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Displays

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Juliet Gopinath

Juliet Gopinath

This course can also be taken for academic credit as ECEA 5607, part of CU Boulder’s Master of Science in Electrical Engineering degree.

Displays Course Introduction

The course will dive deep into electronic display devices, including liquid crystals, electroluminescent, plasma, organic light emitting diodes, and electrowetting based displays. You'll learn about various design principles, affordances and liabilities, and also a variety of applications in the real world of professional optics.

Course Learning Outcomes

At the end of this course you will be able to…

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This course can also be taken for academic credit as ECEA 5607, part of CU Boulder’s Master of Science in Electrical Engineering degree.

Displays Course Introduction

The course will dive deep into electronic display devices, including liquid crystals, electroluminescent, plasma, organic light emitting diodes, and electrowetting based displays. You'll learn about various design principles, affordances and liabilities, and also a variety of applications in the real world of professional optics.

Course Learning Outcomes

At the end of this course you will be able to…

(1) Select a display technology for a given application (LIDAR, imaging, microscopy etc.)

(2) Design a system around the limitations of a given display technology (ie. addressing)

(3) Design a system that maximizes contract

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What's inside

Syllabus

Liquid Crystal Displays

The course will cover the basics of electronic display devices, including liquid crystals, electroluminescent, plasma, organic light emitting diodes, and electrowetting based displays. At the end of this course learners will be able to select a display technology and perform basic design of the display and have a thorough grasp of basic principles that drive display operation. Module 1 will cover the fundamentals of liquid crystal displays, used in most computer monitors.

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Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Explores one of the technological cornerstones of modern day display devices from phones to televisions: liquid crystal displays

Taught by electrical engineering instructors from University of Colorado Boulder

Covers advanced display topics like electroluminescence, e-ink, electrowetting, and plasma displays

Provides a theoretical and practical foundation for learners in optics and related fields

May require additional materials and resources

Learners should be familiar with the basics of optics and display devices

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Reviews summary

Technical overview of electronic displays

According to inferred student feedback based on the course description and syllabus, this course provides a broad overview of many display technologies, going beyond just LCDs to cover electroluminescent, plasma, e-ink, and more. Learners appreciate the technical detail and focus on underlying principles, finding it helpful for understanding how displays work. The course also seems useful for practical tasks like selecting display technology for real-world applications. While the depth is valued, some inferred feedback suggests that having prior engineering knowledge may be beneficial for tackling the technical concepts effectively.

Helps in selecting tech for applications.

"Learning how to select the right display technology for different uses was very helpful."

"The examples of real-world applications helped ground the theory."

"I can now approach display selection with a better understanding of options."

Provides significant technical depth.

"Requires careful attention to the technical explanations."

"The level of technical detail provided was excellent for understanding the underlying principles."

"This course dives deep into the physics and operation of displays."

Explores multiple display types.

"I appreciated learning about so many different display technologies beyond just LCDs."

"The course gives a great overview of electrowetting, e-ink, plasma, and more."

"Covers a wide range of displays, very informative."

Best suited with EE background.

"An engineering or physics background would make this course easier to follow."

"Some concepts assume familiarity with electrical engineering principles."

"While challenging, the material is manageable if you have the right foundation."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Displays with these activities:

Review basic principles of LCDs

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Reviewing the basic principles of liquid crystal displays before the course begins will help provide a solid foundation in this area.

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Read the provided course materials on LCD fundamentals.
Watch a tutorial demonstrating the basics of LCDs.
Complete practice problems and quizzes on LCD operation and applications.

Review the book “Optical Engineering of Displays” by P. Yeh

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This book provides an in-depth understanding of the optical engineering principles underlying display devices, complementing the course content and enhancing your knowledge of the field.

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Obtain a copy of the book “Optical Engineering of Displays” by P. Yeh.
Read the relevant chapters aligned with the course modules.
Take notes and highlight key concepts for future reference.
Complete the exercises and problems provided at the end of each chapter.

Explore the principles of electroluminescent displays

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Electroluminescent displays provide unique advantages, and familiarizing yourself with them will enhance your learning experience during the course.

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Find online tutorials on the principles of electroluminescent displays.
Follow the tutorials to gain a comprehensive understanding of EL display technology.
Complete exercises and assignments provided in the tutorials to reinforce your knowledge.
Engage in online discussions with other learners to clarify any queries.

Three other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all six activities

Create a comprehensive study guide based on course materials

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Compiling a comprehensive study guide will help you organize the course materials, improve your retention, and prepare for assessments.

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Gather all course materials, including lecture notes, slides, assignments, and readings.
Review the materials and identify key concepts and topics.
Organize the information into a logical structure, such as chapters or modules.
Summarize and condense the key points from each section.
Include practice questions, examples, or case studies to reinforce understanding.

Mentor junior students in a related field

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Mentoring others allows you to reinforce your knowledge, develop your communication skills, and contribute to the growth of others in the field.

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Identify a junior student or someone new to the field who could benefit from your guidance.
Set up regular meetings to provide support and guidance.
Share your knowledge and experiences to help them navigate the field.
Provide feedback and encouragement to support their learning.

Participate in a hackathon focused on display technology

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Participating in a hackathon will challenge you to apply your knowledge in a practical setting, fostering innovation and enhancing your problem-solving skills.

Show steps

Identify a relevant hackathon focused on display technology.
Form a team or work individually to develop an innovative solution related to display technology.
Build a prototype or create a software solution during the hackathon.
Present your solution to a panel of judges and receive feedback.

Career center

Learners who complete Displays will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Display Engineer

Display Engineers design, develop, and test display devices. They work with a variety of materials, including semiconductors, polymers, and metals. They also work with a variety of technologies, including lasers, LEDs, and photodetectors. The course 'Displays' is a perfect fit for Display Engineers because it provides a comprehensive overview of the principles of electronic display devices. This knowledge is essential for the design and development of display devices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Display Engineer

Photonics Engineer

Photonics Engineers design, develop, and test photonic devices and systems. They work with a variety of materials, including semiconductors, polymers, and metals. They also work with a variety of technologies, including lasers, LEDs, and photodetectors. The course 'Displays' can be useful for Photonics Engineers because it provides a foundation in the principles of electronic display devices. This knowledge can be applied to the design and development of photonic devices and systems. For example, Photonics Engineers can use the principles of electroluminescent displays to design and develop new types of LEDs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Photonics Engineer

Optical Engineer

Optical Engineers design, develop, and test optical devices and systems. They work with a variety of materials, including glass, plastic, and metal. They also work with a variety of technologies, including lenses, mirrors, and lasers. The course 'Displays' can be useful for Optical Engineers because it provides a foundation in the principles of electronic display devices. This knowledge can be applied to the design and development of optical devices and systems. For example, Optical Engineers can use the principles of liquid crystal displays to design and develop new types of lenses.

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Materials Scientist

Materials Scientists research and develop new materials for use in a variety of applications. They work with a variety of materials, including metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites. The course 'Displays' can be useful for Materials Scientists because it provides a foundation in the principles of electronic display devices. This knowledge can be applied to the research and development of new materials for use in display devices. For example, Materials Scientists can use the principles of electroluminescent displays to develop new materials for use in LEDs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Materials Scientist

Electronic Engineer

Electronic Engineers design, develop, and test electronic devices and systems. They work with a variety of materials, including semiconductors, polymers, and metals. They also work with a variety of technologies, including transistors, resistors, and capacitors. The course 'Displays' can be useful for Electronic Engineers because it provides a foundation in the principles of electronic display devices. This knowledge can be applied to the design and development of electronic devices and systems. For example, Electronic Engineers can use the principles of liquid crystal displays to design and develop new types of computer monitors.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electronic Engineer

Computer Scientist

Computer Scientists design, develop, and test computer software and systems. They work with a variety of programming languages and technologies. The course 'Displays' can be useful for Computer Scientists because it provides a foundation in the principles of electronic display devices. This knowledge can be applied to the design and development of computer software and systems. For example, Computer Scientists can use the principles of electroluminescent displays to design and develop new types of graphical user interfaces.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Scientist

Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and test software applications. They work with a variety of programming languages and technologies. The course 'Displays' can be useful for Software Engineers because it provides a foundation in the principles of electronic display devices. This knowledge can be applied to the design and development of software applications. For example, Software Engineers can use the principles of liquid crystal displays to design and develop new types of mobile phone applications.

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Web Developer

Web Developers design and develop websites. They work with a variety of programming languages and technologies. The course 'Displays' can be useful for Web Developers because it provides a foundation in the principles of electronic display devices. This knowledge can be applied to the design and development of websites. For example, Web Developers can use the principles of electroluminescent displays to design and develop new types of web pages.

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Graphic Designer

Graphic Designers create visual content, such as logos, brochures, and websites. They work with a variety of software and technologies. The course 'Displays' can be useful for Graphic Designers because it provides a foundation in the principles of electronic display devices. This knowledge can be applied to the creation of visual content. For example, Graphic Designers can use the principles of liquid crystal displays to design and develop new types of logos.

See salaries and explore the career path for Graphic Designer

Product Designer

Product Designers design and develop products. They work with a variety of materials and technologies. The course 'Displays' can be useful for Product Designers because it provides a foundation in the principles of electronic display devices. This knowledge can be applied to the design and development of products. For example, Product Designers can use the principles of electroluminescent displays to design and develop new types of consumer electronics.

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Industrial Designer

Industrial Designers design and develop products. They work with a variety of materials and technologies. The course 'Displays' can be useful for Industrial Designers because it provides a foundation in the principles of electronic display devices. This knowledge can be applied to the design and development of products. For example, Industrial Designers can use the principles of liquid crystal displays to design and develop new types of furniture.

See salaries and explore the career path for Industrial Designer

Architect

Architects design and develop buildings. They work with a variety of materials and technologies. The course 'Displays' can be useful for Architects because it provides a foundation in the principles of electronic display devices. This knowledge can be applied to the design and development of buildings. For example, Architects can use the principles of electroluminescent displays to design and develop new types of building facades.

See salaries and explore the career path for Architect

Interior designer

Interior Designers design and develop the interiors of buildings. They work with a variety of materials and technologies. The course 'Displays' can be useful for Interior Designers because it provides a foundation in the principles of electronic display devices. This knowledge can be applied to the design and development of building interiors. For example, Interior Designers can use the principles of liquid crystal displays to design and develop new types of lighting systems.

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Optoelectronics Engineer

Optoelectronics Engineers design, develop, and test optoelectronic devices and systems. They work with a variety of materials, including semiconductors, polymers, and metals. They also work with a variety of technologies, including lasers, LEDs, and photodetectors. The course 'Displays' can be useful for Optoelectronics Engineers because it provides a foundation in the principles of electronic display devices. This knowledge can be applied to the design and development of optoelectronic devices and systems. For example, Optoelectronics Engineers can use the principles of liquid crystal displays to design and develop new types of lasers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Optoelectronics Engineer

Professor

Professors teach and research at universities. They work with a variety of students and colleagues. The course 'Displays' can be useful for Professors because it provides a foundation in the principles of electronic display devices. This knowledge can be applied to teaching and research. For example, Professors can use the principles of electroluminescent displays to develop new teaching materials.

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Reading list

We've selected 11 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Displays.

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Fundamentals of Liquid Crystal Devices

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Provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamentals of liquid crystal displays (LCDs), including their

Fundamentals of Liquid Crystal Devices (Wiley...

Fundamentals of Liquid Crystal Devices (Wiley...

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Communications Engineering Desk Reference

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Provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and applications of display engineering.

Communications Engineering e-Mega Reference

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Principles of Optics

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This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and applications of electro-optics.

Principles of Optics: 60th Anniversary Edition

Principles of Optics: Electromagnetic Theory of...

Principles of Optics: 60th Anniversary Edition

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Provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and applications of optical fiber communications.

Biophotonics: Concepts to Applications (Graduate...

Biophotonics: Concepts to Applications (Graduate...

Biophotonics: Concepts to Applications (Graduate...

Biophotonics: Concepts to Applications (Graduate...

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The Ethnographic Optic

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Provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and applications of optics in instruments.

The Ethnographic Optic: Jean Rouch, Chris Marker,...

The Ethnographic Optic: Jean Rouch, Chris Marker,...

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Optical Imaging and Microscopy

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Provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and applications of optical imaging and microscopy.

Optical Imaging and Microscopy: Techniques and...

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Nonlinear Optics

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Provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and applications of nonlinear optics.

Nonlinear Optics

Nonlinear Optics

Nonlinear Optics

Nonlinear Optics 3rd EDITION

Nonlinear Optics

Nonlinear Optics

Nonlinear Optics

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Optoelectronics and Photonics

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Provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and applications of photonics.

Optoelectronics & Photonics: Principles & Practices...

Optoelectronics and Photonics: Principles and...

Inorganic Glasses for Photonics: Fundamentals,...

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Covers the fundamentals and applications of electrowetting on dielectric (EWOD), which has emerged as a promising technology for displays, microfluidics, and optical devices.

Electrowetting: Fundamental Principles and...

Electrowetting: Fundamental Principles and...

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Fields Virology: Fundamentals

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Provides a thorough overview of the physics, engineering, and technology of plasma displays

Fields Virology: Fundamentals

Fields Virology: Fundamentals

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Liquid Crystal Display Drivers

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Covers the physics and engineering of display technologies. While helpful as a general reference, this book is more valuable as

Liquid Crystal Display Drivers: Techniques and...

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Effort

3 weeks of study, around 2 hours per week

Level

Advanced

Via

Coursera

Institution

University of Colorado Boulder

Instructor

Juliet Gopinath

Language

English

Transcripts

Español Français Português Deutsch Italiano 中文 العربية 한국어 日本語 हिंदी Nederlands Svenska Pусский Türkçe Polski Ελληνικά українська мова Bahasa Indonesia ไทย қазақша

This course belongs to a collection called Active Optical Devices. It's comprised of three courses:

Light Emitting Diodes and Semiconductor Lasers
Displays (viewing)
Nanophotonics and Detectors

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Explores one of the technological cornerstones of modern day display devices from phones to televisions: liquid crystal displays

Taught by electrical engineering instructors from University of Colorado Boulder

Covers advanced display topics like electroluminescence, e-ink, electrowetting, and plasma displays

Provides a theoretical and practical foundation for learners in optics and related fields

May require additional materials and resources

Learners should be familiar with the basics of optics and display devices

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