Optimum configuration of a reflective LC cell with a diffractive nano-reflector

For the high reflectance under the ambient light condition, a highly efficient diffractive reflector has been proposed, based on a micro grating structure.[1] This reflector was designed to show highly concentrated distribution of the reflected light to the normal direction of the reflector under specific incident conditions of the light. In order to apply a diffractive reflector to a reflective liquid crystal display, the coupling between the viewing angle characteristics of a liquid crystal (LC) cell and the reflective distribution of the reflector should be considered. Under the optimum configuration confirmed through the analysis of the coupling between a LC cell and a reflector, a reflective vertical alignment (VA) cell with a diffractive reflector shows contrast ratio and brightness much higher than that with a conventional bumpy reflector.