10904 MonLCD:
Predictive 3D micro-model simulations for Monitor LCDs

Objectives:

The aim of the project is to develop a method to improve active-matrix liquid-crystal displays (LCDs) for monitor applications in terms of: transmission efficiency, viewing angle and speed. The functional opto-electronic materials in these devices are liquid crystals (LCs). There are several LC effects that can be applied in displays. Beforehand it is not clear which effect is the most useful.

To develop the best LCD configuration for a certain application one would like to do predictive calculations. Until recently the available one-dimensional tools were good enough. For predicting the image quality, however, it is necessary to know the director pattern (at pixel scale) of the LC molecules in three dimensions (3D).

In this project we want to make a major step forwards by developing tools for full 3D finite-element modelling of the director pattern and a 3D description of the optics and the ion distribution.

Prototype software based on these tools will be used to obtain theoretical results and to compare them with experiments. Based on the above findings LCD test cells and/or small displays will be made. It is our intention to use them as starting points for further development of new monitor displays. An important end result of the project will be a commercial, user-friendly three-dimensional modelling package to predict LCD properties.

Workplan:

The work plan consists of seven interconnected work packages (WPs).

WP1: Specification.
WP2: Algorithms and computer models for 3D modelling.
WP3: Comparison of theoretical results with test-cell experiments.
WP4: Software prototype.
WP5: Base for monitor display development.
WP6: Software product.
WP7: Scientific results and publications

Contact Point

Participants

Planning

Keywords: MonLCD