Chapter 7.

Polarization Optics - Jones

Matrix
The optics of LCD is complicated by the fact that it is
birefringent as well as electroactive (with a twist).

The simplest approach of modeling LCD optics is to use

the 2x2 matrix. (Jones matrix). The LC cell is
characterized by θ(z) and φ(z). Once these two functions
are known, the optical properties of the LCD can be
calculated.

7.1 2x2 matrix

The 2x2 Jones matrix is just a simple shorthand way to

represent the polarization state of light. Since LCD is
based on polarization manipulation, the Jones matrix is
very useful.

The polarization state of light is described by a 2x1 vector

(Jones vector). Any polarization state can be represented
as a sum of two perpendicularly polarized waves with
different amplitude and phase:

E = (xa + yb ejδ)Eo ejωt – jkz

2 2
where a + b = 1, and δ is the phase delay between the
x and y components. The Jones vector corresponding to
this wave is

 a 
 jδ 
 be 

1
Notice that any common phase in a and b can be taken
out and be absorbed by the phase term ejωt-jkz..

Examples of Jones vectors:

 cos α 
  refers to light polarized at angle α to the x-axis.
 sin α 
1 1
  represents a right-circularly polarized light
2  j 

In the Jones vector and Jones matrix approach, every

optical element is represented by a 2x2 matrix.

Jin Jout

Then Jout = M Jin

A few examples of Jones matrices:

1 0
x-axis polarizer Mx =  
 0 0 

2
Retardation plate with y-axis as the fast axis:

1  e jδ 0 
Mδ =
2  0 e− jδ 

Polarization rotator:

 cosθ − sin θ 
MR(θ) =  
 sin θ cosθ 

Can easily show that a linearly polarized light polarized at

α to the x-axis becomes α+θ to the x-axis after passing
through M3.

 cos(α + θ )   cosα 
  = M R (θ ) 
 sin(α + θ   sin α 

The Jones matrix is very useful in problems concerning

polarization manipulation, such as the LCD. If there are
more than one polarization manipulation element, we
simply multiply the Jones matrices:

M1 M2 M3 MN

Jin Jout

3
and φ is the rotation angle from (x,y) to (x’,y’) as shown in
the diagram.

Note that Rφ = ΜR−1(φ) = ΜR(-φ)

Also R-φ = Rφ−1 = Rφ’

Proof:

 x  x'   x' 
It is easy to show that   = Rφ −1  = M R (φ ) 
 y  y'  y' 

Also, any vector J in (x, y) system is related to J’ in (x’, y’)

system by a rotation

J = R-φ J’

or J’ = Rφ J

Hence, if K=MJ

then K’ = Rφ K = Rφ M J = Rφ M R-φ Rφ J

or K’ = M’ J’

where M’ = Rφ M R-φ

Also the reverse transformation is given by

M = Rφ−1 M’ Rφ

5
For example, rotate x axis by +90o,

 0 1
R90 =  
 − 1 0 

A retardation plate with x-axis as fast axis will have a

Jones matrix of

 0 1  e jδ 0  0 − 1  e− jδ 0 
    =
 − 1 0  0 e− jδ  1 0   0 e jδ 

The Jones matrix of a retardation plate with the fast axis at

φ to the x-axis is given by

 e − jδ 0   cos φ − sin φ  e − jδ 0  cos φ sin φ 

R−φ  R =    
 jδ  φ  sin φ cos φ  0 jδ  − sin φ cos φ 
 0 e   e 

Note that we are transforming from (x’,y’) to (x,y) in this

case. The (x’,y’) frame is the principle axes of the
retardation plate and the (x,y) axes are the fixed
laboratory frame.

This formula is very important. We shall see later that the

LC cell can be regarded as a stack of birefringent plates.

Some more manipulations of Jones matrices:

1. Half wave plate:

The Jone matrix of a half wave plate with c-axis on the x-

axis is

− j 0
 
 0 j 

6
Then Jout = MN …M3 M2 M1 Jin

7.2 Coordinate transformation

The Jones matrix depends on the definition of the

coordinate system. If the coordinate is rotated by φ, the
Jones matrix will become different.

y
y’
P
x’

φ
x

Rule: If the Jones matrix is M in the (x,y) coordinates and

M’ in the (x’,y’) coordinate system, then

M’ = Rφ M Rφ−1

and M = Rφ−1 M’ Rφ

where Rφ is the coordinate transformation matrix

 cos φ sin φ 
Rφ =  
 − sin φ cos φ 

4
The Jones matrix of a half wave plate with c-axis at θ to
the x-axis is

 cos φ − sin φ  − j 0  cos φ sin φ   cos 2φ sin 2φ 

   = 
 sin φ cos φ  0 j  − sin φ cos φ   sin 2φ − cos 2φ 

Check:

 cos 2φ sin 2φ  1   cos 2φ 

   =  
 sin 2φ − cos 2φ  0   sin 2φ 

which is equivalent to a rotation of the linear polarization

along x by 2φ. This Jones matrix is not the same as the
polarization rotation matrix since the rotation is dependent
on the polarizer angle.

2. Quarterwave plate

The Jones matrix of a quarterwave plate with c-axis along

the x-axis

1 1 − j 0 
M =  
2  0 1+ j 

If light polarized at 45o to the x-axis passes through it, the

new Jones vector is

1 1 − j 0 1 1 1 − j  1− j 1
J =    =  =  
2  0 1+ j 1 2 1 + j  2  j 

which is a right circularly polarized wave.

3. Polarizer

7
The Jones matrix of a polarizer with polarizing axis along x
1 0
is   . So the Jones matrix of a polarizer with the
 0 0 
polarizing axis at θ is given by

 cos φ − sin φ  1 0  cos φ sin φ 

   
 sin φ cos φ  0 0  − sin φ cos φ 

 cos 2 φ sin φ cos φ 

= 
 sin φ cos φ sin 2 φ 


4. Eigenvalues and eigenvectors of the Jones matrix

Any matrix can be diagonalized to find the eigenvalues

and eigenvectors. For the 2x2 Jones matrix, the 2
eigenvectors correspond to the Jones vector that can
propagate through the system without any change of
polarization state.

MJ=λJ

Exercise: Find the eigenvectors of the retardation plate

and the polarizer Jones matrices.

7.3 LCD Optics Modeling

In the most common model, the LC cell is thought of as

composed of N retardation plates. N is sufficiently large so
that each slice can be regarded as having constant θ and
φ, i.e. constant c-axis orientation. For twist angle smaller
than 1800, N<80 is large enough for LCD modeling. Also N

8
> 20 for accuracy. This is the approach used in all
commercial LCD modeling software.

The LC cell then has a Jones matrix given by

MLC = MN ….M3 M2 M1

where Mn is the Jones matrix of a birefringent plate with c-

axis at angle φn to the x-axis and at θn to the z-axis.

x n

φn
θn z

Jones matrix Mn

If the fast axis is at angle φn to the x-axis, then the Jones

matrix is given by a coordinate transformation:

Mn = Rφn –1 M’ Rφn

where Rφn is the transformation matrix

9
  cos φ n sin φ n 
Rφn = 
− sin φ n cos φ n 

Jones matrix of the general birefringent plate with c-axis

along the principle axis (x’) is given by

 e − jδ 0 
M’ = 
 e jδ 
 0

πd (ne (θ ) − no )
where δ =
λ

1 cos 2 θ sin 2 θ
with = +
ne (θ )
2 2 2
no ne

The above formulas can be used for the modeling of LCD

with arbitrary φ(z) and θ(z) distribution numerically. In
particular, we shall work out a simple case of φ(z) and θ(z)
below.

7.4 Jones matrix of twisted nematic cells with uniform

tilt

The Jones matrix of a T-cell without any voltage applied

can be obtained analytically.

Assuming no pretilt for simplicity, θ(z) = 0. If there is a

uniform tilt, then we can simply reduce ∆n for all the
birefringent plates.

10
The twist angle is given by

φ(z) = qz = Φ z/d

where Φ is the total twist angle of the LC cell. All twist

angles are measured relative to the x-axis. The above
equation already assumes that φ(0) = 0, i.e. the input
director is parallel to the x-axis.

Assuming N plates, then there are N Jones matrices. The

twist angle of the nth plate is

φn = n ∆φ

where ∆φ = Φ / Ν

y
x

∆φ 2∆φ N∆φ

Therefore the LC Jones matrix is given by

MLC = (RN∆φ−1M’RN∆φ)….(R2∆φ−1M’R2∆φ)(R∆φ-1M’R∆φ)

 e − jδ / N 0 
where M'=  
 e jδ / N 
 0

11
 πd∆n
with δ = = d∆k
λ

k −k π∆n
where ∆k = e o =
2 λ

Now Rn∆φR(n-1)∆φ−1 = R∆φ

So MLC = RΦ−1(M’R∆φ)N

We can now make use of the Chebychev identity to

simplify this matrix further. It can be shown that

N
 A B  AU N − U N −1 BU N 
  =  
 C D   CU N DU N − U N −1 

sin NΩ
where UN =
sin Ω

and cos Ω = ½ (A + D)

This is valid for any unitary matrix with AD – BC = 1.

(Exercise: Prove the Chebychev identity by induction)

Then it is straight-forward to show that as N -> infinity,

12
  ∆k Φ 
 cos βd − i sin βd sin βd 
(M’R∆φ)N =  β βd 
 Φ ∆k 
 − sin βd cos βd + i sin βd 
 βd β 

where β2d2 = Φ2 + ∆k2d2

Finally, MLC can be written as a simple matrix

a −ib −c −id
MLC = 
c −id a + ib 

Φ
where a = cos Φ cos βd + sin Φ sin βd
βd

∆k
b= cos Φ sin βd
β

Φ
c = sin Φ cos βd - cos Φ sin βd
βd

∆k
d= sin Φ sin βd
β

This is an extremely useful result.

Properties:
(1) MLC is normalized, i.e. M LC = 1 . (Check it.)

13
(2) MLC is unitary. i.e. MLC*T = MLC-1 . (Check it). Recall
from matrix algebra: the eigenvalues of unitary
matrices have forms ejα (or unit length).
(3) MLC changes if we change the twist sense, i.e.
Φ → −Φ. The off-diagonal elements changes sign. But
the properties remains the same. (e.g. the eigenvalues
and eigenvectors are the same.) Therefore it does not
matter how we define the twist sense, as long as it is
consistent.
(4) If the wave propagates in the opposite direction, i.e. we
have a left-handed coordinate system, then MLC
becomes MLC*. Proof: if z → -z, then M’ → Μ’*. This is
a useful result for reflective displays.
(5) It can be shown that

 −iβd
−1  e 0 
MLC = Rφ−1 Τ Τ
 0 iβd 
 e 

 cos χ − i sin χ 
where T =   and sin 2χ = φ/βd.
 − i sin χ cos χ 

In this form, the LC cell behaves as a “rotating

waveplate”.

7.5 Eigenvalues and eigenvectors of MLC

The eigenvalues of the LC Jones matrix can be obtained

indirectly. Let us first find the eigenvectors of (MR∆φ)N.
Recall that MLC = RΦ−1(M’R∆φ)N

g* h
Write (M’R∆φ)N =  
 − h g 

14
 ∆k
where g = cos βd + i sin βd
β

Φ
and h= sin βd
βd

Then the eigenvalues are given by the secular equation:

 g * −λ h 
 −h =0
 g − λ 

The solution is easily derived to be:

λ = e-jβd and ejβd

The corresponding normalized eigenvectors are

 β + ∆k 
 
β
v1 =  
2
 β − ∆k 
− j 
 2 β 

 β − ∆k 
 
 2β 
and v2 = 
β + ∆k 
j 
 2 β 

These are elliptically polarized waves. Note that v1•v2 = 1

which is another property of unitary matrices.

This result is easily obtained if we note that

15
  −iβd−1  e 0 
(M’R∆φ) = Τ
N
Τ
 0 eiβd 


 cos χ − i sin χ 
where T =   and sin 2χ = φ/βd.
 − i sin χ cos χ 

By inspection we know that the eigenvalues are e-jβd and

ejβd and the eigenvectors are

 cos χ   sin χ 
  and  
 − i sin χ   i sin χ 

To visualize what is going on inside the LC cell, just take d

= z in all the above formulas, and replace Φ by φ(z). Then
everything else is still valid.

Now MLC = RΦ−1(M’R∆φ)N

So MLC vI = RΦ−1(M’R∆φ)N vI = λI RΦ−1 vI

Hence inside the LC, the eigenvectors of polarization are

rotating elliptically polarized waves. The rotation is in the
same sense and pitch as the director twist angle. The
physical picture is clearer if we take at the 2 limits of high
pitch and low pitch.

∆k >> φ)
(1) Low twist large birefringence limit (d∆

In this case β ∼ ∆k

The 2 eigenvectors are

16
 1
v1 ~  
 0

 0
v2 ~ j 
1

These are linearly polarized light along the x-axis (e-wave)

and along the y-axis (o-wave). The waves inside the LC
cell are linearly polarized light rotating along as the
director. This is called the waveguiding limit. It is also
called the adiabatic limit or the Mauguin limit.

φ >> d∆
(2) High twist limit small birefringence limit (φ ∆k)

In this case β ∼ φ/d

The 2 eigenvectors are

1  1 
v1 ~  
2 − j

1 1
v2 ~  
2  j

These are circularly polarized waves. Hence the waves

inside the LC cell are rotating circularly polarized waves. It
turns out from more rigorous wave propagation theory that
only the circularly polarized wave with the same twist
sense as the director can propagate. Hence the other
circularly polarized wave will be reflected. This is the
principle of the cholesteric display.

17
7.6 Parameter space

All the operating modes of a LCD can be shown on the

parameter space.

If the LCD is composed of a polarizer at angle α to the x-

axis, an LC cell with input director along the x-axis, and an
output polarizer at angle γ to the x-axis, then the
transmission is given by

2
 cosα 
T = T(α, γ, φ, d∆n) = (cos γ sin γ ) • M LC •  
 sin α 

There are only 4 parameters, in the zero volt state. If we

fix any 2 of the parameters, T can be plotted as a function
of the other 2 parameters in a 2D contour map. This is
called the parameter space. In most cases, the polarizers
are either parallel of perpendicular. So γ = α or γ = α+π/2.
So in fact there are 3 parameters in T(α, φ, d∆n).

Common situation: α = 0, γ = 90o. This is for example the

case for a TN display. The following parameter space can
be obtained:

18
 2

1.5

1
d∆n

0.5

0
-400 -200 0 200 400
Twist angle
Each line represents a constant transmittance contour.
The increment is 10% transmittance. The shaded part
represents T>90%. The series of peaks show the Mauguin
modes. The series at 90o twist is the normal TN display.
The series at 270o shows the STN display. The series at
180o does not show near 100% transmittance. It is called
the OMI mode. It has a maximum transmittance of 41%,
but has other advantages such as B/W operation and low
dispersion.

This parameter space contains a lot of information. It is

also very easy to understand the similarities and
differences of TN, HTN (High TN), STN (Supertwisted
nematic), OMI (Optical mode interference), SBE
(Supertwist birefringent effect) and ECB modes.

Nomenclature:

19
 LCD Mode Twist Angle Polarizer Angle
ECB 0o 45o
TN 90o 0o
HTN 120-150o 15o
STN 180-240o 45o
SBE 270o -32.50
OMI 180o 0o

The PS gives the transmittance at no voltage (nonselect).

When a voltage is applied, the transmittance will change
because ∆n decreases. For a first approximation, we can
regard this change as a vertical line going towards the x-
axis.

Also the dispersion can be visualized easily. A change in λ

is equivalent to change in ∆n since the parameter ∆n/λ
appears together in all formulas. Therefore it is equivalent
to a vertical axis scaling.

The parameter space above is for the waveguiding

situation, with α = 0. If α = 45o, the ECB modes will be
obtained. Here we show a series of parameter spaces to
show the systematic variation of the operating modes of
any LCD.

20
21
 The parameter space can also be plotted with α and d∆n
as the free parameters. They are useful for designing new
LCD operating modes. For example, the following PS
shows the 240o twist STN display with cross polarizers.
The optimum d∆n of 0.75µm, and optimum polarizer angle
of 30o can be obtained easily. This is in agreement with
the best design.

2.5

1.5
d x delta n

0.5

0
0 20 40 60 80
Polarizer angle

7.7 Gooch and Tarry formulas:

Gooch and Tarry derived the analytical expressions of the

optical properties of the GTN cell. We can derive those
important formulas using the Jones matrix easily.

22
Case 1: α = 0, γ = Φ+π/2.

The transmission of the LCD is given by

2
1
T = (cos(Φ + π / 2) sin(Φ + π / 2) ) • M LC •  
0

Therefore

Φ2 1
T= sin 2 βd = sin 2 βd
β 2d 2 1 + u2

δ πd∆n d∆k
where u= = =
Φ λΦ Φ

This is the original Gooch and Tarry formula. In particular,

for the 90o TN cell, the LCD will have parallel polarizers
and the transmission is given by

Φ2
T= sin 2 βd
β 2d 2

which can be used to derive the waveguiding modes of

the TN LCD. This will be discussed in the next Chapter.

Case 2: α = 0, γ = Φ.

The transmission of the LCD is given by

2
1
T = (cos Φ sin Φ ) • M LC •  
0

23
Therefore

1
T= {u2 + cos2 βd}
2
1+ u

This is just 1-T of case (1).

Here is a plot for φ = 90ο, 180ο and 270ο. These are the
waveguiding modes.

24
The 90o TN cell with cross polarizers is a special example
of this case. Here the transmission is given by

Φ2
T=1- sin 2 βd
β 2d 2

Case 3: α = 45o, γ = −45ο.

The transmission of the LCD is given by

2
1  1
T = (1 − 1) • M LC •   = b 2 + c 2
4  1

This can be used to analyze the ECB mode displays,

which will be presented in the next Chapter. Here is a plot
of the transmission as a function of d∆n for
φ = 0ο, 90ο, 180ο, 270ο. It can be seen that these are truly
interference modes.

25
Case 4: α = 0, γ = π/2

Here the polarizers are always crossed. The transmission

is given by

2
1 1
T = (0 1) • M LC •   = c 2 + d 2
4  0

These examples show the power of the Jones matrix and

the parameter space approach in analyzing LCD optics.

7.7 Wave propagation theory of LC cell

There is another approach to LCD optics – wave

propagation theory. It yields the same results as the Jones
matrix approach.

We first obtain the differential equation for the Jones

vector.
z

L(z) ∆z

Let n = (cos φ, sin φ, 0)

φ = qz

km = (ne + no) π/λ

26
 φm = km ∆z

∆k = π∆n/2λ

δ = ∆k ∆z

then as before the Jone matrix of the nth slice of LC cell

can be approximated by a birefringent plate:

− jδ
jφ m −1 e 0 
L( z ) = e Rφ R
 jδ  φ
 0 e 

Represent the Jones vector at z by J(z), then

J(z+∆z) = L(z) J(z)

Therefore

∆J = J(z+∆z) – J(z) = [ L(z) – I] J(z)

As ∆z
0,

1 − jδ 0 
L( z ) ≈ (1 − jφm ) Rφ −1  Rφ
 0 1 + jδ 

Simplifying, we get

  j∆k 0  
L( z ) = (1 − jkm∆z )  I − Rφ −1  Rφ ∆z 
  0 − j∆k  

Hence the differential equation for J(z) is given by

27
 dJ ( z )   j∆k 0  
= − jkm − Rφ −1  Rφ  J ( z )
dz   0 − j∆k  

Now we need to get rid of Rφ by making the transformation

Let J R ( z ) = e jkm z Rφ J ( z )

Then it can be shown that, after a few steps,

dJ R ( z )  − ∆k − jq 
= j   J R ( z)
dz  jq ∆k 

Now we need to diagonalize this equation. Let the

eigenvalue be β, then

− ∆k − β − jq
=0
jq ∆k − β

which gives

β = ± ∆k 2 + q 2

which is the same as β2d2 = Φ2 + ∆k2d2

obtained previously in section 7.4.

Now the normalized eigenvectors corresponding to the +

and – solutions are

28
  β − ∆k 
 
β
v+ =  
2
β + ∆k 
 j 
 2β 

 β + ∆k 
 
β
v- =  
2
and
 β − ∆k 
 − j 
 2β 

Therefore the solutions for JR(z) are

J R + ( z ) = v +e jβz

J R − ( z ) = v −e jβz

[Verify that these are indeed the solutions of the

differential equation for JR(z)].

Therefore the Jones vectors inside the LC cell is given by

J + ( z ) = e− j ( km − β ) z Rφ −1v +

and J − ( z ) = e− j ( km + β ) z Rφ −1v −

These are exactly the same results as in section 7.5. The

waves inside the LC cell are elliptically polarized waves
with rotating axis guided by the LC director. The results
here also provide the additional phase factors.

29
The wave propagation approach is especially useful for
cholesteric case if we take into consideration continuous
reflection inside the cell. It will give the reflection of the
circular polarized light, which we cannot get here.

30
Chapter 8. LCD Optical Modes
LCD can operate in many modes. Every point in the
parameter space can be a quiescent operating point for
the LCD. Depending on the polarizer angle, an LCD can
be in either the ECB, or waveguiding or mixed mode of
operation.

8.1 ECB modes (Interference modes)

Classic ECB: No twist

There are several classic ECB modes (homogeneous cell,

hybrid aligned cell, homeotropic cell). They all rely on the
birefringence of the LC cell. The LC cell behaves as a
retardation plate with variable retardation.

Polarizer LC cell Analyzer

The polarizer and the input director are always at 45o to

each other. The polarizers can be cross (as shown) or
parallel.

For a cross polarizer geometry, the transmission is given

by

31
 d

T = sin 2 ∫
0
π∆n( z )
λ
dz

where d = film thickness

∆n = birefringence
λ = wavelength

For a parallel-parallel polarizer geometry

T= 1 - sin 2 ∫
0
π∆n( z )
λ
dz

Example: for a homogeneous cell, ∆n(z) = constant

0.8

0.6
Transmission

0.4

0.2

0
0 0.5 1 1.5 2

d∆n

32
As the retardation depends on V, so the transmission will
also depend on V. The shape of the curve depends on the
initial retardation value. For example, d∆n(0)=2 µm:

ECB cell

0.50
Transmittance

0.40
0.30
0.20
0.10
0.00
0.00 1.00 2.00 3.00 4.00
Voltage

This was calculated using DIMOS, and is an example of

an electro-optic curve.

General ECB modes:

The general ECB mode can be analyzed using the

parameter space. For a LC cell with any twist, the
interference mode or ECB mode can be obtained by
placing the input director at 45o to the input director. The
output polarizer is at 90o to the input polarizer. In this
case, it can be shown (homework exercise) easily that

T = b2 + c 2

33
In particular, if Φ = 0, it can be easily shown that

T = sin 2 δ

which is what we have derived for a single birefringent

plate with no twist. So the above formula is just an
extension of the ECB mode to twisted nematic cells.

It should noted that the STN and SBE modes with near
45o polarizer angles, are actually general ECB modes.
They are not waveguiding and are dispersive (colored).

The following curves show examples of ECB modes for

90o twist and 180o twist cells.

1
0.9
0.8
Transmission

0.7
0.6
0.5
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12
Retardation

For the interference modes, the transmission is always

periodic in d∆n. There is no waveguiding limit.

34
For ECB mode, there can be several maxima and several
minima. If the initial retardation value is reduced, it can
have just one peak.

Dispersion:

Because of the dependence of T on wavelength, ECB

displays are intrinsically dispersive, meaning that there is
strong coloring of the transmitted light. This is bad for
many applications but is good for some applications
requiring color contrast.

For classic ECB, the spectrum can be calculated easily. If

∆n = constant independent of z, then the peaks
corresponds to

d∆n 1
=M+ for M = 1, 2, 3,…
λo 2

where λο is the peak wavelength.

2 1 πλ o
So =
T sin ( M − ) for the ON states
2 λ
Similarly,
πλ o
T = sin 2 M for the OFF state
λ
Note that the ECB cell is designed to be either normally on
or normally off, but not both, obviously.

35
 1

M=1 M=2
0.8

transmittance 0.6

0.4

0.2

0
400 450 500 550 600 650 700
wavelength (nm)

An ECB display does not have a true dark state. At any V,

there is some ∆n, and that must correspond to peak
transmission of some color. So the color of the display
changes as V changes.

In the ECB mode, the input polarizer is always at 45o to

the input director.

(Homework) Calculate the spectrum for the general ECB

mode (i.e. with a twist).

8.2 Waveguiding (Mauguin) modes

In the waveguiding mode, the input polarizer is at 0o or 90o

to the input director of the LC cell. In this case, the
polarization of the light rotates in the same way as the LC
director of the LC cell. Therefore if the LC director twist is

36
90o, the polarization also twist by 90o. This rotation is
supposedly independent of wavelength.

Typical configuration of a TN LCD:

Let us apply the LC Jones matrix to analyze the

waveguiding modes. Here the input polarizer is parallel to
the input director and the output polarizer is parallel to the
output director.

y
Dout, Pout

DIn, Pin
x

37
We have shown above that the transmission is given by
the famous Gooch and Tarry formula.

1
T= {u2 + cos2 βd}
2
1+ u

Let us examine the case of a 90o twist TN cell. In this

case, the transmission is given by

Φ2
T=1- sin 2 βd
β 2d 2

 π   πd∆n 
2 2

βd =   +  
where
  
2 λ 

d∆n
A plot of T vs
λ shows several peaks.

0.8
Transmission

0.6

0.4

0.2

0
0 0.5 1 1.5 2
d∆ n

38
The transmission is 100% when

βd = Nπ for N = 1,2,3…

So the transmission peaks are at

d∆n 1
= 4N 2 −1
λ 2

These are called the Mauguin minima. (It will be minimum

transmission if the polarizers are parallel). In the
waveguiding limit, the transmission is 100% always,
because the solution is a rotating linearly polarized wave.
It occurs at large d∆n. For finite d∆n, the waves are
slightly elliptical. The ellipticity parameter is defined as the
ratio of the major to the minor axis.

Definitions: If Pin is parallel to Din, the wave inside the cell

is an e-wave. This is called an e-mode TN cell. If Pin ⊥ Din,
then the wave inside the cell is an o-wave. This is o-mode
operation. Whether an o-mode or an e-mode is used
depends also on the viewing angle requirements.

Most TN LCDs operate either in the first or second

minimum. Here are their values

d∆ n
First minimum 0.475 µm

Second minimum 1.075 µm

39
Recall from the discussion on refractive index of LC that
most LC have ∆n of 0.07-0.2. Therefore one can choose
the right combination of cell gap and ∆n to make first or
second minimum cells.

Sometimes, the choice of the first or second minimum also

has to do with viewing angle.

We shall show that the description of waveguiding modes

for the Mauguin minima is correct only at large d – the
waveguiding limit. There is some degree of birefringence
in the normal first minimum or second minimum operation
for TN LCD.

Dispersion: the waveguiding effect is λ independent.

Therefore the waveguiding modes are true black and
white – no dispersion.

8.3. Mixed modes

If the polarizer angle is at angles other than 0, 45o, or 90o

to the input director of the LC cell, then we have a mixed
mode situation. The LCD operates somewhere between
the ECB and the waveguiding limit.

In transmittive LCD, mixed modes are not used. The

optimized STN may have a little bit of mixed mode
behavior because the polarizer and analyzer angles may
not be 45o to the directors exactly, and also they are not
parallel or perpendicular to each other.

40
8.4 Reflective modes: MTB (mixed TN and
birefringence mode)

A reflective display is different from a transflective display.

There is only one polarizer.

For such a truly reflective LCD without the rear polarizer,

one has to use the MTB mode or the ECB mode. The
analysis is greatly simplified by use of the Jones matrix.
LC cell

Mirror

Pol

For a reflective LCD with only one polarizer, the

reflectance is given by

2
 cosα 
R = (cosα sin α ) • RΦ M LC*RΦ −1M LC •  
 sin α 

where M* means opposite twist sence for the LC.

The following figures are parameter space for this display

with various polarizer angles.

41
 The minima in reflectance are called the TN-ECB modes,
the MTN modes for α = 0. For nonzero α they are called
MTB modes.

The MTB modes are newly discovered by HKUST. There

are many new uses of such modes for low power PDA
and fancy applications.

1.5 1.5

1.2 1.2
d∆n TN-ECB-2 d∆n
0.9 0.9
RSTN
HFE
0.6 0.6 MTN
TN-ECB-2 RTN

0.3 0.3
TN-ECB-1 α=0♣ α=15♣
0 0
-360 -240 -120 0 120 240 360 -360 -240 -120 0 120 240 360
Twist angle Twist angle

1.5 1.5

1.2 1.2
d∆n d∆n
0.9 0.9

0.6 0.6
RSTN

0.3 SCTN 0.3

α=30♣ α=45♣
0 0
-360 -240 -120 0 120 240 360 -360 -240 -120 0 120 240 360
Twist angle Twist angle

42
There are a lot of interesting physics contained in these
parameter space diagrams. For the case of α = 45o. the zero
twist modes are exactly the ECB modes. For the case of α = o,
the TN-ECB modes can be derived exactly.

Given a x-polarized input wave, the ellipticity of the output

through the LC cell is given by the Gooch Tarry formula:

1  2u 
χ = tan  sin −1 sin 2 Φ 1 + u 2 
2 1 + u2 

Therefore, for the TN-ECB mode, the reflected wave should be

cross polarized. i.e. the LC cell should behave as a
quarterwave plate. For this to happen, χ has to be 1.

Then it can be derived easily (homework exercise) that this

leads to the solution

π
Φ = (2 N − 1) where N=1,2,3…
2 2

and the corresponding retardation is given by

d∆n = λΦ/π

For example, at λ=550nm, the first 2 TN-ECB modes are (63o.

0.18µm), (189o, 0.54µm). They corresponds exactly to the
solutions depicted in the PS.

43