Theoretical investigation of Freedericksz transitions in twisted nematics with surface tilt

Abstract

Patches of reverse tilt in a twisted nematic liquid crystal display device may be removed by inducing the same small angle of pretilt at both solid surfaces. Continuum theory is used to investigate the effect of this initial tilt upon a Freedericksz transition in a twisted nematic in an electric field. In particular, the author describes the various initial alignments that can occur and verify that the field has little influence until it approaches the threshold value corresponding to a similar cell without tilt.