| In this thesis, the twisted nematic mode reflective LCDs are discussed extensively, including optical modeling, the design methods, the properties of different display modes, and the fabrication technology. Some new reflective display modes are proposed, and several new fabrication technologies of the reflective LCDs have been developed.; The chromatic parameter space (CPS) representation, which is an analytical optical modeling for LCDs based on the Jones Matrix approach, is introduced. The real appearance of the display can be visualized in the CPS diagram. Of great significance is the fact that all twist nematic reflective LCD modes can be systematically presented in a series of CPS diagrams. These diagrams are very powerful for searching new display modes. A numerical modeling, the generalized 2 x 2 Jones matrix, is derived to simulate the electro-optical operation of the LC cell when voltage is applied. A contrast ratio contour map is generated by this approach and adds to the PS diagram. Thus, this diagram can provide a picture of both the voltage-off and voltage-on states.; The design method for reflective LCDs is discussed, some useful design rules are given, and the design procedure is also introduced. Some new reflective LCD modes, including the second maximum RTN mode, the alternative 190° twist RSTN mode, and the film compensated RSTN mode, are proposed in the first time in this thesis. Some other modes, such as the RTN mode, the 190° and 240° twist RSTN mode, the 55° twist MTB mode, and the fully compensated RSTN mode, were proposed in our previous work. The optical performance, in terms of reflectance, color dispersion and contrast ratio, of all these modes is analyzed with the help of the parameter space diagrams. The experimental results are given to show their practical properties.; The fabrication processes of reflective LCDs are introduced. Several special processes, such as the multi-layer sputtering and the fabrication of the diffused reflector, have been developed. Some prototype modules of reflective LCDs, including the RTN clock module, the 202 x 32 and 240 x 128 RSTN passive matrix modules, are demonstrated. Finally, A new RTN LCD with backlight is proposed. This technology overcomes some key problems which prevent the RTN LCDs from being applied to segment driving displays. A prototype clock module has been developed using this technology. |
