Semiconductor Diode
LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)
LCD Panel is based on
A light valve for each pixel that
turn the light on, off, or an
intermediate level.
Grid of such light valve for
the LCD display panel.
A back light and display
enhancement films create
the illumination.
LCD-Display
Applying voltage to
the electrodes
changes the level of
illumination in each
sub-pixel
The panel is
sandwiched
between
Front surface films to
enhance display
property
Backlight
1. What’s Liquid Crystals (LC)
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intermediary substance between a liquid and solid state
of matter.
e.g. soapy water
light passes through liquid crystal changes when it is
stimulated by an electrical charge.
Examples of LCs
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2. Introduction to Liquid Crystal Displays
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Consists of an array of tiny segments (called
pixels) that can be manipulated to present
information.
Using polarization of lights to display objects.
Use only ambient light to illuminate the display.
Common wrist watch and pocket calculator to
an advanced VGA computer screen
Different types of LCDs
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Passive Matrix LCDs (AMLCD) and
Active Matrix LCDs (AMLCD)
Passive Twisted Nematic Displays (TNLCD)
Super Twisted nematic LCD (STNLCD)
Thin Film Transistor LCD (TFT LCD)
Reflective LCD
Rear Projection LCD
3. Operating Principle
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The parallel arrangement of liquid crystal molecules
along grooves
When coming into contact with grooved surface in a fixed
direction, liquid crystal molecules line up parallel along
the grooves.
3. Operating Principle
Molecules movement
Offline (no voltage is applied)
Along the upper plate : Point
in direction 'a'
Along the lower plate : Point
in direction 'b‘
Forcing the liquid crystals into
a twisted structural
arrangement. (Resultant
force)
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3. Operating Principle
Light movement
Offline (no voltage is applied)
Light travels through the
spacing of the molecular
arrangement.
The light also "twists" as it
passes through the twisted
liquid crystals.
Light bends 90 degrees as it
follows the twist of the
molecules.
Polarized light pass through
the analyzer (lower polarizer).
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3. Operating Principle
Molecules movement
Online (voltage is applied)
Liquid crystal molecules
straighten out of their helix
pattern
Molecules rearrange
themselves vertically (Along
with the electric field)
No twisting thoughout the
movement
Forcing the liquid crystals into
a straight structural
arrangement. (Electric force)
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3. Operating Principle
Light movement
Online (voltage is applied)
Twisted light passes straight
through.
Light passes straight through
along the arrangement of
molecules.
Polarized light cannot pass
through the lower analyzer
(lower polarizer).
Screen darkens.
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3. Operating Principle
Sequences of offline and
online mode
Offline
1. Surrounding light is
polarized on the upper
plate.
2. Light moves along with
liquid crystals and twisted
at right angle.
3. Molecules and lights are
parallel to the lower
analyzer.
4. Light passes through the
plate.
Offline Online
5. Screen appear transparent.
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3. Operating Principle
Sequences of offline and
online mode
1. Surrounding light is
polarized on the upper
plate.
2. Light moves along with
liquid crystals which moves
straight along the electric
field.
3. Molecules and lights are
perpendicular to the lower
analyzer.
4. Light cannot pass through
the plate.
5. Screen appear dark. Offline Online
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3. Operating Principle
Polarization of light
When unpolarized light passes through a polarizing filter, only
one plane of polarization is transmitted. Two polarizing
filters used together transmit light differently depending on
their relative orientation.
Online Offline
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3. Operating Principle
Construction of
Liquid Crystal Display
Two bounding plates (usually glass
slides), each with a transparent
conductive coating (such as
indium tin oxide) that acts as an
electrode;
A polymer alignment layer :
undergoes a rubbing process as
grooves.
Spacers to control the cell gap
precisely;
Two crossed polarizers (the
polarizer and the analyzer);
Polarizers are usually perpendicular
to each other.
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3. Operating Principle
Properties of LCD Display
Small footprint (approx 1/6 of CRT)
Light weight (typ. 1/5 of CRT)
power consumption (typ. 1/4 of CRT)
Completely flat screen - no geometrical
errors
Crisp pictures - digital and uniform colors
No electromagnetic emission
Fully digital signal processing possible
Large screens (>20 inch) on desktops
High price (presently 3x CRT)
Poor viewing angle (typ. 50 degrees)
Low contrast and luminance (typ. 1:100)
Maximum luminosity : 50%
Low luminance (typ. 200 cd/m2)
of CRT as 50% of light is
blocked by the upper
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polarizer.
3. Operating Principle
Advantage of LCD over CRT
Smaller size—AMLCDs occupy approximately 60
percent less space than CRT displays—an
important feature when office space is limited.
Lower power consumption—AMLCDs typically
consume about half the power and emit much
less heat than CRT displays.
Lighter weight—AMLCDs weigh approximately
70 percent less than CRT displays of comparable
size.
No electromagnetic fields—AMLCDs do not
emit electromagnetic fields and are not
susceptible to them. Thus, they are suitable for
use in areas where CRTs cannot be used.
Longer life—AMLCDs have a longer useful life
than CRTs; however, they may require Maximum luminosity : 50%
replacement of the backlight. as 50% of light is blocked by
the upper polarizer.
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Linear Polarized Light
Light usually vibrates in
all direction
A linear polarized light
limit the vibration to
one direction
It absorbs the
component of light that
vibrate in all other
direction.
LCD require light to
vibrate in one direction
Iodine Based Polarizer
Is the most common
polarizer Cellulose Triacetate
It is made by polyvinyl alcohol film
Stretching a cast polyvinyl alcohol Cellulose Triacetate
film (PVA) to align the iodine in
turn.
Staining it with iodine
The stained PVA laminated
between two slices of cellulose
triacetate.
The cellulose triacetate
Provide physical rigidity
polyvinyl alcohol film
Some degree of heat and humidity
protection
About Liquid Crystal
Liquid crystal molecules
can move freely while
maintaining their
orientation.
It align itself to a polyimide
film to the inside of a panel
glass.
When the two glass panels
are not aligned the liquid
crystal twists accordingly.
The liquid crystal will also
align to electric field.
Light Path
The light passes through
the polarizer.
The voltage applied to the
electrodes controls the
liquid crystal orientation
The liquid crystal
orientation controls the
rotation of the incoming
polarized light.
Color filters are used in
color LCD, where each
color sub-pixel is
controlled individually
