Optimized active-matrix drives for liquid crystal displays

A combination of computer simulation and experimental methods is used to provide a reliable and systematic means of optimizing the response time of active-matrix liquid crystal displays. Optical transients are measured and simulated (within a continuum elastic framework including hydrodynamic backflow) and are thereby related to director reorientation processes under various driving conditions. We find that an unconventional "overdrive" method, in which the device is briefly biased to a voltage exceeding the target voltage, leads to dramatic improvements in device response time which approach a factor of 6 in some cases. The computational model is capable of accurately predicting the optimum overdrive voltage. The physical origins of these findings and the importance of hydrodynamic backflow are discussed. © 2001 American Institute of Physics.