Mylar‐film‐compensated π and parallel‐aligned liquid crystal cells for direct‐view and projection displays

Optical properties of stretched Mylar films [poly(ethylene terephthalate)] were evaluated. Similar birefringence dispersion to liquid crystals over a wide spectral range makes Mylar an attractive phase retardation plate for display applications. Two display modes employing an antiparallel (or π) and a parallel‐aligned cell with a Mylar phase compensator were demonstrated. The film‐compensated π cell shows an 80:1 black‐to‐white contrast ratio, 60 Hz frame rate and ±45° viewing angle, and is attractive for direct view display. The film‐compensated parallel cell shows an 85:1 black‐to‐white contrast ratio, 180 Hz frame rate, and ±10° viewing angle, and is suitable for projection display.