LCDs can either be normally on (positive) or off (negative), depending on the polarizer arrangement. They use the same basic technology, except that arbitrary images are made from a matrix of small pixels, while other displays have larger elements. LCDs are available to display arbitrary images (as in a general-purpose computer display) or fixed images with low information content, which can be displayed or hidden: preset words, digits, and seven-segment displays (as in a digital clock) are all examples of devices with these displays. Liquid crystals do not emit light directly but instead use a backlight or reflector to produce images in color or monochrome. (In a backlit LCD, this layer is replaced or complemented with a light source.)Ī liquid-crystal display ( LCD) is a flat-panel display or other electronically modulated optical device that uses the light-modulating properties of liquid crystals combined with polarizers. Reflective surface to send light back to viewer.Polarizing filter film with a horizontal axis to block/pass light.Glass substrate with common electrode film (ITO) with horizontal ridges to line up with the horizontal filter.

Vertical ridges etched on the surface are smooth.

The shapes of these electrodes will determine the shapes that will appear when the LCD is switched ON. Polarizing filter film with a vertical axis to polarize light as it enters.

Static vs flat character