What Does LCD Stand For?

What Does LCD Stand For?

LCD screens have two glass panels with cold cathode fluorescent lamp backlights behind them, and a layer of liquid crystals sandwiched between the glass panels. The lamps output light while an electrical charge is put through the liquid crystals. This allows different amounts of light to pass through to the second layer, which contains filters which help to create the image.

Liquid Crystal Display Explained – Everything You Need To Know

Key Points:

A liquid crystal display (LCD) is a flat and thin panel used for displaying information on watches, phones, computer monitors, televisions, and numerous other electronic devices.

In 1972, the first active-matrix liquid crystal display panel was produced in the USA by T. Peter Brody – building on the work of several inventors before him.

The first practical application of liquid crystals happened in 1936 when the Marconi Wireless Telegraph Company patented its Liquid Crystal Light Valve.

3 Facts about Liquid Crystal Display

Magnets do not affect LCDs.

At least 200million+ Liquid Crystal Display TVs get sold every year.

LCDs do not produce light.

Liquid Crystal Display History

A liquid crystal display (LCD) is a flat and thin panel used for displaying information on watches, phones, computer monitors, televisions, and numerous other electronic devices. Among its major features are its lightweight construction, portability, and ability to be produced in much larger screen sizes than are practical for constructing cathode ray tube (CRT) display technology.

Like many other technological gadgets, the modern LCD is not an invention of a single man. In 1888 the Austrian botanist and chemist Friedrich Richard Kornelius Reinitzer (1857-1927), while experimenting with cholesteryl benzoate extracted from carrots, discovered a strange behavior of what would later be called liquid crystals. Friedrich published his findings at a meeting of the Vienna Chemical Society in May 1888.

Quick Facts

Created

1968

Creator

Friedrich Richard Kornelius Reinitzer, Otto Lehmann, Charles-Victor Mauguin, T. Peter Brody.

Original Use

LCDs have a wide range of applications, including LCD TVs, computer monitors, calculators, etc.

Cost

N/A

Friedrich Richard Kornelius Reinitzer

Later for the explanation of their behavior, he collaborated with the German physicist Otto Lehmann (1855-1922), who actually devised the name “liquid crystals” in his 1904 work, named “Flüssige Kristalle” (Liquid Crystals), an in-depth study of the phenomena with many illustrations of the equipment used, drawings of the crystal structures and photographs taken through the microscope. Their discovery received plenty of attention at the time, but no practical uses were apparent, and the interest dropped soon.

Otto Lehmann

©Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons – License

In 1911, the French professor of mineralogy Charles-Victor Mauguin (1878–1958) made the first experiments of liquids crystals confined between plates in thin layers.

The American engineer and manager George H. Heilmeier was also a major contributor to the invention of the LCD. Because of his impact, George was inducted into the Hall of Fame of National Inventors.

Several other inventors and companies worked on developing LCDs until 1971 when the company ILIXCO (now LXD Incorporated) produced the first LCDs. In 1972, the first active-matrix liquid crystal display panel was produced in the USA by T. Peter Brody.

Liquid Crystal Display: How It Worked

The first practical application of the liquid crystals happened in 1936 when the Marconi Wireless Telegraph Company patented his Liquid Crystal Light Valve.

LCD technology working principle is based on light obstruction. Typically, LCDs are made of two (2) pieces of polarized glass containing liquid-crystal materials between them. Light created by a backlight passes through a substrate while electric currents also simultaneously align the liquid crystal molecules. This way, a varying degree of light can pass through another substrate, consequently creating visible colors and images.

Generally, Liquid Crystal Display either uses the active-matrix technology or the passive matric technology. Most LCDs use active-matrix technology, which involves the arrangement of tiny capacitors and transistors in a matrix on the display glass using a thin film transistor (TFT).

Passive matrix display technology, on the contrary, involves the use of a conductive metal grid to charge pixels. Producing this technology relatively costs less; however, they’re rarely used due to their variable voltage control and slow response time.

Liquid Crystal Display: Historical Significance

Since their introduction into the market, LCDs have been used across several applications. This includes computer monitors, LCD televisions, aircraft cockpit displays, instrumental panels, LCD projectors, watches, digital cameras, mobile phones, etc.

Computer Monitor

However, OLEDs are gradually replacing LCDs because of their lower response time, infinite viewing angles and color contrasts, wider color gamut, lower power consumption, etc.

Up Next…

What is a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)? Advantages & Disadvantages

What is a liquid crystal display (LCD)?

LCD is a type of flat panel display technology used in various electronic devices like televisions, computer monitors, smartphones, and calculators.

How does an LCD work?

An LCD consists of a layer of liquid crystals sandwiched between two transparent electrodes. When an electric current is applied, the crystals align to control the amount of light passing through them, creating the image you see on the screen.

Why are LCDs popular?

LCDs are popular because they offer several advantages. They are thin, lightweight, consume less power compared to older display technologies, and can produce sharp and vibrant images.

What are the main components of an LCD?

The main components of an LCD include the liquid crystals, the backlight, the color filters, and the electrodes. The liquid crystals control the light passing through them, the backlight provides the light source, the color filters produce the different colors, and the electrodes apply the electric current to manipulate the crystals.

How does the backlight in an LCD work?

The backlight in an LCD is usually a cold-cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL) or an array of light-emitting diodes (LEDs). It illuminates the liquid crystals from behind, allowing them to control the amount of light passing through and creating the image.

Can LCDs display color?

Yes, LCDs can display color. They use color filters in combination with the liquid crystals to produce the desired colors. Each pixel on the screen consists of three sub-pixels: red, green, and blue, which can be controlled independently to create a wide range of colors.

What are the advantages of LCDs over older display technologies like cathode ray tube (CRT)?

LCDs have several advantages over older display technologies like CRT. LCDs are thinner, lighter, and more energy efficient. They also produce less heat, have better image quality, and offer a wider viewing angle.

Are there any disadvantages to LCDs?

LCDs do have a few disadvantages. One common issue is limited viewing angles, where the colors and brightness may appear distorted when viewed from certain angles. Additionally, LCDs can suffer from motion blur, especially in fast-paced scenes, and some people may experience eye strain or headaches due to the flickering of the backlight.

Can LCD screens be damaged easily?

LCD screens are generally more fragile than their glass counterparts, such as cathode ray tube (CRT) monitors. They can be susceptible to physical damage if subjected to excessive pressure or impact. It's important to handle LCD screens with care and avoid applying pressure directly to the surface.

Can I clean an LCD screen using any type of cleaning solution?

No, you should avoid using harsh cleaning solutions or spraying liquid directly onto the screen. Instead, use a soft, lint-free cloth slightly dampened with water or a specialized LCD cleaning solution. Gently wipe the screen in a circular motion to remove smudges or fingerprints.

What is the difference between LCD and organic light emitting diode (OLED) displays?

LCD and OLED are two different display technologies. LCDs use a backlight and liquid crystals to control the light, while OLED displays use organic compounds that emit light when an electric current is applied. OLED displays can achieve deeper blacks and offer better contrast ratios, but they can be more expensive and may suffer from screen burn-in.

Can LCDs be used outdoors?

LCDs can be used outdoors, but their visibility may be affected by the ambient light. The backlighting in LCDs is not as bright as sunlight, so the screen may appear dimmer and harder to read in direct sunlight. Some LCDs have anti-glare coatings or higher brightness settings to improve visibility in outdoor environments.

What are some common applications of LCDs?

LCDs have a wide range of applications. They are commonly used in televisions, computer monitors, laptops, tablets, smartphones, digital cameras, portable gaming devices, and car displays. They are also found in industrial equipment, medical devices, and various consumer electronics.

Do LCD screens have a refresh rate?

Yes, LCD screens have a refresh rate. The refresh rate refers to how many times the image on the screen is refreshed per second. A higher refresh rate can result in smoother motion and reduced motion blur. Typical LCD screens have a refresh rate of 60 hertz (Hz), but gaming monitors and some high-end displays can have higher refresh rates, such as 144 Hz or 240 Hz.

Are LCD screens suitable for gaming?

Yes, LCD screens are suitable for gaming. They offer fast response times and high refresh rates, which are important for smooth and responsive gameplay. Additionally, many gaming monitors feature technologies like Adaptive Sync or G-Sync, which synchronize the refresh rate of the monitor with the graphics card, reducing screen tearing and providing a better gaming experience.

Do LCD screens have a fixed resolution?

LCD screens have a native or fixed resolution, which refers to the number of pixels that make up the display. The resolution determines the level of detail and sharpness in the displayed image. Common resolutions for LCD screens include Full high definition (HD) (1920x1080 pixels), Quad HD (2560x1440 pixels), and 4 kilo (K) Ultra HD (3840x2160 pixels). Higher resolutions provide more screen real estate and sharper visuals.

Can I connect my smartphone to an LCD projector?

Yes, you can connect your smartphone to an LCD projector. Many projectors have high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) or video graphics array (VGA) ports that allow you to connect external devices. To connect your smartphone, you may need an appropriate adapter or cable that matches the ports available on both your phone and the projector. Once connected, you can mirror your smartphone's screen or play multimedia content on the larger projected display.

Are LCD screens suitable for outdoor digital signage?

LCD screens can be used for outdoor digital signage, but they require additional consideration. Outdoor LCD displays often have higher brightness levels to combat sunlight glare and ensure better visibility. They may also have weatherproof enclosures to protect against environmental factors like rain, dust, and extreme temperatures. These outdoor LCD screens are commonly used for advertising, wayfinding, and information displays in outdoor environments.

Can I adjust the color settings on an LCD monitor?

Yes, you can usually adjust the color settings on an LCD monitor. Most monitors have built-in controls that allow you to adjust parameters like brightness, contrast, color temperature, and saturation. These settings can be accessed through an on-screen display menu using buttons or a joystick located on the monitor. Adjusting the color settings can help you customize the display to your preferences or calibrate it for accurate color reproduction.

Are LCD screens energy-efficient?

Yes, LCD screens are generally energy-efficient compared to older display technologies. They require less power to operate and emit less heat. This energy efficiency is advantageous in terms of reducing electricity consumption and prolonging battery life in devices like laptops, tablets, and smartphones. Energy-efficient LCDs have contributed to the overall reduction in power consumption of electronic devices.

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