High resolution, color FLC miniature display and FLC materials optimized for their operation

We describe miniature (<1 cm(2)) 640 x 480 and 1280 x 1024 active matrix liquid crystal displays composed of a ferroelectric liquid crystal light-modulating layer placed on top of a reflective CMOS backplane and illuminated with red, green, and blue LEDs. The images are magnified for viewing. Truly miniature displays are difficult to produce with traditional display technologies. Such a display should be small and light enough to mount in a pair of eyeglasses or to incorporate in a pocket-size portable communications device. It should show bright, color images running at video-rate speeds with work-station resolution while operating for long periods on small batteries. The display should also be mass manufacturable at very low cost.