Abstract This disclosure is directed to articles of manufacture, chiefly display devices, containing minute ''''naked'''' droplets or inclusions of cholesteric liquid crystal material in a substantially continuous polymeric matrix, said liquid crystal material changing color or shade of color not only upon application of an electric potential but also upon removal of the field. The image produced has a comparable outline to that of the path of the electric field. Three chromatic states are evident, the normal color (before the electric potential is applied), the color given off when the electric field is applied, and the color observed when the electric field is removed. All three chromatic states are readily discernible from one another. The polymer matrix protects the cholesteric liquid crystal droplets from aging and enhances electric field behavior because the third chromatic state (electric potential removed) has a greater longevity with the matrix-bound material versus unprotected material of identical composition but no polymeric matrix. Other advantages are also discussed.
A cathode ray tube display device as in claim 1 wherein said droplets have an average size ranging from about 5 to about 20 microns and are uniformly distributed within said polymeric matrix.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
110 words
A cathode ray tube display device comprising a cathode ray tube having a face plate portion with an outer face and an electron emitting surface located interiorly, a plurality of electron conducting elements extending through said face plate portion and in electric field imposing proximity to a cholesteric liquid crystal member comprised of a profusion of individual, naked droplets of cholesteric liquid crystal material, chromatically responsive to an electric field, confined in a substantially continuous solid polymer matrix and positioned in a generally parallel relationship with the outer face of said face plate portion, and a transparent electrode positioned generally parallel to yet externally of said cholesteric liquid crystal member.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
A cathode ray tube display device as in claim 3 which includes a substantially transparent protective covering for said substantially transparent electrode.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
32 words
A cathode ray tube display device as in claim 3 which includes an opaque contrasting background positioned intermediate said outer face of said face plate portion and said cholesteric liquid crystal member.