A Reflective-mode PDLC Light Valve Display Technology

Abstract

A silicon-based display technology was developed using a 0.8 μm EEPROM process flow [1] and a reflective-mode, polymer-dispersed-liquid-crystal (PDLC) cell in order to generate a high resolution light valve. The silicon backplane driver is coupled to the PDLC cell which is mounted directly on the die. Modifications to the EEPROM process frontend and optimization of a 3 layer metal backend were conducted based on the specific requirements of the light valve. The light valves were combined with optical beam-splitting and beamcombining prisms to enable full color projection displays. A prototype projector was assembled to demonstrate the technology approach.