REFLECTIVE TWISTED NEMATIC LIQUID-CRYSTAL DISPLAYS .1. RETARDATION COMPENSATION

Reflective twisted nematic displays where the output polarizer is elim inated are analyzed and demonstrated. The absence of the rear output p olarizer has many advantages, including much higher brightness and hig her resolution. In this article, we examine the solution space for the design of such reflective displays, Both the cases of a simple reflec tive display and the use of a retardation film within the display to c ompensate for color dispersion are explored. It is shown that excellen t black and white displays can be obtained using film compensation. Ex perimentally, over 90% reflectance from a compensated reflective displ ay has been obtained with low color dispersion. The optical response o f this reflective display was also found to be quite fast and suitable for video rate applications. (C) 1997 American Institute of Physics.