SBIR Phase I: Ion and Radical-Free, Polymer-Stabilized, Vertically-Aligned Nematic LCDs for Enhanced Lifetime

This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop polymer dopants that expedite processing and increase yield of well aligned VA (Vertically aligned) nematic cells in order to improve large area LCD display technology: Polymer-stabilized vertically aligned nematic (VAN) LCDs for HDTV. The nematic-polymer mixtures will be optimized to establish reliable processes to produce well aligned, fast switching cells in high yield that can be used in displays and other EO devices benefiting from PS-VA remarkably fast switching speed. The LCD flat panel display market has been growing at a steady rate, even in the midst of the economic downturn. The additives developed in this project would replace the currently used reactive monomers and UV processing step, significantly reducing the cost and improving lifetime while retaining the excellent speed advantages of the PS-VA display.