Defects, flexoelectricity and RF communications: the ZBD story. Issue 12 (21st October 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jones, J. Cliff
• Is Part Of: Liquid crystals. Volume 44:Issue 12/13(2017)
• Page Start: 2133
• Page End: 2160
• Publication Date: 2017-10-21
• Subjects: Nematic LCD -- bistability -- grating -- topological defects -- flexoelectricity -- manufacturing -- business models -- RF communications -- low power displays -- retail displays -- electronic-shelf-edge labels; Liquid crystals -- Periodicals; 548.905
• DOI: 10.1080/02678292.2017.1365383
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0267-8292

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The zenithal bistable display (ZBD) was the first liquid crystal device mode to be commercialised that uses nematic disclinations in a constructive fashion, to use the flexoelectric effect inherent to all liquid crystals but at the time was considered too weak an effect to be useful, and to transfer nano-replication methods to the LCD manufacturing environment. The genesis of the invention and spin-out company ZBD Displays Limited will be described, and the evolution of that company from licensing model, through fabless manufacturer to display provider and finally to a system provider for the retail sector. The story may be useful not just to those interested in the science behind a rather unusual LCD, but also those involved in taking technology from laboratory to manufacturing, from idea to commercial success. Graphical Abstract: