Macro Photography Light Source Using Cold Cathode Lights

Step 3 Extract the LCD layer

An LCD panel is made of three layers:

• LCD - the black colored panel that actually produces images (upper most layer)
• dispersion layers - there are usually three plastic layers that help disperse the light from the CCFL evenly over the entire panel
• a reflective panel - the last layer of the panel - the CCFL bulb is usually embeded or attached to this layer. Use extreme care when handling this portion of the screen. The CCFL is very thin tube of glass that is quite delicate. Also, it is filled with mercury vapor which is not so good for you or your brain. Don't break it.

Remove any screws around the frame, and cut any tape from the sides of the frame. Remove any circuit boards from the back of the panel. Extract all three layers from the frame; separate the LCD screen from the other layers. Gently push all the remaining layers back into the frame and reinsert any screws. Set the LCD aside for some other project.

Sometimes the dispersion layers refuse to stay in the frame without the LCD layer in place. A small amount of clear packing tape around the edge of the frame will help solve this problem.