Understanding the optics of liquid crystals is key to the development of new display and, increasingly, communication devices and applications. This book explains the optics of liquid crystals and applies optical analysis techniques to liquid crystal display design, and optical communications. The authors provide a comprehensive description of accepted optical theory before going on to present recent advances in the field. Key technologies are outlined and used to illustrate the ways in which display performance can be optimized and new products designed. Aimed at both practicing engineers and advanced-level students this book provides worked examples and end-of-chapter problems to improve the readers' understanding of the subject.