DSC-F55, DSC-F55E (serv.man2) - Sony Digital Camera Service Manual (repair manual). Page 20

* There are two types of LCD: One is the “transparent type” and the other

is “reflection type”.  Because LCD does not transmits light from itself,
the transparent type LCD has the back light that provides illumination
from its rear.  The reflection type does not have the back light but reflects
the incoming light from outside to provide illumination.

Each pixel that is the smallest unit to display picture on LCD, of the hybrid
LCD plays the “double role” to satisfy the contradictory requirements.
A transparent material is used for each pixel that has the size of about 300

µ

m vertically and 100 

µ

m horizontally in order to pass the illumination that

is provided by the back light.  At the same time, the outer edges of each
pixel have the aluminum thin layer using the sputtering technology that
reflects the incoming light from outside.
Ratio of the transparent area to the aluminum covered area is almost 1-to-1.
When the back light is turned on, the transparent area in the center of pixel
passes the back light.  When a strong light is introduced from outside, it is
reflected by the aluminum covered area to provide illumination.

Micro reflection 

electrode

Transparent 

electrode

Polarizing 
plate

Polarizing 

plate

LCD

R

G

B

Back light