A new electric-field-controlled reflective optical storage effect in mixed liquid-crystal systems

A new electric-field-controlled reflective optical storage effect has been discovered in mixed nematic-cholesteric liquid-crystal systems. Ion motion produced by a dc electric field is used to emulsify the initial transparent mixture and give it a milky-white appearance. This state remains after the dc signal is removed. The material can be returned to its initial state by applying an audio-frequency signal. The reflective contrast ratio of 7:1, flat construction, low voltage and power writing capability, and storage with continuous readout, requiring no maintaining power, make. the new effect seem attractive for indicator-type applications using solid-state addressing circuitry.