Electro-chemical activity in liquid crystal on silicon microdisplays

In reflective liquid crystal devices that have an asymmetric electrode structure, an internal cell voltage is often present that interferes with the proper functioning of the device. Contrary to transmissive devices, this internal voltage cannot be attributed solely to ionic charges in the liquid crystal. On the basis of extensive measurements, an electro-chemical model is developed and validated, providing a complete explanation for the generation and the dynamic behavior of the internal voltage in asymmetric liquid crystal devices. A possible solution for eliminating the occurrence of the internal voltage is also provided.