| abstract |
An untreated polarizer layer which inherently exhibits liquid crystal alignment-promoting characteristics is placed on an untreated front and/or rear substrate and respective electrode layer in contact with the liquid crystal so that the polarizer layer can serve the dual function of polarizing and liquid crystal alignment means in the display, thereby simplifying display construction. If desired, the polarizer layer itself may be rubbed or otherwise mechanically treated in situ on the substrate to selectively alter its liquid crystal alignment properties. Further simplification of the display is achieved by combining the rear electrode, associated rear polarizer and liquid crystal alignment means, and reflector together in the form of a reflective metallic electrode member having a transparent, dual functioning polarizer-alignment layer on the inner surface adjacent and in contact with the liquid crystal layer of the display. A reduction in the number of layers in the display sandwich from ten to only seven is possible with the invention. A novel polarizer-alignment layer useful in simplifying the display construction is made of cyanoethylated polyvinyl alcohol or butyrate. |