Consortium eyes new LCD manufacturing technique

Officials of the U.S. Display Consortium in San Jose, Calif., are hiring Elsicon Inc. of Wilmington, Del., to develop the technology, materials, and tools to create a liquid crystal alignment layer by other than mechanical rubbing means. This new technology would meet special application needs for alignment to improve process control on pre-tilt angles, emininate cleaning, and reduce cost of flat panel display ownership. Elsicon officials will set up a facility to develop and evaluate materials for alignment layers, and to define the conditions by which experts can produce and control alignment by exposure to UV light. - J.K.