Modification of symmetric H state lifetime in splayed nematic cells

We investigate the transformation processes of splayed nematic cells. Experimental results reveal that polymer networks modify the lifetime of the symmetric H (Hs) state of splay nematic cells. Polymer networks that polymerize with voltage application suppress the lifetime of the Hs state, speeding up the formation of the Ha state. In contrast, polymer networks that polymerize without voltage application markedly enhance the lifetime of the Hs state. Under a 7 V bias voltage, the lifetime of the Hs state in a polymer-stabilized splayed nematic cell is ∼600 ms, which is ∼4 times that in a pristine splayed nematic cell.