Voltage holding ratio of a nematic liquid crystal cell under UV exposure

This study uses the time-evolved voltage holding ratio (VHR) to measure the influence of UV exposure on a nematic liquid-crystal cell. Apart from the real-time measurement during the exposure, the time-dependent recovery of VHR is also monitored after a certain amount of UV irradiation. Our experimental results show that the cell impregnated with an adequate content of the anatase TiO₂ as a nano-additive possesses a higher VHR, which unambiguously implies that the TiO₂ nanoparticles are capable of preventing the serious ion effect caused by the harmful UV. Achieving the "green" concept, this research suggests a new approach to reduce the ion effect and extend the life of LCD devices under sunlight.