Liquid crystals are a state of matter that possess properties of both solid and liquids. Owing to its unique physical properties, liquid crystals have found important applications in optics and optoelectronics, including the expanding technology of flat panels. This book presents an engineering-oriented, practical treatment of the optics of liquid crystal displays. It covers all aspects of the technology, beginning with the simplest case of plane wave propagation in homogeneous media, and gradually building up to more advanced concepts. With few books available even on related subjects, this title certainly fills a gap in the field.