James Fergason
- Associated organizations
- Fergason Patent Properties
- Fields of study
- Liquid crystal displays
Biography
James Fergason, Wolfgang Helfrich, and Martin Schadt each contributed greatly to the development of twisted-nematic liquid crystal technology. The technology is the display of choice for laptop computers, mobile phones, television sets and hundreds of industrial and consumer products.
Working separately, Helfrich and Fergason conducted fundamental research that contributed to the establishment of twisted-nematic technology, with Helfrich and Schadt later collaborating on the development of a twisted-nematic cell, which led to the first liquid crystal display components. Twisted-nematic mode enabled the development of a practical flat panel display for a wide range of applications and is considered one of the most important technological achievements of the 20th century.
Dr. Fergason is the founder and member of Fergason Patent Properties, LLC. Previously, he founded and was president of both the International Liquid Crystal Company and Optical Shields. Fergason has published more than 40 papers and holds 120 U.S. patents in the field of liquid crystal displays and related devices. Dr. Fergason has received numerous honors including the Lemmelson-MIT prize, Francis Darnes award of SID and is an inductee of the National Inventors Hall of Fame. He holds a bachelors and an honorary degree from the University of Missouri.
