Fast in-plane switching of nematic liquid crystals by two-dimensional confinement with virtual walls

We introduce a method for achieving a short response time in homogeneously aligned liquid crystal cells by twodimensional confinement of LCs with virtual walls. When an electric field is applied to in-plane switching (IPS) and fringe-field switching (FFS) cells with interdigitated electrodes parallel to the LC alignment direction, virtual walls are built so that the switching speed can be increased several-fold. We also introduce an interdigitated pixel electrode structure with alternating tilts for a much wider viewing angle by aligning the LCs without a pretilt. In addition to a short response time and wide viewing angle, this device allows a much larger deviation of the LC alignment direction which is essential for mass production. Moreover, LCs with negative dielectric anisotropy can be used to minimize the transmittance decrease.