WO2021085279A1 - Liquid crystal composition, liquid crystal element, sensor, liquid crystal lens, optical communication device, and antenna - Google Patents

Abstract

In order to enable larger phase control for microwave or millimeter electromagnetic waves, the present invention provides a nematic liquid crystal composition as a liquid crystal material having a large dielectric anisotropy Δε and a large refractive index anisotropy Δn, the nematic liquid crystal composition having a wide nematic liquid crystal temperature range, being stable at low temperatures, and having high reliability against external stimuli such as heat, and also provides a liquid crystal element, a sensor, a liquid crystal lens, an optical communication device, and an antenna using the nematic liquid crystal composition. Specifically, provided are a liquid crystal composition having a liquid crystal compound represented by the general formula (i), and also a liquid crystal element, a sensor, a liquid crystal lens, an optical communication device, and an antenna using the liquid crystal composition.

Description

Liquid crystal composition, liquid crystal element, sensor, liquid crystal lens, optical communication equipment and antenna

The present invention relates to a liquid crystal composition and a liquid crystal element, a sensor, a liquid crystal lens, an optical communication device, and an antenna using the liquid crystal composition.

In recent years, research on metamaterial technology that can express properties that do not exist in the natural world has been progressing, and it is attracting attention in various technical fields including the optical field. In particular, from the viewpoint of enabling control of electromagnetic waves by using metamaterial technology, application of the metamaterial technology to technical fields such as high-frequency devices, microwave devices, and antennas can be mentioned. It is generally known that the size of an antenna depends on the wavelength of an electromagnetic wave. Therefore, due to the introduction of automatic driving technology capable of transmitting and receiving radio waves via an antenna, there are great expectations for miniaturization of antennas using metamaterial technology. One of the materials used in such metamaterial technology is a liquid crystal medium.

In addition, in order to switch and use a system with a wide variety of functions with a single piece of hardware, or to switch and use a system programmatically with software, a device that can electronically change the frequency band or bandwidth on a high-frequency analog stage. Technology development is required. Therefore, for example, the development of a technique capable of variably controlling the performance / function of a variable circuit or device such as an electronic tuning filter, a voltage controlled oscillator, a variable characteristic amplifier, and a phase shifter / attenuator is being promoted.

As a high-frequency device that uses a liquid crystal medium as a variable function device, the phase of electromagnetic waves propagating through the microstrip line can be changed by utilizing the fact that the dielectric constant of the liquid crystal layer changes due to no application of drive voltage and application of drive voltage. Alternatively, a microwave band variable phase device capable of delaying the phase of the electromagnetic wave is disclosed (Non-Patent Document 1).

Further, a technique using a polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (see Patent Document 1) and a dual-frequency drive liquid crystal (Patent Document 2) as a liquid crystal layer of a variable-function device using a liquid crystal medium has been reported.
Further, Patent Document 3 proposes the use of a liquid crystal material as a component of a high-frequency device.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-315902 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2001-237606 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2005-120280

However, when the usable temperature range of the liquid crystal compositions described in Patent Documents 1 to 3 was confirmed, it was confirmed that the low temperature storage stability was particularly low. Therefore, there arises a new problem that an antenna such as a high-frequency device cannot be used for low-temperature transportation of the liquid crystal composition or in a cold region. Further, in the field of high frequency devices, there is a demand for a liquid crystal material having a larger dielectric anisotropy Δε, a wider driving temperature range, and stability at a low temperature.

Therefore, the present invention presents a liquid crystal composition having a high refractive index anisotropy Δn and a wide driving temperature range and being stable at a low temperature, and a liquid crystal element, a sensor, a liquid crystal lens, and optical communication using the liquid crystal composition. The purpose is to provide equipment and antennas.

As a result of diligent studies by the present inventors, it has been found that the above problem can be solved by a liquid crystal composition containing one or more compounds represented by the general formula (i), and the present invention has been completed.

The present invention is a liquid crystal composition containing a compound represented by the following general formula (i).

(In the above general formula (i),
R ⁱ¹ represents a linear or branched alkyl group or alkyl halide group having 1 to 40 carbon atoms, and a halogenated alkylene containing one methylene group or secondary carbon atom present in these groups. The groups may be substituted with -O-, -CH = CH-, or -C≡C- so that the oxygen atoms are not directly adjacent.
m1 represents an integer of 1 or 2 and represents
A ⁱ¹ to A ⁱ³ independently represent any one of the following groups (a) to (c).
(A) Trans-1,4-cyclohexylene group (one methylene group present in this group or two or more methylene groups not adjacent to each other is replaced with -O- or -S-. May be good),
(B) 1,4-phenylene group (one -CH = existing in this group or two or more -CH = not adjacent to each other may be replaced with -N =),
(C) Naphthalene-2,6-diyl group, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group or decahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group (naphthalene-2,6-diyl group or One -CH = present in the 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group or two or more non-adjacent -CH = may be replaced with -N =. )
The hydrogen atom in the groups (a) to (c) may be substituted with a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, or a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms or an alkyl halide group. At least one of the hydrogen atoms in ^Ai1 to ^{Ai3 is replaced with a chlorine atom.}
Z ⁱ¹ and Z ⁱ² are independently single-bonded, -C≡C-, -CH = CH-, -CF = CF-, or -C ( ^Ria ) = NN = C (R ^ib ). ^-In this case, Ria and ^Rib independently represent a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, or a linear or branched alkyl group or halogenated alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms.
^{A plurality of A i1} and Z ⁱ¹ existing when m1 is 2 may be the same or different from each other. )

The present invention is a liquid crystal element, a sensor, a liquid crystal lens, an optical communication device, or an antenna provided with a liquid crystal layer having the above liquid crystal composition.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a liquid crystal composition having a high refractive index anisotropy Δn and a wide driving temperature range and being stable at a low temperature.
According to the present invention, a liquid crystal element, a sensor, a liquid crystal lens, and optical communication provided with a liquid crystal layer having a high refractive index anisotropy (Δn), a wide driving temperature range, and a liquid crystal composition that is stable at low temperatures. Equipment and antennas can be provided.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY In order to enable larger phase control for microwave or millimeter wave electromagnetic waves, the present invention has a wide driving temperature range in a liquid crystal material having a large dielectric anisotropy Δε and a high refractive index anisotropy Δn. , A liquid crystal composition which is stable at a low temperature, and a liquid crystal element, a sensor, a liquid crystal lens, an optical communication device, and an antenna using the liquid crystal composition.

This is an example of a schematic diagram of a vehicle equipped with an antenna according to the present invention. This is an example of an exploded view of the antenna according to the present invention. This is an example of an exploded view of the antenna body according to the present invention. This is an example of a top view of the slot array portion in the present invention. This is an example of a top view of a projection drawing of the antenna body according to the present invention. This is a cross-sectional view of the antenna body of FIG. 5 cut along the AA line. This is another form of a cross-sectional view in which the antenna body of FIG. 5 is cut along the line AA. It is another example of the top view which shows the projection drawing of the antenna body which concerns on this invention. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the antenna body of FIG. 8 cut along the CC line. It is sectional drawing which cut | cut the antenna body of FIG. 8 by line BB.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail.
The liquid crystal composition according to the present invention contains a compound represented by the general formula (i) as a first component.

In the general formula (i), R ⁱ¹ is a linear group or a branched group, and is preferably a linear group. Further, ^Ri1 represents an alkyl group or an alkyl halide group having 1 to 40 carbon atoms, preferably an alkyl group or an alkyl halide group having 2 to 30 carbon atoms, and more preferably carbon. It represents an alkyl group or an alkyl halide having 2 to 19 atoms, more preferably an alkyl group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms or an alkyl halide group, and particularly preferably having 2 to 8 carbon atoms. Represents a linear alkyl group.

The alkyl group in the present specification is not particularly limited, and is, for example, a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group, a butyl group, a pentyl group, a hexyl group, a heptyl group, an octyl group, a nonyl group, a decyl group and an isodecyl. A linear alkyl group containing a group, a dodecyl group, a hexadecyl group, an octadecyl group, a 2-ethylhexyl group and the like is preferable.

The alkyl halide group in the present specification is not particularly limited, and is, for example, 2-fluoroethyl, 2-chloroethyl, 3-fluoropropyl, 3-chloropropyl, 4-fluorobutyl, 4-chlorobutyl, 5-. Includes fluoropentyl, 5-chloropentyl, 6-fluorohexyl, 6-chlorohexyl, 7-fluoroheptyl, 7-chloroheptyl, trichloromethyl group, trifluoromethyl group and the like.

^{In R i1} of the above general formula (i), the ^{alkylene group or halogenated alkylene group containing one methylene group or secondary carbon atom present in the R i1} is formed so that the oxygen atom is not directly adjacent to the alkylene group or the halogenated alkylene group. It may be replaced with O-, -CH = CH-, or -C≡C-. Specifically, ^Ri1 preferably has 1 to 19 carbon atoms and is preferably a linear alkyl group, alkenyl group, alkoxy group or alkenyloxy group, and has 1 to 8 carbon atoms and is linear. Alkyl groups, alkenyl groups, alkoxy groups, or alkenyloxy groups are more preferable.

The alkenyl group in the present specification is preferably selected from the groups represented by any of the formulas (R1) to (R5). (The black dots in each equation represent carbon atoms in the ring structure.)

The alkenyloxy group in the present specification is preferably selected from the groups represented by any of the formulas (R6) to (R10). (The black dots in each equation represent carbon atoms in the ring structure.)

The alkoxy group in the present specification is not particularly limited, and is preferably a linear alkoxy group containing a methoxy group, an ethoxy group, a propoxy group, a butoxy group, a pentoxy group, and a hexoxy group.

When ^{the ring structure to which R i1} is bonded is a phenyl group (aromatic), the R ⁱ¹ is a linear alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms and a linear alkoxy having 1 to 4 carbon atoms. A group and an alkenyl group having 4 to 5 carbon atoms are preferable. When ^{the ring structure to which Ri1} is bonded is a saturated ring structure such as cyclohexane, pyran, or dioxane, a linear alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms and a linear alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms are used. And a linear alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms is preferable. In order to stabilize the nematic phase, the total of carbon atoms and, if necessary, oxygen atoms present is preferably 5 or less. Further, in any case, the ring structure to which ^{Ri1 is bonded is preferably linear.}

A ⁱ¹ to A ⁱ³ may be independently substituted with a substituent ( ^Si ), a divalent cyclic group, specifically, the following groups (a) to (c).
(A) Trans-1,4-cyclohexylene group (one methylene group present in this group or two or more methylene groups not adjacent to each other is replaced with -O- or -S-. May be good),
(B) 1,4-phenylene group (one -CH = existing in this group or two or more -CH = not adjacent to each other may be replaced with -N =),
(C) Naphthalene-2,6-diyl group, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group or decahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group (naphthalene-2,6-diyl group or One -CH = present in the 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group or two or more non-adjacent -CH = may be replaced with -N =. )
At least one of the hydrogen atoms in ^Ai1 to ^{Ai3 is replaced with a chlorine atom.} Therefore, a chlorine atom is present in at least one of the cyclic groups in the compound represented by the general formula (i). The cyclic group is any of the groups (a) to (c), and more preferably the group (a) or (b).
When m1 is 2, a plurality of ^Ai1s may be the same or different.

Examples of the substituent ( ^Si ) include a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, and a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms or an alkyl halide group.

Specific examples of A ⁱ¹ to A ⁱ³ include divalent cyclic groups represented by the following (a1) to (a25).

(In the above formula, * represents a bond that bonds to a carbon atom or another atom.)
Of the above divalent cyclic groups, (a1) to (a3), (a5) to (a6), (a9) to (a10), (a12) to (a25) are preferable, and (a1) to (a3). ), (A12) to (a25) are more preferable, and (a1) to (a3), (a12) to (a18) are further preferable. By setting the divalent cyclic group under favorable conditions, high reliability is provided against external stimuli such as heat. Further, by setting the divalent cyclic group under preferable conditions, a large refractive index anisotropy can be obtained.

Z ⁱ¹ and Z ⁱ² are independently single-bonded, -C≡C-, -CH = CH-, -CF = CF-, or -C ( ^Ria ) = NN = C (R ^ib ). -, In this case, ^Ria and ^Rib independently represent a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, or a linear or branched alkyl group or halogenated alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms.
From the viewpoint of maintaining liquidity, for example, nematic ^liquidity , Z i1 and Z ⁱ² are independently single-bonded, -C≡C-, or -C ( ^Ria ) = N-N = C ( ^Rib ). -( ^Ria and ^Rib represent a hydrogen atom, or an alkyl group having 2, 4, 6 or 8 carbon atoms or an alkyl halide group), preferably a single bond, -C ( ^Ria ) = N. -N = C (R ^ib )-(R ^ia and R ^ib represent a hydrogen atom, or an alkyl group having 2, 4 or 6 carbon atoms or an alkyl halide group), or -C ≡ C-. More preferred. It is preferable that R ^ia and R ^ib in -C (R ^ia ) = NN = C (R ^{ib) -represent a hydrogen atom.} When Z ⁱ¹ and Z ⁱ² are the above conditions, it is easy to ensure the linearity of the linking groups between the ring structures constituting the mesogen.
When m1 is 2, a plurality of Z ^i1s may be the same or different.

M1 represents 1 or 2, and 1 is preferable. When m1 is 1 or 2, the compound represented by the general formula (i) corresponds to a liquid crystal compound having 3 to 4 rings and exhibits high compatibility.

The dielectric anisotropy (Δε) of the compound represented by the general formula (i) is preferably 0 to 35, more preferably 3 to 33, and even more preferably 4 to 30. When the dielectric anisotropy is in the range of 4 to 30, the Δε of the composition using the compound shows a large value, so that the driving voltage can be lowered, which is preferable.

The refractive index anisotropy (Δn) of the compound represented by the general formula (i) is preferably 0.1 to 0.7, more preferably 0.12 to 0.65, and 0.15. It is more preferably ~ 0.6. When the refractive index anisotropy is in the range of 0.15 to 0.6, Δn of the composition using the compound shows a large value, which is preferable as a liquid crystal for high frequency use.

The liquid crystal composition according to the present invention has a wide liquid crystal phase temperature range (absolute value of the difference between the liquid crystal phase lower limit temperature and the liquid crystal phase upper limit temperature), but the liquid crystal phase temperature range is preferably 100 ° C. or higher, preferably 130 ° C. The above is more preferable. The upper limit temperature of the liquid crystal phase is preferably 80 ° C. or higher, more preferably 100 ° C. or higher. Further, the lower limit temperature of the liquid crystal phase is preferably −20 ° C. or lower, more preferably −30 ° C. or lower.
The nematic phase-isotropic liquid phase transition temperature ( _TNI ) of the liquid crystal composition according to the present invention is preferably 80 to 180 ° C, preferably 100 to 160 ° C, and preferably 120 to 140 ° C.

The liquid crystal composition according to the present invention has a viscosity (η) at 20 ° C. of 10 to 100 mPa · s, preferably 10 to 90 mPa · s, preferably 10 to 80 mPa · s, and 10 to 80 mPa · s. It is preferably 70 mPa · s, preferably 10 to 60 mPa · s, more preferably 10 to 50 mPa · s, preferably 10 to 40 mPa · s, and 10 to 30 mPa · s. Is particularly preferred.
The liquid crystal composition according to the present invention preferably has Δn (refractive index anisotropy) at 589.0 nm of 0.2 or more, and preferably 0.30 to 0.40. Δn in the visible light region correlates with Δε in the several tens of GHz band, and the higher the Δn, the larger the change in the dielectric constant in the GHz band. Therefore, when Δn of the liquid crystal composition at 589.0 nm is 0.2 or more, the change in the dielectric constant in the GHz band can be made large, which makes it suitable as a liquid crystal composition for an antenna.
Here, the relationship of the equation: Δn = Re / d is established between the phase difference Re, the thickness d (cell gap) of the liquid crystal layer, and Δn, and in the present specification, the phase difference measuring device. From, Δn is obtained. More specifically, a sample of the liquid crystal composition of the present invention is injected into a glass cell with a polyimide alignment film, and in-plane retardation (phase difference Re) at a measurement temperature of 25 ° C. and 589 nm is applied to a retardation film / optical material. Measure with the inspection device RETS-100 (manufactured by Otsuka Electronics Co., Ltd.). A glass cell having a cell gap of 3.0 μm between glass substrates and a polyimide alignment film having parallel rubbing directions is used.
Alternatively, Δn may be calculated by measuring ne and no of the liquid crystal composition with an Abbe refractometer.

In the liquid crystal composition according to the present invention, the compound represented by the general formula (i) may be used alone or in combination of two or more. The types of compounds that can be combined are not particularly limited, but they are appropriately combined and used according to desired performance such as dielectric anisotropy, solubility at low temperature, transition temperature, and birefringence. The type of liquid crystal compound used is, for example, one type as one embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, in another embodiment of the present invention, there are two types, three types, four types, five types, six types, seven types, eight types, nine types, and ten. More than a kind.

The lower limit (mass%) of the preferable content of the compound represented by the formula (i) with respect to the total amount of the liquid crystal composition of the present invention is 1%, 2%, 5%, and 8%. %, 10%, 13%, 15%, 18%, 20%, 22%, 25%, 30%, 40%, 50. %, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%. Further, since a large content causes problems such as precipitation, the upper limit value (mass%) of the preferable content is 85%, 75%, 65%, 55%, and 45%. , 35%, 30%, 28%, 25%, 23%, 20%, 18%, 15%, 13%, 10%. , 8% and 5%.

A preferred embodiment of the general formula (i) of the present invention is that R ⁱ¹ has 1 to 8 carbon atoms and is a linear alkyl group, alkenyl group, alkoxy group, or alkenyloxy group, and A ^i1. ~ A ⁱ³ are independently of the above formulas (a1) to (a3) or (a9), and Z ⁱ¹ and Z ⁱ² are independently of single bond, -C≡C-, or -CR ^ia =. CR ^ib- ( ^Ria and ^Rib each independently represent a hydrogen atom, or an alkyl group having 2, 4, 6 or 8 carbon atoms or an alkyl halide group), and m1 represents 1. The preferable content of the compound represented by the general formula (i) is preferably 10 to 80% by mass and 15 to 77% by mass with respect to the entire liquid crystal composition (100% by mass). Is more preferable, and 20 to 75% by mass is particularly preferable.

The compound represented by the general formula (i) has a large Δn and a high Tni, and has good solubility, and can impart a very large Δn to the composition while maintaining a wide liquid crystal temperature range, low temperature stability, and the like. ..

Specific structures of the general formula (i) in the present invention include a three-ring liquid crystal compound represented by the following general formulas (i-2-1) to (i-2-64), and the following general formula ( It is preferably one or more selected from the group consisting of the four-ring liquid crystal compounds represented by i-3-1) to (i-3-21). As the compounds represented by the general formulas (i-2-1) to (i-3-21), they may be used alone or in combination of two or more.
The liquid crystal composition according to the present invention comprises one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of three-ring liquid crystal compounds represented by the general formulas (i-2-1) to (i-2-65). It is preferable to contain it. As the compounds represented by the general formulas (i-2-1) to (i-2-65), they may be used alone or in combination of two or more.
Preferable examples of the compound represented by the general formula (i) according to the present invention are as follows for the three-ring liquid crystal compound represented by the following general formulas (i-2-1) to (i-2-65). is there.

^{(R i1} in the general formula (i-2-1) ~ (i -2-65) is the same as ^{R i1} in the general formula (i).)
In the liquid crystal composition according to the present invention, the content of each of the compounds of the general formulas (i-2-1) to (i-2-65) in the entire liquid crystal composition is preferably the general formula (i). The content can be applied.
Among the above three-ring liquid crystal compounds, the following formulas (i-2-7a), (i-2-34a), (i-2-41a) and (i-2-55a) to (i-2-58a) ) Is preferable.

(In the above formula, R ³⁵ represents an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms or an alkoxy group having 2 to 8 ^{carbon atoms, and R 36} is an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms or 1 to 8 carbon atoms. Represents an 8-alkoxyl group or an alkenyl group having 2 to 8 carbon atoms.)
In the liquid crystal composition according to the present invention, the content of each of the compounds of the general formulas (i-2-7a) to (i-2-64a) in the entire liquid crystal composition is preferably the general formula (i). The content can be applied.

As an example of a preferable form of the three-ring liquid crystal compound represented by the general formulas (i-2-1) to (i-2-64), the following general formulas (i-2-1.1) to (i-) 2-64.10) can be mentioned.

In the liquid crystal composition according to the present invention, the content of each of the compounds of the above general formulas (i-2-1.1) to (i-2-64.10) in the entire liquid crystal composition is the general formula (i-2-64.10). The preferred content of i) can be applied.
The liquid crystal composition according to the present invention comprises one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of four-ring liquid crystal compounds represented by the general formulas (i-3-1) to (i-3-21). It is preferable to contain it. As the compounds represented by the general formulas (i-3-1) to (i-3-21), they may be used alone or in combination of two or more.
Preferable examples of the compound represented by the general formula (i) according to the present invention are as follows for the four-ring liquid crystal compound represented by the following general formulas (i-3-1) to (i-3-21). is there.

In the liquid crystal composition according to the present invention, the content of each of the compounds of the general formulas (i-2-1) to (i-3-21) in the entire liquid crystal composition is preferably the general formula (i). The content can be applied.

The liquid crystal composition according to the present invention may further contain one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of the compound represented by the general formula (ii) and the compound represented by the general formula (iii).
Preferred forms of the compound represented by the general formula (ii) are as follows.

In the above general formula (ii), R ⁱⁱ¹ preferably represents a linear or branched alkyl group or alkyl halide group having 1 to 40 carbon atoms, and is a methylene group or a thethylene group present in these groups. The halogenated alkylene group containing one secondary carbon atom may be substituted with -O-, -CH = CH-, or -C≡C- so that the oxygen atom is not directly adjacent to the group. ^Rii1 more preferably represents an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, an alkoxyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, or an alkenyl group having 2 to 8 carbon atoms.
In the general formula ^{(ii), A ii1} and ^{A ii2} are each independently preferably represents any one of the following groups (a) or group (b).
(A) Trans-1,4-cyclohexylene group (one methylene group present in this group or two or more methylene groups not adjacent to each other is replaced with -O- or -S-. May be good),
(B) 1,4-phenylene group (one -CH = existing in this group or two or more -CH = not adjacent to each other may be replaced with -N =),
The hydrogen atom in the group (a) or group (b) is a cyano group, a halogen atom (preferably a chlorine atom), or a linear or branched alkyl group or alkyl halide having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, respectively. It may be replaced. It is more preferable that A ⁱⁱ¹ and A ⁱⁱ² are independently described in (a1), (a3) and (a19), respectively.
In the general formula ^{(ii), X ii11 ~ X} ii13 are each independently a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, or represents a straight-chain or branched alkyl group or halogenated alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms. ^{It is more preferable that X ii 11} to X ^{ii 13} are independently hydrogen atoms or fluorine atoms.
In the general formula ^{(ii), Y ii1} is fluorine atom, chlorine atom, thiocyanato group, a trifluoromethoxy group, a trifluoromethyl group, may represent a 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl group, or a difluoromethoxy group preferable. Y ⁱ¹ is more preferably a fluorine atom, a trifluoromethoxy group, or a trifluoromethyl group, and even more preferably a fluorine atom.
In the general formula ^{(ii), Z ii1} and ^{Z ii2} are each independently a single _{bond, -COO -, - OCO -,} - CH 2 CH 2 -, - (CH 2) 4 -, - OCH 2 - , -CH ₂ O-, -OCF _2- , -CF ₂ O- or -C ≡ C- is preferred. Z ⁱⁱ¹ and ^{Z ii2} are each independently a single _{bond, -CH 2 CH 2 -, -} OCH 2 -, - CH 2 O -, - OCF 2 - or more preferably represents _-CF 2 O-. In the general formula (ii), n preferably represents an integer from 0 to 2, and more preferably 1 or 2. Further, in the above general formula (ii), ^{A ii1} and ^{Z ii1} that n is more present when the 2 may each be the same or different.

The lower limit of the preferable content (mass%) of the compound represented by the formula (ii) with respect to the total amount of the liquid crystal composition of the present invention is 0.9% and 1.3%. 7%, 4%, 5%, 8%, 10%, 11%, 13%, 16%, 19%, 21%, It is 23%. If the content (% by mass) of the compound of the general formula (ii) in the liquid crystal composition of the present invention is large, problems such as precipitation may occur. Therefore, the upper limit of the preferable content is 23% and 20%. 18%, 14%, 13%, 10%, 8%, 5%.

In the liquid crystal composition of the present invention, the range of the preferable content (mass%) of the compound represented by the general formula (ii) with respect to the entire composition (100% by mass) is 2 to 50%, more preferably. It is 5 to 40%, particularly preferably 10 to 30%.

The preferred form of the compound represented by the above general formula (iii) is as follows.

In the above general formula (iii), ^Riii1 preferably represents a linear or branched alkyl group or alkyl halide group having 1 to 40 carbon atoms, and is a methylene group or a thethylene group present in these groups. The halogenated alkylene group containing one secondary carbon atom may be substituted with -O-, -CH = CH-, or -C≡C- so that the oxygen atom is not directly adjacent to the group. ^Riii1 more preferably represents an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, an alkoxyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, or an alkenyl group having 2 to 8 carbon atoms.
In the above general formula (iii), ^{it is preferable that Aiii1} to ^Aiii3 independently represent any one of the following groups (a) to (c).
(A) Trans-1,4-cyclohexylene group (one methylene group present in this group or two or more methylene groups not adjacent to each other is replaced with -O- or -S-. May be good),
(B) 1,4-phenylene group (one -CH = existing in this group or two or more -CH = not adjacent to each other may be replaced with -N =),
(C) Naphthalene-2,6-diyl group, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group or decahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group (naphthalene-2,6-diyl group or One -CH = present in the 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group or two or more non-adjacent -CH = may be replaced with -N =. )
The hydrogen atoms in the groups (a) to (c) are cyano groups, halogen atoms (preferably chlorine atoms), or linear or branched alkyl groups or alkyl halides having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, respectively. It may be replaced. It is more preferable that A ^{ii 1} and A ^{ii 2} are independently described in (a1), (a3), (a5), (a10), (a19) and (a24), respectively.

In the general formula ^{(iii), Z III1} and ^{Z III2} are each independently a single _{bond, -COO -, - OCO -,} - CH 2 CH 2 -, - (CH 2) 4 -, - OCH 2 - , -CH ₂ O-, -OCF _2- , -CF ₂ O- or -C ≡ C-, preferably single bond, -CH ₂ CH _2- , -OCH _2- , -CH ₂ O-, It is more preferable to represent −OCF ₂ -or −CF _{2 O—.}
In the above general formula (iii), l preferably represents an integer of 0 to 2, and more preferably represents an integer of 1 or 2. When l is 2 or more, a plurality of ^Aiii1 and ^Ziii1 may be the same or different from each other.

The lower limit of the preferable content (mass%) of the compound represented by the general formula (iii) with respect to the total amount of the liquid crystal composition of the present invention is 0.7%, 1%, and 2%. Yes, 5%, 8%, 10%, 11%, 13%, 16%. If the content (% by mass) of the compound of the general formula (iii) in the liquid crystal composition of the present invention is large, problems such as precipitation may occur. Therefore, the upper limit of the preferable content is 23% and 20%. 18%, 14%, 13%, 10%, 8%, 5%.

In the liquid crystal composition of the present invention, the preferable content range of the compound represented by the general formula (iii) with respect to the entire liquid crystal composition (100% by mass) is 2 to 30%, more preferably 4 to 25%. It is particularly preferably 6 to 20%.

In the present invention, the specific structures of the compounds represented by the general formulas (ii) and (iii) will be described below. The compound represented by the general formula (ii) is preferably represented by the following general formulas (ii.1) to (ii.33).

(In the above formulas (ii.1) to (ii.33), R ³⁶ represents an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, an alkoxyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, or an alkenyl group having 2 to 8 carbon atoms. , Y ³⁵ is a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, trifluoromethyl group, trifluoromethoxy group, a structure represented by.) representing a difluoromethoxy group or a trifluoromethoxy group are preferred.

In the present invention, the compound represented by the general formula (iii) is preferably represented by the following general formulas (iii.1) to (iii.9).

(In the formula ^{(iii.1), R 35} represents. An alkyl group, or a 1 to 8 carbon atoms alkoxyl group, or an alkenyl group having 2 to 8 carbon atoms having 1 to 8 carbon atoms) represented by Structure is preferable.
In the liquid crystal composition according to the present invention, each of the compounds of the general formulas (iii.1) to (ii.33) and the general formulas (iii.1) to (iii.9) is contained in the entire liquid crystal composition. As the amount, a preferable content of the general formula (iii) can be applied.

The liquid crystal composition according to the present invention preferably further contains one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of compounds represented by the general formula (iv).

In the above general formula (iv), R ^iv1 preferably represents a linear or branched alkyl group or alkyl halide group having 1 to 40 carbon atoms, and is a methylene group or a thethylene group present in these groups. The halogenated alkylene group containing one secondary carbon atom may be substituted with -O-, -CH = CH-, or -C≡C- so that the oxygen atom is not directly adjacent to the group.

In the above general formula (iv), ^{it is preferable that A iv1} to A ^iv3 independently represent any one of the following groups (a) to (c).
(A) Trans-1,4-cyclohexylene group (one methylene group present in this group or two or more methylene groups not adjacent to each other is replaced with -O- or -S-. May be good),
(B) 1,4-phenylene group (one -CH = existing in this group or two or more -CH = not adjacent to each other may be replaced with -N =),
(C) Naphthalene-2,6-diyl group, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group or decahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group (naphthalene-2,6-diyl group or One -CH = present in the 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group or two or more non-adjacent -CH = may be replaced with -N =. )
The hydrogen atom in the groups (a) to (c) may be substituted with a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or a fluorinated alkyl group.
In the above general formula (iv), A ^iv1 to ^Aiv3 are each independently preferably a trans-1,4-cyclohexylene group or a 1,4-phenylene group.

In the above general formula (iv), Z ^iv1 and Z ^iv2 are independently single-bonded, -C≡C-, -CH = CH-, -CF = CF-, or -C (R ^iva ) = N. -N = ^{C (R ivb)} - represents, this ^time, at least one represents -C≡C- of ^{Z iv1} present ^{Z iv2} and 0 to ^{2, R iva} and ^{R ivb} are each independently , Hydrogen atom, halogen atom, or linear or branched alkyl group or alkyl halide group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms is preferable.
In the above general formula (iv), Z ^iv1 and Z ^iv2 are each independently preferably single-bonded or -C≡C-. Further, it is preferable that one molecule of the compound represented by the general formula (iv) has at least one −C≡C−.

In the above general formula (iv), m2 preferably represents an integer of 0, 1 or 2. ^{A plurality of A iv1} and Z ^iv1 existing when m2 is 2 may be the same or different from each other. The description of the symbols in the general formula (iv), which are optional components in the liquid crystal composition according to the present invention, is as described above. However, in the liquid crystal composition according to the present invention, among the compounds represented by the general formula (iv), the compounds represented by the general formula (i) are excluded. That is, in the liquid crystal composition according to the present invention, the compound in which the compound represented by the general formula (iv) and the compound represented by the general formula (i) overlap belongs to the general formula (i).

The lower limit of the preferable content (mass%) of the compound represented by the formula (iv) with respect to the total amount of the liquid crystal composition of the present invention is 1.7%, 2%, and 4%. 4.3%, 5%, 5.7%, 6%. If the content (mass%) of the compound of the general formula (iv) in the liquid crystal composition of the present invention is large, problems such as precipitation may occur. Therefore, the upper limit of the preferable content is 23% and 20%. 18%, 14%, 13%, 10%, 8%, 5%. In the liquid crystal composition of the present invention, the preferable content (mass%) of the compound represented by the general formula (iv) is 2 to 20%, more preferably 4 to 15%, and particularly preferably 6 to 12. %.

Specific examples of the specific structure of the general formula (iv) include compounds represented by the following general formulas (iv.1) to (iv.18).

(In the general formula ^{(iv.1) ~ (iv.18),} R 35 is an alkyl group, or a 1 to 8 carbon atoms alkoxyl group, or an alkenyl group having 2 to 8 carbon atoms of 1 to 8 carbon atoms R ³⁶ represents an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms or an alkenyl group having 2 to 8 carbon atoms).
In the liquid crystal composition according to the present invention, the preferable content of the general formula (iv) is applied to the content of each of the compounds of the above general formulas (iv.1) to (iv.18) with respect to the entire liquid crystal composition. can do.

The liquid crystal composition according to the present invention preferably further contains one or more compounds selected from the general formula (v).

(In the above general formula (v),
R ³¹ represents an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms or an alkenyl group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and one methylene group existing in these groups or two or more methylene groups not adjacent to each other. The groups may be substituted with —O— or —S—, and one or more hydrogen atoms present in these groups may be substituted with fluorine or chlorine atoms.
M ³¹ and M ³² independently represent any one of the following groups (a), group (b), or group (c).
(A) Trans-1,4-cyclohexylene group (one methylene group present in this group or two or more methylene groups not adjacent to each other is replaced with -O- or -S-. May be good),
(B) 1,4-Phenylene group (one -CH = existing in this group or two or more -CH = not adjacent to each other may be replaced with -N =), 3- Fluoro-1,4-phenylene group, or 3,5-difluoro-1,4-phenylene group, and (c) 1,4-cyclohexenylene group, 1,4-bicyclo [2.2.2] octylene group , Piperidine-2,5-diyl group, naphthalene-2,6-diyl group, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group, or decahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group,
The hydrogen atom contained in the above group (a), group (b) or group (c) may be substituted with a cyano group, a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a trifluoromethyl group or a trifluoromethoxy group, respectively.
L ³¹ and ^{L 32} are each independently a single _{bond, -COO -, - OCO -,} - CH 2 CH 2 -, - (CH 2) 4 -, - OCH 2 -, - CH 2 O -, - Represents OCF _2- , -CF ₂ O- or -C≡C-
p represents 0, 1 or 2,
When a ^{plurality of M 32} and / or L ³¹ are present, they may be the same or different.
X ³¹ and X ³² independently represent a hydrogen atom or a fluorine atom, respectively.
Y ³¹ represents a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a thiocyanato group, a trifluoromethoxy group, a trifluoromethyl group, a 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl group, or a difluoromethoxy group. )
Specifically, the compound represented by the general formula (v) in the present invention is preferably represented by the following general formula (va).

(In the above general formula (v-1), R ^31a represents an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, an alkoxyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, or an alkenyl group having 2 to 8 carbon atoms, and L ^31a and L. ^32a are each independently a single _{bond, -CH 2 CH 2 -, -} (CH 2) 4 -, - OCH 2 -, - CH 2 O -, - OCF 2 -, or _-CF 2 O-, M ^31a and M ^32a independently represent a 1,4-phenylene group, a trans-1,4-cyclohexylene group or a naphthalene-2,6-diyl group, and X ^32a represents a hydrogen atom or a fluorine atom. p ^a represents 0 or 1, Y ^31a represents a fluorine atom, a trifluoromethyl group, a fluoromethoxy group, a difluoromethoxy group or a trifluoromethoxy group, and the ^{hydrogen atom contained in M 31a and M 32a} is a cyano group, respectively. , Fluorine atom, chlorine atom, trifluoromethyl group or trifluoromethoxy group may be substituted.)

The lower limit of the preferable content (mass%) of the compound represented by the formula (v) with respect to the total amount of the liquid crystal composition of the present invention is 1.7%, 2%, and 4%. 4.3%, 5%, 5.7%, 6%. If the content (% by mass) of the compound of the general formula (v) in the liquid crystal composition of the present invention is large, problems such as precipitation may occur. Therefore, the upper limit of the preferable content is 33% and 30%. 27%, 23%, 20%, 18%, 14%, 13%, 10%, 8%, 5%. In the liquid crystal composition of the present invention, the range of the preferable content of the compound represented by the general formula (v) is 2 to 30%, more preferably 4 to 25%, and particularly preferably 6 to 20%. is there.
Specific structures of the compound represented by the general formula (v) in the present invention include, for example, the following compounds.

(In the above general formula, R ³⁶ represents an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, an alkoxyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms or an alkenyl group having 2 to 8 carbon atoms, and Y ³⁵ represents a cyano group and a fluorine atom. A structure represented by a chlorine atom, a trifluoromethyl group, a fluoromethoxy group, a difluoromethoxy group or a trifluoromethoxy group) is preferable.
In the liquid crystal composition according to the present invention, the preferable content of the general formula (v) is applied to the content of each of the compounds of the above general formulas (v.1) to (v.20) with respect to the entire liquid crystal composition. can do.

Further, the liquid crystal composition according to the present invention may contain compounds represented by the following general formulas (1a) and (1b) as liquid crystal compounds having a dielectric anisotropy (Δε) of 2 or more. ..

(In the above general formulas (1a) to (1b),
R ¹¹ and R ¹² each independently represent an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms or an alkenyl group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and one methylene group existing in these groups or adjacent to each other. Two or more methylene groups that are not formed may be substituted with —O— or —S—, and one or more hydrogen atoms present in these groups may be replaced with fluorine or chlorine atoms. May be replaced,
M ¹¹ , M ¹² , M ¹³ , M ¹⁴ , M ¹⁵ , and M ¹⁶ independently represent any one of the following groups (d), groups (i), or groups (j).
(D) Trans-1,4-cyclohexylene group (one methylene group present in this group or two or more methylene groups not adjacent to each other is replaced with -O- or -S-. May be good),
(I) 1,4-phenylene group (one -CH = existing in this group or two or more -CH = not adjacent to each other may be replaced with -N =), 3- Fluoro-1,4-phenylene group, or 3,5-difluoro-1,4-phenylene group, and (j) 1,4-cyclohexenylene group, 1,4-bicyclo [2.2.2] octylene group , Piperidine-2,5-diyl group, naphthalene-2,6-diyl group, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group, or decahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group,
The hydrogen atom contained in the above group (d), group (i) or group (j) may be substituted with a cyano group, a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a trifluoromethyl group or a trifluoromethoxy group, respectively.
^{L 11, L 12, L 13} , L 14, L 15, and ^{L 16} are each independently a single _{bond, -COO -, - OCO -,} - CH 2 CH 2 -, - (CH 2) 4 - , -OCH _2- , -CH ₂ O-, -OCF _2- , -CF ₂ O- or -C≡C-
p, q, r, s and t independently represent 0, 1 or 2, but q + r and s + t are 2 or less.
If there are multiple M ¹² , M ¹³ , M ¹⁵ , M ¹⁶ , L ¹¹ , L ¹³ , L ¹⁴ and / or L ¹⁶ , they may be the same or different.
X ¹¹ , X ¹² , X ¹³ , X ¹⁴ , and X ¹⁵ each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a fluorine atom.
Y ¹¹ and Y ¹² independently represent a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a thiocyanato group, a trifluoromethoxy group, a trifluoromethyl group, a 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl group, or a difluoromethoxy group. However, the compounds represented by the general formulas (1a) and (1b) exclude the compounds represented by the general formula (ii). )
It is preferable to contain at least one compound selected from the group consisting of the compounds represented by the general formula (1a) and the general formula (1b), and it is particularly preferable to contain 2 to 8 kinds, and the general formula (1a). ) And the lower limit of the content of the compound represented by the general formula (1b) are preferably 0% by mass, more preferably 5% by mass, and preferably 16% by mass. The upper limit is preferably 70% by mass, preferably 66% by mass, preferably 58% by mass, and even more preferably 49% by mass.

In the above general formulas (i) to (v), among the structures formed by the combination of choices, -CH = CH-CH = CH-, -C≡C-C≡C- and -CH = CH-C≡ C- is not preferable due to its chemical stability. Further, it is also not preferable that the hydrogen atom in these structures is replaced with the fluorine atom. Similarly, it is also not preferable to have a structure in which oxygen is bonded to each other, a structure in which sulfur atoms are bonded to each other, and a structure in which sulfur atoms and oxygen atoms are bonded to each other. Further, a structure in which nitrogen atoms are bonded to each other, a structure in which a nitrogen atom and an oxygen atom are bonded, and a structure in which a nitrogen atom and a sulfur atom are bonded are also not preferable.
In the liquid crystal composition according to the present invention, the total amount (mass%) of the compounds represented by the general formulas (i) to (ii) is preferably 90 to 30% with respect to the entire liquid crystal composition, and is preferably 80 to 35. It is preferably%, and it is preferable that it is 70 to 40%.
In the liquid crystal composition according to the present invention, the total amount (mass%) of the compounds represented by the general formulas (i) to (iii) is preferably 95 to 30%, preferably 85 to 35% with respect to the entire liquid crystal composition. It is preferably%, and it is preferable that it is 80 to 40%.
In the liquid crystal composition according to the present invention, the total amount (mass%) of the compounds represented by the general formulas (i) to (iv) is preferably 95 to 30%, preferably 85 to 35% with respect to the entire liquid crystal composition. It is preferably%, and it is preferable that it is 80 to 40%.
In the liquid crystal composition according to the present invention, the total amount (mass%) of the compounds represented by the general formulas (i) to (v) is preferably 100 to 40% with respect to the entire liquid crystal composition, and is 95 to 45. It is preferably%, preferably 90 to 50%.

The liquid crystal composition according to the present invention may contain the following general formula (L). The compound represented by the general formula (L) is shown below. The liquid crystal compound represented by the general formula (L) corresponds to a dielectrically substantially neutral compound (the value of the dielectric anisotropy Δε is -2 to 2).

(In the above general formula (L), R ²¹ and R ²² independently represent an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms or an alkenyl group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and one existing in these groups. Methylene groups or two or more non-adjacent methylene groups may be substituted with -O- or -S-, and one or more hydrogen atoms present in these groups may be fluorine atoms or May be replaced with a chlorine atom
M ²¹ , M ²² and M ²³ are independent of each other (a) Trans-1,4-cyclohexylene groups (one methylene group present in this group or two or more non-adjacent methylene groups are present. May be replaced with -O- or -S-),
(B) 1,4-phenylene group (one -CH = existing in this group or two or more -CH = not adjacent to each other may be replaced with a nitrogen atom), 2-fluoro-1. , 4-phenylene group, 3-fluoro-1,4-phenylene group, 3,5-difluoro-1,4-phenylene group and (c) 1,4-cyclohexenylene group, 1,4-bicyclo [2. 2.2] Octylene group, piperidine-2,5-diyl group, naphthalene-2,6-diyl group, decahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group and 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6 -Represents a group selected from the group consisting of diyl groups, and the above groups (a), group (b) and group (c) may be independently substituted with a cyano group, a fluorine atom or a chlorine atom, respectively.
o represents 0, 1 or 2,
L ²¹ and ^{L 22} are independently of one another, are a single _{bond, -CH 2 CH 2 -, -} (CH 2) 4 -, - OCH 2 -, - CH 2 O -, - OCF 2 -, - CF 2 O-, -CH = CH -, - CH = N-N = CH- or an ^{-C≡C-, if L 22} there are a plurality, they may be different may be the ^{same, M 23} there are a plurality of If so, they may be the same or different. )
Further, as the compound represented by the general formula (L) in the present invention, a compound having two or more aromatic rings is preferable.

In the compound represented by the general formula (L), R ²¹ and R ²² are independent of each other as an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms or an alkenyl group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms (1 existing in these groups). One methylene group or two or more non-adjacent methylene groups are substituted with -O- or -S-, and one or more hydrogen atoms present in these groups are fluorine atoms or It also includes those substituted with chlorine atoms), preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or 3 to 6 carbon atoms. The alkenyloxy group is more preferable, and an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms or an alkoxy group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms is particularly preferable.

^{Both R 21} and R ²² are preferably alkyl groups when reliability is important, and alkoxy groups are preferable when reducing the volatility of the compound is important, and reduction of viscosity is important. It is preferable that at least one of them is an alkenyl group.

The number of halogen atoms present in the molecule is preferably 0, 1, 2 or 3, preferably 0 or 1, and preferably 1 when compatibility with other liquid crystal molecules is important.

R ²¹ and R ²² are linear alkyl groups having 1 to 5 carbon atoms and linear carbon atoms 1 to 4 when the ring structure to which they are bonded is a phenyl group (aromatic). The alkoxy group and the alkenyl group having 4 to 5 carbon atoms are preferable, and when the ring structure to which the alkoxy group is bonded is a saturated ring structure such as cyclohexane, pyran and dioxane, the linear carbon atom number is 1 to 5. Alkyl groups, linear alkoxy groups having 1 to 4 carbon atoms and linear alkenyl groups having 2 to 5 carbon atoms are preferable. In order to stabilize the nematic phase, the total of carbon atoms and oxygen atoms when present is preferably 5 or less, and it is preferably linear.

M ^{21, M 22} and ^{M 23} are mutually independently trans-1,4-cyclohexylene group (one CH ₂ group or not adjoining two CH ₂ group oxygen atoms present in the radical (Including those substituted), 1,4-phenylene group (including one in which one or more CH groups present in this group are substituted with a nitrogen atom), 3-fluoro-1, 4-phenylene group, 3,5-difluoro-1,4-phenylene group, 1,4-cyclohexenylene group, 1,4-bicyclo [2.2.2] octylene group, piperidine-1,4-diyl group , Naphthalene-2,6-diyl group, decahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group or 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group is preferable, and trans-1,4-cyclohexylene group. , 1,4-phenylene group or 1,4-bicyclo [2.2.2] octylene group is more preferable, and trans-1,4-cyclohexylene group or 1,4-phenylene group is particularly preferable. M ²¹ , M ²² and M ²³ are preferably aromatic when it is required to increase Δn, and preferably aliphatic in order to improve the response rate, and each of them is independently trans-trans. 1,4-Cyclohexylene group, 1,4-phenylene group, 2-fluoro-1,4-phenylene group, 3-fluoro-1,4-phenylene group, 3,5-difluoro-1,4-phenylene group , 1,4-Cyclohexenylene group, 1,4-bicyclo [2.2.2] octylene group, piperidine-1,4-diyl group, naphthalene-2,6-diyl group, decahydronaphthalene-2,6 -It is preferable to represent a diyl group or 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group, and it is more preferable to represent the following structure.

It is more preferable to represent a trans-1,4-cyclohexylene group or a 1,4-phenylene group.

O is preferably 0, 1 or 2, and more preferably 0 or 1.

L ²¹ and ^{L 22} are independently of one another, are a single _{bond, -CH 2 CH 2 -, -} (CH 2) 4 -, - OCH 2 -, - CH 2 O -, - OCF 2 -, - CF 2 O-, -CH = CH -, - CH = N-N = CH- or -C≡C-, more preferably a single _{bond, -CH 2 CH 2 -, -} (CH 2) 4 -, - OCH 2 - or -CH ₂ O-is more preferred, and single bond or -CH ₂ CH _2- is even more preferred.

Among the structures formed by the combination of the above options, -CH = CH-CH = CH-, -C≡C-C≡C- and -CH = CH-C≡C- are preferable from the viewpoint of chemical stability. Absent. Further, it is also not preferable that the hydrogen atom in these structures is replaced with the fluorine atom. Similarly, it is also not preferable to have a structure in which oxygen is bonded to each other, a structure in which sulfur atoms are bonded to each other, and a structure in which sulfur atoms and oxygen atoms are bonded to each other. Further, a structure in which nitrogen atoms are bonded to each other, a structure in which a nitrogen atom and an oxygen atom are bonded, and a structure in which a nitrogen atom and a sulfur atom are bonded are also not preferable.

In the liquid crystal composition according to the present invention, the content of the liquid crystal compound represented by the general formula (L) is solubility at low temperature, transition temperature, electrical reliability, birefringence, process compatibility, and dropping marks. It is necessary to make appropriate adjustments according to the required performance such as seizure and dielectric anisotropy.

The lower limit of the preferable content of the compound represented by the formula (L) with respect to the total amount of the non-polymerizable liquid crystal compound contained in the liquid crystal composition according to the present invention is 1% by mass, and the upper limit is 85. It is mass%. The lower limit of the more preferable content is 3% by mass, and the upper limit is 65% by mass.

When a composition having a low viscosity and a high response rate is required, it is preferable that the above lower limit value is high and the upper limit value is high. _{Further, when a composition having a high TNI} of the composition according to the present invention and having good temperature stability is required, it is preferable that the above lower limit value is high and the upper limit value is high. Further, when it is desired to increase the dielectric anisotropy in order to keep the drive voltage low, it is preferable that the above lower limit value is low and the upper limit value is low.

More specifically, the general formula (L) is preferably a compound represented by a group consisting of the following general formulas (La) to (Lq) as a specific structure.

(In the above general formulas (La) to (Lq), R ²³ and R ²⁴ are independently alkyl groups having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, alkoxy groups having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, and 2 to 2 carbon atoms, respectively. Represents an alkenyl group of 10 or an alkoxyoxy group having 3 to 10 carbon atoms.)
R ²³ and R ²⁴ are each independently preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms or an alkenyl group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms or an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms. Alkoxy groups having 1 to 10 carbon atoms are more preferable.
In the liquid crystal composition according to the present invention, the preferable content of the general formula (L) is applied to the content of each of the compounds of the general formulas (La) to (Lq) in the entire liquid crystal composition. can do.

Among the compounds represented by the general formulas (La) to the general formula (Lq), the general formulas (Le) to the general formulas (Lg), the general formulas (Li), and the general formulas (L). -J), the compound represented by the general formula (L-l), the general formula (Lm) to the general formula (L-p) is preferable.

In the present invention, it is preferable to contain at least one compound represented by the general formula (L), preferably 1 to 10 kinds, and particularly preferably 2 to 8 kinds.

The liquid crystal composition according to the present invention may appropriately contain additives such as known stabilizers, known polymerizable liquid crystal compounds or polymerized compounds in addition to the above liquid crystal compounds, depending on the mode of use.

Examples of the stabilizer include hydroquinones, hydroquinone monoalkyl ethers, tertiary butyl catechols, pyrogallols, thiophenols, nitro compounds, β-naphthylamines, β-naphthols, nitroso compounds and hindered substances. Examples thereof include phenols and hindered amines. When a stabilizer is used, the amount added is preferably in the range of 0.005 to 1% by mass, more preferably 0.02 to 0.5% by mass, and 0.03 to 0.1% by mass with respect to the liquid crystal composition. % Is particularly preferable.

Hereinafter, a liquid crystal element, a sensor, a liquid crystal lens, an optical communication device, and an antenna using the liquid crystal composition according to the present invention will be described.
The liquid crystal element according to the present invention is characterized by using the above-mentioned liquid crystal composition, and is preferably driven by an active matrix method or a passive matrix method.
Further, the liquid crystal element according to the present invention is preferably a liquid crystal element that reversibly switches the dielectric constant by reversibly changing the orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecules of the above-mentioned liquid crystal composition.
The sensor according to the present invention is characterized by using the above-mentioned liquid crystal composition, and as its embodiment, for example, a distance measuring sensor using electromagnetic waves, visible light or infrared light, an infrared sensor using temperature change, and cholesteric. A temperature sensor that uses changes in the reflected light wavelength due to changes in the pitch of the liquid crystal, a pressure sensor that uses changes in the reflected light wavelength, an ultraviolet sensor that uses changes in the reflected light wavelength due to composition changes, and an electric sensor that uses temperature changes due to voltage and current. Radiation sensor that uses temperature change due to track of radiation particles, ultrasonic sensor that uses change in liquid crystal molecular arrangement due to mechanical vibration of ultrasonic waves, change in reflected light wavelength due to temperature change or change in liquid crystal molecular arrangement due to electric field Examples include an electromagnetic field sensor.
The range-finding sensor is preferably for LiDAR (Light Detection And Ringing) that uses a light source.
The LiDAR is preferably for artificial satellites, aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles (drones), automobiles, railways, and ships.
For automobiles, those for self-driving cars are particularly preferable.
The light source is preferably an LED or a laser, and is preferably a laser.
The light used for LiDAR is preferably infrared light, and the wavelength is preferably 800 to 2000 nm.
In particular, an infrared laser having a wavelength of 905 nm or 1550 nm is preferable.
An infrared laser of 905 nm is preferable when the cost of the photodetector to be used and sensitivity in all weather are important, and an infrared laser of 1550 nm is preferable when safety regarding human vision is important.
Since the liquid crystal composition according to the present invention exhibits high Δn, it is possible to provide a sensor having a large phase modulation force in the visible light, infrared light and electromagnetic wave regions and excellent detection sensitivity.
The liquid crystal lens according to the present invention is characterized in that the above-mentioned liquid crystal composition is used. For example, as one of the embodiments, a first transparent electrode layer, a second transparent electrode layer, and the first transparent electrode layer are used. A liquid crystal layer containing the above-mentioned liquid crystal composition provided between the transparent electrode layer and the second transparent electrode layer, an insulating layer provided between the second transparent electrode layer and the liquid crystal layer, and the above. It has an insulating layer and a high resistance layer provided between the liquid crystal layers. The liquid crystal lens according to the present invention is used, for example, as a 2D / 3D switching lens, a lens for adjusting the focus of a camera, and the like.
The optical communication device according to the present invention is characterized in that the above-mentioned liquid crystal composition is used. For example, as one of the embodiments, a liquid crystal constituting each of a plurality of pixels is formed on a reflective layer (electrode). Examples thereof include LCOS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon) having a structure having liquid crystal layers arranged in a two-dimensional manner. The optical communication device according to the present invention is used as, for example, a spatial phase modulator.

The antenna according to the present invention is characterized by using the above-mentioned liquid crystal composition.
More specifically, the antenna according to the present invention includes a first substrate provided with a plurality of slots, a second substrate facing the first substrate and provided with a feeding portion, the first substrate, and the first substrate. A first dielectric layer provided between the two substrates, a plurality of patch electrodes arranged corresponding to the plurality of slots, a third substrate provided with the patch electrodes, and the first substrate. It has a liquid crystal layer provided between the third substrate and the liquid crystal layer, and contains a liquid crystal compound represented by the general formula (i).

By using a liquid crystal layer containing a liquid crystal compound represented by the general formula (i), it has a large dielectric anisotropy Δε and a large refractive index anisotropy Δn, and has a wide nematic liquid crystal temperature range under low temperature. It is possible to provide an antenna that is stable in the liquid crystal display and has high reliability against external stimuli such as heat. This makes it possible to provide an antenna capable of greater phase control for microwave or millimeter wave electromagnetic waves.

Hereinafter, the antenna according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

As shown in FIG. 1, an antenna assembly 11 to which four antenna units 1 are connected is attached to a roof portion of a vehicle (automobile) 2. Since the antenna unit 1 is a planar antenna and is attached to the roof portion, the antenna unit 1 is always directed toward the communication satellite direction. As a result, satellite communication that can be transmitted and received by both parties can be performed.

Note that the "antenna" in the present specification includes an antenna unit 1 or an antenna assembly 11 in which a plurality of antenna units 1 are connected.

The antenna according to the present invention preferably operates at the Ka band frequency, the K band frequency, or the Ku band frequency used for satellite communication.

Next, FIG. 2 shows an example of an embodiment of the components of the antenna unit 1. FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the antenna unit 1 shown in FIG. Specifically, the antenna unit 1 seals a case 3 having a recess for accommodating the antenna main body 10, a control plate 4 for controlling the antenna main body 10, the antenna main body 10 and the control plate 4, and the case 3. It is configured to have an upper lid 5 for stopping.

The control board 4 is provided with a transmitter and / or a receiver. The transmitter performs information from a signal source such as voice or data such as an image by information source coding processing, for example, voice coding or image coding, error correction coding in transmission path coding processing, and then modulation. It has a mechanism to be transmitted as radio waves. On the other hand, the receiver is a mechanism that modulates the incoming radio wave, corrects the error by the transmission line decoding process, and then converts it into information such as voice or image data by the information source decoding process, for example, through voice decoding or image decoding. Has. Further, the control plate 4 is composed of a CPU, RAM, ROM, etc., which are known microcomputers, and controls the operation of each part of the antenna main body 1, the transmitter, and / or the receiver in a controlled manner. A predetermined process is executed by reading various programs stored in advance in the CPU or ROM included in the control board 4 into the RAM and executing the programs. The control plate 4 is a storage unit that stores various setting information or control programs, various calculations related to the amount and direction of voltage applied to the liquid crystal layer in the antenna body 1, various calculations related to radio wave transmission, and / or reception of radio waves. It has functions such as a calculation unit that executes various operations in the above, a detection unit that detects reception or transmission radio waves, or a detection unit that detects the voltage applied to the liquid crystal layer.

In FIG. 2, a hexagonal prism-shaped case 3 and an upper lid 5 are described as an example of a case 3 capable of accommodating a disk-shaped antenna main body 1. However, the case 3 and the upper lid 5 are provided according to the shape of the antenna main body 1. , Cylindrical, octagonal column, triangular column, etc. can be appropriately changed to a known shape.

In order to explain the configuration of the antenna main body 10, the following will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 10. FIG. 3 is an exploded schematic view of the components of the antenna body 10.

As shown in FIG. 3, the antenna main body 10 includes a slot array unit 6 and a patch array unit 7. A plurality of slots (notches) 8 are formed in the slot array portion 6 on the disk-shaped conductor P surface, and a feeding portion 12 is provided inside the central portion of the slot array portion 6. .. Further, in the patch array portion 7, as an example, a plurality of square patches 9 having a length L and a width W are formed on the disk body Q. The antenna body 10 has a slot array portion 6 which is a disk-shaped conductor P in which a plurality of slots 8 are formed, and a disk-shaped patch array portion 7 in which a plurality of patches are formed, and the circle. The patch array portion 7 and the slot array portion 6 are bonded to each other so that the patch 9 is arranged to face each of the slots 8 formed on the surface of the plate-shaped conductor P.

The slot array portion 6 is an antenna portion that uses a notch portion (hereinafter, slot 8) vacant on the disk-shaped conductor Q surface as a radiating element (or incident element). The slot array portion 6 has a slot 8 and a feeding portion 12 provided at the center of the disc-shaped conductor Q. Generally, the slot array unit 6 has a mechanism for exciting directly at the tip of a transmission line or through a cavity provided on the back surface of the slot. The slot array unit 6 can be used for feeding power from an antenna using a main plate, a microstrip line, or the like to a patch antenna via a slot. Although FIG. 3 shows the form of the radial line slot array as an example of the slot array unit 6, the scope of the present invention is not limited to this.

A top view of the slot array unit 6 in FIG. 3 is shown in FIG. Hereinafter, the slot array unit 6 will be described with reference to FIG. The slot array unit 6 has a structure in which power is supplied by a coaxial line provided at the center of the slot array unit 6. Therefore, a power feeding unit 12 is provided at the center of the slot array unit 6 shown in FIG. Further, in the slot array portion 6, a plurality of sets of slots 8 (hereinafter referred to as slot pairs) are formed on the surface of the disk-shaped conductor P. The slot pair 8 has a structure in which two rectangular notches are arranged in a “C” shape. More specifically, the two rectangular parallelepiped slots 8 are arranged so as to be orthogonal to each other, and one slot of the slot pair 8 is arranged so as to be separated from the other slot by 1/4 wavelength. This makes it possible to transmit and receive circularly polarized waves having different rotation directions depending on the azimuth angle of the antenna.

In this specification, two slots 8 are referred to as slot pairs 8, one slot 8 is simply referred to as slot 8, and slots and slot pairs are collectively referred to as slots (pairs) 8.

A plurality of slot pairs 8 are spirally formed from the center of the disc-shaped conductor substrate P toward the outside in the radial direction. The slot pair 8 is formed on the surface of the disk-shaped substrate so that the distances between the slot pairs 8 adjacent to each other along the spiral are constant. As a result, the electromagnetic fields can be strengthened by aligning the phases in front of the slot array portion 6, and a pencil beam can be formed in front of the slot array portion 6.

Although an example of the shape of the slot 8 is shown as a rectangular parallelepiped shape in FIGS. 3 and 4, the shape of the slot 8 in the present invention is not limited to the rectangular parallelepiped, and is a known shape such as a circle, an ellipse, or a polygon. Can be adopted. Further, although FIGS. 3 and 4 show an aspect of a slot pair as an example of the slot 8, the slot 8 in the present invention is not limited to the slot pair. Further, although the arrangement of the slots 8 on the surface of the disc-shaped conductor substrate P is shown in a spiral shape, the arrangement of the slots 8 is not limited to the spiral shape, and the slots 8 are shown in the figure described later, for example. It may be arranged concentrically as shown in 8.

The power feeding unit 12 in the present invention has a function of receiving an electromagnetic wave and / or radiating an electromagnetic wave. Then, the feeding unit 12 in the present invention is a portion that captures radio waves by a patch 9 that is a radiating element or an incident element and transmits the high-frequency power generated to the receiver, or a radiating element and a feeding line for supplying the high-frequency power. As long as it is a connecting portion, there is no particular limitation, and a known power feeding unit and feeding line can be used. In FIGS. 3 and 4, the coaxial feeding unit is shown as an example.

As shown in FIG. 3, the patch array portion 7 is a liquid crystal layer (shown) filled between a disk body Q having a plurality of rectangular patches 9 having a length L and a width W and a slot array portion 6. It is equipped with. The patch array unit 7 in the present embodiment has a so-called microstrip antenna configuration, and is a resonator whose length L resonates at a frequency corresponding to an integral multiple of 1/2 wavelength.

Note that FIG. 3 shows a square patch 9 having a length L and a width W as an example of the patch 9, but the shape of the patch 9 is not limited to a quadrangle, and the circular patch 9 is formed. It may be. FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of the circular patch 9 as another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a top view of the antenna main body 10 in the present invention. More specifically, the antenna main body 10 is viewed from the patch array portion 7, and the patch 9, the feeding portion 12, and the slot pair 8 are discs. It is the figure which projected perpendicular to the main surface of the body Q. Therefore, the patch 9, the power feeding unit 12, and the slot pair 8 are indicated by broken lines. Further, when the shape of the patch 9 is circular, it can be operated in an electromagnetic field distribution _{generally called TM 11 mode.} As shown in FIG. 5, since the projection body of the patch 9 and the projection body of the slot pair 8 overlap each other, a disk is formed for each slot 8 formed on the surface of the disk-shaped conductor P. It is possible to understand the state in which the patches 9 provided on the body Q are arranged facing each other. By using the configuration in which each patch 9 is arranged correspondingly to each slot 8 in this way, power is supplied from slot 8 to patch 9 by an electromagnetic coupling power supply method, or from patch 9 to slot 8 It can propagate the incoming radio waves. Therefore, it is possible to provide an antenna capable of transmitting and / or receiving radio waves.

In general, there are two types of methods for feeding the radiating element (for example, patch 9) of the patch array unit 7 using a general transmission line such as a coaxial line or a flat transmission line: a direct connection power supply method and an electromagnetic coupling power supply method. It is roughly divided into. Therefore, as the power feeding method in the present invention, the direct power feeding method, which is a method of exciting the radiation element by directly connecting the transmission line to the patch 9 (radiating element), and the transmission line and the patch electrode (radiating element) are used. There are two methods, the electromagnetic coupling feeding method, which is a method of exciting a patch electrode (radiating element) by an electromagnetic field generated around a feeding line with an open end or a short circuit without direct connection. In the present invention, an aspect of the electromagnetically coupled power feeding system is shown.

In the present embodiment, since the feeding line by the (coaxial) feeding section 12 is open at the end, a current standing wave is generated in which the ending of the feeding line coincides with the node. As a result, a magnetic field surrounding the power feeding line ((coaxial) power feeding unit 12) is generated, and the magnetic field is incident on the slot 8 to excite the slot (pair) 8. Then, the patch 9 is excited by the magnetic field generated by the excitation of the slot (pair) 8 incident on the patch 9. Since the excitation intensity is maximized when the magnetic field incident on the slot 8 is maximum, the position where the magnetic field generated from the feed line ((coaxial) feed section 12) is maximum (the antinode of the current standing wave) is set. It is preferable to form slots (pairs) 8.

A preferred embodiment of the antenna according to the present invention is a configuration in which a radial slot line array and a patch antenna array are combined.

Next, an embodiment of the antenna main body 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 6, which is a cross-sectional view of the antenna main body 10 shown in FIG. Needless to say, FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing the configuration of the antenna.

As shown in FIG. 6, the antenna main body 10 has a disk-shaped first substrate 14 in which a disk-shaped second substrate 14 and a plurality of slots (pairs) 8 are formed from the center toward the outside in the radial direction. The substrate 13 (corresponding to the disc-shaped conductor P; also referred to as a slot array substrate), the first dielectric layer 17 provided between the second substrate 14 and the first substrate 13, and the disc-shaped first substrate. A power feeding unit 12 provided at the center of the substrate 13 and the disk-shaped second substrate 14, a disk-shaped third substrate 15 (corresponding to the disk body Q, also referred to as a patch substrate), and a third. It has a patch 9 (radiating element or incident element) attached to the substrate 15 and a liquid crystal layer 16 provided between the third substrate 15 and the first substrate 13. Further, the power feeding unit 12 is electrically connected to a transmitter and / or a receiver provided on the control board via a feeding line 12a. Then, each patch 9 corresponds to each slot pair 8.

Here, "(each) patch 9 corresponds to (each) slot pair 8" means that the patch 9 is perpendicular to the main surface of the second substrate 14 as described in FIG. 5 described above. It means that the projected projection surface overlaps with the slot (pair) 8. In other words, it means that the projection surface obtained by vertically projecting the slots (pairs) 8 onto the main surface of the third substrate 15 overlaps with the patch 9.

Further, the first substrate 13, the second substrate 14, and the third substrate 15 are preferably discs having the same area.

In FIG. 6, while the radio wave (arrow) fed by the (coaxial) feeding unit 12 becomes a cylindrical wave and propagates outward in the radial direction in the first dielectric layer 17, the liquid crystal layer is formed from the slot (pair) 8. It describes how it is transmitted to 16. Then, as shown in FIG. 4, the slots (pairs) 8 generate circularly polarized waves when two so-called “C” -shaped orthogonal slots are arranged with a 1/4 wavelength shift. Can be done. As described above, the magnetic field generated from the slot (pair) 8 is incident on the patch 9 by the excitation of the slot (pair) 8 by the electromagnetic coupling power feeding method, and the patch 9 is fed and excited. As a result, patch 9 can emit highly directional radio waves.

On the other hand, in the case of receiving the incoming radio wave, according to the theorem of reversible transmission / reception, after the patch 9 receives the incoming radio wave, contrary to the above, the power feeding unit is passed through the slot (pair) 8 provided directly under the patch 9. The radio wave arriving at 12 is propagated.

Unlike linearly polarized waves, circularly polarized waves are radio waves whose electric field direction rotates with the passage of time. Right-handed circularly polarized waves used in GPS or ETC and left-handed circularly polarized waves used in satellite radio broadcasting and the like. The antenna according to the present invention can receive any polarized wave.

By applying a voltage to the liquid crystal layer 16 between the patch 9 and the first substrate 13, the orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 16 can be changed. As a result, since the permittivity of the liquid crystal layer 16 changes, the capacitance of the slot (pair) 8 changes, and as a result, the reactance and the resonance frequency of the slot (pair) 8 can be controlled. In other words, since the reactance and resonance frequency of the slot 8 can be adjusted by controlling the dielectric constant of the liquid crystal layer 16, the power supply to each patch 9 is controlled by adjusting the excitation of the slot (pair) 8 and the patch 9. be able to. This makes it possible to adjust the radiated radio waves via the liquid crystal layer 16. Therefore, for example, an applied voltage adjusting means for adjusting the voltage applied to the liquid crystal layer 16 such as a TFT may be provided. Further, the refractive index changes by changing the orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer 16, and as a result, the phase of the electromagnetic wave transmitted through the liquid crystal layer 16 shifts, and as a comprehensive result, phased array control becomes possible. ..
The materials of the first substrate 13 and the second substrate 14 are not particularly limited as long as they are conductors such as copper. The material of the third substrate 15 is not particularly limited, and known materials such as glass substrate, acrylic substrate, ceramic (alumina), silicon, and glass cloth Teflon (registered trademark) (PTFE) are known depending on the mode of use. The material can be used. As the material of the first dielectric layer 17, a known material can be appropriately selected according to a desired relative permittivity, and a vacuum may be used. Further, the material of the patch 9 is not particularly limited as long as it is a conductor such as copper or silver.

Next, another embodiment of the antenna body 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 7. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the portion of the slot array portion 6 of the antenna main body 10 is different from the embodiment shown in FIG.

In FIG. 7, the antenna main body 10 is a circular body in which a plurality of slots (pairs) 8 are formed on one surface thereof, and is housed inside a hollow first substrate 13 and the hollow first substrate 13. The plate-shaped second substrate 14, the first dielectric layer 17, and the feeding portion 12, the disc-shaped third substrate 15, the patch 9 attached to the third substrate 15, the third substrate 15, and the first The power feeding unit 12 has a liquid crystal layer 16 provided between the substrates 13, and the feeding portion 12 is formed between the surface of the other first substrate 13 and the second substrate 14 on which the plurality of slots (pairs) 8 are not formed. It is provided and is provided at the center of the first substrate 13 and the disk-shaped second substrate 14. Further, the power feeding unit 12 is electrically connected to a transmitter and / or a receiver provided on the control board via a feeding line 12a. Then, each patch 9 corresponds to each slot pair 8. Further, in FIG. 7, both side surface portions of the first substrate 13 of the hollow body project outward from the hollow body, and specifically, have an inclined surface of 45 ° with respect to the horizontal direction.

As shown in FIG. 7, the radio wave (arrow) fed by the (coaxial) feeding unit 12 becomes a cylindrical wave and propagates in the first dielectric layer 17 outward in the radial direction. Then, the propagated cylindrical wave is reflected on both side surfaces of the hollow first substrate 13, so that the cylindrical wave that wraps around the second substrate 14 goes from the outer periphery of the disk-shaped first substrate 13 toward the center. It is converted into a traveling wave (arrow) and propagates in the first dielectric layer 17. At that time, the traveling wave is transmitted from the slot (pair) 8 to the liquid crystal layer 16. As a result, the patch 9 can be excited and emit a highly directional radio wave as in the embodiment shown in FIG.

On the other hand, in the case of receiving the incoming radio wave, similarly, after the patch 9 receives the incoming radio wave, the incoming radio wave propagates to the power feeding unit 12 through the slot (pair) 8 provided directly under the patch 9.

Next, another embodiment of the antenna main body 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10. In the embodiment of the antenna main body 10 of FIGS. 5 to 7 described above, the configuration of the antenna main body 10 in which the liquid crystal layer 16 is uniformly provided between the first substrate 13 and the third substrate 15 has been described. On the other hand, in the embodiment of FIGS. 8 to 10, the configuration of the antenna main body 10 in which the liquid crystal layer 16 is filled in the space (hereinafter, the sealed region 20) arranged in the patch 9 and the slot 8 respectively will be described.

FIG. 8 is a top view showing an example of an embodiment of the antenna body 10 according to the present invention. More specifically, FIG. 8 is a view of the antenna body 10 as viewed from the patch array unit 7, in which the patch 9, the feeding unit 12, and the slot 8 are projected vertically onto the main surface of the disk body Q. is there. Therefore, as in FIG. 5, the patch 9, the power feeding unit 12, and the slot 8 are indicated by broken lines. In FIG. 8, a rectangular parallelepiped patch 9 and one rectangular parallelepiped slot 8 are arranged corresponding to the sealing region 20, respectively. Further, as shown in FIG. 8, since the projection body of the patch 9 and the projection body of the slot 8 overlap each other, the slot 8 is formed directly under the patch 9. As a result, the embodiment of the antenna body 10 shown in FIG. 8 can supply power from the slot 8 to the patch 9 or propagate the incoming radio wave from the patch 9 to the slot 8 by the electromagnetic coupling power feeding method. Therefore, it is possible to provide an antenna capable of transmitting and / or receiving radio waves.

Further, as shown in FIG. 8, in the present embodiment, the patch 9 and the slot 8 are arranged concentrically from the center of the disc body Q toward the outer peripheral direction of the disc body Q. Therefore, since the conical beam is emitted by the coaxial mode power supply, the phases can be aligned in front of the disk body Q and the electromagnetic fields can be strengthened.

Next, an embodiment of the antenna main body 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 9, which is a cross-sectional view of the antenna main body 10 shown in FIG. Needless to say, FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing the configuration of the antenna.

As shown in FIG. 9, the antenna main body 10 has a disk-shaped second substrate 14 and a plurality of slots 8 formed concentrically from the center toward the outside in the radial direction. 1 substrate 13, a buffer layer 22 provided on the surface of the first substrate 13 on the side of the second substrate 14, a first dielectric layer 17 provided between the buffer layer 22 and the second substrate 14, and a disk. The feeding portion 12 provided at the center of the first substrate 13 and the second substrate 14 in the shape of a disk and in contact with the first dielectric layer 17, and the third substrate 15 in the shape of a disk. , A plurality of sealing regions isolated by a sealing wall 24 between the patch 9 (radiating element or incident element) attached to the third substrate 15 and the third substrate 15 and the first substrate 13 and provided with the patch 9. It has a liquid crystal layer 16 in which the inside of the 20 is filled so as to come into contact with the patch 9. Further, the power feeding unit 12 is electrically connected to a transmitter and / or a receiver provided on the control board via a feeding line 12a. Each patch 9 corresponds to each slot 8, and at least one patch 9, at least one slot 8, and a liquid crystal layer 16 are present in each sealed region 20. , Each of the plurality of sealing regions 20 is isolated via sealing walls 21, 23, 24.

Although not shown in FIG. 9, if necessary, a TFT (thin film transistor) that controls the voltage of the liquid crystal layer 16 may be provided on the first substrate 13 in each sealed region 20. Thereby, the application of the voltage of the liquid crystal layer 16 can be controlled by the active method. Further, if necessary, an alignment film may be provided in each sealed region 20 in order to fix the orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecules constituting the liquid crystal layer 16. As the alignment film, a homeotropic alignment film that facilitates the vertical orientation of the liquid crystal molecules or a homogeneous alignment film that facilitates the horizontal orientation of the liquid crystal molecules is provided between the first substrate 13 and the liquid crystal layer 16. You may. For example, a polyimide alignment film, a photoalignment film, and the like can be mentioned.

Next, the sealed region 20 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 10, which is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB of the antenna body 10 shown in FIG. Needless to say, FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing the sealed region 20.

As shown in FIG. 10, the sealing region 20 is a sealing space surrounded on all four sides by the sealing wall 24, the buffer layer 22, the first substrate 13, and the third substrate 15, and at least one patch is contained therein. 9 and at least one slot 8 are provided in the same sealed space so as to face each other, and the liquid crystal layer 16 is filled.

In the present embodiment, the seal wall 24 may be formed of a known insulator or the like. Further, the buffer layer 22 may be formed of a known dielectric material or the like.

Although not shown in FIG. 10, if necessary, a TFT (thin film transistor) that controls the voltage of the liquid crystal layer 16 may be provided on the first substrate 13 in the sealed region 20. Thereby, the application of the voltage of the liquid crystal layer 16 can be controlled by the active method. To explain the driving method by the active method in more detail, for example, the patch 9 and the first substrate 13 are formed by the TFT formed on the first substrate 13 with the patch 9 as a common electrode and the first substrate 13 as a pixel electrode. A method of controlling the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer 16 by controlling the voltage between the two, or a method in which the first substrate 13 is used as a pixel electrode and the electrode layer and the TFT are formed on the first substrate 13, and the patch 9 A method of controlling the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer 16 by controlling the voltage between the first substrate 13 and the first substrate 13, and further, a comb tooth electrode and a TFT are provided on the first substrate 13, and the liquid crystal layer 16 is provided by the TFT. A method of controlling the orientation of the liquid crystal molecule of the above can be mentioned. The method of controlling the application of the voltage of the liquid crystal layer 16 by the active method is not limited to the above method.

Further, at this time, an alignment film may be provided in each sealed region 20 in order to fix the orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecules constituting the liquid crystal layer 16. As the alignment film, a homeotropic alignment film that facilitates the vertical orientation of the liquid crystal molecules or a homogeneous alignment film that facilitates the horizontal orientation of the liquid crystal molecules is provided between the first substrate 13 and the liquid crystal layer 16. You may.

In order to synchronize the liquid crystal layer 16, the voltage applied to the liquid crystal layer 16 between the patch 9 and the first substrate 13 may be modulated. For example, as described above, by controlling the voltage applied to the liquid crystal layer 16 using the active method, the capacitance of the slot 8 changes, and as a result, the reactance and the resonance frequency of the slot 8 are controlled. be able to. The resonance frequency of the slot 8 has a correlation with the energy radiated from the radio wave propagating on the line or the like. Therefore, by adjusting the resonance frequency of the slot 8, the slot 8 is substantially not coupled with the cylindrical wave energy from the feeding unit 12, or is coupled with the cylindrical wave energy and radiated into the free space. Such control of the reactance and the resonance frequency of the slot 8 can be performed in each of the plurality of sealed regions 20 formed. In other words, by controlling the dielectric constant of the liquid crystal layer 16, the power supply to the patch 9 in each sealed region 20 can be controlled by the TFT. Therefore, since the patch 9 that transmits radio waves and the patch that does not transmit radio waves can be controlled, it is possible to adjust the transmission and reception of the radiated radio waves via the liquid crystal layer 16.

The nematic liquid crystal composition described in the examples was produced, and various physical property values were measured. The compositions of the following Examples and Comparative Examples contained each compound in the ratio shown in the table, and the content was described in "mass%". The following abbreviations are used for the description of compounds in the examples.

In the following examples, unless otherwise specified, a trans body is represented.

(Physical characteristic value)
TNI (° C.): Temperature at which the composition transitions from the nematic phase to the isotropic phase (Tni)
Δn: Refractive index anisotropy of the host liquid crystal composition at 25 ° C. and 589 nm

(Examples 1 and 2 and Comparative Example 1)
The liquid crystal compounds shown in Table 2 below were prepared, nematic liquid crystal compositions were prepared, and various physical property values were measured. In Examples 1 and 2, a compound in which fluorine is substituted with chlorine or a compound in which fluorine is substituted with chlorine and an alkyl group is substituted with an alkoxy group in a three-ring compound in which the terminal of Comparative Example 1 is substituted with fluorine by NCS. (Compound represented by the general formula (i)) is used at 30%.

Δn in the visible light region correlates with Δε in the several tens of GHz band, and the higher the Δn, the larger the change in the dielectric constant in the GHz band, which is preferable as a liquid crystal for an antenna. From the experimental results shown in Table 2 below, it was found that Δn of Examples 1 and 2 was almost the same as that of Comparative Example 1. It was also found that Tni was almost the same.

When the low temperature storage stability was compared between the liquid crystal compositions of Examples 1 and 2 and the liquid crystal composition of Comparative Example 1, the liquid crystal composition of Comparative Example 1 was found to precipitate after 240 hours at −20 ° C. On the other hand, it was confirmed that the liquid crystal compositions of Examples 1 and 2 maintained the nematic liquid crystal phase even after 240 hours, and were excellent in low temperature storage stability.

(Examples 3 and 4, Comparative Example 2)
The liquid crystal compounds shown in Table 3 below were prepared, nematic liquid crystal compositions were prepared, and various physical property values were measured. In Examples 3 and 4, in the three-ring compound in which the terminal of Comparative Example 2 was substituted with fluorine by NCS, the compound in which fluorine was substituted with chlorine, or the compound in which fluorine was substituted with chlorine and the alkyl group was substituted with an alkoxy group. (Compound represented by the general formula (i)) is used at 24%.

Δn in the visible light region correlates with Δε in the several tens of GHz band, and the higher the Δn, the larger the change in the dielectric constant in the GHz band, which is preferable as a liquid crystal for an antenna. From the experimental results shown in Table 3 below, it was found that Examples 3 and 4 had substantially the same Δn and Tni as compared with Comparative Example 2.

When the low temperature storage stability was compared between the liquid crystal compositions of Examples 3 and 4 and the liquid crystal composition of Comparative Example 2, the liquid crystal composition of Comparative Example 2 was found to precipitate after 240 hours at −20 ° C. On the other hand, it was confirmed that the liquid crystal compositions of Examples 3 and 4 maintained the nematic liquid crystal phase even after 240 hours, and were excellent in low temperature storage stability.

(Example 5, Comparative Example 3)
The liquid crystal compounds shown in Table 4 below were prepared, nematic liquid crystal compositions were prepared, and various physical property values were measured. In Example 5, in a three-ring compound in which the terminal of Comparative Example 3 was substituted with fluorine by NCS, a compound in which fluorine was substituted with chlorine, or a compound in which fluorine was substituted with chlorine and an alkyl group was substituted with an alkoxy group (generally). 24% of the compound represented by the formula (i) is used.

Δn in the visible light region correlates with Δε in the several tens of GHz band, and the higher the Δn, the larger the change in the dielectric constant in the GHz band, which is preferable as a liquid crystal for an antenna. From the experimental results shown in Table 4 below, it was found that Example 5 had substantially the same Δn and Tni as compared with Comparative Example 3.

When the low temperature storage stability was compared between the liquid crystal composition of Example 5 and the liquid crystal composition of Comparative Example 3, the liquid crystal composition of Comparative Example 3 was found to precipitate after 240 hours at −20 ° C. On the other hand, it was confirmed that the liquid crystal composition of Example 5 maintained the liquid crystal phase even after 240 hours, and was excellent in low temperature storage stability.

According to the present invention, it is an object of the present invention to provide a liquid crystal composition having a high Δn that maintains low temperature storage stability for a long period of time. Therefore, it can be used as a liquid crystal material for a high frequency device, a microwave device, or an antenna.

According to the present invention, it is an object of the present invention to provide an antenna provided with a liquid crystal composition having a high Δn that maintains low temperature storage stability for a long period of time.

1: Antenna unit 2: Vehicle 3: Case 4: Control board 5: Top lid 6: Slot array part 7: Patch array part 8: Slot 9: Patch 10: Antenna body 11: Antenna assembly 12: Feeding part 12a: Feeding line 13: 1st substrate 14: 2nd substrate 15: 3rd substrate 16: Liquid crystal layer 17: 1st dielectric layer 20: Sealed area 21, 23, 24: Seal wall 22: Buffer layer P: Conductor Q: Disc

Claims (13)

1. A liquid crystal composition containing a compound represented by the general formula (i).
   

   

   (In the above general formula (i),
   R ⁱ¹ represents a linear or branched alkyl group or halogenated alkyl group having 1 to 40 carbon atoms, and is an alkyl group or an alkyl group containing one methylene group or a secondary carbon atom present in these groups. The halogenated alkylene group may be substituted with -O-, -CH = CH-, or -C≡C- so that the oxygen atoms are not directly adjacent to each other.
   m1 represents an integer of 1 or 2 and represents
   A ⁱ¹ to A ⁱ³ independently represent any one of the following groups (a) to (c).
   (A) Trans-1,4-cyclohexylene group (one methylene group present in this group or two or more methylene groups not adjacent to each other is replaced with -O- or -S-. May be good),
   (B) 1,4-phenylene group (one -CH = existing in this group or two or more -CH = not adjacent to each other may be replaced with -N =),
   (C) Naphthalene-2,6-diyl group, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group or decahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group (naphthalene-2,6-diyl group or One -CH = present in the 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group or two or more non-adjacent -CH = may be replaced with -N =. )
   The hydrogen atom in the groups (a) to (c) may be substituted with a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, or a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms or an alkyl halide group. At least one of the hydrogen atoms in ^Ai1 to ^{Ai3 is replaced with a chlorine atom.}
   Z ⁱ¹ and Z ⁱ² are independently single-bonded, -C≡C-, -CH = CH-, -CF = CF-, or -C ( ^Ria ) = NN = C (R ^ib ). ^-In this case, Ria and ^Rib independently represent a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, or a linear or branched alkyl group or halogenated alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms.
   ^{A plurality of A i1} and Z ⁱ¹ existing when m1 is 2 may be the same or different from each other. )
2. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 1, further comprising at least one compound selected from the group consisting of the general formula (ii) and the general formula (iii).
   

   

   (In the above general formula (ii),
   ^Rii1 represents a linear or branched alkyl group or alkyl halide group having 1 to 40 carbon atoms, and a halogenated alkylene containing one methylene group or secondary carbon atom present in these groups. The groups may be substituted with -O-, -CH = CH-, or -C≡C- so that the oxygen atoms are not directly adjacent.
   n represents an integer from 0 to 2 and represents
   A ⁱⁱ¹ and A ⁱⁱ² independently represent any one of the following groups (a) or groups (b).
   (A) Trans-1,4-cyclohexylene group (one methylene group present in this group or two or more methylene groups not adjacent to each other is replaced with -O- or -S-. May be good),
   (B) 1,4-phenylene group (one -CH = existing in this group or two or more -CH = not adjacent to each other may be replaced with -N =),
   Even if the hydrogen atom in the group (a) or group (b) is substituted with a cyano group, a halogen atom, or a linear or branched alkyl group or alkyl halide having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, respectively. Often,
   X ⁱⁱ¹¹ to X ⁱⁱ¹³ independently represent a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, or a linear or branched alkyl group or halogenated alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms.
   Y ⁱ¹ represents a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a thiocyanato group, a trifluoromethoxy group, a trifluoromethyl group, a 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl group, or a difluoromethoxy group.
   Z ⁱⁱ¹ and ^{Z ii2} are each independently a single _{bond, -COO -, - OCO -,} - CH 2 CH 2 -, - (CH 2) 4 -, - OCH 2 -, - CH 2 O -, - Represents OCF _2- , -CF ₂ O- or -C≡C-
   When n is 2, a plurality of ^Aii1 and ^Zii1 may be the same or different from each other. )
   

   

   (In the above general formula (iii),
   ^Riii1 represents a linear or branched alkyl group or alkyl halide group having 1 to 40 carbon atoms, and a halogenated alkylene containing one methylene group or secondary carbon atom present in these groups. The groups may be substituted with -O-, -CH = CH-, or -C≡C- so that the oxygen atoms are not directly adjacent.
   l represents an integer from 0 to 2
   A ⁱⁱⁱ¹ to A ⁱⁱⁱ³ independently represent any one of the following groups (a) to (c).
   (A) Trans-1,4-cyclohexylene group (one methylene group present in this group or two or more methylene groups not adjacent to each other is replaced with -O- or -S-. May be good),
   (B) 1,4-phenylene group (one -CH = existing in this group or two or more -CH = not adjacent to each other may be replaced with -N =),
   (C) Naphthalene-2,6-diyl group, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group or decahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group (naphthalene-2,6-diyl group or One -CH = present in the 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group or two or more non-adjacent -CH = may be replaced with -N =. )
   The hydrogen atoms in the groups (a) to (c) may be substituted with a cyano group, a halogen atom, or a linear or branched alkyl group or an alkyl halide group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, respectively. ,
   Z ^III1 and ^{Z III2} are each independently a single _{bond, -COO -, - OCO -,} - CH 2 CH 2 -, - (CH 2) 4 -, - OCH 2 -, - CH 2 O -, - Represents OCF _2- , -CF ₂ O- or -C≡C-
   When l is 2 or more, a plurality of ^Aiii1 and ^Ziii1 may be the same or different from each other. )
3. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising at least one compound selected from the group consisting of the general formula (iv).
   

   

   (In the above general formula (iv),
   ^Riv1 represents a linear or branched alkyl group or alkyl halide group having 1 to 40 carbon atoms, and a halogenated alkylene containing one methylene group or secondary carbon atom present in these groups. The groups may be substituted with -O-, -CH = CH-, or -C≡C- so that the oxygen atoms are not directly adjacent.
   m2 represents an integer of 0, 1 or 2,
   A ^iv1 to A ^iv3 independently represent any one of the following groups (a) to (c).
   (A) Trans-1,4-cyclohexylene group (one methylene group present in this group or two or more methylene groups not adjacent to each other is replaced with -O- or -S-. May be good),
   (B) 1,4-phenylene group (one -CH = existing in this group or two or more -CH = not adjacent to each other may be replaced with -N =),
   (C) Naphthalene-2,6-diyl group, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group or decahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group (naphthalene-2,6-diyl group or One -CH = present in the 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group or two or more non-adjacent -CH = may be replaced with -N =. )
   The hydrogen atom in the groups (a) to (c) may be substituted with a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or a fluorinated alkyl group.
   Z ^iv1 and Z ^iv2 are independently single-bonded, -C≡C-, -CH = CH-, -CF = CF-, or -C (R ^iva ) = NN = C (R ^ivb ). - it represents, this ^time, represent at least one of ^{Z iv1} present ^{Z iv2} and 0 to 2 ^{-C≡C-, R iva} and ^{R ivb} are each independently a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, or Represents a linear or branched alkyl group or halogenated alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms.
   ^{A plurality of A iv1} and Z ^iv1 existing when m2 is 2 may be the same or different from each other. However, among the compounds represented by the general formula (iv), the compounds represented by the general formula (i) are excluded. )
4. The liquid crystal composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further containing one or more compounds selected from the general formula (v).
   

   

   (In the above general formula (v),
   R ³¹ represents an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms or an alkenyl group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and one methylene group existing in these groups or two or more methylene groups not adjacent to each other. The groups may be substituted with —O— or —S—, and one or more hydrogen atoms present in these groups may be substituted with fluorine or chlorine atoms.
   M ³¹ and M ³² independently represent any one of the following groups (a), group (b), or group (c).
   (A) Trans-1,4-cyclohexylene group (one methylene group present in this group or two or more methylene groups not adjacent to each other is replaced with -O- or -S-. May be good),
   (B) 1,4-Phenylene group (one -CH = existing in this group or two or more -CH = not adjacent to each other may be replaced with -N =), 3- Fluoro-1,4-phenylene group, or 3,5-difluoro-1,4-phenylene group, and (c) 1,4-cyclohexenylene group, 1,4-bicyclo [2.2.2] octylene group , Piperidine-2,5-diyl group, naphthalene-2,6-diyl group, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group, or decahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group,
   The hydrogen atom contained in the above group (a), group (b) or group (c) may be substituted with a cyano group, a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a trifluoromethyl group or a trifluoromethoxy group, respectively.
   L ³¹ and ^{L 32} are each independently a single _{bond, -COO -, - OCO -,} - CH 2 CH 2 -, - (CH 2) 4 -, - OCH 2 -, - CH 2 O -, - Represents OCF _2- , -CF ₂ O- or -C≡C-
   p represents 0, 1 or 2,
   When a ^{plurality of M 32} and / or L ³¹ are present, they may be the same or different.
   X ³¹ and X ³² independently represent a hydrogen atom or a fluorine atom, respectively.
   Y ³¹ represents a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a thiocyanato group, a trifluoromethoxy group, a trifluoromethyl group, a 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl group, or a difluoromethoxy group. )
5. The liquid crystal composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein Δn at 589.0 nm is 0.2 or more.
6. A liquid crystal element using the liquid crystal composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5.
7. The liquid crystal element according to claim 6, which is driven by an active matrix method or a passive matrix method.
8. A liquid crystal element that reversibly switches the dielectric constant by reversibly changing the orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
9. A sensor using the liquid crystal composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5.
10. A liquid crystal lens using the liquid crystal composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5.
11. An optical communication device using the liquid crystal composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5.
12. An antenna using the liquid crystal composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5.
13. The antenna according to claim 12.
    A first board with multiple slots and
    A second board facing the first board and provided with a power feeding unit,
    A first dielectric layer provided between the first substrate and the second substrate,
    A plurality of patch electrodes arranged corresponding to the plurality of slots, and
    A third substrate provided with the patch electrode and
    A liquid crystal layer provided between the first substrate and the third substrate is provided.
    The liquid crystal layer has a general formula (i):
    

    

    (In the above general formula (i),
    R ⁱ¹ represents a linear or branched alkyl group or alkyl halide group having 1 to 40 carbon atoms, and a halogenated alkylene containing one methylene group or secondary carbon atom present in these groups. The groups may be substituted with -O-, -CH = CH-, or -C≡C- so that the oxygen atoms are not directly adjacent.
    m1 represents an integer of 1 or 2 and represents
    A ⁱ¹ to A ⁱ³ independently represent any one of the following groups (a) to (c).
    (A) Trans-1,4-cyclohexylene group (one methylene group present in this group or two or more methylene groups not adjacent to each other is replaced with -O- or -S-. May be good),
    (B) 1,4-phenylene group (one -CH = existing in this group or two or more -CH = not adjacent to each other may be replaced with -N =),
    (C) Naphthalene-2,6-diyl group, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group or decahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group (naphthalene-2,6-diyl group or One -CH = present in the 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group or two or more non-adjacent -CH = may be replaced with -N =. )
    The hydrogen atom in the groups (a) to (c) may be substituted with a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, or a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms or an alkyl halide group. At least one of the hydrogen atoms in ^Ai1 to ^{Ai3 is replaced with a chlorine atom.}
    Z ⁱ¹ and Z ⁱ² are independently single-bonded, -C≡C-, -CH = CH-, -CF = CF-, or -C ( ^Ria ) = NN = C (R ^ib ). ^-In this case, Ria and ^Rib independently represent a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, or a linear or branched alkyl group or halogenated alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms.
    ^{A plurality of A i1} and Z ⁱ¹ existing when m1 is 2 may be the same or different from each other. An antenna containing a liquid crystal compound represented by).

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