When was the liquid crystal display made?

When Was the Liquid Crystal Display Made?

The invention of the liquid crystal display (LCD) is widely regarded as one of the most significant advancements in technology, revolutionizing the way we interact with electronic devices. But, when exactly was the LCD made, and who were the key players in this groundbreaking development? In this article, we delve into the history of the LCD, explore its timeline, and highlight the key innovators behind its creation.

Origins of the Liquid Crystal Display.

The origins of LCD technology can be traced back to the late 19th century when Friedrich Reinitzer, an Austrian botanist, discovered a peculiar material while studying cholesterol. He named this discovery "liquid crystal" due to the fluidic nature of the material's properties. However, it wasn't until the late 1960s that LCDs started to gain attention for their potential use in display technology.

Timeline of the LCD.

1. Invention of the Twisted Nematic (TN) LCD – 1971.

The breakthrough in LCD technology came in 1971 when James Fergason, a physicist from the United States, developed the twisted nematic (TN) LCD. This technology utilized a twisted cell structure to control the polarization of light passing through it, resulting in a high-contrast display. Fergason's pivotal invention paved the way for modern LCDs.

Just a year after the development of the TN LCD, the first digital LCD watch was introduced by the Japanese watch company Seiko. This marked the first commercial application of LCDs and marked the beginning of LCDs replacing traditional electromechanical displays in many electronic devices.

3. IBM's Active Matrix LCD – 1984.

In 1984, IBM introduced the active matrix LCD, which popularized the use of LCDs in laptops and other portable electronic devices. The active matrix display overcame the limitations of earlier passive matrix displays, delivering faster response times, improved image quality, and wider viewing angles.

4. LCDs in Mobile Phones – Late 1990s.

The late 1990s saw the widespread adoption of LCDs in mobile phones. This transition was primarily driven by the demand for smaller, thinner, and energy-efficient displays. LCDs not only met these requirements but also offered clearer and more vibrant images compared to the previously used cathode ray tube (CRT) displays.

Key Innovators in the LCD Development.

1. George Heilmeier.

George Heilmeier, an American engineer, played a significant role in shaping the LCD technology during its early days. Heilmeier's research and leadership skills were instrumental in the development of modern LCDs. He is credited with establishing the fundamental principles and structures of LCDs that laid the groundwork for subsequent advancements.

2. James Fergason.

James Fergason, mentioned earlier for his invention of the twisted nematic (TN) LCD, was a pioneer in the field of liquid crystal display technology. His work revolutionized the display industry and led to the commercialization of LCDs.

Closing Paragraph.

In conclusion, the liquid crystal display has come a long way since its discovery by Friedrich Reinitzer in the late 19th century. The invention of the twisted nematic (TN) LCD by James Fergason in 1971 marked a turning point in display technology. Subsequent advancements and innovations by researchers like George Heilmeier and companies like IBM and Seiko have further propelled the growth and utilization of LCDs in various electronic devices. Today, LCDs are ubiquitous, finding applications in televisions, smartphones, computer monitors, and many other consumer and industrial products.

For more information on the history and applications of liquid crystal displays, feel free to contact us.

The company is the world’s best HTN Flow Meter LCD Supplier from China, HTN Electric Vehicle LCD Custom, Segment Code LCD for Water Meter Panel supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.