Abstract: A thin film transistor (TFT) having a reduced channel length and method of making same are disclosed for liquid crystal display (LCD) applications. The method of making the TFT includes the following process steps: (i) depositing and patterning the gate on a substrate; (ii) depositing and patterning an intrinsic a-Si layer, a n+ a-Si layer, and a source metal layer (e.g. Cr) over the gate; (iii) depositing and patterning an ITO layer to form a pixel electrode portion and a TFT source portion; (iv) etching the source metal layer so that it remains only under the ITO source portion so as to form the TFT source electrode; (v) depositing and patterning a metal (e.g. Mo) to form the drain of the TFT; and (vi) etching the n+ a-Si layer in the TFT channel area so that only the intrinsic semiconductor layer remains between the source and drain. The resulting TFT has a reduced channel length (e.g. less than about 4 .mu.m) less than the feature size of the lithography used so as to maximize I.sub.ON /C.sub.

Abstract: An LCD heater includes a substantially transparent ITO heating layer deposited on a transparent glass rear cover sheet, the ITO layer being mounted adjacent a planar surface of the display's rear polarizer. The ITO layer has a pair of substantially parallel flex circuit buss bars adhered thereto, the buss bars being sandwiched between the rear polarizer and the ITO heater layer.

Abstract: A multi-colored pixel for a twisted nematic liquid crystal display including red, green, and blue subpixels, wherein each subpixel includes a pair of substrates, a pair of polarizers, opposing electrodes, and a color personalized retardation film which compensates for the different wavelength of each color. The personalized retardation films of the different color subpixels results in elimination of the multi-gap approach and substantially eliminates the problem of different color leakages at different viewing angles, including normal. Also, one polymer based element, preferably a polyimide, functions as both a color filter and a retardation film in certain embodiments of this invention.

Abstract: An improved NVG compatible day/night backlighting assembly for a color liquid crystal display includes a daytime high intensity light source, an edge-mounted nighttime low intensity light source, and an integral collimating/reflecting/image splitting lens which collimates and image splits the light emitted from the high intensity daytime light source, and reflects upward the low intensity light rays emanating from the low intensity edge-mounted light source.

Abstract: An active matrix liquid crystal display assembly including a flex circuit for interfacing substantially all of the row and column address lines of the display panel with a display output controller. The flex circuit is preferably made of two planar sheets laminated to one another, the first flex circuit sheet interfacing the row address lines with the display output controller and the second sheet interfacing the column address lines of the active matrix with the controller. The flex circuit includes a plurality of extension members, each extension member being electrically adhered to a driver TAB mounted to a peripheral side of the display panel.

Abstract: A thin film transistor (TFT) array in an active matrix liquid crystal display (AMLCD) including a centrally located round source electrode substantially completely surrounded by a substantially annular or circular shaped drain electrode. The geometric design of the TFT of this invention provides for a thin film transistor having a reduced parasitic capacitance and decreased photosensitivity. The TFTs of this invention are located at the intersections of gate and drain lines of an active matrix LCD array thereby increasing the size of the pixel display openings of the matrix array.

Abstract: A full color, night vision goggle compatible, liquid crystal display device achieves uniform illumination and color integrity at wide viewing angles by creating collimated, uniform light in a backlight assembly before the light reaches an IR filter having a sharp cutoff between near IR and red, and thereafter diffusing the light which is emitted from the filter to create the desired wide viewing angle.

Abstract: An improved lighting assembly for a backlit electronic display includes an integrally formed image splitting/collimating lens for effectively enlarging the area illuminated by any one or part of one of the lamps of the source of backlighting. Through the use of the improved optical assembly described herein, there is provided a backlit electronic display characterized by fewer lamps, reduced heating, and vastly improved intensity of illumination per unit area in a lower profile package.

Abstract: Improved backlighting for a liquid crystal display is provided by an integral diffusing/collimating lens fabricated from a translucent optical media in which glass beads are suspended. The optical media is configured in substantially the same shape as the array of lamps which illuminate the backlit display and serves as both a lens and a diffuser. The lens effect is obtained by positioning the optical media so that the focal length thereof is at the lamp location. In this manner, the optical media behaves as a collimating lens. The optical effect simultaneously occurs at the air-to-material interface. Of course, the translucent material from which the media is fabricated diffuses light so as to uniformly distribute light emanating from said lamps in all directions.

Abstract: There are disclosed liquid crystal displays each having at least one pixel element formed on an insulative substrate including at least two conductive electrodes and liquid crystal display material disposed between the electrodes. The pixel elements further include at least a pair of isolation devices formed from a deposited semiconductor material which facilitates selective excitation of of the pixel elements and applied potential reversal across the electrodes during alternate display frames. The isolation devices can include a plurality of series connected diodes. The isolation devices can be formed as diode rings. A method of making the displays is also disclosed.

Abstract: A high density planar array of substrate-supported, thin film diodes constituting photoresponsive semiconductor elements is placed between a document to be read and a light source for illuminating the document. The document is illuminated by the light source via windows in the array, reflected light from the document impinging on the photoresponsive elements constituted by the diodes which are electronically interrogated to provide a signal which is indicative of image information on the document. The light source directly illuminates small portions of each diode to establish a discharge or bias current that makes the array more sensitive and responsive. The high density diodes of the array can be formed in a manner that minimizes leakage current between adjacent diodes.