Polarizers for Liquid Crystal Displays

Abstract

Dichroic iodine polarizers with light transmissions over 50% approach the critical range of applicability in Liquid Crystal Displays (LCD) because of fading and polarization loss on environmental exposure. This degradation and the development of edge bubbles with adhered polarizers are two of the major problems encountered in constructing the display. The manufacture and properties of LCD polarizers are described in order to understand the sources of and solutions to these problems. Other required properties, such as UV resistance, heat and chemical stability, are obtained by proper material selection and rigorously controlled manufacturing conditions. Selection of adhesives for bonding polarizing elements to the LCD cell is critical as the adhesive can become the major factor in determining the life of the polarizer. Accelerated environmental exposure of several commercially available adhesive systems indicates a wide range of stability.