Three-dimensional Molecular Director Simulation within a Unit Pixel of TFT-LCDs including Floating Electrodes

In this study, we presented a novel method to calculate unknown voltages on the floating electrodes introduced in a unit pixel of TFT-LCDs using three-dimensional molecular director simulation. For the simulation of the potential distribution profiles generated under the influence of the floating electrodes, we used the floating boundary condition on the surface enclosing the floating electrodes. The constraint for the floating boundary condition was derived from the charge neutrality condition about the floating electrodes disconnected from voltage sources. For the pixel with the floating electrodes patterned between the pixel and the data electrodes, we simulated the molecular director and the potential distribution in three-dimension, and then observed the location of the disclination lines around the edge of the pixel electrode. As a result, it was revealed that the floating electrodes significantly affect the electro-optical characteristics such as the location of the disclination line.