A liquid crystal device

Abstract

This invention provides a liquid crystal device. The liquid crystal device includes one or more pixel elements, each pixel element including a first substrate, a second substrate, a liquid crystal layer between the first and second substrates, a first plurality of electrodes and a second plurality of electrodes formed between the first substrate and the liquid crystal layer, and a third plurality of electrodes and a fourth plurality of electrodes formed between the second substrate and the liquid crystal layer; wherein the electrodes of the first plurality of electrodes and the second plurality of electrodes are respectively electrically driven, the electrodes of the third plurality of electrodes and the fourth plurality of electrodes are respectively electrically driven, an in-plane electric field is formed between the first and second plurality of electrodes, and between the third and fourth plurality of electrodes, and an out-of-plane electric field is generated between the first electrode and the third or fourth electrode, and between the second electrode and the third or fourth electrode, and the in-plane electric field and the out-of-plane electric field form an electric field in an orthogonal direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of liquid crystal modulation technology, and more specifically to a liquid crystal device for the terahertz band. Background Technology

[0002] Terahertz wave technology shows great potential in fields including time-domain spectroscopy, terahertz imaging, and medical applications. Furthermore, terahertz communication and phased array radar are becoming feasible. All of these applications require terahertz quasioptical devices, such as polarizers, filters, phase shifters, and modulators for signal processing. Liquid crystal (LC) devices are widely used at terahertz frequencies. To operate at terahertz frequencies, liquid crystal devices use thick cell gaps to meet the required delay. However, the thick cell gaps result in extremely slow response times.

[0003] In their article "Newly discovered dimensional effects of electrodes on liquid crystal THz phase shifters enable novel switching between in-plane and out-of-plane" (Scientific Reports, 2022, 12(1)), Oh-E, Masahito, and DYZheng proposed a liquid crystal phase shifter for terahertz electromagnetic waves using liquid crystal switching (LC switching). The liquid crystal switching brings about six-directional switching between the initial, inherent in-plane, and out-of-plane reorientation of the liquid crystal. However, this structure has a narrow phase modulation range and slow response time, and the electrode design still needs to be improved and optimized.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need to provide a liquid crystal device suitable for the terahertz band to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art, the purpose of this invention is to provide a liquid crystal device with improved phase modulation range and response time.

[0006] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a liquid crystal device, comprising: one or more pixel elements, wherein each pixel element includes:

[0008] A first substrate; a second substrate facing and parallel to the first substrate; a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate; a first plurality of electrodes and a second plurality of electrodes formed between the first substrate and the liquid crystal layer; a third plurality of electrodes and a fourth plurality of electrodes formed between the second substrate and the liquid crystal layer.

[0009] Among them, an in-plane electric field is formed between the first and second electrodes, an in-plane electric field is formed between the third and fourth electrodes, an out-of-plane electric field is formed between the first and third or fourth electrodes, and an out-of-plane electric field is formed between the second and third or fourth electrodes.

[0010] Furthermore, the first plurality of electrodes and the second plurality of electrodes are respectively powered and driven.

[0011] Furthermore, the third and fourth electrodes are respectively powered and driven.

[0012] In some embodiments of the present invention, the liquid crystal device includes one or more pixel elements, each pixel element including a first substrate; a second substrate; a liquid crystal layer between the first substrate and the second substrate; a first plurality of electrodes and a second plurality of electrodes formed between the first substrate and the liquid crystal layer; a third plurality of electrodes and a fourth plurality of electrodes formed between the second substrate and the liquid crystal layer; wherein the electrodes of the first plurality of electrodes and the second plurality of electrodes are respectively electrically driven, the electrodes of the third plurality of electrodes and the fourth plurality of electrodes are respectively electrically driven, an in-plane electric field is formed between the first and second plurality of electrodes and between the third and fourth plurality of electrodes, and an out-of-plane electric field is generated between the first electrode and the third or fourth electrode and between the second electrode and the third or fourth electrode, and the in-plane electric field and the out-of-plane electric field form an electric field in an orthogonal direction.

[0013] Furthermore, the electrodes along the X direction in the first, second, third, and fourth plurality of electrodes form an angle of 80° to 100° with the electrodes along the Y direction. Even further, the electrodes along the X direction in the first, second, third, and fourth plurality of electrodes form an angle of 80°, 83°, 85°, 90°, 95°, 97°, 100°, or any two of these values ​​with the electrodes along the Y direction.

[0014] Furthermore, the first plane containing the first plurality of electrodes and the second plurality of electrodes faces each other and is parallel to the second plane containing the third plurality of electrodes and the fourth plurality of electrodes.

[0015] Furthermore, the first plurality of electrodes, the second plurality of electrodes, the third plurality of electrodes, and the fourth plurality of electrodes include finger-shaped electrodes, grid-shaped electrodes, planar electrodes, and / or comb-shaped electrodes.

[0016] Furthermore, when the first plurality of electrodes and the second plurality of electrodes are finger-shaped electrodes, the electrodes in the first plurality of electrodes and the electrodes in the second plurality of electrodes are arranged alternately and crosswise with each other. Furthermore, when the third plurality of electrodes and the fourth plurality of electrodes are finger-shaped electrodes, the electrodes in the third plurality of electrodes and the electrodes in the fourth plurality of electrodes are arranged alternately and crosswise with each other.

[0017] Furthermore, the in-plane electric field is parallel to the first substrate, the second substrate, and the liquid crystal layer.

[0018] Furthermore, the out-of-plane electric field is perpendicular to the first substrate and the second substrate.

[0019] Furthermore, the in-plane electric field and the out-of-plane electric field form an electric field in orthogonal directions.

[0020] Furthermore, the electrodes along the X-direction in the first plurality of electrodes and the second plurality of electrodes are perpendicular to the in-plane electric field generated in the X-direction in the first plurality of electrodes and the second plurality of electrodes. Furthermore, the angle between the in-plane electric field and the initial alignment of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer is 80° to 90°. Even further, the angle between the in-plane electric field and the initial alignment of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer is 80°, 81°, 82°, 83°, 84°, 85°, 86°, 87°, 88°, 89°, 90°, or a range between any two of these values.

[0021] Furthermore, the electrodes along the X-direction in the third and fourth plurality of electrodes are perpendicular to the in-plane electric field generated in the X-direction in the third and fourth plurality of electrodes. Furthermore, the angle between the in-plane electric field and the initial alignment of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer is 80° to 90°. Even further, the angle between the in-plane electric field and the initial alignment of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer is 80°, 81°, 82°, 83°, 84°, 85°, 86°, 87°, 88°, 89°, 90°, or any two of these values.

[0022] Furthermore, the initial alignment of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer forms an angle of 0 to 10° with the extension direction of the electrodes in the first plurality of electrodes and the electrodes in the second plurality of electrodes along the X direction. Even further, the initial alignment of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer forms an angle of 0°, 1°, 2°, 3°, 4°, 5°, 6°, 7°, 8°, 9°, 10°, or any two of these values.

[0023] Furthermore, the initial alignment of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer forms an angle of 0° to 10° with the extension direction of the electrodes along the X direction in the third and fourth plurality of electrodes. Even further, the initial alignment of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer forms an angle of 0°, 1°, 2°, 3°, 4°, 5°, 6°, 7°, 8°, 9°, 10°, or any two of these values.

[0024] Furthermore, the electrodes along the Y direction in the first plurality of electrodes and the second plurality of electrodes are perpendicular to the in-plane electric field generated in the Y direction in the first plurality of electrodes and the second plurality of electrodes. Furthermore, the angle between the in-plane electric field and the initial alignment of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer is 80° to 90°. Even further, the angle between the in-plane electric field and the initial alignment of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer is 80°, 81°, 82°, 83°, 84°, 85°, 86°, 87°, 88°, 89°, 90°, or any two of these values.

[0025] Furthermore, the electrodes along the Y direction in the third and fourth plurality of electrodes are perpendicular to the in-plane electric field generated in the Y direction in the third and fourth plurality of electrodes. Furthermore, the angle between the in-plane electric field and the initial alignment of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer is 80° to 90°. Even further, the angle between the in-plane electric field and the initial alignment of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer is 80°, 81°, 82°, 83°, 84°, 85°, 86°, 87°, 88°, 89°, 90°, or any two of these values.

[0026] Furthermore, the initial alignment of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer forms an angle of 0 to 10° with the extension direction of the first plurality of electrodes and the electrodes in the second plurality of electrodes along the Y direction. Even further, the initial alignment of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer forms an angle of 0°, 1°, 2°, 3°, 4°, 5°, 6°, 7°, 8°, 9°, 10°, or any two of these values.

[0027] Furthermore, the initial alignment of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer forms an angle of 0° to 10° with the extension direction of the electrodes along the Y direction in the third and fourth plurality of electrodes. Even further, the initial alignment of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer forms an angle of 0°, 1°, 2°, 3°, 4°, 5°, 6°, 7°, 8°, 9°, 10°, or any two of these values.

[0028] Furthermore, the first and second plurality of electrodes can be separated by PV or OC. Furthermore, the third and fourth plurality of electrodes can be separated by PV or OC.

[0029] Furthermore, the thickness range of PV is... Furthermore, the thickness of OC ranges from 1 to 2 μm.

[0030] Furthermore, the distance between an electrode in the first plurality of electrodes and an electrode in the adjacent second plurality of electrodes ranges from 10 μm to 15 μm. Even further, the distance between an electrode in the first plurality of electrodes and an electrode in the adjacent second plurality of electrodes includes 10 μm, 11 μm, 12 μm, 13 μm, 14 μm, 15 μm, or any two of these values.

[0031] Furthermore, the distance between each electrode in the first plurality of electrodes and the distance between each electrode in the adjacent second plurality of electrodes are all equal.

[0032] Furthermore, the distance between the electrode in the third plurality of electrodes and the electrode in the adjacent fourth plurality of electrodes ranges from 10 μm to 15 μm. Even further, the distance between the electrode in the third plurality of electrodes and the electrode in the adjacent fourth plurality of electrodes includes 10 μm, 11 μm, 12 μm, 13 μm, 14 μm, 15 μm, or any two of these values.

[0033] Furthermore, the distances between the electrodes in the third plurality of electrodes and the electrodes in the adjacent fourth plurality of electrodes are all equal.

[0034] Furthermore, the distances between the electrodes in the first plurality of electrodes and the electrodes in the adjacent second plurality of electrodes, and the distances between the electrodes in the third plurality of electrodes and the electrodes in the adjacent fourth plurality of electrodes, are all equal.

[0035] Furthermore, the electrode widths of the first plurality of electrodes, the second plurality of electrodes, the third plurality of electrodes, and the fourth plurality of electrodes range from 10 μm to 15 μm. Even further, the electrode widths of the first plurality of electrodes, the second plurality of electrodes, the third plurality of electrodes, and the fourth plurality of electrodes include 10 μm, 11 μm, 12 μm, 13 μm, 14 μm, 15 μm, or a range between any two of these values.

[0036] Furthermore, the electrode widths of the first plurality of electrodes, the second plurality of electrodes, the third plurality of electrodes, and the fourth plurality of electrodes are all equal.

[0037] Furthermore, the distance between the first plane containing the first and second plurality of electrodes and the second plane containing the third and fourth plurality of electrodes ranges from 100 μm to 150 μm. Even further, the distance between the first plane containing the first and second plurality of electrodes and the second plane containing the third and fourth plurality of electrodes includes 100 μm, 110 μm, 120 μm, 130 μm, 140 μm, 150 μm, or any two of these values.

[0038] Furthermore, the width of each pixel element ranges from 100μm to 150μm. Even further, the width of each pixel element includes 100μm, 110μm, 120μm, 130μm, 140μm, 150μm, or a range between any two of these values.

[0039] Furthermore, the width of each pixel element is equal.

[0040] Furthermore, the ratio of the width of each pixel element to the distance between the electrodes in the first plurality of electrodes and the electrodes in the adjacent second plurality of electrodes ranges from 10 to 15. Even further, the ratio of the width of each pixel element to the distance between the electrodes in the first plurality of electrodes and the electrodes in the adjacent second plurality of electrodes ranges from 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, or any two of these values.

[0041] Furthermore, the ratio of the width of each pixel element to the distance between the electrodes in the first plurality of electrodes and the electrodes in the adjacent second plurality of electrodes ranges from 10 to 12.

[0042] Furthermore, the ratio of the width of each pixel element to the distance between the electrodes in the third plurality of electrodes and the electrodes in the adjacent fourth plurality of electrodes ranges from 10 to 15. Even further, the ratio of the width of each pixel element to the distance between the electrodes in the third plurality of electrodes and the electrodes in the adjacent fourth plurality of electrodes ranges from 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, or any two of these values.

[0043] Furthermore, the ratio of the width of each pixel element to the distance between the electrodes in the third plurality of electrodes and the electrodes in the adjacent fourth plurality of electrodes ranges from 10 to 12.

[0044] Furthermore, the ratio of the width of each pixel element to the distance between the first plane containing the first and second electrodes and the second plane containing the third and fourth electrodes ranges from 1 to 15. Even further, the ratio of the width of each pixel element to the distance between the first plane containing the first and second electrodes and the second plane containing the third and fourth electrodes ranges from 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, or any two of these values.

[0045] Furthermore, the ratio of the width of each pixel element to the distance between the first plane containing the first plurality of electrodes and the second plurality of electrodes and the second plane containing the third plurality of electrodes and the fourth plurality of electrodes ranges from 1 to 5.

[0046] Furthermore, the ratio of the width of each pixel element to the width of the first, second, third, or fourth electrodes ranges from 10 to 15.

[0047] Furthermore, the ratio of the width of each pixel element to the width of one of the first or second or third or fourth electrodes is in the range of 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, or any two of these values.

[0048] Furthermore, the ratio of the width of each pixel element to the width of the electrode in the first, second, third, or fourth plurality of electrodes ranges from 10 to 12.

[0049] Furthermore, the electrode materials of the first plurality of electrodes, the second plurality of electrodes, the third plurality of electrodes, and the fourth plurality of electrodes include: ITO, IZO, copper, molybdenum, aluminum, or other conductive materials. Even more specifically, the electrode material of the first plurality of electrodes, the second plurality of electrodes, the third plurality of electrodes, and the fourth plurality of electrodes is ITO.

[0050] Furthermore, the electrode thickness ranges of the first plurality of electrodes, the second plurality of electrodes, the third plurality of electrodes, and the fourth plurality of electrodes are as follows: Furthermore, the electrode thicknesses of the first plurality of electrodes, the second plurality of electrodes, the third plurality of electrodes, and the fourth plurality of electrodes include Or a range between any two of these values. Further, the thickness of the first substrate and the second substrate ranges from 0.3 mm to 1 mm. Even further, the thickness range of the first substrate and the second substrate includes 0.3 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.9 mm, 1 mm, or a range between any two of these values.

[0051] Furthermore, the liquid crystal device of the present invention further includes: a first alignment layer and a second alignment layer.

[0052] Furthermore, the first alignment layer is disposed between the first plurality of electrodes and the second plurality of electrodes and the liquid crystal layer, and the second alignment layer is disposed between the third plurality of electrodes and the fourth plurality of electrodes and the liquid crystal layer.

[0053] Furthermore, the first alignment layer and the second alignment layer align the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer to the initial alignment.

[0054] On the other hand, the present invention also provides a system for the terahertz band.

[0055] Furthermore, the frequency range of the terahertz band is 0.1THz to 10THz, which is located between microwaves and infrared.

[0056] Beneficial effects:

[0057] Generally, the phase shift of a liquid crystal phase shifter depends on the cell thickness and the refractive index of the liquid crystal; a thicker cell and a higher refractive index result in a wider phase shift range. Compared to the cell thickness of ordinary display liquid crystals, phase shifters have exceptionally thick cells, inevitably leading to switching speeds of several seconds, hundreds of seconds, or even longer. Based on in-plane and out-of-plane switching structures, this invention improves the performance of a liquid crystal-based THZ-range phase shifter by optimizing the electrode structure design, ensuring a fast response while providing a wider phase shift range. Attached Figure Description

[0058] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view of the electrode structure of the liquid crystal device in Example 1.

[0059] Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the electrode structure of the liquid crystal device in Example 1.

[0060] Figure 3 This is a schematic top view of the electrode structure of the liquid crystal device in Example 1.

[0061] Figure 4 This is a schematic top view of the electrode structure of the liquid crystal device in Example 2.

[0062] Figure 5 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the electrode structure of the liquid crystal device in Example 3.

[0063] Figure 6 This is a schematic perspective view of the electrode structure of the liquid crystal device in Example 4.

[0064] Figure 7 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the electrode structure of the liquid crystal device in Example 4.

[0065] In the diagram, the black part represents the first set of electrodes; the purple part represents the second set of electrodes; the red part represents the third set of electrodes; the blue part represents the fourth set of electrodes; the green part represents the glass substrate; and the yellow part represents the PV or OC separator.

[0066] 1-First electrode, 2-Second electrode, 3-Third electrode, 4-Fourth electrode, 5-Glass substrate, 6-PV or OC separator. Detailed Implementation

[0067] To facilitate understanding of the present invention, the following embodiments are provided. Those skilled in the art should understand that these embodiments are merely illustrative and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

[0068] The applicant declares that the detailed process flow of this invention is illustrated by the above embodiments, but this invention is not limited to the above detailed process flow, that is, it does not mean that this invention must rely on the above detailed process flow to be implemented. Those skilled in the art should understand that any improvements to this invention, equivalent substitutions of raw materials for the product of this invention, addition of auxiliary components, and selection of specific methods, etc., all fall within the protection scope and disclosure scope of this invention.

[0069] Technical terms:

[0070] Glass substrate: It is a thin glass sheet with an extremely flat surface and is one of the key basic materials in the flat panel liquid crystal industry. It is the first substrate and the second substrate material in this application.

[0071] Floating state: This refers to a state in which signal lines or pins in a circuit or logic device are not connected or grounded. In this state, due to interference from external electric fields, the voltage on these lines or pins may change, leading to an unknown signal state.

[0072] ITO is an n-type semiconductor material. Due to its high conductivity, high visible light transmittance, high mechanical hardness, and good chemical stability, it has become the most commonly used thin film material for transparent electrodes in liquid crystal displays (LCDs), plasma displays (PDPs), electroluminescent displays (EL / OLEDs), touch panels, solar cells, and other electronic instruments.

[0073] IZO (Indium Zinc Oxide): is an oxide semiconductor material with high mobility and controllable resistivity.

[0074] In-plane configuration: "In-plane" refers to an electric field direction parallel to the electrode surface. When a voltage of 0V is applied to the first and second electrodes of the electrode structure in this embodiment, and a voltage of 100V is applied to the third and fourth electrodes, this voltage configuration creates an in-plane electric field between the first and second electrodes and the third and fourth electrodes. The direction of this electric field is parallel to the electrode surface, hence the term "in-plane." In this state, the force of the electric field primarily affects the charge distribution within the material, rather than directly causing mechanical deformation. This configuration is commonly used to study the electrical properties of materials and the influence of the electric field on the internal structure of materials.

[0075] Out-of-plane configuration: "Out-of-plane" refers to an electric field direction perpendicular to the electrode surface. When a voltage of 100V is applied to the first and fourth electrodes of the electrode structure in the embodiment, while a voltage of 0V is applied to the second and third electrodes, this voltage configuration creates an electric field perpendicular to the electrode surface between the first and fourth electrodes and the second and third electrodes. This electric field is perpendicular to the electrode surface and is therefore called "out-of-plane." In this state, the force of the electric field primarily affects the charge distribution within the material and may cause mechanical deformation of the material, such as deformation in the piezoelectric effect. This configuration is often used to study the electrical properties of materials and the influence of the electric field on the internal structure of the material.

[0076] Phase change refers to the change in position or state of a signal waveform within a periodic cycle. Phase describes the state of a wave (such as a sine wave) at a specific moment within a complete cycle, usually measured in degrees or radians. Within a complete cycle, the phase typically ranges from 0 to 360 degrees, or from 0 to 2π radians. When a wave completes one cycle, its phase undergoes a complete change from 0 to 360 degrees or from 0 to 2π radians. Phase difference refers to the difference in phase between two alternating currents of the same frequency. If two alternating currents have the same phase, their phase difference is zero, and they are said to be in phase; if the phase difference is 180°, they are said to be out of phase. Phase change is an important concept in signal processing, communication, and physics, describing the change of a signal waveform over time.

[0077] Response time: refers to the speed at which each pixel of a liquid crystal display responds to an input signal, that is, the time required for a pixel to change from dark to bright or from bright to dark.

[0078] Initial alignment refers to the process in which liquid crystal molecules maintain a specific initial alignment state in the absence of an electric field during the manufacturing of a liquid crystal display (LCD). Inaccurate or unstable initial alignment can lead to problems such as uneven display, decreased contrast, and slower response times.

[0079] Terahertz band: A special region of the electromagnetic spectrum with frequencies between 0.1 and 10 terahertz (THz), and wavelengths ranging from 3 millimeters to 30 micrometers. Located between microwaves and infrared radiation, the terahertz band is a unique part of the electromagnetic spectrum. Its frequency is higher than microwaves but lower than infrared radiation, thus possessing unique physical properties and application potential. It is mainly used in communication technology, imaging technology, and biomedicine.

[0080] PV: This refers to the silicon nitride insulating layer of SiNx. Silicon nitride (SiNx) is a compound composed of silicon and nitrogen, commonly used as an electrical insulating layer in microelectronics. Due to its excellent insulating properties, low dielectric constant, and thermal stability, silicon nitride is widely used as an isolation layer in semiconductor manufacturing, microwave, and radio frequency applications. In high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs), silicon nitride is often used as a gate insulating layer to improve device performance and stability.

[0081] OC: Overcoat, is a coating material used in the color filter substrate of thin-film transistor liquid crystal displays (TFT-LCDs). It is primarily used to improve the flatness and light transmittance of the color filter surface, while also requiring good heat resistance and strength to protect the filter from damage, thereby extending its service life.

[0082] Example 1

[0083] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in the figure, this embodiment illustrates the basic structure of the liquid crystal device of the present invention. Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view of the electrode structure excluding the glass substrate in this embodiment. Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the electrode structure in this embodiment.

[0084] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2Compared to the grid-type electrodes with N parallel electrodes commonly used in existing technologies, this embodiment features cross-arranged finger-type electrodes. The electrode structure diagram excludes the glass substrate and includes a first plurality of electrodes, a second plurality of electrodes, a third plurality of electrodes, and a fourth plurality of electrodes. The electrodes in the first plurality of electrodes and the second plurality of electrodes are arranged in a staggered, interleaved pattern and can be individually electrically driven. Similarly, the electrodes in the third plurality of electrodes and the fourth plurality of electrodes are also arranged in a staggered, interleaved pattern and can be individually electrically driven. The first plane containing the first plurality of electrodes and the second plurality of electrodes faces each other and is parallel to the second plane containing the third plurality of electrodes and the fourth plurality of electrodes. An in-plane electric field is formed between the first plurality of electrodes and the second plurality of electrodes, and an out-of-plane electric field is formed between the first plurality of electrodes and either the third plurality of electrodes or the fourth plurality of electrodes. The in-plane electric field is parallel to the first substrate, the second substrate, and the liquid crystal layer, while the out-of-plane electric field is perpendicular to the first substrate and the second substrate. The in-plane and out-of-plane electric fields form orthogonal electric fields. The liquid crystal device of the present invention further includes a first alignment layer and a second alignment layer, wherein the first alignment layer is disposed between a first plurality of electrodes and a second plurality of electrodes and a liquid crystal layer, and the second alignment layer is disposed between a third plurality of electrodes and a fourth plurality of electrodes and a liquid crystal layer.

[0085] The distance between the electrodes in the first plurality of electrodes and the electrodes in the second plurality of electrodes is 10 μm. The electrode widths of the first plurality of electrodes, the second plurality of electrodes, the third plurality of electrodes, and the fourth plurality of electrodes are 10 μm. The distance between the first plane containing the first plurality of electrodes and the second plurality of electrodes and the second plane containing the third plurality of electrodes and the fourth plurality of electrodes is 100 μm. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The thickness shown in the schematic diagram does not reflect the actual material thickness. In this embodiment, the first, second, third, and fourth electrodes are made of ITO material, and the electrode thickness is within... The glass substrate is 0.4 mm thick.

[0086] Applying a voltage of 0V to the first plurality of electrodes, the second plurality of electrodes, the third plurality of electrodes, and the fourth plurality of electrodes of the electrode structure in this embodiment results in a Floating state;

[0087] In this embodiment, a voltage of 0V is applied to the first and second electrodes of the electrode structure, and a voltage of 100V is applied to the third and fourth electrodes to achieve an In-plane state.

[0088] A voltage of 100V is applied to the first plurality of electrodes and the fourth plurality of electrodes of the electrode structure in this embodiment, and a voltage of 0V is applied to the second plurality of electrodes and the third plurality of electrodes in the Out-of-plane state.

[0089] The phase changes in this embodiment were measured and are shown in Table 1:

[0090] Table 1 Phase changes in Example 1

[0091] Floating→In-plane Floating → Out-of-plane Example 1 44.2 56.3

[0092] The response time of this embodiment was measured and is shown in Table 2:

[0093] The response time is defined as the time required for a 90% phase change.

[0094] Table 2 Response Time of Example 1

[0095] Floating→In-plane Floating → Out-of-plane In-plane → Out-of-plane Example 1 565ms 20ms 40ms

[0096] Measurements revealed that, compared to existing technologies, the phase change in this embodiment is improved by approximately 30% for Floating→In-plane and by approximately 5% for Floating→Out-of-plane; the response time change in this embodiment is improved by more than 10% for both Floating→In-plane and Floating→Out-of-plane.

[0097] Example 2

[0098] This embodiment is based on Embodiment 1, but with the electrodes tilted to a certain degree.

[0099] like Figure 3 As shown, Figure 3This is a schematic top view of the electrode structure in Embodiment 1. The upper and lower substrates are identical and can overlap in top view. It includes a first plurality of electrodes, a second plurality of electrodes, a third plurality of electrodes, and a fourth plurality of electrodes. The electrodes in the first plurality of electrodes and the second plurality of electrodes are arranged alternately and can be electrically driven separately. The electrodes in the third plurality of electrodes and the fourth plurality of electrodes are also arranged alternately and can be electrically driven separately. The first plane containing the first plurality of electrodes and the second plurality of electrodes face each other and are parallel to the second plane containing the third plurality of electrodes and the fourth plurality of electrodes. An in-plane electric field is formed between the first plurality of electrodes and the second plurality of electrodes, and an out-of-plane electric field is formed between the first plurality of electrodes and the third plurality of electrodes or the fourth plurality of electrodes. An out-of-plane electric field is formed between the second plurality of electrodes and the third plurality of electrodes or the fourth plurality of electrodes. The in-plane electric field is parallel to the first substrate, the second substrate, and the liquid crystal layer, and the out-of-plane electric field is perpendicular to the first substrate and the second substrate. The in-plane electric field and the out-of-plane electric field form an orthogonal electric field. It also includes a first alignment layer and a second alignment layer, wherein the first alignment layer is disposed between the first plurality of electrodes and the second plurality of electrodes and the liquid crystal layer, and the second alignment layer is disposed between the third plurality of electrodes and the fourth plurality of electrodes and the liquid crystal layer. The distance between the electrodes in the first plurality of electrodes and the electrodes in the second plurality of electrodes is 10 μm, the electrode width of the first plurality of electrodes, the second plurality of electrodes, the third plurality of electrodes and the fourth plurality of electrodes is 10 μm, and the distance between the first plane containing the first plurality of electrodes and the second plurality of electrodes and the second plane containing the third plurality of electrodes and the fourth plurality of electrodes is 100 μm. Figure 3 The thickness shown in the diagram does not reflect the actual material thickness. In this embodiment, the first, second, third, and fourth electrodes are made of ITO, and the electrode thickness is within... The glass substrate is 0.4 mm thick.

[0100] like Figure 4 As shown, Figure 4 This is a schematic top view of the electrode structure in Embodiment 2. The upper and lower substrates are identical and can overlap when viewed from above. It includes a first plurality of electrodes, a second plurality of electrodes, a third plurality of electrodes, and a fourth plurality of electrodes. The electrodes in the first plurality of electrodes and the second plurality of electrodes are arranged alternately and can be electrically driven separately. The electrodes in the third plurality of electrodes and the fourth plurality of electrodes are also arranged alternately and can be electrically driven separately. Embodiment 2 differs from Embodiment 1 in that the angle between the electrodes in the X direction and the electrodes in the Y direction of the first plurality of electrodes is changed from 90° to a non-90° α°, with α° ranging from 80° to 100°. In this embodiment, α° is 97°.

[0101] A voltage of 0V is applied to the first plurality of electrodes, the second plurality of electrodes, the third plurality of electrodes, and the fourth plurality of electrodes of the electrode structure of Example 2, which is in a floating state;

[0102] A voltage of 0V is applied to the first and second plurality of electrodes of the electrode structure in Example 2, and a voltage of 100V is applied to the third and fourth plurality of electrodes in the In-plane state.

[0103] A voltage of 100V is applied to the first plurality of electrodes and the fourth plurality of electrodes of the electrode structure of Example 2, and a voltage of 0V is applied to the second plurality of electrodes and the third plurality of electrodes in the Out-of-plane state.

[0104] Measurements revealed that, compared to existing technologies, the phase change in this embodiment is improved by approximately 35% for Floating→In-plane and by approximately 10% for Floating→Out-of-plane; the response time change in this embodiment is improved by more than 15% for Floating→In-plane and Floating→Out-of-plane, and by approximately 5% for In-plane→Out-of-plane.

[0105] Example 3

[0106] This embodiment is based on embodiment 1, in which two electrode structures on the same glass substrate, namely the first plurality of electrodes and the second plurality of electrode structures, the third plurality of electrodes and the fourth plurality of electrode structures, are separated by PV or OC, and are divided into upper and lower layers.

[0107] like Figure 5 As shown, Figure 5 The cross-sectional view of the electrode structure in Embodiment 3 shows that the first and second electrodes of the upper glass substrate are separated by PV or OC, forming upper and lower layers; the third and fourth electrodes of the lower glass substrate are separated by PV or OC, forming upper and lower layers. The electrodes in the first and second electrodes are arranged alternately and can be electrically driven separately. Figure 3 The thickness shown in the schematic diagram does not reflect the actual material thickness. In this embodiment, the first, second, third, and fourth electrodes are made of ITO. The PV thickness in this embodiment is In this embodiment, the OC thickness is 1.2 μm and the glass substrate thickness is 0.4 mm.

[0108] A voltage of 0V is applied to the first plurality of electrodes, the second plurality of electrodes, the third plurality of electrodes, and the fourth plurality of electrodes of the electrode structure of Example 3 to achieve a floating state;

[0109] A voltage of 0V is applied to the first and second plurality of electrodes of the electrode structure in Example 3, and a voltage of 100V is applied to the third and fourth plurality of electrodes in the In-plane state.

[0110] A voltage of 100V is applied to the first plurality of electrodes and the fourth plurality of electrodes of the electrode structure of Example 3, and a voltage of 0V is applied to the second plurality of electrodes and the third plurality of electrodes in the Out-of-plane state.

[0111] Measurements revealed that, compared to existing technologies, the phase change in this embodiment is improved by approximately 33% for Floating→In-plane and by approximately 8% for Floating→Out-of-plane; the response time change in this embodiment is improved by more than 12% for both Floating→In-plane and Floating→Out-of-plane.

[0112] Example 4

[0113] This embodiment is based on embodiment 3, but the first plurality of electrodes and the fourth plurality of electrodes are changed to full-surface electrodes.

[0114] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, Figure 6 This is a schematic perspective view of the electrode structure in Example 4, which does not include the glass substrate; Figure 7 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the electrode structure in Example 4. As can be seen in the cross-sectional view, the first plurality of electrodes in the upper glass substrate are full-surface electrodes, and the fourth plurality of electrodes in the lower glass substrate are changed to full-surface electrodes. The schematic thickness does not reflect the actual material thickness. In this embodiment, the electrode material for the first plurality of electrodes, the second plurality of electrodes, the third plurality of electrodes, and the fourth plurality of electrodes is generally ITO. The electrode thickness is... The PV thickness in this embodiment is In this embodiment, the OC thickness is 1.2 μm and the glass substrate thickness is 0.4 mm.

[0115] A voltage of 0V is applied to the first plurality of electrodes, the second plurality of electrodes, the third plurality of electrodes, and the fourth plurality of electrodes of the electrode structure in Example 4, which are in a floating state;

[0116] A voltage of 0V is applied to the first and second plurality of electrodes of the electrode structure in Example 4, and a voltage of 100V is applied to the third and fourth plurality of electrodes in the In-plane state.

[0117] A voltage of 100V is applied to the first plurality of electrodes and the fourth plurality of electrodes of the electrode structure of Example 4, and a voltage of 0V is applied to the second plurality of electrodes and the third plurality of electrodes in the Out-of-plane state.

[0118] Measurements revealed that, compared to existing technologies, the phase change in this embodiment is improved by approximately 37% for Floating→In-plane and by approximately 13% for Floating→Out-of-plane; the response time change in this embodiment is improved by more than 18% for Floating→In-plane and Floating→Out-of-plane, and by more than 5% for In-plane→Out-of-plane.

Claims

1. A liquid crystal device, characterized by, The liquid crystal device includes: One or more pixel elements, wherein each pixel element includes: First substrate; A second substrate facing and parallel to the first substrate; A liquid crystal layer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate; A first plurality of electrodes and a second plurality of electrodes are formed between the first substrate and the liquid crystal layer, and the first plurality of electrodes and the second plurality of electrodes are respectively electrically driven. A third plurality of electrodes and a fourth plurality of electrodes are formed between the second substrate and the liquid crystal layer, and the electrodes of the third plurality of electrodes and the fourth plurality of electrodes are respectively electrically driven; Wherein, an in-plane electric field is formed between the first plurality of electrodes and the second plurality of electrodes, an in-plane electric field is formed between the third plurality of electrodes and the fourth plurality of electrodes, an out-of-plane electric field is formed between the first plurality of electrodes and the third plurality of electrodes or the fourth plurality of electrodes, and an out-of-plane electric field is formed between the second plurality of electrodes and the third plurality of electrodes or the fourth plurality of electrodes.

2. The liquid crystal device of claim 1, wherein, The angle between the electrodes along the X direction and the electrodes along the Y direction in the first plurality of electrodes, the second plurality of electrodes, the third plurality of electrodes, and the fourth plurality of electrodes is 80° to 100°.

3. The liquid crystal device of claim 1, wherein The first plane containing the first plurality of electrodes and the second plurality of electrodes faces and is parallel to the second plane containing the third plurality of electrodes and the fourth plurality of electrodes.

4. The liquid crystal device of claim 1, wherein The first plurality of electrodes, the second plurality of electrodes, the third plurality of electrodes, and the fourth plurality of electrodes include finger-shaped electrodes, grid-shaped electrodes, planar electrodes, and / or comb-shaped electrodes.

5. A liquid crystal device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that, When the first plurality of electrodes and the second plurality of electrodes are finger-shaped electrodes, the electrodes in the first plurality of electrodes and the electrodes in the second plurality of electrodes are arranged alternately and crosswise with each other; When the third plurality of electrodes and the fourth plurality of electrodes are finger-shaped electrodes, the electrodes in the third plurality of electrodes and the electrodes in the fourth plurality of electrodes are arranged alternately and crosswise.

6. The liquid crystal device of claim 1, wherein, The in-plane electric field is parallel to the first substrate, the second substrate, and the liquid crystal layer, and the out-of-plane electric field is perpendicular to the first substrate and the second substrate. The in-plane electric field and the out-of-plane electric field form an orthogonal electric field.

7. The liquid crystal device of claim 1, wherein The electrodes along the X direction in the first plurality of electrodes and the second plurality of electrodes are perpendicular to the in-plane electric field generated in the X direction in the first plurality of electrodes and the second plurality of electrodes, and the in-plane electric field makes an angle of 80° to 90° with the initial alignment of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer; the electrodes along the X direction in the third plurality of electrodes and the fourth plurality of electrodes are perpendicular to the in-plane electric field generated in the X direction in the third plurality of electrodes and the fourth plurality of electrodes, and the in-plane electric field makes an angle of 80° to 90° with the initial alignment of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer.

8. A liquid crystal device according to claim 7, characterised in that The initial alignment of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer forms an angle of 0° to 10° with the extension direction of the electrodes along the X direction in the first plurality of electrodes and the second plurality of electrodes; the initial alignment of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer forms an angle of 0° to 10° with the extension direction of the electrodes along the X direction in the third plurality of electrodes and the fourth plurality of electrodes.

9. The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electrodes along the Y direction in the first plurality of electrodes and the second plurality of electrodes are perpendicular to the in-plane electric field generated in the Y direction in the first plurality of electrodes and the second plurality of electrodes, and the in-plane electric field makes an angle of 80° to 90° with the initial alignment of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer; the electrodes along the Y direction in the third plurality of electrodes and the fourth plurality of electrodes are perpendicular to the in-plane electric field generated in the Y direction in the third plurality of electrodes and the fourth plurality of electrodes, and the in-plane electric field makes an angle of 80° to 90° with the initial alignment of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer.

10. The liquid crystal device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The initial alignment of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer forms an angle of 0° to 10° with the extension direction of the first plurality of electrodes and the second plurality of electrodes along the Y direction; the initial alignment of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer forms an angle of 0° to 10° with the extension direction of the third plurality of electrodes and the fourth plurality of electrodes along the Y direction.

11. The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first plurality of electrodes and the second plurality of electrodes can be separated by PV or OC; the third plurality of electrodes and the fourth plurality of electrodes can be separated by PV or OC.

12. The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ratio of the width of each pixel element to the distance between the electrodes in the first plurality of electrodes and the electrodes in the adjacent second plurality of electrodes is in the range of 10 to 15; the ratio of the width of each pixel element to the distance between the electrodes in the third plurality of electrodes and the electrodes in the adjacent fourth plurality of electrodes is in the range of 10 to 15.

13. The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ratio of the width of each pixel element to the distance between the first plane containing the first plurality of electrodes and the second plane containing the third plurality of electrodes and the fourth plurality of electrodes ranges from 1 to 15.

14. The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ratio of the width of each pixel element to the width of one of the first plurality of electrodes, the second plurality of electrodes, the third plurality of electrodes, or the fourth plurality of electrodes is in the range of 10 to 15.

15. The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electrode materials of the first plurality of electrodes, the second plurality of electrodes, the third plurality of electrodes, and the fourth plurality of electrodes include: ITO, IZO, copper, molybdenum, aluminum, or other conductive materials.

16. The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid crystal device further includes: First alignment layer and second alignment layer The first alignment layer is disposed between the first plurality of electrodes and the second plurality of electrodes and the liquid crystal layer; The second alignment layer is disposed between the third plurality of electrodes and the fourth plurality of electrodes and the liquid crystal layer.

17. A system for the terahertz band, characterized in that, The system includes a liquid crystal device according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

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