Display device and method of manufacturing same

Abstract

A display device and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The display device includes: a display panel; a polarizing layer on the display panel; a liquid crystal layer on the polarizing layer; an alignment layer on the liquid crystal layer; and a lens layer on the alignment layer, where the lens layer includes polymerized liquid crystal molecules having a plurality of azimuth angles.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0085162 filed on Jun. 30, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0002] Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a display device and a method of manufacturing the display device. Background Art

[0003] As information technology advances, the role of display devices as intermediaries between users and information has become increasingly important. Reflecting their importance, the variety and uses of display devices, such as liquid crystal displays and organic light emitting displays, have proliferated.

[0004] Stereoscopic image display devices are designed to replicate the physical cues that our eyes would receive from real objects, thereby stimulating the viewer's visual perception to perceive depth and create the illusion of a three-dimensional (3D) image. For example, a stereoscopic image display device can provide different images to the viewer's left and right eyes, so that the viewer can view a stereoscopic image by utilizing the binocular parallax between the left and right eyes. A stereoscopic image display device can also provide multi-view images.

[0005] Recently, display devices providing versatility of switching between a 3D mode for displaying a stereoscopic image and a 2D mode for displaying a two-dimensional (2D) image have been developed.

[0006] Furthermore, recent research and development efforts have been directed toward foldable, bendable, and rollable display devices. Such display devices may be applied to applications across a wide range of fields, not limited to portable electronic devices and wearable devices, but also to televisions and monitors. Summary of the invention

[0007] Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a display device that minimizes deformation of liquid crystal molecules even if a lens layer is bent or folded.

[0008] Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a method of manufacturing such a display device.

[0009] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a display device, which includes: a display panel; a polarization layer on the display panel; a liquid crystal layer on the polarization layer; an orientation layer on the liquid crystal layer; and a lens layer on the orientation layer, wherein the lens layer includes polymerized liquid crystal molecules with multiple azimuth angles.

[0010] At least one of the liquid crystal molecules includes a reactive mesogen.

[0011] The lens layer includes a plurality of unit lenses, and at least one unit lens of the plurality of unit lenses has a refractive index corresponding to a gradient refractive index (GRIN) lens with respect to light polarized by the polarization layer.

[0012] The lens layer includes a plurality of unit lenses, and an azimuth angle of liquid crystal molecules in at least one unit lens of the plurality of unit lenses decreases along a first direction.

[0013] The maximum value of the azimuth angle is 90°, and the minimum value of the azimuth angle is -90°.

[0014] For light polarized by the polarizing layer, the refractive index of the liquid crystal molecules having an azimuth angle of 0° is higher than the refractive index of the liquid crystal molecules having an azimuth angle of 90°.

[0015] The lens layer includes a plurality of unit lenses, and at least one of the unit lenses has a refractive index corresponding to a Fresnel lens with respect to light polarized by the polarization layer.

[0016] The lens layer includes a plurality of unit lenses, at least one unit lens of the plurality of unit lenses includes a first lens region and a second lens region, the azimuth angle of the liquid crystal molecules in the first lens region and the azimuth angle of the liquid crystal molecules in the second lens region decrease along a first direction, the maximum value of the azimuth angle of the liquid crystal molecules in the second lens region adjacent to the first lens region in a direction opposite to the first direction is 90°, and the minimum value of the azimuth angle of the liquid crystal molecules in the second lens region adjacent to the first lens region in the first direction is -90°.

[0017] At least one unit lens of the plurality of unit lenses includes an adjacent region between the first lens region and the second lens region, and an azimuth angle of liquid crystal molecules in the adjacent region is the same as an azimuth angle of liquid crystal molecules adjacent to the adjacent region in the second lens region.

[0018] The lens layer includes a plurality of unit lenses, and a length of at least one unit lens of the plurality of unit lenses is greater than or equal to 100 μm and less than or equal to 400 μm.

[0019] The lens layer includes a plurality of sub-unit lenses, each of the sub-unit lenses includes one of the liquid crystal molecules, and a length of at least one of the plurality of sub-unit lenses is greater than or equal to 0.5 μm and less than or equal to 10 μm.

[0020] The thickness of the lens layer is greater than 3 μm.

[0021] The birefringence of the lens layer is greater than or equal to 0.15 and less than or equal to 0.4.

[0022] The liquid crystal layer includes a polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) layer.

[0023] The liquid crystal layer scatters light polarized by the polarization layer in a two-dimensional (2D) mode, and allows the light polarized by the polarization layer to pass through the liquid crystal layer in a three-dimensional (3D) mode.

[0024] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method for manufacturing a display device, the method comprising: forming a display panel; forming a polarization layer on the display panel; forming a liquid crystal layer on the polarization layer; forming an alignment layer on the liquid crystal layer; and forming a lens layer on the alignment layer, wherein the lens layer is formed by polymerizing liquid crystal molecules having multiple azimuth angles.

[0025] At least one of the liquid crystal molecules includes a reactive mesogen.

[0026] The lens layer includes a plurality of unit lenses, and at least one unit lens of the plurality of unit lenses has a refractive index corresponding to the GRIN lens with respect to light polarized by the polarization layer.

[0027] The lens layer includes a plurality of unit lenses, and at least one unit lens of the plurality of unit lenses has a refractive index corresponding to a Fresnel lens with respect to light polarized by the polarization layer.

[0028] The liquid crystal layer includes a PDLC layer.

[0029] In the display device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, liquid crystal molecules are polymerized to function as a lens layer, thereby minimizing deformation of the liquid crystal molecules that may occur when the lens layer is bent or folded. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram of an example of a display device.

[0032] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram of an example of a display device operating in a two-dimensional (2D) mode.

[0033] Figure 4 and Figure 5 It shows that Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram of an example of a display device operating in a three-dimensional (3D) mode.

[0034] Figure 6 It is shown Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram of an example of a unit lens of a display device.

[0035] Figure 7 It is a diagram used to describe the azimuth angles of liquid crystal molecules.

[0036] Figure 8 and Fig. 9 Is used to describe Figure 6 Diagram of a unit lens.

[0037] Fig.10 is a diagram illustrating a unit lens of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Fig.11 is a flowchart illustrating a method of manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Fig.12 , Fig.13 , Fig.14 and Fig.15 It shows that according to Fig.11 A diagram of a process of forming an alignment layer in a method of manufacturing a display device.

[0040] Fig.16 is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it will be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments set forth herein, but may be implemented in other forms.

[0042] It will also be understood that when an element is referred to as "combined" or "connected" to another element, it can be directly combined or connected to the other element, or there can be an intervening element between them. The terms used here are for the purpose of describing a particular embodiment, and are not intended to be limiting. In the specification, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, when an element is referred to as "comprising" or "including" a component, it does not exclude another component, but can also include other components. As used herein, "at least one (kind / person) of X, Y and Z" and "at least one (kind / person) selected from the group consisting of X, Y and Z" can be interpreted as any combination of only X, only Y, only Z or two or more of X, Y and Z (for example, XYZ, XYY, YZ and ZZ). As used herein, the term "and / or" can include any combination and all combinations of one or more of the relevant listed items.

[0043] Although the terms "first", "second", etc. may be used herein to describe various types of elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element from another element. Therefore, the first element discussed below may be referred to as the second element.

[0044] Spatially relative terms such as "under," "beneath," "below," "lower," "above," "upper," "above," "higher," "side" (e.g., as in "sidewall"), and the like may be used herein for descriptive purposes to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another (or other) element or feature as shown in the accompanying drawings. Spatially relative terms may also encompass different orientations of the device in use, operation, and / or manufacture in addition to the orientation depicted in the accompanying drawings. For example, if the device in the accompanying drawings is inverted, elements described as "under" or "beneath" other elements or features would subsequently be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the term "under" may encompass both above and below orientations. Furthermore, the device may be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations), and as such, the spatially relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0045] Various embodiments will be described with reference to figures showing idealized embodiments. As such, variations in the shapes of the illustrations due to, for example, manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances are to be expected. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed herein should not be construed as limited to the specific illustrated shapes of the regions, but are to include deviations in shapes due to, for example, manufacturing. As such, the shapes shown in the drawings may not illustrate the actual shapes of regions of the device, and are therefore not intended to be limiting.

[0046] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] Reference Figure 1 , the display device may include a display panel 100, a driving controller 200, a gate driver 300, and a data driver 400. In an embodiment, the driving controller 200 and the data driver 400 may be integrated into a single chip.

[0048] The display panel 100 may include a display area DA in which an image is displayed and a non-display area NDA disposed adjacent to the display area DA. In an embodiment, the gate driver 300 may be installed in the non-display area NDA.

[0049] The display panel 100 may include a plurality of gate lines GL, a plurality of data lines DL, and a plurality of sub-pixels SP electrically connected to the gate lines GL and the data lines DL. The gate lines GL may extend in a first direction DR1. The data lines DL may extend in a second direction DR2 intersecting the first direction DR1.

[0050] The drive controller 200 may receive input image data IMG and an input control signal CONT from a processor {e.g., a graphics processing unit (GPU)}. For example, the input image data IMG may include red image data, green image data, and blue image data. In an embodiment, the input image data IMG may also include white image data. In another example, the input image data IMG may include magenta image data, yellow image data, and cyan image data. The input control signal CONT may include a master clock signal and a data enable signal. The input control signal CONT may include a vertical synchronization signal and a horizontal synchronization signal.

[0051] The driving controller 200 may generate the first control signal CONT1, the second control signal CONT2 and the data signal DATA based on the input image data IMG and the input control signal CONT. In other words, the driving controller 200 may generate the first control signal CONT1, the second control signal CONT2 and the data signal DATA in response to the input image data IMG and the input control signal CONT.

[0052] The driving controller 200 may generate a first control signal CONT1 for controlling the operation of the gate driver 300 based on the input control signal CONT and output the first control signal CONT1 to the gate driver 300. The first control signal CONT1 may include a vertical start signal and a gate clock signal.

[0053] The driving controller 200 may generate a second control signal CONT2 for controlling the operation of the data driver 400 based on the input control signal CONT, and output the second control signal CONT2 to the data driver 400. The second control signal CONT2 may include a horizontal start signal and a load signal.

[0054] The driving controller 200 may receive input image data IMG and an input control signal CONT and generate a data signal DATA. The driving controller 200 may output the data signal DATA to the data driver 400.

[0055] The gate driver 300 may generate a gate signal for driving the gate line GL in response to the first control signal CONT1 received from the driving controller 200. The gate driver 300 may output the gate signal to the gate line GL. For example, the gate driver 300 may sequentially output the gate signal to the gate line GL.

[0056] The data driver 400 may receive the second control signal CONT2 and the data signal DATA from the driving controller 200. The data driver 400 may generate a data voltage by converting the data signal DATA into an analog voltage. The data driver 400 may output the data voltage to the data line DL.

[0057] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram of an example of a display device. Figure 3 It is shown Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram of an example of a display device operating in a two-dimensional (2D) mode. Figure 4 and Figure 5 It shows that Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram of an example of a display device operating in a three-dimensional (3D) mode.

[0058] Reference Figure 2 The display device may include a display panel 100, a polarization layer PL located on the display panel 100, a liquid crystal layer LC located on the polarization layer PL, an alignment layer AL located on the liquid crystal layer LC, and a lens layer LS located on the alignment layer AL. Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the display panel 100 , the polarization layer PL, the liquid crystal layer LC, the alignment layer AL and the lens layer LS are sequentially arranged.

[0059] Reference Figures 3 to 5 The polarization layer PL may polarize the light provided from the display panel 100. For example, the polarization layer PL may polarize the light provided from the display panel 100 in a direction parallel to the first direction DR1.

[0060] Light polarized by the polarization layer PL may be provided to the liquid crystal layer LC. The liquid crystal layer LC may be a polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) layer. For example, the liquid crystal layer LC may operate in different ways depending on the mode. The liquid crystal layer LC may be in direct contact with the polarization layer PL.

[0061] The display device may operate in a 2D mode or a 3D mode. In the 2D mode, the viewer may perceive a two-dimensional image. In the 3D mode, the viewer may perceive a three-dimensional stereoscopic image. For example, the mode of the display device may be determined by a user using the display device. For example, the display device may receive data about the mode of the display device from a processor.

[0062] For example, the liquid crystal layer LC may be located on the first electrode. The second electrode may be located on the liquid crystal layer LC. The display device may provide voltages to the first electrode and the second electrode in the 3D mode, but not to the first electrode and the second electrode in the 2D mode.

[0063] For example, in Figure 3In the 2D mode shown in , the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer LC may be arranged in random directions to scatter the incident light. The lens layer LS has a refractive index that varies according to the polarization direction of the light. Therefore, the lens layer LS may not refract the scattered light in a specific direction. As a result, in the 2D mode, the display device cannot provide a stereoscopic image to the user.

[0064] For example, in Figure 4 In the 3D mode shown in , the display device can apply voltages to the first electrode and the second electrode to generate an electric field in the liquid crystal layer LC. Due to the electric field, the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer LC can be oriented in the direction of the incident light. In this case, the refractive index of the liquid crystal layer LC for the incident light can be minimized. Therefore, the scattering of the incident light can be minimized. Therefore, most of the incident light can pass through the liquid crystal layer LC intact. In addition, the lens layer LS can refract the polarized light in a specific direction. As a result, in the 3D mode, the display device can provide a stereoscopic image to the user.

[0065] In the following, reference is made to Figure 5 , the operations in 3D mode will be described in detail.

[0066] Reference Figure 5 , the display panel 100 may include sub-pixels SP configured to emit light to display an image. In an embodiment, each of the sub-pixels SP may emit one of light of a first color (e.g., red), light of a second color (e.g., green), and light of a third color (e.g., blue). However, the above examples are merely illustrative, and the color of light emitted from the sub-pixels SP is not limited thereto. For example, light of various colors may be output to realize a full-color image. The display panel 100 may include an organic light emitting display panel, a liquid crystal display panel, a quantum dot display panel, and the like.

[0067] The lens layer LS is disposed on the display panel 100 and may refract light incident from the sub-pixel SP. For example, the lens layer LS overlaps the display panel 100 and may refract light incident from the sub-pixel SP in a 3D mode.

[0068] A light field display is a 3D display device that uses a flat panel display and a lens layer to form a light field represented by the vector distribution (e.g., intensity, direction) of light in space to achieve a stereoscopic image. Light field displays are a display technology that is expected to be widely used when integrated with augmented reality systems and similar technologies. This is because light field displays enable users to perceive the depth and side surfaces of objects, thereby producing more natural stereoscopic images.

[0069] In an embodiment, Figure 5 As shown in , the display device can display a stereoscopic image (eg, a 3D image) by forming a light field.

[0070] A series of sub-pixels SP may be assigned to each unit lens LSU of the lens layer LS, and light emitted from each of the sub-pixels SP may be refracted by the unit lens LSU. Such use of the unit lens LSU allows light to travel only in a specific direction, thereby forming a light field represented by the intensity and direction of light. When a viewer views the display device in the light field formed by the aforementioned method, the viewer may experience a three-dimensional effect of the corresponding image.

[0071] Image information according to the viewer's viewpoint in the light field can be defined and processed based on voxels. A voxel can be graphic information that defines a point (or pixel) in 3D space.

[0072] Figure 6 It is shown Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram of an example of a unit lens LSU of a display device. Figure 7 It is a diagram used to describe the azimuth angles of liquid crystal molecules. Figure 8 and Fig. 9 Is used to describe Figure 6 Diagram of the unit lens LSU.

[0073] exist Figure 8 and Fig. 9 In the drawings, reference numerals are omitted, but in the following description of these drawings, the same reference numerals will be used. Figure 6 The same reference numerals are used as reference numerals in the figure.

[0074] Reference Figure 6 , the lens layer LS may include a plurality of unit lenses LSU. Each unit lens LSU may be implemented as a single gradient refractive index (GRIN) lens or a Fresnel lens, which will be described below. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the lens type implemented by a single unit lens LSU.

[0075] The unit lens LSU may include a plurality of sub-unit lenses SLSU. Each of the sub-unit lenses SLSU may include a single liquid crystal molecule RM.

[0076] For example, the liquid crystal molecules RM may be arranged in the first direction DR1 in the lens layer LS. Figure 2 or Figure 4 The PL) may cause light polarized in a direction parallel to the first direction DR1 to be emitted in a third direction DR3. The polarized light may be incident on the lens layer LS.

[0077] At least one of the liquid crystal molecules RM may include an optically anisotropic material. For example, the liquid crystal molecules RM may have different optical properties in different directions. At least one of the liquid crystal molecules RM may include a monomer that can be cured by a polymerization reaction induced by light (such as ultraviolet light). For example, at least one of the liquid crystal molecules RM may include a reactive mesogen.

[0078] The lens layer LS formed by polymerizing the reactive liquid crystal element may have a birefringent property and maintain a uniform orientation (e.g., azimuth angle AA). For example, the lens layer LS produced by polymerizing the reactive liquid crystal element may form a polymer component. In this case, even when the lens layer LS is bent or folded, the deformation of the liquid crystal molecules RM may be minimized. Therefore, the lens layer LS may be used in various display devices such as a foldable display device, a bendable display device, and a rollable display device.

[0079] Although for ease of explanation, Figure 6 , Figure 8 and Fig. 9 In FIG. 1 , the liquid crystal molecules RM have been shown to be separated from each other, but all of the liquid crystal molecules RM may be connected to each other through a light-induced polymerization reaction while maintaining their orientations.

[0080] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 , the azimuth angle AA may be an angle formed between the first direction DR1 and the perpendicular projection of the liquid crystal molecule RM onto the plane formed by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. For example, in the case where the azimuth angle AA is 0°, when the liquid crystal molecule RM is perpendicular to the plane projection formed by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2, the liquid crystal molecule RM may be oriented in the first direction DR1. For example, in the case where the azimuth angle AA is 90°, when the liquid crystal molecule RM is perpendicular to the plane projection formed by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2, the liquid crystal molecule RM may be oriented in the second direction DR2. For example, in the case where the azimuth angle AA is -90°, when the liquid crystal molecule RM is perpendicular to the plane projection formed by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2, the liquid crystal molecule RM may be oriented in the direction opposite to the second direction DR2.

[0081] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 8 The lens layer LS can be formed by polymerizing the liquid crystal molecules RM having a plurality of azimuth angles AA. At least one of the unit lenses LSU can be directed to the polarization layer (eg, Figure 2 or Figure 4 The PL) polarized light has a refractive index corresponding to the GRIN lens. In other words, at least one of the unit lenses LSU can be implemented as a GRIN lens.

[0082] The azimuth angle AA of the liquid crystal molecules RM of at least one of the unit lenses LSU may decrease along the first direction DR1. The maximum value of the azimuth angle AA may be 90°. The minimum value of the azimuth angle AA may be -90°.

[0083] For example, the azimuth angle AA of the liquid crystal molecules RM in the first stage of the unit lens LSU may be 90°. The azimuth angle AA of the liquid crystal molecules RM of the unit lens LSU may decrease to -90° as moving from the first stage in the first direction DR1.

[0084] Among the liquid crystal molecules RM, for the polarization layer (e.g., Figure 2 or Figure 4 For light with PL polarization, the refractive index of the liquid crystal molecule RM having an azimuth angle AA of 0° may be higher than the refractive index of the liquid crystal molecule RM having an azimuth angle AA of 90°.

[0085] When the azimuth angle AA of the liquid crystal molecule RM is 0°, the orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecule RM may be consistent with the polarization direction of the light. In this case, the refractive index for polarized light may be maximized. When the azimuth angle AA of the liquid crystal molecule RM is 90° or -90°, the orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecule RM may be perpendicular to the polarization direction of the light. In this case, the refractive index for polarized light may be minimized. Here, the orientation direction may correspond to the direction of the long axis of the liquid crystal molecule RM.

[0086] In this way, various refractive indices may be distributed in the unit lens LSU. Due to the difference in refractive index, the unit lens LSU may be used as a lens. In other words, the unit lens LSU may refract polarized light in a specific direction. Specifically, in the case where the unit lens LSU exhibits a lowest refractive index at its end and the refractive index increases toward the center, the unit lens LSU may be used as a GRIN lens.

[0087] Reference Figure 6 and Fig. 9 For example, at least one of the unit lenses LSU may have a length greater than or equal to 100 μm and less than or equal to 400 μm. For example, at least one of the sub-unit lenses SLSU may have a length greater than or equal to 0.5 μm and less than or equal to 10 μm.

[0088] For example, the lens layer LS may have a thickness greater than 3 μm. For example, the lens layer LS may have a birefringence (Δn) greater than or equal to 0.15 and less than or equal to 0.4 (eg, 0.15-0.4).

[0089] Fig.10 is a diagram illustrating a unit lens LSU of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0090] The configuration of the unit lens LSU according to this embodiment is the same as that of Figure 6 The configurations of the unit lenses LSU are substantially the same; therefore, the same or similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals and symbols, and redundant explanations thereof may be omitted.

[0091] exist Fig.10 In the figure, the reference numerals have been omitted, but in the following Fig.10 In the description of Figure 6 The same reference numerals are used as reference numerals in the figure.

[0092] Although for ease of explanation, Fig.10 In FIG. 1 , the liquid crystal molecules RM have been shown to be separated from each other, but all of the liquid crystal molecules RM may be connected to each other through a light-induced polymerization reaction while maintaining their orientations.

[0093] Reference Figure 6 and Fig.10 The lens layer LS can be formed by polymerizing the liquid crystal molecules RM having a plurality of azimuth angles AA. At least one of the unit lenses LSU can be directed to the polarization layer (eg, Figure 2 or Figure 4 Light with PL) polarization has a refractive index corresponding to the Fresnel lens.

[0094] At least one of the unit lenses LSU may include a first lens region LR1 and a second lens region LR2. The first lens region LR1 may be spaced apart from the second lens region LR2. The azimuth angle AA of the liquid crystal molecules RM in the first lens region LR1 and the second lens region LR2 may decrease along the first direction DR1. In a direction opposite to the first direction DR1 (e.g., Fig.10 The maximum value of the azimuth angle AA of the liquid crystal molecules RM in the second lens region LR2 adjacent to the first lens region LR1 on the left side of the first lens region LR2 may be 90°. Fig.10 The minimum value of the azimuth angle AA of the liquid crystal molecules RM in the second lens region LR2 adjacent to the first lens region LR1 on the right side of the lens region LR2 may be -90°. The above structure may also be applied to the third lens region LR3. For example, in the direction opposite to the first direction DR1 (for example, Fig.10 The maximum value of the azimuth angle AA of the liquid crystal molecules RM in the third lens region LR3 adjacent to the second lens region LR2 on the left side of the lens region LR3 may be 90°. Fig.10 The minimum value of the azimuth angle AA of the liquid crystal molecules RM in the third lens region LR3 adjacent to the second lens region LR2 on the right side of the image (in FIG. 5 ) may be −90°.

[0095] In the present embodiment, the unit lens LSU has been illustrated as being divided into the first lens region LR1 , the second lens region LR2 , and the third lens region LR3 , but the present disclosure is not limited to this number of lens regions.

[0096] For example, the azimuth angle AA of the liquid crystal molecules RM in the first stage in the first lens region LR1 may be 90°. The azimuth angle AA of the liquid crystal molecules RM in the first lens region LR1 may decrease to -90° as moving from the first stage in the first direction DR1.

[0097] For example, the azimuth angle AA of the liquid crystal molecules RM in the first stage in the second lens area LR2 adjacent to the first lens area LR1 in the direction opposite to the first direction DR1 may be 90°. The azimuth angle AA of the liquid crystal molecules RM in the second lens area LR2 may decrease as moving from the first stage along the first direction DR1.

[0098] For example, the azimuth angle AA of the liquid crystal molecules RM in the first stage in the second lens area LR2 adjacent to the first lens area LR1 in the first direction DR1 may be -90°. The azimuth angle AA of the liquid crystal molecules RM in the second lens area LR2 may increase as moving from the first stage in the direction opposite to the first direction DR1.

[0099] For example, the azimuth angle AA of the liquid crystal molecules RM in the first stage in the third lens area LR3 adjacent to the second lens area LR2 in the direction opposite to the first direction DR1 may be 90°. As moving from the first stage along the first direction DR1, the azimuth angle AA of the liquid crystal molecules RM in the third lens area LR3 may decrease.

[0100] For example, the azimuth angle AA of the liquid crystal molecules RM in the first stage in the third lens area LR3 adjacent to the second lens area LR2 in the first direction DR1 may be -90°. The azimuth angle AA of the liquid crystal molecules RM in the third lens area LR3 may increase as moving from the first stage in the direction opposite to the first direction DR1.

[0101] At least one of the unit lenses LSU may include an adjacent region AR located between the first lens region LR1, the second lens region LR2, and the third lens region LR3. The adjacent region AR located between the first lens region LR1 and the second lens region LR2 may have the same azimuth angle AA as the liquid crystal molecules RM adjacent to the adjacent region AR in the second lens region LR2. For example, the adjacent region AR located between the first lens region LR1 and the second lens region LR2 may have the same azimuth angle AA of -80° or 80° as the liquid crystal molecules RM adjacent to the adjacent region AR in the second lens region LR2. The adjacent region AR located between the second lens region LR2 and the third lens region LR3 may have the same azimuth angle AA as the liquid crystal molecules RM adjacent to the adjacent region AR in the third lens region LR3. For example, the adjacent region AR located between the second lens region LR2 and the third lens region LR3 may have the same azimuth angle AA of -80° or 80° as the liquid crystal molecules RM adjacent to the adjacent region AR in the third lens region LR3. In other words, the refractive index may remain unchanged in the adjacent region AR. Therefore, the adjacent area AR may realize a portion of a Fresnel lens having a tilt angle of 90°.

[0102] For example, the azimuth angle AA of the adjacent region AR adjacent to the second lens region LR2 in the first direction DR1 may be equal to 80°, which is the azimuth angle AA of the liquid crystal molecules RM adjacent to the adjacent region AR in the second lens region LR2. For example, the azimuth angle AA of the adjacent region AR adjacent to the third lens region LR3 in the first direction DR1 may be equal to 80°, which is the azimuth angle AA of the liquid crystal molecules RM adjacent to the adjacent region AR in the third lens region LR3.

[0103] like Figure 8 and Fig.10 As shown in , the unit lens LSU implementing the Fresnel lens may have a larger azimuth angle AA difference between adjacent liquid crystal molecules RM, compared with the unit lens LSU implementing the GRIN lens.

[0104] Among the liquid crystal molecules RM, for the polarization layer (e.g., Figure 2 or Figure 4 For light with PL polarization, the refractive index of the liquid crystal molecule RM having an azimuth angle AA of 0° may be higher than the refractive index of the liquid crystal molecule RM having an azimuth angle AA of 90°.

[0105] When the azimuth angle AA of the liquid crystal molecule RM is 0°, the orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecule RM may be consistent with the polarization direction of the light. In this case, the refractive index for polarized light may be maximized. When the azimuth angle AA of the liquid crystal molecule RM is 90° or -90°, the orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecule RM may be perpendicular to the polarization direction of the light. In this case, the refractive index for polarized light may be minimized.

[0106] In this way, various refractive indices can be distributed in the unit lens LSU. Due to the difference in refractive index, the unit lens LSU can be used as a lens. In other words, the unit lens LSU can refract polarized light in a specific direction. Specifically, when the unit lens LSU has a Fig.10 When the refractive index is the same as the refractive index, the unit lens LSU can realize a Fresnel lens.

[0107] Fig.11 is a flowchart illustrating a method of manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 12 to 15 It shows that according to Fig.11 A diagram of a process of forming an alignment layer in a method of manufacturing a display device.

[0108] Reference Fig.11 The method of manufacturing a display device may include forming a display panel (S100), forming a polarizing layer on the display panel (S200), forming a liquid crystal layer on the polarizing layer (S300), forming an alignment layer on the liquid crystal layer (S400), and forming a lens layer on the alignment layer (S500). These steps may be performed in sequence.

[0109] Reference Figures 11 to 15 In the method of manufacturing a display device, at step S400, an alignment layer AL may be formed on the liquid crystal layer. The alignment layer AL may include an alignment substrate ASUB and an alignment material AM. The alignment material AM may be disposed on the alignment substrate ASUB.

[0110] For example, the alignment material AM may be applied to the alignment substrate ASUB. Ultraviolet (UV) light polarized in a direction corresponding to the azimuth angle AA may be irradiated onto the alignment material AM. Fig.13 As shown in , ultraviolet (UV) light polarized in a direction corresponding to the first azimuth angle AA1 may be irradiated onto the first region R1 of the alignment layer AL. Fig.14 As shown in FIG. 2 , UV light polarized in a direction corresponding to the second azimuth angle AA2 may be irradiated onto the second region R2 of the alignment layer AL. The second region R2 may be adjacent to the first region R1.

[0111] Therefore, in the corresponding first region R1, second region R2, third region R3, fourth region R4, and fifth region R5 of the alignment layer AL, the alignment material AM may be disposed in directions corresponding to different first azimuth angles AA1, second azimuth angles AA2, third azimuth angles AA3, fourth azimuth angles AA4, and fifth azimuth angles AA5. The liquid crystal molecules disposed on the corresponding alignment material AM may be formed to have corresponding azimuth angles among the first azimuth angle AA1, the second azimuth angle AA2, the third azimuth angle AA3, the fourth azimuth angle AA4, and the fifth azimuth angle AA5.

[0112] In the present embodiment, optical alignment has been shown as a method of forming the alignment layer AL, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the alignment layer AL may be formed using a nanoimprint scheme.

[0113] Fig.16 is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0114] Reference Fig.16 , the electronic device 1000 may include a processor 1010, a memory device 1020, a storage device 1030, an input / output (I / O) device 1040, a power supply 1050, and a display device 1060. The display device 1060 may be Figure 1 The electronic device 1000 may include additional ports for communicating with a video card, a sound card, a memory card, a universal serial bus (USB) device, or other systems. For example, the electronic device 1000 may be implemented as a cellular phone, a video phone, a smart board, a smart watch, a tablet personal computer (PC), a navigation device for a vehicle, a computer monitor, a laptop computer, a head-mounted display device, etc.

[0115] The processor 1010 may perform specific calculations or tasks. In an embodiment, the processor 1010 may be a microprocessor, a central processing unit, an application processor, etc. The processor 1010 may be connected to other components via an address bus, a control bus, a data bus, etc. In an embodiment, the processor 1010 may be connected to an expansion bus such as a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) bus.

[0116] The memory device 1020 may store data for performing operations of the electronic device 1000. For example, the memory device 1020 may include a nonvolatile memory device (such as an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) device, an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) device, a flash memory device, a phase change random access memory (PRAM) device, a resistive random access memory (RRAM) device, a nano floating gate memory (NFGM) device, a polymer random access memory (PoRAM) device, a magnetic random access memory (MRAM) device, and a ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM) device) and / or a volatile memory device (such as a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) device, a static random access memory (SRAM) device, a mobile DRAM device, etc.).

[0117] The storage device 1030 may include a solid state drive (SSD), a hard disk drive (HDD), a CD-ROM, or the like.

[0118] The I / O device 1040 may include an input device such as a keyboard, a keypad, a touch pad, a touch screen, and a mouse and an output device such as a speaker and a printer. In an embodiment, the display device 1060 may be included in the I / O device 1040 .

[0119] The power supply 1050 may supply power for performing operations of the electronic device 1000. For example, the power supply 1050 may be a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0120] The display device 1060 may display an image corresponding to the visual information of the electronic device 1000. Here, the display device 1060 may be an organic light emitting display device or a quantum dot light emitting display device, but is not limited thereto. The display device 1060 may be connected to other components via a bus or other communication links.

[0121] The present disclosure can be applied to display devices and electronic devices including display devices. For example, the present disclosure can be applied to digital TVs, 3D TVs, cellular phones, smart phones, tablet computers, virtual reality (VR) devices, PCs, home appliances, laptop computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable media players (PMPs), digital cameras, music players, portable game consoles, navigation devices, etc.

[0122] Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure as set forth in the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: Display panel; a polarizing layer, on the display panel; a liquid crystal layer on the polarizing layer; an alignment layer, on the liquid crystal layer; as well as a lens layer, on the orientation layer, Wherein, the lens layer includes polymerized liquid crystal molecules with multiple azimuth angles.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: At least one of the liquid crystal molecules includes a reactive mesogen.

3. The display device according to claim 1, in, The lens layer includes a plurality of unit lenses, and At least one unit lens among the plurality of unit lenses has a refractive index corresponding to that of a gradient refractive index lens for light polarized by the polarization layer.

4. The display device according to claim 1, in, The lens layer includes a plurality of unit lenses, and The azimuth angle of the liquid crystal molecules in at least one unit lens among the plurality of unit lenses decreases along the first direction.

5. The display device according to claim 1, in, The maximum value of the azimuth angle is 90°, and The minimum value of the azimuth angle is -90°.

6. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: For light polarized by the polarizing layer, a refractive index of liquid crystal molecules having an azimuth angle of 0° is higher than a refractive index of liquid crystal molecules having an azimuth angle of 90°.

7. The display device according to claim 1, in, The lens layer includes a plurality of unit lenses, and At least one unit lens among the plurality of unit lenses has a refractive index corresponding to that of a Fresnel lens for light polarized by the polarization layer.

8. The display device according to claim 1, in, The lens layer includes a plurality of unit lenses. At least one unit lens of the plurality of unit lenses includes a first lens area and a second lens area. The azimuth angles of the liquid crystal molecules in the first lens region and the azimuth angles of the liquid crystal molecules in the second lens region decrease along a first direction. The maximum value of the azimuth angle of the liquid crystal molecules in the second lens region adjacent to the first lens region in the direction opposite to the first direction is 90°, and Wherein, the minimum value of the azimuth angle of the liquid crystal molecules in the second lens area adjacent to the first lens area in the first direction is -90°.

9. The display device according to claim 8, in, At least one of the plurality of unit lenses further includes an adjacent region between the first lens region and the second lens region, and The azimuth angle of the liquid crystal molecules in the adjacent region is the same as the azimuth angle of the liquid crystal molecules in the second lens region that are adjacent to the adjacent region.

10. The display device according to claim 1, in, The lens layer includes a plurality of unit lenses, and Wherein, a length of at least one unit lens among the plurality of unit lenses is greater than or equal to 100 μm and less than or equal to 400 μm.

11. The display device according to claim 1, in, The lens layer includes a plurality of sub-unit lenses, each of which includes one liquid crystal molecule among the liquid crystal molecules, and Wherein, a length of at least one sub-unit lens among the plurality of sub-unit lenses is greater than or equal to 0.5 μm and less than or equal to 10 μm.

12. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The thickness of the lens layer is greater than 3 μm.

13. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The birefringence of the lens layer is greater than or equal to 0.15 and less than or equal to 0.

4.

14. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The liquid crystal layer includes a polymer dispersed liquid crystal layer.

15. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The liquid crystal layer scatters light polarized by the polarization layer in a two-dimensional mode, and allows light polarized by the polarization layer to pass through the liquid crystal layer in a three-dimensional mode.

16. A method for manufacturing a display device, the method comprising: forming a display panel; forming a polarizing layer on the display panel; forming a liquid crystal layer on the polarizing layer; forming an alignment layer on the liquid crystal layer; as well as forming a lens layer on the alignment layer, The lens layer is formed by polymerizing liquid crystal molecules having multiple azimuth angles.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein: At least one of the liquid crystal molecules includes a reactive mesogen.

18. The method according to claim 16, in, The lens layer includes a plurality of unit lenses, and At least one unit lens among the plurality of unit lenses has a refractive index corresponding to that of a gradient refractive index lens for light polarized by the polarization layer.

19. The method according to claim 16, in, The lens layer includes a plurality of unit lenses, and At least one unit lens among the plurality of unit lenses has a refractive index corresponding to that of a Fresnel lens for light polarized by the polarization layer.

20. The method according to claim 16, wherein: The liquid crystal layer includes a polymer dispersed liquid crystal layer.

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