10.2.2 Liquid Crystal on Silicon Reflective Microdisplays

This section defines the term ‘‘LCOS,’’ then overviews the origins and history of liquid crystal on silicon microdisplay technology. It briefly describes and compares various microdisplay technologies that are, and have been, prevalent. Subsequent sections go into greater detail on selected technologies. List of Abbreviations: a-Si, Amorphous Silicon; AMLCD, Active Matrix LCD; CMOS, Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor; EASLM, Electronically Addressed SLM; EVF, Electronic Viewfinder; FF, Pixel Fill Factor (also known as aperture ratio); FLC, Ferroelectric Liquid Crystal; FET, Field Effect Transistor; FSC, Field Sequential Color; HMD, Head Mounted Display; LCD, Liquid Crystal Display; MOS, Metal Oxide Semiconductor; OASLM, Optically Addressed;NLC,Nematic Liquid Crystal;NTE,Near-To-Eye; p-Si, Polycrystalline Silicon; PDP, Plasma Display Panel; RPTV, Rear Projection TV; SLM, Spatial Light Modulator; SSFLC, Surface Stabilized Ferroelectric Liquid Crystal; x-Si, Crystalline Silicon