liquid crystal display

Short for liquid crystal display, a type of display used in digital watches and many portable computers. LCD displays utilize two sheets of polarizing material with a liquid crystal solution between them. An electric current passed through the liquid causes the crystals to align so that light cannot pass through them. Each crystal, therefore, is like a shutter, either allowing light to pass through or blocking the light.

Monochrome LCD images usually appear as blue or dark gray images on top of a grayish-white background. Color LCD displays use two basic techniques for producing color: Passive matrix is the less expensive of the two technologies. The other technology, called thin film transistor (TFT) or active-matrix, produces color images that are as sharp as traditional CRT displays, but the technology is expensive. Recent passive-matrix displays using new CSTN and DSTN technologies produce sharp colors rivaling active-matrix displays.

Most LCD screens used in notebook computers are backlit, or transmissive, to make them easier to read.

•E-mail this definition to a colleague•

Sponsored listings

GlobalSpec.com: Liquid Crystal Displays (LCDs) - Database of suppliers for liquid crystal displays, X-Ray diffraction instruments and more. Provides catalogs and supplier contact information.


For internet.com pages about LCD . Also check out the following links!

Related Links

Report on Japanese display technology R&D
This June 92 report is one in a series of reports prepared through the Japanese Technology Evaluation Center (JTEC), sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF) . The report describes research and development efforts in Japan in the area of display technologies. Includes information on electroluminescent, plasma, and liquid crystal displays.

Active Matrix LCD Technology Paper
Describes the manufacturing and infrastructure of active matrix and liquid crystal displays.

Comparison of LCD to typical CRT monitors
A comparison between flat LCD and traditional CRT monitors, including display sizes, physical size, display charactersitics, and energy features.

Flat Panel Display Technology Overview
Outlines the various flat panel display technologies, including DSTN, TFT, Plasma, FEDs, etc. Includes graphics, diagrams and an integrated glossary. This page is from "The PC Technology Guide."

LCD Information and Technical Forum
Contains links to LCD information sources, FAQs, projects, applications, data sheets, products, tradeshows, publications, manufacturers, and related Web sites.

Polymer and Liquid Crystals project
Contains a virtual library and lab that provides introductory information about polymers, liquid crystals, and polymer liquid crystals.

Trends in AM LCD Technology
Describes LCD versus CRT and other aspects of AM LCD displays.

Ideal for monitor/laptop screens

++Click for larger view

Allsop® Clear View Gel

Stop worrying about damaging sensitive electronics when cleaning around the equipment with this liquid gel formula. It's also anti-static and ozone friendly. Compact snap-in spray bottle attaches to large refill bottle for easy accessibility.

* Ideal for monitor/laptop screens, handheld computers and TVs.
* Liquid gel formula won't drip over sensitive electronics.
* Antistatic and ozone-friendly.
* Up to 300 cleanings.


Order
Qty Item No Click for
Details Description Sold
By List
Price Your
Price You
Save

ASP25048
Check Stock Ajax Clear View Gel, 5oz Trigger Spray Bottle Each $14.99 $12.63 16% MSDS is Here UPS-Able
++Click for larger view

Dust-Off® Screen Shammy

Clean computer monitors, plasma televisions and other delicate surfaces with these machine washable, soft shammy dry wipe.

* Suede-like microfiber cleaning cloth safely removes dust, lint and smudges from sensitive laptop and LCD computer screens, and plasma, LCD and flat-screen televisions.
* Machine washable for continued use.


Order
Qty Item No Click for
Details Description Sold
By List
Price Your
Price You
Save

FALMCSS
Check Stock Flat Screen Dry Shammy, 12-1/2 x 12, Canister Each $6.99 $5.48 22% UPS-Able
++Click for larger view

Fellowes® Alcohol-Free Screen Cleaning Wipes

Special alcohol-free, antistatic formula safely removes dirt, dust and fingerprints from all types of computer screens. Works on all CRT and LCD computer monitors, LCD privacy and anti-glare filters, PDAs, scanners and TV screens.

* Safely removes dust, dirt and fingerprints from all types of computer screens and glass surfaces.
* Works on all LCD and CRT screens, privacy and anti-glare filters, PDAs, scanners and TV screens.
* Not for use on mesh screens.


Order
Qty Item No Click for
Details Description Sold
By List
Price Your
Price You
Save

FEL99703
Check Stock Screen Cleaning Wet Wipes, 5 x 7, 100/Tub Each $9.39 $8.32 11% MSDS is Here UPS-Able

FEL99703-CTN
Check Stock Screen Cleaning Wet Wipes, 5 x 7, 100/Tub Carton of 6 EA $53.70 $33.09
(5.52/ea) 38% UPS-Able
++Click for larger view


3M Screen Cleaning Kit

Making sure your laptop, LCD and CRT screen stays cleans is of the utmost importance. This cleaning gel is a great way to eradicate dust and dirt from your expensive equipment. The cleaner comes with a squeegee applicator and spray bottle for a quick and easy cleaning process.

* Safe for LCD, laptop and CRT screens.
* Cleaning gel will not run; simply spray and wipe using unique squeegee applicator for a dust- and dirt-free monitor.


Order
Qty Item No Click for
Details Description Sold
By List
Price Your
Price You
Save

MMMCL681
Check Stock Gel Screen/Monitor Cleaner for PC/Laptop, Spray Bottle Each $10.98 $7.16 35% MSDS is Here UPS-Able
++Click for larger view


3M Notebook Screen Cleaning Wipes

Don't allow your expensive notebook to be sullied by dust and fingerprints. These wipes are designed to remove dust, fingerprints and smudges from notebook computer screens. Non-abrasive, non-streaking and premoistened wipes.

* Premoistened, nonabrasive, nonstreaking wipes remove dust, fingerprints and smudges from notebook computer screens.
* Individually wrapped for convenience.