Modeling light propagation through liquid crystal cells utilizing a 4x4 matrix technique

For optimal, cost effective design and production of liquid crystalline devices such as displays and other spatial light modulators, an engineer must quantify the effect of subtle design and environmental changes upon device performance. This research attempts to provide a foundation for development of a liquid crystal (LC) device design method meeting that requirement. A refined derivation of Berreman's 4 x 4 matrix method to predict light transmission through stratified bianisotropic material is developed and tested as a possible analytical tool for the modeling and design of devices utilizing liquid crystals. Validity of the derived algorithm is proven by testing it in better understood uniaxial cases. Application to modeling biaxial media and the additional insight provided in the biaxial case is also demonstrated.