We present an overview of in-plane switching (IPS) technologies in terms of historical background, nascent fundamental findings and developments, breakthroughs in addressing display performance issues, and the evolution of materials and device structures. The focus is on how IPS technology has been developed along with changes in the required display characteristics as the target display products continue to evolve. In addition, innovative manufacturing processes, such as photo-alignment technology, have led to the further evolution of IPS technology. Starting with the fundamental frameworks at an early stage, the evolution and development of IPS technology are described as extensively as possible.

Chapter Contents:

• 2.1 Introduction
• 2.2 IPS electro-optical effect [20]
• 2.2.1 Electro-optical operations [4,21]
• 2.2.2 Principles of viewing angle characteristics [4,21]
• 2.2.3 Threshold behaviour [4,21]
• 2.2.4 Response mechanism [21,38]
• 2.2.5 Holding voltage characteristics [39–41]
• 2.2.6 Switching of negative and positive Δ LCs [42]
• 2.3 TFT-LCD with in-plane switching
• 2.4 Evolution and development of the IPS technology
• 2.4.1 Overview of target LCD products
• 2.4.2 Device structure and aperture ratio
• 2.4.3 Response speed
• 2.4.4 Image quality
• 2.4.5 Contrast ratio
• 2.4.6 Touch panel
• 2.5 Conclusion
• References

Inspec keywords: liquid crystal displays

Other keywords: innovative manufacturing processes; liquid crystal displays; photo-alignment technology; LCD; display characteristics; IPS technologies; in-plane switching technology

Subjects: Display technology; Liquid crystal devices