Seiko Epson Corporation

The realization of a high quality image through inorganic alignment layer and vertical alignment technology

C²FINE^TM is based on inorganic alignment layer and vertical alignment technology.
By using this technology it is possible to achieve lustrous, high contrast, high quality images.

High Contrast

High contrast is achieved through vertical alignment technology.

Pure Black

A deep and pure black color is achieved with vertical alignment technology + Normally Black mode.

Lustrous Image

A smooth image was attained by developing inorganic alignment layers.

	Contrast	Blackness	Alignment unevenness
C2FINETM	◎ Several times higher	◎ Normally Black	◎ Rubbing-less process
Conventional technology	◯	◯ Normally White	◯ Rubbing process

Inorganic Alignment Technology

Alignment process:
Physical processing performed to align liquid crystal elements in the same direction.

Organic alignment layer production process

When an organic alignment layer is mechanically treated (rubbed with a rubbing roll as shown in the figure), it becomes structured in a way that aligns the liquid crystals in a given orientation.

Inorganic alignment layer production process

In contrast to the organic alignment layer process, the inorganic alignment technology uses inorganic material to create the surface onto which the liquid crystal molecules align.
The layer thickness is controlled at the molecular level, and the alignment structure is generated with a contact-less process, thus there is no problem of unevenness.

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What's vertical alignment?

TN mode: Nomally white mode

TN=Twisted Nematic

The Nematic liquid crystal molecules injected between two glass plates are aligned so that they twist by an angle of 90-degrees between the glass plates without an applied voltage (OFF stage).

In this stage, light is transmitted thus a "white" image is shown. When a voltage is applied (ON), the liquid crystal molecules are set upright in a vertical direction, thus light is blocked and a "black" image is shown. This is called the normally white mode.

In this case, a certain degree of light leakage occurs since not all liquid crystal molecules turn into the same (upright) direction, causing a lower contrast with lighter blacks.

VA mode: Normally Black mode

VA=Vertical Alignment

Vertical Alignment technology means that without a voltage applied, liquid crystal elements stand upright (vertical) and block the light to display a "black" image. When a voltage is applied (ON), the liquid crystal molecules align horizontally and light istransmitted to display a "white" image.

This is called the Normally Black mode.

Since all liquid crystal molecules turn in the same direction when no voltage is applied, there is less light leakage and thus the black level is better, resulting in a higher contrast.

Comparison of images