Module 3

Control and Display Technologies

Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)

Mohamed Sameer T K Dept. of Aeronautical JCET

LCD
A liquid-crystal display (LCD) is a flat electronic visual

display that uses the light modulating properties of liquid crystals and it do not emit light directly.
LCDs are used in a wide range of applications

including computer monitors, televisions, instrument panels, aircraft cockpit displays etc.
The LCD screen is more energy efficient and its low

electrical power consumption enables it to be used in battery-powered electronic equipment.

LCD
Each pixel of an LCD typically consists of a layer of

molecules aligned between two transparent electrodes, and two polarizing filters, the axes of transmission of which are perpendicular to each other.
Without the liquid crystal between the polarizing

filters, light passing through the first filter would be blocked by the second (crossed) polarizer.

What is Liquid Crystal

Liquid crystals are actually small thin rod like

molecules that move in unison on applying a voltage across them.

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.

What is Liquid Crystal

Their molecules tend to maintain the orientation, like

the molecules in a solid, but also move around to different positions, like the molecules in a liquid.

LCD
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.

Operating Principle
To make an LCD, take two polarized glass pieces The glass must be rubbed with a special polymer

which creates microscopic grooves in the surface. It must also be noted that the grooves are on the same direction as the polarizing film. When coming into contact with grooved surface in a fixed direction, liquid crystal molecules line up parallel along the grooves.

Operating Principle

The parallel arrangement of liquid crystal molecules along grooves

Operating Principle
At right angle to the first piece, then add a second

piece of glass along with the polarizing film.

Till the uppermost layer is at a 90-degree angle to the

bottom, each successive layer of molecules will keep on twisting.

Operating Principle

Operating Principle
The first filter will naturally be polarized as the light

strikes it at the beginning. Thus the light passes through each layer and is guided on to the next with the help of molecules. When this happens, the molecules tend to change the plane of vibration of the light to match their own angle. When the light reaches the far side of the liquid crystal substance, it vibrates at the same angle as the final layer of molecules

Operating Principle
The main principle behind liquid crystal molecules is

that when an electric current is applied to them, they tend to untwist. This causes a change in the light angle passing through them. Which changes the angle of the top polarizing filter with respect to it. So little light is allowed to pass through that particular area of LCD. Thus that area becomes darker comparing to others.

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.

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). Screen appear transparent.

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 though out the movement Forcing the liquid crystals into a straight structural arrangement.

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. Screen darkens.

Construction of Liquid Crystal Display