Translation missing: en.general.accessibility.skip_to_content

LCD Controllable Blackout Panel LCLV

SKU 2086
Save 18%
Original Price £7.50 inc VAT
Current Price £6.17 inc VAT
£5.14 ex VAT
7 in stock.

A Liquid Crystal Light Valve (LCLV) is a device that uses the properties of liquid crystals to control the level of illumination passing through an optical system. It's basically what goes on in your LCD monitor/TV/projector etc, but for each individual pixel. They are often used for electric welding helmets because they can protect the welder's eyes from the bright sparks. Or €“ if you aren't a welder €“ they can be used to provide a "reveal" effect for your project, as you can control the opaqueness of the LCD.

In this product, there is one huge LCD piece, which will filter what you see through it. Normally, it's tinted a grey colour (because the light around us is not polarized, it is not completely clear). There are two sets of electrodes, on the left and right. The two pins closest to each other (on the edges) are the same electrode, and the LCD is symmetric so you can use either one as positive/negative.

Changing the voltage applied will block light more and more. Starting at about 1.0VDC the glass will start darkening. At about 4.0V the glass will be opaque. 5V is the max recommended voltage. In between, you will get darker shades. 

Almost no current is used, once activated with a voltage, the panel will stay at that darkness level even if the voltage is removed. So, if you want to have it turn on and off, you'll need to drive it with a 0V signal to 'open' it up, or connect a draining resistor between the two pins to leak the voltage off when not powered.

Please Note:

  • This is a thin piece of glass, you can't bend it and it's very delicate! Use care when working with this item.
  • It is not capable of blocking 100% of light, but it looks like it blocks at least 95%. If you put a bright light behind it, you will see some light shine through.
  • Outline size: 96.5 x 38.0 x 2.0 mm
  • View area: 88.5 x 34.5 mm
  • Driving voltage: 5.0V
  • LCD type: TN, transmissive, positive
  • Operating temperature: -10° to 60°
  • Product Dimensions: 97.0mm x 38.0mm x 2.0mm / 3.8" x 1.5" x 0.1"
  • Product Weight: 14.4g / 0.5oz