We report on the next generation of transmissive liquid crystal
micro-display technology based on single-crystal Si
backplane. The demand for ultra-high resolutions in combination with optimization of size, weight, and power are
driving Kopin AMLCD to resolutions as high as 2k x 2k. Several key developments are driving the aggressive
development of higher density, lower power AMLCD displays. We will review display performance improvements
resulting from a transition to 8" Si wafer processing, including smaller design rules and multi-level metal processing. In
addition, we will describe new technologies enabling ultra-low power consumption, wide operating temperature range,
and "Instant-On" display performance at temperatures as low as
-40° C. We will discuss how these technologies are
combined in advanced micro-displays, which are enabling the next generation of ruggedized imaging applications.
A miniature 1280 by 1024 transmissive active matrix liquid crystal display (AMLCD) was developed for the helmet-mounted display in the RAH-66 Comanche helicopter. To meet the stringent environmental and optical performance requirements, improvements were made in the AMLCD's operating temperature range, viewing angle, pixel size, and transmission. These features were combined with technology previously developed to provide uniform gray scale, rapid optical response times, and ultra high-brightness imagery for the combination of high-resolution FLIR imagery and flight symbology viewable in daytime environments.
Ronald Gale, Frederick Herrmann, Jason Lo, Martin Metras, Bor-Yeu Tsaur, Alan Richard, David Ellertson, Kuojoing Tsai, Ollie Woodard, Matthew Zavracky, Michael Presz
A miniature 1280 by 1024 transmissive active matrix liquid crystal display (AMLCD) was developed for the RAH-66 Comanche helicopter head-mounted displays and other military applications. The display has an active area of 15.4 mm by 12.3 mm with a diagonal of 19.7 mm (0.77 inches). The display has a 12 micrometer pixel pitch, yet a clear optical aperture of over 30% was achieved by using a 0.8 micrometer CMOS design rule for the active-matrix circuit fabrication. The fabrication process used was similar to that of Kopin's commercial CyberDisplay AMLCD's, which produces high performance, high reliability devices. To achieve low temperature operation to -40 C, the display was designed with an integrated thermal sensor to allow control of a heater. Display test results include contrast ratios over 100, continuous gray scale, fast response times for 60 Hz operation, and the ability to show both gray-scale images and symbology at display luminescence levels over 2,000 foot- Lamberts brightness. This latter result will enable this display to be used in systems with full sunlight readability requirements. The design, fabrication, and characterization of this display are discussed.
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