ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines the basic physics of liquid crystal displays (LCDs) and device construction. It reviews the various modes used in commercial displays that are used both for mainstream and niche markets. The chapter presents a summary of the important complimentary technologies. It discusses future applications of LCDs in optoelectronics. Liquid crystal phases are formed for molecules that comprise both a rigid core structure and pendant flexible hydrocarbon chains. All LCDs operate because of the combination of the anisotropic physical properties combined with fluidity exhibited by liquid crystals. Bistable operation of an LCD allows many lines of information to be passive matrix addressed, where each frame is written line by line and each line retains its information until it receives the next addressing signal. LCDs have a natural advantage for transflective mode operation, being based on transparent media that modulates ambient light.
