Liquid crystal lens, manufacturing method thereof, and display device

Abstract

An embodiment of the present application provides a liquid crystal lens, a manufacturing method thereof, and a display device. The liquid crystal lens includes: a first dielectric lens, on one surface of which a first groove is provided, and a first alignment layer is provided on the surface of the first groove; a packaging polarization structure, located on the side of the first dielectric lens where the first groove is provided, and a second alignment layer is provided on the side of the encapsulation layer close to the first dielectric lens; liquid crystal molecules, located in the space defined by the first groove and the packaging polarization structure; the packaging polarization structure refracts polarized light at least during the photopolymerization of the first alignment layer and the second alignment layer, so that the refracted polarized light is uniformly distributed on the surface of the first groove. In this embodiment, the polarized light is refracted by the packaging polarization structure, so that the irradiation intensity received by the active alignment monomer in the liquid crystal composition is uniform, and the thickness of the first alignment layer formed on the surface of the first groove is relatively uniform, which is beneficial to improving the quality of the liquid crystal lens.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of display technologies. Specifically, the present application relates to a liquid crystal lens, a method for manufacturing the same, and a display device. Background Art

[0002] Because liquid crystal lenses have advantages such as electric field controllability, adjustable focal length, and high integration with display screen processes, they have become a hot research direction and also have good application prospects in the field of 3D displays. In order to further optimize the performance of liquid crystal lenses, imprinting technology can be used to make dielectric lenses, and the dielectric lens technology can be combined with liquid crystal lens technology to make imprinted liquid crystal lenses. Imprinted liquid crystal lenses have better display quality and can achieve 2D / 3D conversion.

[0003] Although imprinted liquid crystal lenses have obvious technical advantages, since the surface of the dielectric lens is curved, it is difficult to form an alignment layer with a uniform thickness, thus affecting the quality of the liquid crystal lens. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the shortcomings of the existing methods, the present application provides a liquid crystal lens, a method for manufacturing the same, and a display device, which are used to solve the problem in the prior art that it is difficult to form an alignment layer with a uniform thickness on the curved surface of the dielectric lens.

[0005] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a liquid crystal lens, including:

[0006] A first dielectric lens, on one surface of which there is a first groove, and a first alignment layer is provided on the surface of the first groove;

[0007] An encapsulation polarizing structure, located on the side of the first dielectric lens where the first groove is provided, and a second alignment layer is provided on the side of the encapsulation polarizing structure close to the first dielectric lens;

[0008] Liquid crystal molecules, located in the space defined by the first groove and the encapsulation polarizing structure;

[0009] The first alignment layer and the second alignment layer are formed by photopolymerization of active alignment monomers, and the encapsulation polarizing structure refracts polarized light at least during the photopolymerization of the first alignment layer and the second alignment layer, so that the refracted polarized light is uniformly distributed on the surface of the first groove.

[0010] Optionally, the encapsulation polarizing structure is a gradient refractive encapsulation layer, and in the direction from the center point of the first groove to the edge, the refractive index of the gradient refractive encapsulation layer increases in sequence; the gradient refractive encapsulation layer refracts polarized light during the photopolymerization of the first alignment layer and the second alignment layer.

[0011] Optionally, the thickness of the gradient refractive encapsulation layer is 0.1 um to 5 um, the refractive index is 1.2 to 2.0, and the material is polymethyl methacrylate or polymer liquid crystal.

[0012] Optionally, the encapsulation polarization structure includes a conventional encapsulation layer and a second dielectric lens, and the second dielectric lens is connected to a surface of the conventional encapsulation layer away from the first dielectric lens; the second dielectric lens refracts polarized light during the photopolymerization of the first alignment layer and the second alignment layer.

[0013] Optionally, the materials and shapes of the first dielectric lens and the second dielectric lens are the same.

[0014] Optionally, the encapsulation polarization structure includes a conventional encapsulation layer and a second dielectric lens, and the second dielectric lens is removed after the photopolymerization of the first alignment layer and the second alignment layer is completed; the second dielectric lens refracts polarized light during the photopolymerization of the first alignment layer and the second alignment layer.

[0015] Optionally, the thickness range of the first alignment layer is 5 nm to 100 nm; the second alignment layer is a photopolymerized second alignment layer or a composite second alignment layer, the thickness range of the photopolymerized second alignment layer is 5 nm to 100 nm, and the thickness range of the composite second alignment layer is 100 nm to 200 nm.

[0016] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a display device, including the above liquid crystal lens.

[0017] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a method for manufacturing a liquid crystal lens, including:

[0018] Obtain a first dielectric lens, and a first groove is provided on one surface of the first dielectric lens;

[0019] Inject self-aligning liquid crystal into the first groove and pair the encapsulation polarization structure with the first dielectric lens, and the self-aligning liquid crystal includes liquid crystal molecules and active alignment monomers;

[0020] Irradiate from a side of the encapsulation polarization structure away from the first dielectric lens with polarized light to cause the active alignment monomers to undergo photopolymerization, thereby forming a first alignment layer on the surface of the first groove and forming a second alignment layer on a surface of the encapsulation polarization structure close to the first dielectric lens;

[0021] Wherein, the encapsulation polarization structure refracts the polarized light at least during the photopolymerization of the first alignment layer and the second alignment layer, so that the refracted polarized light is uniformly distributed on the surface of the first groove.

[0022] Optionally, the encapsulation polarization structure is an encapsulation layer with adjustable refractive index. After being refracted by the encapsulation layer with adjustable refractive index, the polarized light is uniformly distributed on the first groove surface. Encapsulating the polarization structure with the first dielectric lens includes: encapsulating the encapsulation layer with adjustable refractive index with the first dielectric lens.

[0023] Optionally, the encapsulation polarization structure includes a conventional encapsulation layer and a second dielectric lens. After being refracted by the second dielectric lens, the polarized light is uniformly distributed on the first groove surface. Encapsulating the encapsulation polarization structure with the first dielectric lens includes: encapsulating the conventional encapsulation layer with the first dielectric lens, and then connecting the second dielectric lens to the surface of the conventional encapsulation layer away from the first dielectric lens.

[0024] Optionally, the encapsulation polarization structure includes a conventional encapsulation layer and a second dielectric lens. After being refracted by the second dielectric lens, the polarized light is uniformly distributed on the first groove surface. Encapsulating the encapsulation polarization structure with the first dielectric lens includes: encapsulating the conventional encapsulation layer with the first dielectric lens, and then disposing the second dielectric lens on the surface of the conventional encapsulation layer away from the first dielectric lens. The method for manufacturing the liquid crystal lens further includes: removing the second dielectric lens after the photopolymerization of the first alignment layer and the second alignment layer is completed.

[0025] Optionally, obtaining the first dielectric lens includes: forming the first groove on the first dielectric material layer by nanoimprint technology according to preset parameters to obtain the first dielectric lens.

[0026] The beneficial technical effects brought by the technical solution provided by the embodiments of the present application are:

[0027] The liquid crystal lens, its manufacturing method and display device provided by the embodiments of the present application refract polarized light at least during the photopolymerization of the first alignment layer and the second alignment layer through the encapsulation polarization structure, so that the irradiation intensity received by the active alignment monomers in the liquid crystal composition is uniform, and the thickness of the first alignment layer formed on the first groove surface is relatively uniform, which is beneficial to improving the quality of the liquid crystal lens.

[0028] The additional aspects and advantages of the present application will be partially given in the following description, and these will become obvious from the following description, or will be understood through the practice of the present application. Description of the Drawings

[0029] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present application will become obvious and easy to understand from the following description of the embodiments in conjunction with the drawings, where:

[0030] Figure 1Schematic diagram of the photo - polymerization of the active - alignment monomer of a liquid - crystal lens in the prior art;

[0031] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the structure of a liquid - crystal lens provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0032] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the structure of another liquid - crystal lens provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0033] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the structure of yet another liquid - crystal lens provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0034] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the structure of still another liquid - crystal lens provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0035] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the frame structure of a display device provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0036] Figure 7 Schematic flow chart of a method for manufacturing a liquid - crystal lens provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0037] Figure 8 For Figure 7 Process schematic diagram of step S1 in the method for manufacturing the liquid - crystal lens shown;

[0038] Figure 9 For Figure 7 Process schematic diagram of step S2 in the method for manufacturing the liquid - crystal lens shown;

[0039] Figure 10 For Figure 7 Process schematic diagram of step S3 in the method for manufacturing the liquid - crystal lens shown;

[0040] Figure 11 Principle schematic diagram of the encapsulation polarizing structure in the liquid - crystal lens provided by an embodiment of the present application during the photo - polymerization of the active - alignment monomer.

[0041] Reference numerals:

[0042] 1 - First dielectric lens; 101 - First groove; 10 - First alignment layer;

[0043] 2 - Encapsulation polarizing structure; 20 - First alignment layer; 2a - Gradient - refractive encapsulation layer; 2b - Encapsulation polarizing structure; 21b - Conventional encapsulation layer; 22b - Second dielectric lens; 2c - Encapsulation polarizing structure; 21c - Conventional encapsulation layer; 22c - Second dielectric lens;

[0044] 3 - Liquid - crystal molecules; 31 - Active - alignment monomer. Detailed implementation manners

[0045] The present application will be described in detail below. Examples of embodiments of the present application are shown in the accompanying drawings, where the same or similar reference numerals represent the same or similar components or components with the same or similar functions throughout. In addition, if a detailed description of the prior art is unnecessary for showing the features of the present application, it will be omitted. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present application and should not be construed as limiting the present application.

[0046] Those skilled in the art of the present technology can understand that, unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical terms and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as the general understanding of those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present application belongs. It should also be understood that terms such as those defined in a general dictionary should be understood to have a meaning consistent with the meaning in the context of the prior art and will not be interpreted with an idealized or overly formal meaning unless specifically defined as here.

[0047] Those skilled in the art of the present technology can understand that, unless specifically stated, the singular forms "a", "an", "the" and "said" used herein may also include the plural forms. It should be further understood that the term "comprising" used in the specification of the present application means the presence of features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and / or their groups.

[0048] The imprinted liquid crystal lens has better display quality and can achieve 2D / 3D conversion. Although the imprinted liquid crystal lens has obvious technical advantages, since the surface of the dielectric lens is a curved surface, it is difficult to form an alignment layer with a uniform thickness, thus affecting the quality of the liquid crystal lens.

[0049] Specifically, as Figure 1 shown, since the dielectric lens 1' has grooves and presents a curved surface, during the process of photo-polymerization of the active alignment monomer 31, polarized light passes through the existing encapsulation layer 2' and irradiates on the surface of the grooves. Since the light intensity at the edge of the grooves is much lower than that at the center of the grooves, the thickness of the alignment layer formed on the surface of the grooves is uneven, affecting the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules 3 and reducing the quality of the liquid crystal lens.

[0050] The liquid crystal lens, its manufacturing method and display device provided by the present application aim to solve the above technical problems of the prior art.

[0051] An embodiment of the present application provides a liquid crystal lens. As Figure 2 shown, the liquid crystal lens provided in this embodiment includes:

[0052] A first dielectric lens 1, on one surface of which there is a first groove ( Figure 2(not labeled in the figure), a first alignment layer 10 is provided on the surface of the first groove;

[0053] The encapsulating polarization structure 2 is located on the side of the first dielectric lens 1 where the first groove 101 is provided. A second alignment layer 20 is provided on the side of the encapsulating polarization structure 2 close to the first dielectric lens 1;

[0054] Liquid crystal molecules 3 are located in the space defined by the first groove 101 and the encapsulating polarization structure 2;

[0055] The first alignment layer 10 and the second alignment layer are formed by photopolymerization of active alignment monomers. The encapsulating polarization structure 2 refracts polarized light at least during the photopolymerization of the first alignment layer 10 and the second alignment layer 20, so that the refracted polarized light is evenly distributed on the surface of the first groove.

[0056] It should be noted that the "uniform" mentioned in this application does not mean that the intensity of the polarized light on the surface of the first groove is exactly the same, but that the variation range of the intensity of the polarized light on the surface of the first groove is small, which is beneficial to obtaining a first alignment layer 10 with a uniform thickness.

[0057] For the liquid crystal lens provided in this embodiment, the encapsulating polarization structure 2 refracts polarized light at least during the photopolymerization of the first alignment layer 10 and the second alignment layer 20, so that the irradiation intensity received by the active alignment monomers 31 in the liquid crystal composition is uniform, and the thickness of the first alignment layer 10 formed on the surface of the first groove 101 is relatively uniform, which is beneficial to improving the quality of the liquid crystal lens.

[0058] Optionally, as Figure 2 shown, in the liquid crystal lens provided in this embodiment, the thickness range of the first alignment layer 10 is 5 nm to 100 nm. For example, in a specific embodiment, the thickness of the first alignment layer 10 is 20 nm. The second alignment layer 20 can be formed by photopolymerization of active alignment monomers, or can be formed by using traditional polyimide alignment technology in combination with photopolymerization of active alignment monomers; for the second alignment layer 20 formed by photopolymerization, that is, the thickness range of the photopolymerized second alignment layer is 5 nm to 100 nm; for the second alignment layer 20 formed by using traditional polyimide alignment technology in combination with photopolymerization, that is, the thickness range of the composite second alignment layer is 100 nm to 200 nm.

[0059] It should be noted that if the second alignment layer 20 is prepared by using traditional polyimide alignment technology in combination with photopolymerization technology, the "the second alignment layer is formed by photopolymerization of active alignment monomers" and "the process of photopolymerization of the second alignment layer 20" mentioned in this application only refer to this part of the second alignment layer 20 formed by photopolymerization.

[0060] It should be noted that although the refraction effect of the encapsulated polarizing structure 2 affects the light intensity on the side of the encapsulated polarizing structure 2 close to the first dielectric lens 1, since the encapsulated polarizing structure 2 can be irradiated by polarized light everywhere, and the side of the encapsulated polarizing structure 2 close to the first dielectric lens 1 serves as the light-emitting surface after the refraction of polarized light by the encapsulated polarizing structure 2, the light intensity is relatively uniform. Therefore, the thickness uniformity of the second alignment layer 20 formed by photopolymerization can meet the alignment requirements of the second alignment layer 20 in actual use. Moreover, if the traditional polyimide alignment technology is used in combination with photopolymerization alignment to form the second alignment layer 20, since the alignment effect of the alignment layer obtained by the traditional polyimide alignment technology is much higher than that of the alignment layer obtained by the photopolymerization technology, the alignment effect of the second alignment layer 20 obtained by using this composite technology can also meet the alignment requirements of the second alignment layer 20 in actual use.

[0061] Optionally, as Figure 3 shown, in the liquid crystal lens provided in this embodiment, the encapsulated polarizing structure 2 is a gradient refraction encapsulation layer 2a, and in the direction from the center point of the first groove to the edge, the refractive index of the gradient refraction encapsulation layer 2a increases successively; the gradient refraction encapsulation layer 2a refracts polarized light during the photopolymerization of the first alignment layer 10 and the second alignment layer 20.

[0062] Specifically, the thickness of the gradient refraction encapsulation layer 2a is 0.1 um to 5 um, the refractive index is 1.2 to 2.0, and the material of the gradient refraction encapsulation layer 2a is a refractive index adjustable material such as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) or polymer liquid crystal. For example, in a specific embodiment, a polymer liquid crystal material polymerized by ultraviolet light irradiation is used. For the polymer liquid crystal material, the refractive index of the formed polymer liquid crystal material can be adjusted by adjusting the ultraviolet light irradiation conditions.

[0063] In the liquid crystal lens provided in this embodiment, using the gradient refraction encapsulation layer 2a as the encapsulated polarizing structure 2, only one component can simultaneously achieve the functions of encapsulation and refracting polarized light during the photopolymerization of the alignment layer, making the structure of the liquid crystal lens simpler.

[0064] Optionally, as Figure 4 shown, in the liquid crystal lens provided in this embodiment, the encapsulated polarizing structure 2b includes a conventional encapsulation layer 21b and a second dielectric lens 22b, and the second dielectric lens 22b is disposed on the side of the conventional encapsulation layer 21b away from the first dielectric lens 1; the second dielectric lens 22b refracts polarized light during the photopolymerization of the first alignment layer 10 and the second alignment layer 20.

[0065] Specifically, the second dielectric lens 22b is retained in the finished liquid crystal lens. The materials and shapes of the first dielectric lens 1 and the second dielectric lens 22b are preferably the same. In this way, it is convenient to design the parameters of the first dielectric lens 1 and the second dielectric lens 22b, and it is also convenient to fabricate the first dielectric lens 1 and the second dielectric lens 22b in the same process.

[0066] Specifically, the second dielectric lens 22b should be connected to the conventional encapsulation layer 21b. For example, the second dielectric lens 22b is bonded to the side of the conventional encapsulation layer 21b away from the first dielectric lens 1.

[0067] In the liquid crystal lens provided in this embodiment, the encapsulation polarization structure 2b includes a conventional encapsulation layer 21b and a second dielectric lens 22b. The conventional encapsulation layer 21b functions as an encapsulation, while the second dielectric lens 22b functions to refract polarized light during the photopolymerization of the alignment layer.

[0068] Optionally, as Figure 5 shown, in the liquid crystal lens provided in this embodiment, the encapsulation polarization structure 2c includes a conventional encapsulation layer 21c and a second dielectric lens 22c. The second dielectric lens 22c is removed after the photopolymerization of the first alignment layer 10 and the second alignment layer 20 is completed; the second dielectric lens 22c refracts polarized light during the photopolymerization of the first alignment layer 10 and the second alignment layer 20.

[0069] Specifically, during the photopolymerization of the first alignment layer 10, the second dielectric lens 22c and the conventional encapsulation layer 21c can be arranged to be merely in contact without being connected, so as to facilitate the removal of the second dielectric lens 22c after the photopolymerization is completed.

[0070] In the liquid crystal lens provided in this embodiment, the encapsulation polarization structure 2c includes a conventional encapsulation layer 21c and a second dielectric lens 22c. The conventional encapsulation layer 21c functions as an encapsulation, while the second dielectric lens 22c functions to refract polarized light during the photopolymerization of the alignment layer.

[0071] Specifically, the second dielectric lens 22c is removed after the photopolymerization of the first alignment layer 10 and the second alignment layer 20 is completed. Therefore, the second dielectric lens 22c can be reused, and the structure of the finally obtained liquid crystal lens is relatively simple.

[0072] Specifically, the parameters of the second dielectric lens 22c are preferably the same as those of the first dielectric lens 1. For the first dielectric lens 1, its focal length is related to the radius of curvature, and the specific relationship is:

[0073] R = Δn × f;

[0074] The relationship between the sag of the first dielectric lens 1 and the radius of curvature:

[0075]

[0076] Wherein, R is the radius of curvature of the first dielectric lens 1, h is the arch height of the first dielectric lens 1; Δn is the refractive index difference of the first dielectric lens 1, and D is the aperture of the first dielectric lens 1.

[0077] Taking the application of the liquid crystal lens in manufacturing a 3D autostereoscopic display device as an example, the parameters of the liquid crystal lens should be adjusted in coordination with factors such as the pixel size of the display screen and the designed viewing angle range.

[0078] Based on the same inventive concept, an embodiment of the present application further provides a display device, as Figure 6 shown. The display device includes the liquid crystal lens in the above embodiment and has the beneficial effects of the liquid crystal lens in the above embodiment, which will not be elaborated herein.

[0079] Specifically, the liquid crystal lens can be attached to the light-emitting surface of the display screen, that is, the display device is an autostereoscopic 3D display device; the liquid crystal lens can be made into 3D glasses to cooperate with the display screen to achieve 3D display; the liquid crystal lens can also be used to manufacture an AR or VR display device. Among them, the liquid crystal lens can achieve adjustable focal length by adjusting the driving signal, so as to obtain a better 3D display effect, or the liquid crystal lens can be adjusted to a transparent and non-polarized state to achieve 2D display.

[0080] Based on the same inventive concept, an embodiment of the present application further provides a manufacturing method of a liquid crystal lens, as Figures 7 to 10 shown. The manufacturing method of the liquid crystal lens includes:

[0081] S1: Obtain the first dielectric lens 1, and a first groove 101 is provided on one surface of the first dielectric lens 1.

[0082] Specifically, please refer to Figure 8 , step S1 includes: forming the first groove 101 on the first dielectric material layer by nanoimprint technology according to preset parameters to obtain the first dielectric lens 1.

[0083] S2: Inject the self-aligning liquid crystal into the first groove 101 and pair the encapsulation polarizing structure 2 with the first dielectric lens 1. The self-aligning liquid crystal includes liquid crystal molecules 3 and active alignment monomers 31.

[0084] Specifically, please refer to Figure 9 , in specific implementation, the self-aligning liquid crystal can be first dropped into the first groove 101 and then the pairing operation is carried out; or the pairing operation can be first carried out and then the self-aligning liquid crystal is injected into the first groove 101.

[0085] S3: Irradiate from the side of the encapsulation polarization structure 2 away from the first dielectric lens 1 using polarized light to cause the photo - polymerization of the active alignment monomer 31, thereby forming a first alignment layer 10 on the surface of the first groove 101 and forming a second alignment layer 20 on the side of the encapsulation polarization structure 2 close to the first dielectric lens 1; wherein, the encapsulation polarization structure 2 refracts the polarized light at least during the photo - polymerization of the first alignment layer 10 and the second alignment layer 20, so that the refracted polarized light is evenly distributed on the surface of the first groove 101.

[0086] Specifically, please refer to Figure 10 , the polarized light is ultraviolet polarized light. For example, irradiate with polarized ultraviolet light of 365 nm, so that the active alignment monomer 31 undergoes a polymerization reaction under the illumination of this condition.

[0087] In the manufacturing method of the liquid crystal lens provided in this embodiment, by refracting the polarized light by the encapsulation polarization structure 2 at least during the photo - polymerization of the first alignment layer 10 and the second alignment layer 20, the irradiation intensity received by the active alignment monomer 31 in the liquid crystal composition is made uniform, so that the thickness of the first alignment layer 10 formed on the surface of the first groove 101 is relatively uniform, which is beneficial to improving the quality of the liquid crystal lens.

[0088] Optionally, refer to Figure 3 and Figures 8 - 10 , the encapsulation polarization structure 2 is a gradient - refractive - index encapsulation layer 2a, and the polarized light is evenly distributed on the surface of the first groove 101 after being refracted by the gradient - refractive - index encapsulation layer 2a; in the manufacturing method of the liquid crystal lens provided in this embodiment, "pairing the encapsulation polarization structure 2 with the first dielectric lens 1" in step S2 includes: pairing the gradient - refractive - index encapsulation layer 2a with the first dielectric lens 1.

[0089] Specifically, the thickness, refractive index, and specific materials of the gradient - refractive - index encapsulation layer 2a can refer to the relevant descriptions in the embodiments of the above - mentioned liquid crystal lens, and will not be elaborated here.

[0090] In the manufacturing method of the liquid crystal lens provided in this embodiment, using the gradient - refractive - index encapsulation layer 2a as the encapsulation polarization structure 2, the pairing operation is simple. Only one component can simultaneously achieve the functions of encapsulation and refracting the polarized light during the photo - polymerization of the alignment layer, making the structure of the liquid crystal lens simpler.

[0091] Optionally, refer to Figure 4 and Figures 8 - 10, the encapsulation polarizing structure 2b includes a conventional encapsulation layer 21b and a second dielectric lens 22b. After the polarized light is refracted by the second dielectric lens 22b, it is uniformly distributed on the surface of the first groove 101. In the manufacturing method of the liquid crystal lens provided in this embodiment, the "pairing the encapsulation polarizing structure 2 with the first dielectric lens 1" in step S2 includes: pairing the conventional encapsulation layer 21b with the first dielectric lens 1, and then connecting the second dielectric lens 22b to the surface of the conventional encapsulation layer 21b away from the first dielectric lens 1.

[0092] Specifically, the second dielectric lens 22b is retained in the cost of the liquid crystal lens. Therefore, the first dielectric lens 22b needs to be connected to the conventional encapsulation layer 21b, for example, by an adhesive method. In order to facilitate the design of the parameters of the first dielectric lens 1 and the second dielectric lens 22b, and to facilitate the fabrication of the first dielectric lens 1 and the second dielectric lens 2b in the same manufacturing process, the materials and shapes of the first dielectric lens 1 and the second dielectric lens 22b are preferably the same.

[0093] In the manufacturing method of the liquid crystal lens provided in this embodiment, the encapsulation polarizing structure 2b includes a conventional encapsulation layer 21b and a second dielectric lens 22b. The conventional encapsulation layer 21b serves as an encapsulation function, while the second dielectric lens 22b serves to refract the polarized light during the photopolymerization of the alignment layer.

[0094] Optionally, referring to Figure 5 and Figures 8 - 10 , the encapsulation polarizing structure 2c includes a conventional encapsulation layer 21c and a second dielectric lens 22c. After the polarized light is refracted by the second dielectric lens 22c, it is uniformly distributed on the surface of the first groove 101. In the manufacturing method of the liquid crystal lens provided in this embodiment, the "pairing the encapsulation polarizing structure 2 with the first dielectric lens 1" in step S2 includes: pairing the conventional encapsulation layer 21c with the first dielectric lens 1, and then disposing the second dielectric lens 22c on the surface of the conventional encapsulation layer 21c away from the first dielectric lens 1. Based on this, the manufacturing method of the liquid crystal lens provided in this embodiment further includes: removing the second dielectric lens 22c after the photopolymerization of the first alignment layer 10 and the second alignment layer 20 is completed.

[0095] In the liquid crystal lens provided in this embodiment, the encapsulation polarization structure 2c includes a conventional encapsulation layer 21c and a second dielectric lens 22c. The conventional encapsulation layer 21c serves to encapsulate, while the second dielectric lens 22c serves to refract polarized light during the photopolymerization of the alignment layer. The second dielectric lens 22c is removed after the photopolymerization of the first alignment layer 10 and the second alignment layer 20 is completed. Therefore, the second dielectric lens 22c only needs to be disposed on the side of the conventional encapsulation layer 21c away from the first dielectric lens 1 and does not need to be connected to the conventional encapsulation layer 21c. Moreover, the second dielectric lens 22c can be reused, and the structure of the finally obtained liquid crystal lens is relatively simple.

[0096] To illustrate the principle of the encapsulation polarization structure, the following will be combined with Figure 11 to illustrate the photopolymerization process of the active alignment monomer 31. As Figure 11 shown, the approximately collimated incident polarized light diverges into a uniform light beam in the ellipsoidal direction after being refracted by the second dielectric lens 22b. Such a uniform light beam irradiates the active alignment monomer 31 in the self-aligning liquid crystal after passing through the conventional encapsulation layer 21b, causing the active alignment monomer 31 to undergo a polymerization reaction, thereby forming a first alignment layer with a uniform thickness on the surface of the first groove and a second alignment layer on the side of the conventional encapsulation layer 21b close to the first dielectric lens 1. Since the light intensity received by the surface of the first groove of the first dielectric lens 1 is uniform, it can be indicated that the light intensity received by the active alignment monomers 31 at various positions in the uniformly mixed self-aligning liquid crystal is uniform. Therefore, the photopolymerization rates of the active alignment monomers 31 at various positions are relatively uniform, thereby forming a first alignment layer with a uniform thickness on the surface of the first groove and also being able to form a relatively uniform second alignment layer on the side of the conventional encapsulation layer 21b close to the first dielectric lens 1.

[0097] Applying the embodiments of the present application can at least achieve the following beneficial effects:

[0098] The liquid crystal lens, its manufacturing method, and the display device provided in the embodiments of the present application refract polarized light at least during the photopolymerization of the first alignment layer and the second alignment layer through the encapsulation polarization structure, so that the irradiation intensity received by the active alignment monomers in the liquid crystal composition is uniform, and the thickness of the first alignment layer formed on the surface of the first groove is relatively uniform, which is beneficial to improving the quality of the liquid crystal lens.

[0099] Those skilled in the art can understand that the various operations, methods, steps, measures, and solutions in the processes discussed in this application can be alternated, changed, combined, or deleted. Further, other steps, measures, and solutions in the various operations, methods, and processes discussed in this application can also be alternated, changed, rearranged, decomposed, combined, or deleted. Further, the steps, measures, and solutions in the prior art that are the same as those disclosed in the various operations, methods, and processes in this application can also be alternated, changed, rearranged, decomposed, combined, or deleted.

[0100] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc. is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0101] The terms "first" and "second" are only used for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the quantity of the indicated technical features. Thus, the features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of such features. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, the meaning of "a plurality" is two or more.

[0102] In the description of this application, it should be noted that unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", and "coupled" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be directly connected, or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and it can be the communication inside two elements. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in this application can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0103] In the description of this specification, specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics can be combined in a suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0104] It should be understood that although the steps in the flowchart of the accompanying drawings are shown sequentially as indicated by the arrows, these steps are not necessarily executed sequentially in the order indicated by the arrows. Unless otherwise specified herein, there is no strict order restriction on the execution of these steps, and they can be executed in other orders. Moreover, at least a part of the steps in the flowchart of the accompanying drawings may include multiple sub-steps or multiple stages. These sub-steps or stages are not necessarily executed at the same time, but can be executed at different times, and their execution order is not necessarily sequential, but can be executed alternately or in turn with at least a part of other steps or sub-steps or stages of other steps.

[0105] The above are only some embodiments of the present application. It should be noted that for those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the principle of the present application, several improvements and refinements can be made, and these improvements and refinements should also be regarded as the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A liquid crystal lens, characterized in that, Comprising: A first dielectric lens, on one surface of which a first groove is provided, and a first alignment layer is provided on the surface of the first groove; An encapsulation polarizing structure, located on the side of the first dielectric lens where the first groove is provided, and a second alignment layer is provided on the side of the encapsulation polarizing structure close to the first dielectric lens; Liquid crystal molecules, located in the space defined by the first groove and the encapsulation polarizing structure; The first alignment layer and the second alignment layer are formed by photopolymerization of active alignment monomers, and the encapsulation polarizing structure refracts polarized light at least during the photopolymerization of the first alignment layer and the second alignment layer, so that the refracted polarized light is uniformly distributed on the surface of the first groove; The encapsulation polarizing structure is a gradient refraction encapsulation layer, the gradient refraction encapsulation layer uses a material with adjustable refractive index, and in the direction from the center point of the first groove to the edge, the refractive index of the gradient refraction encapsulation layer increases in sequence; or The encapsulation polarizing structure includes a conventional encapsulation layer and a second dielectric lens, the second dielectric lens is provided on the surface of the conventional encapsulation layer away from the first dielectric lens, and the second dielectric lens is connected to the conventional encapsulation layer; The second dielectric lens refracts polarized light during the photopolymerization of the first alignment layer and the second alignment layer; or The encapsulation polarizing structure includes a conventional encapsulation layer and a second dielectric lens, the second dielectric lens is removed after the photopolymerization of the first alignment layer and the second alignment layer is completed, and during the photopolymerization of the first alignment layer, the second dielectric lens and the conventional encapsulation layer are only in contact but not connected; The second dielectric lens refracts polarized light during the photopolymerization of the first alignment layer and the second alignment layer.

2. The liquid crystal lens according to claim 1, wherein The gradient refraction encapsulation layer refracts polarized light during the photopolymerization of the first alignment layer and the second alignment layer.

3. The liquid crystal lens according to claim 2, wherein The thickness of the gradient refraction encapsulation layer is 0.1um - 5um, the refractive index is 1.2 - 2.0, and the material is polymethyl methacrylate or polymer liquid crystal.

4. The liquid crystal lens according to claim 1, characterized in that The materials and shapes of the first dielectric lens and the second dielectric lens are the same.

5. The liquid crystal lens according to any one of claims 1 - 4, wherein The thickness range of the first alignment layer is 5nm - 100nm; The second alignment layer is a photopolymerized second alignment layer or a composite second alignment layer, the thickness range of the photopolymerized second alignment layer is 5nm - 100nm, and the thickness range of the composite second alignment layer is 100nm - 200nm.

6. A display device, characterized in that, Comprising the liquid crystal lens according to any one of claims 1 - 5.

7. A manufacturing method of a liquid crystal lens, characterized in that, Comprising: Obtaining a first dielectric lens, on one surface of which a first groove is provided; Injecting self - aligning liquid crystal into the first groove and aligning the encapsulation polarizing structure with the first dielectric lens, the self - aligning liquid crystal comprising liquid crystal molecules and active alignment monomers; Irradiate from the side of the encapsulation polarization structure away from the first dielectric lens using polarized light to cause photopolymerization of the active alignment monomer, thereby forming a first alignment layer on the surface of the first groove and forming a second alignment layer on the surface of the encapsulation polarization structure close to the first dielectric lens; Wherein, the encapsulation polarization structure refracts the polarized light at least during the photopolymerization of the first alignment layer and the second alignment layer, so that the refracted polarized light is uniformly distributed on the surface of the first groove.

8. The manufacturing method of the liquid crystal lens according to claim 7, characterized in that, The encapsulation polarization structure is an encapsulation layer with adjustable refractive index, and the polarized light is uniformly incident on the surface of the first groove after being refracted by the encapsulation layer with adjustable refractive index; Pairing the encapsulation polarization structure with the first dielectric lens includes: Pairing the encapsulation layer with adjustable refractive index with the first dielectric lens.

9. The manufacturing method of the liquid crystal lens according to claim 7, characterized in that, The encapsulation polarization structure includes a conventional encapsulation layer and a second dielectric lens, and the polarized light is uniformly incident on the surface of the first groove after being refracted by the second dielectric lens; Pairing the encapsulation polarization structure with the first dielectric lens includes: Pairing the conventional encapsulation layer with the first dielectric lens, and then connecting and arranging the second dielectric lens on the surface of the conventional encapsulation layer away from the first dielectric lens.

10. The manufacturing method of the liquid crystal lens according to claim 7, characterized in that, The encapsulation polarization structure includes a conventional encapsulation layer and a second dielectric lens, and the polarized light is uniformly distributed on the surface of the first groove after being refracted by the second dielectric lens; Pairing the encapsulation polarization structure with the first dielectric lens includes: Pairing the conventional encapsulation layer with the first dielectric lens, and then arranging the second dielectric lens on the surface of the conventional encapsulation layer away from the first dielectric lens; The method for manufacturing the liquid crystal lens further includes: removing the second dielectric lens after the photopolymerization of the first alignment layer and the second alignment layer is completed.

11. The manufacturing method of the liquid crystal lens according to claim 7, characterized in that, Obtaining the first dielectric lens includes: Forming the first groove on the first dielectric material layer by nanoimprinting technology according to preset parameters to obtain the first dielectric lens.

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