Research

Kent State University pioneered the modern era of basic research on liquid crystalline materials. Since its founding in 1965, the LCI has been the focal point for international research in the field. This expertise was recognized by the National Science Foundation in 1990 when the LCI was designated as the headquarters of the Science & Technology Center for Advanced Liquid Crystalline Optical Materials (ALCOM). From 1992-2001, ALCOM was a consortium of Kent State University, Case Western Reserve University, and the University of Akron.

The LCI is unique in concentrating on both basic research and technological development. The following is a list of areas being investigated and the LCI scientists who lead the research:

LCI Research
In addition to basic research, the LCI is continuously working with industry to develop numerous improvements for flat-panel displays to lower manufacturing costs and to improve manufacturability.

Fundamental Studies:

Bistable Cholesteric Liquid Crystals

Other Applications

LCI Research Laboratory Web Sites

Liquid Crystal Display Applications, Prof. Philip J. Bos

Materials and Devices, Prof. L.-C. Chien

Materials and Surface Characterization, Prof. Oleg D. Lavrentovich

Organic Synthesis, Dr. Quan Li

Request form to obtain liquid crystalline materials. Direct questions regarding this form to Lisa Green, (330) 672-1547 or lgreen7@lci.kent.edu

Liquid Crystal Display Resource Facility
The Liquid Crystal Display Resource Facility at the Liquid Crystal Institute offers a wide range of services & capabilities related to liquid crystals and displays in particular. The facility is centered in a 3,500 square foot Class 100-1,000-10,000 clean room facility for manufacturing or prototyping of liquid crystal devices & related research. The clean room was made possible through funding from the Ohio Board of Regents and equipment donations, and funding from Lucent Technologies, the GAR Foundation, and the W.M. Keck Foundation. The purpose of the Resource Facility is to provide custom LCD devices which are not available elsewhere.

Included in the clean room is a complete passive LCD pilot manufacturing line. The line can accommodate substrate sizes of 12"x12", although many pieces of equipment can handle alternative sizes such as 320x400mm or 14"x14". A separate prototyping area for use with substrate sizes up to 6"x6" is also available. Process capabilities include the full range necessary for passive LCDs. Special process equipment includes a production-type thermal evaporator for oblique silicon monoxide deposition and a coater / laminator for roll processing of plastic displays.

For information on using equipment or contracting projects to be performed by LCI Staff contact the following personnel at the LCI:

Philip J. Bos
LCI Associate Director - Applied Programs
Tel: (330) 672-2511
e-mail: pbos@kent.edu

Doug Bryant
Manager, Display Engineering
Tel: (330) 672-1583
e-mail: dbryant@lci.kent.edu



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