Liquid Crystal Applications

Abstract

The widespread use of information technology has led to a greater need for displays to exhibit the information generated. The cathode ray tube (CRT) is a very well established technology, but it is bulky, consumes relatively large amounts of power, and cannot be conveniently scaled up for large-area displays. Until recently, little has been available to replace the CRT. The requirements for different types of display are many and various, including size, complexity or resolution, color, and viewing conditions, both in terms of the ambient light levels and the angle of view. A number of different solutions to these requirements have been found using liquid crystals. Some of the devices are well proven and familiar to everyone; there are also many new devices that are just coming onto the market, and others that are still being developed.