Liquid crystal cell using the electrically controlled birefringence effect and processes for the production of the cell and a uniaxial medium or material of negative optical anistropy usable therein.The cell can comprise two crossed rectilinear polarizers, two glass plates provided with transparent electrodes and placed between said polarizers, a liquid crystal layer between the plates and, between a plate and a polarizer, a layer of a negative uniaxial thermoplastic polymer having its extraordinary axis perpendicular to the plates. This layer can be obtained by heating the polymer up to the isotropic state, under a uniform presure on the polarizers, cooling and eliminating the pressure. Application to the production of data display devices.