Order Parameter and the Performance of Nematic Guest-Host Displays

A simple model of a nematic guest-host display is presented in which the limiting “on” and “off” states are considered to be uniform arrays of molecules oriented perpendicular and parallel (or at a small tilt angle), respectively, to the plane of the display. Calculated contrast ratio and brightness curves are presented for several angles of view and of all planes of view as functions of dye order parameter, pretilt andploarizer efficiency. The effects of host refractive index and front surface reflectivity are discussed.