecules near the center of the liquid crystal stand vertically. Selected after the application of the delay voltage V _d in the delay period T2 period T3
Upon application of a V _on the LCD as the selected voltage at (φ-
(π) uniform state (0 degree uniform state in FIG. 1) is obtained, and when V _off is applied, a (φ + π) twisted state (360 degree twisted state in FIG. 1) is obtained. Then, as shown in FIG. 1, the state naturally relaxes from one of the above two states to the initial state according to a certain time constant. Here, since this time constant can be made sufficiently longer than the time required for display, the non-selection voltage applied in the non-selection period T4 is set to a voltage sufficiently lower than the voltage necessary for causing Freedericksz transition. As long as the reset period is maintained, the state set by the selection period T3 can be substantially maintained until the reset period T1 'of the next frame, and the Freedericks transition occurs again by applying the reset voltage.
As a result, on / off display becomes possible. That is, the reset state, the (φ−π) uniform orientation state and the (φ +
π) Display can be performed depending on the twist alignment state.

The memory retention time of the selected metastable state depends on d / p, and in practice, the value of d / p is in the range of Formula 1, and depends on the properties of the optically active agent, the nematic liquid crystal, and the alignment film. An appropriate value is selected within the range of Expression 1.

[0011]

(Equation 1)

The electro-optic effect of a BTN liquid crystal device can be understood from the light birefringence effect of the liquid crystal device. Assuming that φ = π, the two metastable states are 0 and 2π, respectively. The light transmission intensity I when the cell in this state is placed between two polarizers arranged in crossed Nicols is expressed by the following equation.

[0013]

(Equation 2)

## EQU1 ## Where I ₀ is the incident light intensity, θ
Is the angle between the optical axis of the BTN liquid crystal device and the transmission axis of the polarizer, Δn is the birefringence of the liquid crystal layer, d is the cell thickness, and λ is the wavelength of the irradiation light. In the above equation, the maximum light transmission intensity is obtained when θ = π / 4 and Δn · dλ = 1/2. Under this condition, the 2π twisted state can be optically regarded as an approximately isotropic medium, and the 2π twisted state
Light transmission intensity when placed between two polarizers is minimized. Therefore, switching between the two metastable states results in a higher contrast ratio.

(Regarding Voltage Driving Margin) As an important characteristic for evaluating the performance of a liquid crystal device when a BTN liquid crystal device is multiplex-driven using the above-described driving waveforms in FIG. _{th (BTN)} ,
Saturation voltage V _sat , steepness β and drive voltage margin ΔV
There is.

Here, the threshold voltage V of BTN
_{th (BTN)} is the limit voltage at which OFF display (display when light is not transmitted in the (φ-π) uniform state) is possible, and saturation voltage V _sat is ON display ((φ + π)
(A voltage for transmitting light in a twisted state). Moreover, the steepness β can be defined by the following formula as the difference between the threshold voltage _{V t h (BTN)} and the saturation voltage _{V sat} of the BTN.

[0017]

(Equation 3)

Further, multiplex driving is a lower limit voltage V _L and the upper limit voltage V _U possible, the threshold voltage and saturation voltage, the bias voltage for driving multiplex V
_b (V _d = V _b in FIG. 1), it can be expressed by the following equation.

[0019]

(Equation 4)

In the above equation, a drive margin when multiplex drive is performed with the bias voltage _Vb fixed, that is, a drive margin ΔV capable of on / off display.
Can be expressed by the following equation.

[0021]

(Equation 5)

From this equation, it can be seen that it is necessary to select a combination of a nematic liquid crystal material, an optically active agent and an alignment film, which is driven with a higher bias voltage and has a good steepness, as means for expanding the driving margin.

[0023]

The main features of the BTN liquid crystal device are as follows. First, the response speed is fast, that is, 3 to 4 ms at room temperature.
Further, the contrast ratio is high and a value of 1:60 or more is obtained. Further, the viewing angle is 140 degrees vertically and 160 degrees horizontally. By taking advantage of these features, a BTN liquid crystal device capable of high-quality and high-duplex multiplex driving and capable of 1 / 480-duty multiplex driving in a driving temperature range of 10 to 70 ° C. has been obtained.

By the way, in order to drive this BTN type liquid crystal device well, it is necessary to enlarge the above-mentioned drive margin Δ. This drive margin has a temperature dependence and tends to be narrow especially in a low temperature region.

Therefore, according to the present invention, by expanding the drive voltage margin, B which can be used in a wide temperature range can be used.
It is an object to obtain a TN liquid crystal device.

[0026]

According to the liquid crystal device of the present invention, a liquid crystal molecule has a predetermined twist angle between a substrate having a plurality of scanning signal lines and a substrate having a plurality of data signal lines in an initial state. Having a liquid crystal having two metastable states different from the initial state as a relaxed state after applying a voltage that causes a Freedericksz transition, and applying at least a reset period during one vertical period to each of the scanning signal lines. A data signal having a data potential corresponding to a display pattern for each of the selection periods is supplied to each of the data signal lines, and a reset potential is set to each of the scanning signal lines in the reset period.
A liquid crystal device for applying a difference voltage between the scanning signal line and the data signal line to the liquid crystal, wherein when the layer thickness of the liquid crystal is d and the helical pitch of the liquid crystal is p, The margin depends on the value of d / p, and the d / p value is set so that the drive margin is near the maximum value.

The experiment by the present inventors has confirmed that the driving margin of the BTN type liquid crystal device depends on the value of d / p when the layer thickness of the liquid crystal is d and the helical pitch is p. . That is, as shown in FIG.
When d / p is 0.5 or less, it becomes 0, and when d / p is 0.75 or more, it becomes 0.
Becomes Then, both ends of 0.5 and 0.7 are set as minimum values, and a mountain-shaped change is made in a range therebetween. In a BTN liquid crystal device, the wider the drive margin, the better. A liquid crystal device having a good drive margin by using a liquid crystal having the d / p value in which the drive margin is close to the maximum value as in the present invention. Is realized.

Further, the d / p value is not less than 0.55 and not more than 0.70.

As shown in FIG. 6, d / p is 0.5 to 0.5.
In the range of 55, the drive margin sharply increases,
In the range of 0.70 to 0.75, the drive margin sharply decreases. For this reason, when a liquid crystal having a d / p value of 0.55 or more and 0.70 or less is used, the driving margin is near the maximum value.

According to another aspect of the invention, an electronic apparatus includes the above-described liquid crystal device as a display unit.

In the electronic device of the present invention, a BTN-type liquid crystal device having a wide driving margin is employed, so that a high-quality electronic device is realized.

[0032]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The embodiments of the present invention will be described below in more detail with reference to examples.

(Comparative Example 1) A pair of transparent electrode substrates were arranged to face each other, and a polyimide was applied and baked as an alignment film on the transparent electrode substrates, and the surfaces were rubbed. These substrates were bonded in parallel by rotating the rubbing direction by 90 degrees at intervals of 9 μm via a spacer. A nematic nematic liquid crystal A was injected into the gap to prepare a twisted nematic liquid crystal device (hereinafter, a TN liquid crystal device). At 20 ° C., the electro-optical characteristics of this TN liquid crystal device were measured at a driving frequency of 32 Hz using a static driving method, and the threshold voltage _{Vth (TN)} of the TN liquid crystal was obtained.
Here, the threshold voltage _{Vth (TN)} of the TN liquid crystal is defined as a voltage at a light transmittance of 10% in an electro-optical characteristic curve. The threshold voltage of the TN liquid crystal using the nematic liquid crystal A was 3.1 V. Similarly, the threshold voltage of the TN liquid crystal using the nematic liquid crystals B, C and D was measured. Table 1 shows the results.

Next, as shown in FIG. 3, patterns of transparent electrodes 4A and 4B made of ITO were formed on upper and lower glass substrates, and a polyimide alignment film 2 was applied thereon. A predetermined angle φ with respect to each polyimide alignment film 2
A rubbing process was performed in different directions (πrad in FIG. 1) to form a liquid crystal panel. Spacers are inserted between the upper and lower glass substrates to equalize the substrate spacing and reduce the substrate spacing to 2 μm.
And

Then, the optically active agent S-811 is filled in this space.
Was added by 3.5% by weight.

In this liquid crystal panel, the pretilt angles θ1 and θ2 of the liquid crystal molecules are several degrees, and the initial alignment is πra.
The state becomes the twist state of d. This liquid crystal panel was sandwiched between two deflectors 7 having different polarization directions as shown in FIG. 1 to constitute a BTN liquid crystal device. Reference numeral 3 denotes an insulating layer, 6 denotes a flat layer, and 8 denotes a light shielding layer between pixels. 9 is a director vector of a liquid crystal molecule. The flat layer 6 and the light-shielding layer 8 can be formed as needed, and a transparent electrode may be formed on the substrate 5 instead.

A plurality of row electrodes (also referred to as scanning signal lines) extending along the row direction, for example, are formed on one substrate 5 as transparent electrodes 4A, and as the transparent electrodes 4B on the other substrate 5, for example, A plurality of column electrodes (also referred to as data signal lines) extending along the column direction are formed, and a voltage difference between signals supplied to both electrodes is applied to the liquid crystal to control the display on / off state.

At 20 ° C., this BTN liquid crystal device was driven at a driving frequency of 60 Hz using the driving waveform shown in FIG.
To measure the voltage _{V FP} generation of fingerprint to at 1/120 duty. In the measurement of the V _FP, reset time T1 is 3ms, delay time T2 is 140μs,
The method bias voltage V _b is set to 1.5V, which while changing for low voltage reset voltage V _r from the high voltage, to fix the select voltage V _W to the vicinity of the saturation voltage, measuring the V _FP generated fingerprints Was used. V _FP of BTN liquid crystal device using a nematic liquid crystal A were measured in this way
Was 35V. Similarly, optically active agent S-811
Liquid crystals B and C containing 3.3 to 3.7% by weight of
Voltage _{Vth (TN) of} TN liquid crystal using D and D
When a nematic liquid crystal B, and the voltage V _FP of the fingerprint is generated in BTN liquid crystal device using the C and D were measured, and these results are shown in Table 1.

The reset voltage is preferably 30 V or less in consideration of the withstand voltage of the IC, the driving circuit, the liquid crystal and the like. _Therefore, the _{V FP} it is necessary to suppress to 30V or less. _{V FP} of BTN liquid crystal device using a nematic liquid crystal A~D in Table 1 is over all 30 V. Also, the threshold voltage _{Vth (TN)} of the TN liquid crystal device using these nematic liquid crystals exceeded 3 V in all cases. A BTN liquid crystal device using the nematic liquid crystal B to which 3.4% by weight of the optical activator S-811 was added was used at a driving frequency of 60H at a temperature of -20 to 70 ° C. using the driving waveform shown in FIG.
z, 1/120 duty, reset voltage _Vr is 30
V, the reset period T2 is 3 ms, and the delay time T2 is 420
and .mu.s, while changing the bias voltage V _b was measured threshold voltage _{V th (BTN)} and the saturation voltage _Vsat of the BTN. These measured values were substituted into Equation 5 to calculate the drive voltage margin ΔV of each bias voltage, and the drive voltage margin ΔV _(MAX) when this value was maximized was obtained. FIG. 5 shows the relationship between the temperature thus obtained and the drive voltage margin ΔV _(MAX) . This BTN liquid crystal device is about 40 degrees C
Fingerprints occur at the following temperatures, 20 ° C
Below, the drive voltage margin ΔV _(MAX) sharply decreased. Example 1 Nematic liquid crystal 1 was prepared in the same manner as in Comparative Example 1.
TN liquid crystal devices were prepared using the samples No. to No. 12, and the threshold voltage _{Vth (TN)} of the TN liquid crystal was obtained.

Further, Comparative Example 1 was prepared by adding 3.2 to 3.8% by weight of an optical activator S-811 to nematic liquid crystals 1 to 12.
A BTN liquid crystal device was prepared in the same manner as described above, and the voltage _{VFP at} which fingerprints occurred was measured. Table 1 shows these results.
It was shown to. The threshold voltage _{Vth (TN} ) of the TN liquid crystal of these nematic liquid crystals of 1 to 12 is 3 V or less.
_Since all the _FPs are 30 V or less, the liquid crystal can be driven with a reset voltage of 30 V or less.

[0041]

[Table 1]

The V of Comparative Example 1 and Example 1
FIG. 4 shows the correlation between _{th (TN)} and _VFP . From this figure, it was found that the relationship of V _FP ≒ 10 · V _{th (TN)} was established, and the threshold voltage V _{th (TN)} of the TN liquid crystal was a good parameter for estimating the value of V _FP .

[0043] Therefore, it is festival the selection of selection and appropriate optically active additive amount of the nematic liquid crystal, even without measuring the V _FP, selects a nematic liquid crystal with a V _{th (TN)} which is normally title it can.

A BTN liquid crystal device using the nematic liquid crystal 5 to which 3.4% by weight of the above optically active agent S-811 was added was used at a driving frequency of -20 to 70 ° C. using the driving waveform shown in FIG. 60 Hz, 1/120 duty, reset voltage _Vr is 30 V, reset period T1 is 3 ms,
The delay time T2 was set to 420 μs, and the threshold voltage _{Vth (BTN)} of the _BTN and the saturation voltage V _sat were measured while changing the bias voltage _Vb . By substituting these measured values into Equation 5, the drive voltage margin ΔV of each bias voltage _Vb is calculated, and the drive voltage margin ΔV when this value becomes the maximum is calculated.
V _(MAX) was determined. FIG. 5 shows the relationship between the temperature thus obtained and the drive voltage margin ΔV _(MAX) . This B
The TN liquid crystal device has no fingerprint at -20 to 70 ° C, and has a drive voltage margin ΔV even at -20 ° C.

[0045] That is, in order to secure a driving voltage margin in the low temperature range, it is necessary to suppress the V _FP sufficiently low, it is necessary to V _FP selects a lower nematic liquid crystal than the reset voltage V _r is specifically You can see that. Since the _VFP is substantially equal to ten times the threshold voltage _{Vth (TN)} of the TN liquid crystal as described above, if a nematic liquid crystal whose threshold voltage is ten times smaller than the reset voltage is selected, the low temperature region is selected. Thus, a BTN liquid crystal device having a wide driving voltage margin is realized. Note that a preferable reset voltage (30 V or less) and a preferable temperature range (−20 to 70)
If you are trying to get a drive margin in the range of
It is necessary to suppress _VFP to 30 V or less, and it is preferable that _{Vth (TN)} is 3 V or less from the above relational expression.

Example 2 In the same manner as in Comparative Example 1, a BTN liquid crystal device using a nematic liquid crystal 5 to which 3.4% by weight of an optical activator S-811 was added was prepared. The BTN liquid crystal device was measured at a temperature of −2 using the driving waveform shown in FIG.
0 degree, 0 degree, 20 degree, 40 degree and 50 degree C, drive frequency 60 Hz, 1/120 duty, reset time T1
There were measured voltage _{V FP} generated fingerprint in the range of 0.5～6Ms. In measuring the V _FP, delay period T2 is 140Myuesu, bias voltage V _b is set to 1.5V, while changing for low voltage reset voltage V _r from a high voltage, to secure the selected voltage V _W to the vicinity of the saturation voltage Then, a method of measuring a voltage _VFP at which a fingerprint occurs was used. FIG. 6 shows the relationship between _VFP and T1 of the BTN liquid crystal device using the nematic liquid crystal 5 thus measured. A similar relationship is also observed in the BTN liquid crystal devices using the nematic liquid crystals A to D of Comparative Example 1 and 1 to 4 and 6 to 12 of Example 1, and may be a general relationship in the BTN liquid crystal device. all right.

[0047] V _FP As apparent from FIG. 6 rises to wake when the temperature decreases, it tends to saturate at low temperature range is observed. The reset period T1 is 1.0 at each temperature.
_{V FP} decreases gradually in accordance with the range of ~6ms reset period T1 increases, _{V FP} rises sharply accordance reset period T1 is reduced in the range of 0.5～1.0Ms.

[0048] Here, in order to fingerprint does not occur, _{V FP} must _{V FP} is smaller than the reset voltage _{V r} is preferably as small as possible. V _FP As can be seen from Figure 6 depends on the length of the reset period T1,
There is a tendency that the longer the reset period T1 is, the smaller the reset period T1 becomes.

[0049] That is, the reset period T1 in which the reset voltage V _r and V _FP equal, fingerprint does not occur by driving the BTN liquid crystal provided long reset period.

In order to prevent fingerprints from occurring when the liquid crystal is driven at -20 degrees at the preferable reset voltage (30 V or less) described in the first embodiment, the reset time is 1.0 ms from FIG. It is preferable to have the above.

(Comparative Example 2) Using the nematic liquid crystals E to H, the respective capacitances C were measured, and the dielectric constants ε‖ and ε‖ perpendicular to and parallel to the orientation vector were determined using the following equation. Was.

[0052]

(Equation 6)

Here, d represents the thickness of the liquid crystal layer, and S represents the electrode area. The dielectric anisotropy Δε was determined from the difference between ε⊥ and ε‖. Table 2 shows the values of the dielectric anisotropy Δε of the nematic liquid crystals E to H obtained in this manner.

Next, the optically active agent S-811 was added to 3.4 to 3.
A BTN liquid crystal device similar to that of Comparative Example 1 was produced using the nematic liquid crystals E to H to which 7% by weight was added. The BTN liquid crystal device is driven at 20 ° C., at a driving frequency of 60 Hz, at a duty of 1/120, at a reset voltage _Vr of 30 V, at a reset voltage _Tr of 30 V, at a reset period T1 of 3 ms, and at a delay time T of FIG.
2 is set to 420 μs, and the threshold voltage _{Vth (BTN)} of the _BTN and the saturation voltage V are changed while changing the bias voltage _{Vb.
The sat} was measured. These measured values are substituted into Equation 5 to calculate a drive voltage margin ΔV of each bias voltage _Vb , and a maximum bias voltage V _{b (MAX)} when this value is maximum, a steepness β, a drive voltage margin ΔV _(MAX) . BTN using the nematic liquid crystals E to H thus obtained
Table 2 shows values of the maximum bias voltage _{Vb (MAX)} , the steepness β, and the maximum voltage margin ΔV _(MAX) of the liquid crystal device.

(Example 3) Nematic liquid crystals 13 to 22
Were measured, and the dielectric constants ε⊥ and ε‖ in the direction perpendicular and parallel to the orientation vector were determined. Table 2 shows the values of the dielectric anisotropy Δε of the thus obtained nematic liquid crystals 13 to 22.

The nematic liquid crystals 13 to 22 are provided with S-
A BTN liquid crystal device was prepared in the same manner as in Comparative Example 1 using a nematic liquid crystal in which 3.2 to 3.8% by weight of 811 was added.
BTN threshold voltage _{Vth (BTN)} and saturation voltage _Vth at each bias voltage _Vb of each BTN liquid crystal device
_{The sat} is measured, the dielectric anisotropy Δε, the maximum bias voltage V _{b (MAX)} , the steepness β, and the maximum drive voltage margin ΔV
The value of _(MAX) was calculated, and the result is shown in Table 2.

[0057]

[Table 2]

FIG. 7 shows the relationship between the dielectric anisotropy Δε and the drive voltage margin ΔV _(MAX) of Comparative Example 2 and Example 3.

From Table 2, it can be seen that the steepness β tends to decrease as the value of the dielectric anisotropy Δε of the nematic liquid crystal increases. On the other hand, as the value of the dielectric anisotropy Δε increases, the bias voltage dependence of the threshold voltage _{Vth (BTN)} of _BTN and the saturation voltage V _sat increases, and when the bias voltage increases, the threshold voltage of BTN increases. Voltage V
_{th (BTN)} and the saturation voltage V _sat drop sharply,
The FF state cannot be maintained and the threshold voltage V of BTN
_{Since th (BTN)} no longer exists, the maximum bias voltage _{Vb (MAX)} tends to decrease. Further, according to Equation 1, the contribution to the drive margin ΔV is larger for the bias voltage _Vb than for the steepness β. As a result, as shown in FIG. 7, when the dielectric anisotropy Δε exceeds 6.0, the maximum drive voltage margin ΔV _(MAX) sharply decreases.

Therefore, the dielectric anisotropy Δε of the liquid crystal used in the BTN liquid crystal device is preferably 6.0 or less.

(Example 4) Optically active agent S-811 was added to 3.
The nematic liquid crystal to which 0% by weight is added is injected into a wedge-shaped cell in which homogeneous alignment is performed, and using a Kano wedge method,
The chiral pitch p was measured at 20 ° C. and a value of 3.67 μm was obtained. From these values, cp = 11.0% by weight-μm
Was obtained. Here, c represents the concentration by weight of the optically active agent S-811.

In the same manner as in Comparative Example 1, optically active agent S-8
11 to 2.6, 2.8, 3.0, 3.2, 3.4, 3.6,
A BTN liquid crystal device having a liquid crystal layer thickness d of 2.0 μm was prepared using the nematic liquid crystal 4 added with 3.8, 4.0, 4.2 and 4.4% by weight. The d / p of these BTN liquid crystal devices is d
= 2 μm and c · p = 11.0% by weight · μm,
0.47, 0.51, 0.55, 0.58, 0.6 respectively
2, 0.65, 0.69, 0.73, 0.76 and 0.80
I got The liquid crystal device using the driving waveforms shown in FIG. 2, 20 ° C, the driving frequency 60 Hz, 1/120 duty, 30 V reset voltage _{V r,} 3 ms the reset period T1, the delay time T2 and 420Myuesu, bias voltage the threshold voltage V of the BTN while changing the V _{b
th (BTN)} and saturation voltage V _sat were measured. These measured values are substituted into Equation 5 to calculate the drive margin ΔV of each bias voltage, and the drive margin ΔV at which this value becomes the maximum is calculated.
_(MAX) . FIG. 8 shows the relationship between d / p of the nematic liquid crystal 4 thus obtained and the maximum driving voltage margin _{Vb (MAX)} . Note that the same relationship as in FIG. 8 was obtained when another nematic liquid crystal was used.

As is apparent from FIG. 8, when d / p is less than 0.5, the OFF state becomes unstable, and when d / p is more than 0.75, the OFF state becomes unstable.
Since the N state becomes unstable, there is no drive margin. Also,
When d / p is 0.55 or less and 0.70 or more, sufficient bistability cannot be obtained, so that the driving margin is small.

Therefore, in order to obtain a large driving margin in dynamic driving, the value of d / p is preferably 0.55 or more and 0.70 or less.

Example 5 Optically active agent S-811 was added to 3.
Δn added in an amount of 3 to 3.6% by weight is 0.06, 0.08, or 0.06.
10, 0.12, 0.14, 0.16, 0.18, 0.20
And a liquid crystal layer thickness d using a nematic liquid crystal of 0.22 is 2.
A 0 μm BTN liquid crystal device was prepared in the same manner as in Comparative Example 1. This BTN liquid crystal device was driven at 20 ° C., at a driving frequency of 60 Hz, at a duty of 1/120, at a reset voltage Vr of 30 V, at a reset voltage _Tr of 30 V, at a reset time T1 of 3 ms, at a delay time T2 of 420 μs, and at a bias voltage of FIG. OFF state and ON state of each BTN liquid crystal device at voltage 1.5V
The light transmittance in the ON state is measured, and the light transmittance in the ON state and OFF
The contrast ratio was determined from the ratio of the light transmittance in the state. FIG. 9 shows the relationship between Δn · d thus obtained and the light transmittance and contrast ratio in the ON state.

As is apparent from FIG. 9, when Δn · d is 0.20 or less and 0.35 or more, sufficient ON state light transmittance and contrast ratio cannot be obtained.

Therefore, in order to obtain a sufficient ON state light transmittance and contrast ratio, Δn · d is preferably 0.20 or more and 0.35 or less.

(Embodiment 6) FIGS. 10 (a) to 10 (c)
An electronic apparatus including the BTN liquid crystal device according to the first embodiment as a display unit thereof, wherein (a) illustrates a mobile phone, (b) illustrates a clock, and (c) illustrates a personal computer.

In the mobile phone shown in FIG.
Image based on a signal or the like input from the display unit 10 or the like.
1 is displayed. In the timepiece shown in (b), information such as the time is displayed on the display unit 100. In the personal computer (c), an image based on information input from the input key 102 or the like is displayed on the display unit 100.

According to the electronic apparatus of the present invention, since the BTN liquid crystal device described in the first embodiment is used, a drive margin is wide even at a low temperature and a display without fingerprints is realized. Therefore, an electronic device which can be used outdoors, for example, in a freezer or in a severe winter in an environment which is not suitable for use in the past is realized.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing various states of a BTN liquid crystal.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an applied voltage waveform of BTN.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a BTN liquid crystal device.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a relationship between a threshold voltage and a voltage at which a fingerprint occurs.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a relationship between a temperature and a maximum drive voltage margin ΔV (MAX).

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a relationship between a reset period, a voltage at which a fingerprint occurs, and a temperature change thereof.

FIG. 7 shows dielectric anisotropy Δε and maximum drive voltage margin ΔV.
The figure which shows the relationship of (MAX).

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a relationship between d / p and a maximum drive voltage margin ΔV (MAX).

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between Δn · d and light transmittance and contrast ratio in an ON state.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an electronic device using the BTN liquid crystal device of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 T1 reset period T2 delay period T3 selection period T4 non-selection period 1 liquid crystal molecule 2 polyimide alignment film 3 insulating layer 4A scanning signal Line 4B: data signal line 5: glass substrate 6: flattening layer 7: polarizing plate 8: light shielding layer 9: director vector of liquid crystal molecules

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A voltage is applied between a substrate having a plurality of scanning signal lines and a substrate having a plurality of data signal lines so that liquid crystal molecules have a predetermined twist angle in an initial state and cause Freedericksz transition. Having a liquid crystal having two metastable states different from the initial state as a relaxed state after the above, each scan signal line has at least a reset period during one vertical period, and each data signal line has A data signal having a data potential corresponding to the display pattern is supplied for each selection period, and a reset potential is set for the scanning signal line during the reset period, and a difference voltage between the scanning signal line and the data signal line is calculated. A liquid crystal device for applying liquid crystal, wherein a layer thickness of the liquid crystal is d, and a helical pitch of the liquid crystal is p.
Wherein the drive margin of the liquid crystal device depends on the value of d / p, and the d / p value is set such that the drive margin is near the maximum value. 2. The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, wherein the d / p value is not less than 0.55 and not more than 0.70. 3. An electronic apparatus comprising the liquid crystal device according to claim 1 as a display unit thereof.