F. Chau & Associates, LLP
Vertically aligned pi-cell LCD having on-state with mid-plane molecules perpendicular to the substrates
 A liquid crystal mode includes a layer of a liquid crystal material disposed between homeotropic alignment layers having a parallel alignment direction, the liquid crystal material including a negative dielectric anisotropic material. The liquid crystal material having a first state characterized by a vertical alignment of molecules which is substantially perpendicular to the alignment layers, and a second state which is characterized by the orientation of the molecules of the liquid crystal material which is oriented responsive to an electric field such that the molecules above a mid-plane of the liquid crystal material have a tilt in a first direction and the molecules below the mid-plane have a tilt opposite the first direction while the molecules adjacent the alignment layers and at the mid-plane remain substantially perpendicular to the alignment layers. The mid-plane is substantially parallel to the alignment layers. 
International Business Machines Corporation
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additional additional inventional
Shui-Chih Alan Chen James E.
Lien Cai Anderson