Since there is SO much literature on LCD technology and since this really is not that new of a field, I had a lot of trouble searching for something to investigate that had not already been modeled before. Instead, I ended up using preexisting equations to explore the things that I found interesting like the transmission peaks of twisted nematic field effect and how this led to LCD screens actually being a significant competitor in display technology.
My original plan was to compare LCD, PDP, and CRT screens, but the unfamiliar terminology of LCD technology made it difficult for me to dissect all of the literature in a timely enough manner to be able to explore PDP and CRT screens. My complete ineptitude in navigating Mathematica also delayed furthering my research. I am particularly disappointed that I did not get to further investigate EMI shields used in PDP screens, as there was not an extensive amount of texts focused on EMI shields, so it would have been interesting to piece together some of my own calculations or observations.
Since the twisted nematic field effect was first employed in LCD technology, research has been moving the field towards more cost effective, efficient, and quality display screens. If I were to further research this topic, I would look at comparing the TN-LCD screens with the LCD mode being used in the LCD touch screen of the iPhone. Since we are in constant contact with LCD technology in today’s world, I feel like we are prone to take for granted how LCD screens came into being, how they function, and the math that describes their existence and purpose.
Sometimes situations like this arise, and considering that we are just undergraduate students in our first advanced EM course, you shouldn’t expect to make any ground-breaking models or derivations with these well-researched LCD technologies. You could, however, continue your work by investigating some aspect of LCD technology that is not as well known. Also, I would agree: Mathematica is fairly difficult to manage at times; it’s not easy to manipulate functions exactly as you desire, so don’t be discouraged by your limited progress. You could try making an interactive model in Scratch or Mathematica that relates the applied voltage to the various changes in polarization that would result, for future endeavors. However, if you do find a way to model how the LCD screen of the iPhone works, you should let us know!
Libby, I liked your project a lot. I get a lot of enjoyment out of disassembling broken or old technology. I have taken apart several LCD screens. One thing I always wondered was what were the purposes of the many layers behind the screen. Your project offered some nice explanations into what they do. It makes me want to go find an LCD screen and play with the various layers. I also really liked your part about the applications and how polarization allows for two movies to be played one on top of the other and you are able to view which ever based on the angle that your polarizer is set at. This is also used in 3D movies because each of our eyes in the real world sees a different image that allows us to see the depth that objects have. Similarly to your example you put two movies of opposite polarization one on top of the other and only slightly varied by the angle they are filmed at. The glasses you have oppositely polarized lenses one in each eye. This makes each of your eyes viewing different movies giving it a sense of depth. I really enjoyed your project because it shows how there are a lot of complicated physics that go into a lot of technology that some people never even think about.