| abstract |
A ferroelectric liquid crystal composition exhibiting SC* phase within a broad temperature range including room temperature and also having high-speed response properties and a light switching element using the above-mentioned liquid crystal composition and exhibiting high-speed response properties are provided, which composition comprises at least one member of chiral compounds expressed by the formula ##STR1## wherein R 1 and R 2 each represent a linear or branched chain alkyl, alkoxy, alkoxyalkoxy, alkoxycarbonyl, alkanoyl or alkanoyloxy group each of 1 to 18 C and at least one of R 1 and R 2 has an asymmetric carbon atom in the alkyl chain moiety of these groups, and at least one member of chiral compounds having a spontaneous polarization value of 40 nC/cm 2 or more. |