Optical Modulation

Abstract

This chapter covers the issues that lead to developing and understanding a successful display technology. Optical modulation is a very important aspect of any display and a fundamental principle is that of resolution and its definition in the context of the display technology. Whether the limiting factors are pixels, optics, or materials, the theory of modulation transfer and point spread functions is essential in assessing the resolution properties of any display technology. Optical modulation characteristics are especially important in liquid crystal displays, so the latter part of the chapter develops some of the relevant theory required. The analysis stems from the basic birefringence of these materials, and describes their optical properties using Jones matrices. Finally, a brief description of optical diffraction theory is given, as this forms a basis for most modulation and resolution analysis.