Waveguide manufacturing method

Abstract

Forming an array of metallized light input wells and an array of light deflection wells in an optical waveguide involves the steps of forming an aperture through an overlying adhesive layer, attaching the adhesive layer to a substrate, metallizing the substrate and the adhesive layer, and removing the cover to expose the bonded and metallized regions. The substrate is aligned to a well layer having an array of light input vias and an array of light deflection vias. The substrate is attached to a well layer having an array of metallized light input wells and an array of metallized light deflection wells. The array of light input wells receives light from respective aligned arrays of light emitting diodes. The array of light deflecting traps reflects the guided light in an area surrounding each of the light emitting diodes. Light extracted from the waveguide is output by refraction and total internal reflection of the light turning optical assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to illumination from light modulating devices, and more particularly to optical stacks for providing illumination with reduced solid angles for use in displays, including privacy displays, high efficiency displays, and high dynamic range displays, and for use in ambient lighting. Background Art

[0002] Privacy displays provide image visibility to the primary user, typically in an on-axis position, and reduced visibility of the image content to a snooper, typically in an off-axis position. The privacy function can be provided by a micro-louver optical film that transmits high brightness from the display in an on-axis direction and low brightness in an off-axis position. However, such films are not switchable, and thus the display is limited to a privacy function.

[0003] A switchable privacy display may be provided by control of the off-axis optical output from a spatial light modulator. Control may be provided by means of off-axis brightness reduction, for example by means of a switchable polarization control layer between the display polarizer and an additional polarizer.

[0004] Backlight sources with reduced off-axis brightness can be used to provide or enhance privacy features. Certain imaging directional backlight sources have the additional ability to direct illumination through the display panel into the viewing window. An imaging system can be formed between multiple sources and respective window images. An example of an imaging directional backlight source is an optical valve that can employ a folded optical system, and therefore can also be an example of a folded imaging directional backlight source. Light can propagate through the optical valve in one direction substantially without loss, and the light propagating in the reverse direction can be extracted by reflecting off a reflection of an inclined surface, as described in U.S. Patent No. 9,519,153, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0005] A backlight formed by an array of individually controllable light sources arranged in series with a liquid crystal spatial light modulator can provide a high dynamic range by reducing the output luminous flux of the light source aligned with the low brightness area of ​​the image displayed on the spatial light modulator. A high dynamic range LCD (HDR-LCD) can achieve a dynamic range superior to that which can be provided by the LCD optical mode alone. An array of light sources (such as LEDs (light emitting diodes)) addressed with lower resolution image data is provided in a local dimming LCD backlight so that dark areas of the image are illuminated by the backlight at low brightness, and bright areas are illuminated at high brightness.

[0006] Thin substrate and polymer substrate LCD panels can provide mechanical properties, such as flexibility similar to organic LED (OLED) displays. Such thin substrate LCDs desirably use backlights with similar mechanical properties.

[0007] One type of LCD backlight includes a light guide plate and an array of input light sources (such as LEDs) at one end of the light guide plate. Light propagating by total internal reflection within the waveguide is output with the help of surface features, which adjust the propagation angle of the light within the waveguide and allow extraction at an angle close to the outside of the grazing waveguide. Such light is guided to the normal direction of the LCD with the help of a turning film and / or a back reflector. Such an optical stack may have high efficiency, but has multiple optical components, with the total backlight thickness typically being 1 mm or more. Such edge-lit light guides are generally not suitable for two-dimensional local dimming or free-form shaped LCDs for HDR-LCD lighting.

[0008] Other known backlights incorporate an array of light emitting diodes (LEDs) in a matrix behind an LCD as described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2017-0261179 (incorporated herein by reference in its entirety), the matrix comprising a plurality of spatially separated packaged LEDs and a plurality of "bat wing" optical elements, each of which is arranged to direct light from the packaged LEDs in a lateral direction. Such light is strongly diffused to provide output illumination. Such backlights require expensive handling of the LEDs and alignment of individual optics, and have a high thickness and reduced efficiency compared to edge-lit backlights.

[0009] Lighting systems for ambient lighting (such as automotive headlights, architectural lights, commercial lights or domestic lights) can provide a narrow directional light output distribution, for example with the help of focusing optics to provide a spotlight effect, or can achieve a wide directional light output distribution, for example with the help of diffuse optics.

[0010] White LED light sources can be composed of separate spectral bands (such as red, green, blue and yellow), each of which is created by a separate LED element. Such a source enables the user to distinguish separate colors, and as a result of the separation of the sources in the lamp, colored lighting patches can be created.

[0011] Catadioptric elements combine refractive surfaces (refractive optics) and reflective surfaces (reflective optics), which can provide total internal reflection or reflection from metallized surfaces. Backlights using catadioptric optical elements with small output luminous intensity solid angles are described in WIPO International Publication No. WO2010038025, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Summary of the invention

[0012] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a method for manufacturing a waveguide having a plurality of metallized wells is provided, wherein the metallized wells have a surface on which metal is deposited, the method comprising: providing: a continuous layer; a well layer, the well layer having a plurality of apertures extending through the well layer; and an alignment layer, the alignment layer having a plurality of apertures extending through the alignment layer, the alignment layer comprising a cover layer and an adhesive layer exposed on the cover layer, the plurality of apertures of the alignment layer and the plurality of apertures of the well layer being arranged in the same pattern; attaching the alignment layer to the surface of the continuous layer through the adhesive layer so that a plurality of regions of the surface of the continuous layer are exposed in the plurality of apertures of the alignment layer; continuously depositing metal across the outer side of the cover layer and the exposed plurality of regions of the surface of the continuous layer; removing the cover layer to expose the adhesive layer on the surface of the continuous layer and leaving a plurality of metal layers on the plurality of regions of the surface of the continuous layer on which metal is deposited; and attaching the well layer to the surface of the continuous layer through the adhesive layer, wherein the plurality of apertures of the well layer are aligned with a plurality of regions of the surface of the continuous layer having metal deposited thereon, to form a waveguide, in which the apertures of the well layer form wells. The alignment of the metal and the wells and the alignment of the attachment regions can be achieved with simple steps, reducing cost and complexity. Advantageously, the waveguide may be provided at low cost.

[0013] Such an approach can provide a waveguide for a lighting device that can be used for LCD backlights or at least for automotive, home or professional lighting. The lighting device can be provided in a thin package with high efficiency and high brightness uniformity. The output illumination can be localized to an area around the light input well. Backlights for high dynamic range displays can be provided.

[0014] The method may further include forming a well layer having a plurality of apertures extending through the well layer by the steps of: providing a continuous prefabricated layer; and forming the apertures in the continuous prefabricated layer to form the well layer. The apertures may be provided using a roll machining type process, reducing cost and complexity.

[0015] The method may further include forming a well layer having a plurality of apertures extending through the well layer by the steps of: molding a prefabricated layer having a plurality of wells formed in the prefabricated layer on a first side; and removing a portion of the prefabricated layer from a second side opposite to the first side beyond the level of the ends of the wells to form a well layer in which the wells form the apertures. A high surface quality may be achieved for the surface of the wells of the waveguide. Light scattering and visibility of hot spots may advantageously be reduced.

[0016] The method may further include forming an alignment layer having a plurality of apertures extending through the alignment layer by the steps of: providing a continuous prefabricated layer, the continuous prefabricated layer comprising a cover layer and a protective layer, an adhesive layer between the cover layer and the protective layer; forming a plurality of apertures in the continuous prefabricated layer; and removing the protective layer to expose the adhesive layer on the cover layer. Advantageously, the alignment layer may be provided using a roll process at low cost and complexity.

[0017] The aperture of the alignment layer may be larger than the corresponding aperture of the well layer. Advantageously, the visibility of hot spots may be reduced.

[0018] The plurality of metallized wells may include: an array of light input wells; and an array of light deflection wells, wherein each light input well includes a light input surface extending into the waveguide, the light input surface being arranged to input light from a respective light emitting element into the waveguide; and each light deflection well includes a light deflection surface extending into the waveguide so that some guided light is incident on the light deflection surface and some guided light passes through the light deflection surface, the light deflection surface being arranged to reflect at least some of the guided light incident thereon, and the light deflection wells having an arrangement around each light input well such that guided light that has been input through the light input surface of the light input well is distributed around the light input well. Advantageously, a high dynamic range display having high efficiency and high uniformity may be provided.

[0019] The method may be a method for manufacturing a waveguide further having a plurality of unmetallized wells, wherein the plurality of apertures in the well layer are a plurality of first apertures, and the well layer further comprises a plurality of second apertures extending through the well layer, whereby: the plurality of apertures of the alignment layer and the plurality of first apertures of the well layer are arranged in the same pattern, a step of attaching the alignment layer to the surface of the continuous layer by an adhesive layer exposes a plurality of regions of the surface of the continuous layer in the plurality of first apertures of the alignment layer; and a step of attaching the well layer to the surface of the continuous layer by an adhesive layer, wherein the plurality of first apertures of the well layer are aligned with a plurality of regions of the surface of the continuous layer having metal deposited thereon to form a waveguide in which the first apertures of the well layer form metallized wells and the second apertures of the well layer form unmetallized wells. The metal at the end of the light deflecting well may be omitted by not providing a second aperture in the alignment layer. Advantageously, the manufacturing cost and complexity of the light deflecting well may be reduced.

[0020] The method may be a method for manufacturing a waveguide further having a plurality of unmetallized wells, wherein the well layer further comprises a plurality of wells extending partially through the well layer, whereby the well layer is attached to the surface of a continuous layer by an adhesive layer, wherein a step of aligning a plurality of first apertures of the well layer with a plurality of regions of the surface of the continuous layer having metal deposited thereon forms a waveguide in which the apertures of the well layer form metallized wells and the wells of the well layer form unmetallized wells. A plurality of metallized wells include an array of light input wells; and a plurality of unmetallized wells include an array of light deflection wells, wherein each light input well includes a light input surface extending into the waveguide, the light input surface being arranged to input light from a respective light emitting element into the waveguide, and each light deflection well includes a light deflection surface extending into the waveguide such that some guided light is incident on the light deflection surface and some guided light passes through the light deflection surface, the light deflection surface being arranged to reflect at least some of the guided light incident thereon, and the light deflection wells have an arrangement around each light input well such that guided light that has been input through the light input surface of the light input well is distributed around the light input well. The height of the light deflection wells can be modified to advantageously achieve improved output uniformity. The visibility of hot spots can be reduced.

[0021] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for manufacturing a waveguide having a plurality of metallized wells, the metallized wells having a surface of metal deposited thereon, the method comprising: providing: a continuous layer having metal deposited on a plurality of regions of the surface; a well layer having a plurality of apertures extending through the well layer, the plurality of apertures of the well layer and the plurality of regions of the surface of the continuous layer being arranged in the same pattern; attaching the well layer to the surface of the continuous layer, wherein the plurality of apertures of the well layer are aligned with the plurality of regions of the surface of the continuous layer having metal deposited thereon, to form a waveguide, in which the apertures of the well layer form wells. Advantageously, the waveguide can be provided at a low cost.

[0022] Such an approach can provide a waveguide for a lighting device that can be used for LCD backlights or at least for automotive, home or professional lighting. The lighting device can be provided in a thin package with high efficiency and high brightness uniformity. The output illumination can be localized to an area around the light input well. Backlights for high dynamic range displays can be provided.

[0023] The method may further include forming a well layer having a plurality of apertures extending through the well layer by the following steps: providing a continuous prefabricated layer; and forming apertures in the continuous prefabricated layer to form the well layer. The method may further include forming a well layer having a plurality of apertures extending through the well layer by the following steps: molding a prefabricated layer having a plurality of wells formed in the prefabricated layer on a first side; and removing a portion of the prefabricated layer beyond the level of the ends of the wells from a second side opposite to the first side to form a well layer in which the wells form the apertures.

[0024] The step of attaching the well layer to the continuous layer may be performed by laser welding. Advantageously, attachment cost and complexity may be reduced. The thickness of the interface region may be reduced or eliminated. The visibility of hot spots may advantageously be reduced.

[0025] The method may further include forming a continuous layer having metal deposited on a plurality of regions of the surface by: providing the continuous layer with metal deposited across a continuous portion of the surface; and removing the deposited metal outside the plurality of regions to leave the deposited metal on the plurality of regions. The region of the surface of the continuous layer on which the metal is deposited may be larger than a corresponding aperture of the well layer.

[0026] The method may be a method for manufacturing a waveguide further having a plurality of unmetallized wells, wherein the plurality of apertures in the well layer are a plurality of first apertures, and the well layer further comprises a plurality of second apertures extending through the well layer, whereby: the plurality of first apertures of the well layer and a plurality of regions of a surface of a continuous layer are arranged in the same pattern, and the well layer is attached to the surface of the continuous layer, wherein the step of aligning the plurality of first apertures of the well layer with a plurality of regions of the surface of the continuous layer having metal deposited thereon forms a waveguide, in which the first apertures of the well layer form metallized wells, and the second apertures of the well layer form unmetallized wells. The method may be a method for manufacturing a waveguide further having a plurality of unmetallized wells, wherein the well layer further comprises a plurality of wells extending partially through the well layer, whereby the step of attaching the well layer to the surface of the continuous layer, wherein the step of aligning the plurality of first apertures of the well layer with a plurality of regions of the surface of the continuous layer having metal deposited thereon forms a waveguide, in which the apertures of the well layer form metallized wells, and the wells of the well layer form unmetallized wells. A plurality of metallized wells include an array of light input wells; and a plurality of unmetallized wells include an array of light deflection wells, wherein each light input well includes a light input surface extending into a waveguide, the light input surface being arranged to input light from a respective light emitting element into the waveguide, and each light deflection well includes a light deflection surface extending into the waveguide such that some guided light is incident on the light deflection surface and some guided light passes through the light deflection surface, the light deflection surface being arranged to reflect at least some of the guided light incident thereon, and the light deflection wells have an arrangement around each light input well such that guided light that has been input through the light input surface of the light input well is distributed around the light input well. Advantageously, the manufacturing cost and complexity of the light deflection wells can be reduced. The visibility of hot spots can be reduced, and uniformity can be improved.

[0027] Any of the aspects of the present disclosure may be applied in any combination.

[0028] Embodiments of the present disclosure can be used in various optical systems. Embodiments can include various projectors, projection systems, optical components, displays, microdisplays, computer systems, processors, self-contained projector systems, visual systems and / or audio-visual systems, and electrical devices and / or optical devices, or work together with various projectors, projection systems, optical components, displays, microdisplays, computer systems, processors, self-contained projector systems, visual systems and / or audio-visual systems, and electrical devices and / or optical devices. Aspects of the present disclosure can be used together with almost any equipment related to optical devices and electrical devices, optical systems, demonstration systems, or any equipment that can include any type of optical system. Therefore, embodiments of the present disclosure can be used in optical systems, visual presentations, and / or optical presentations, devices, visual peripherals, etc., and in several computing environments.

[0029] Before continuing to discuss the disclosed embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the details of the specific arrangements shown in its application or creation, as the present disclosure is capable of other embodiments. Moreover, various aspects of the present disclosure may be set forth in different combinations and arrangements to define their own unique embodiments. In addition, the terms used herein are for the purpose of description rather than limitation.

[0030] These and other advantages and features of the present disclosure will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art after reading this disclosure in its entirety. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Embodiments are illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings in which like references indicate similar parts.

[0032] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram illustrating, in side perspective, a display device including a backlight including an array of mini-LEDs and catadioptric optical elements (including a waveguide and a turning film) arranged to illuminate an LCD;

[0033] Figure 1B is a schematic diagram illustrating in side view a near-eye display device including a backlight source including a mini-LED array and a catadioptric optical element (including a waveguide and a turning film), similar to Figure 1A a backlight source and arranged to illuminate the eyepiece through the LCD;

[0034] Figure 1C is a schematic diagram illustrating, in top view, illustrative viewing conditions for a privacy display;

[0035] Figure 1D is illustrated in side perspective view further comprising a viewing angle control arrangement Figure 1A Schematic diagram of a display device, wherein the viewing angle control arrangement includes an additional polarizer, a reflective polarizer and a polarity control retarder;

[0036] Figure 2 is illustrated in a side perspective expanded view Figure 1A A schematic diagram of a backlight source;

[0037] Figure 3A is illustrated in side perspective Figure 1A Schematic diagram of the arrangement of the light input well and the light deflection well of the waveguide;

[0038] Figure 3B is a schematic diagram illustrating, in side perspective view, an alternative arrangement of a light input well and a light deflecting well of a waveguide;

[0039] Figure 4Ais a schematic diagram illustrating a portion of a light redirecting optical assembly in side perspective view;

[0040] Figure 4B is a schematic diagram illustrating a pyramidal recess of a light redirecting optical component;

[0041] Figure 4C is illustrated in side perspective Figure 3B Schematic diagram of a light input well and an aligned light emitting diode;

[0042] Figure 4D is a schematic diagram illustrating, in side perspective view, a light deflecting well having two opposing faces;

[0043] Figure 4E is a schematic diagram illustrating, in side perspective view, a light deflecting well having four opposing faces including a reflective coating;

[0044] Figure 4F is a schematic diagram illustrating, in a top perspective view, a portion of a waveguide including light extraction features;

[0045] Figure 4G is a schematic diagram illustrating light extraction features of a waveguide in a top perspective view;

[0046] Figure 4H is a schematic diagram illustrating, in top perspective, a portion of a waveguide including alternative light extraction features;

[0047] Figure 5 is illustrated in top view Figure 3B A schematic diagram of the arrangement of the light input well and the reflective end of the light deflection well;

[0048] Fig. 6A It is illustrated in top perspective view including Figure 3B Schematic diagram of the backlight arrangement of the light input well and the light deflection well;

[0049] Figure 6B It is illustrated in bottom perspective view including Figure 3B Schematic diagram of the backlight arrangement of the light input well and the light deflection well;

[0050] Fig. 7A It is illustrated in top perspective view including Figure 3B Schematic diagram of the waveguide of the light input well and the light deflection well;

[0051] Figure 7B It is illustrated in bottom perspective view including Figure 3B Schematic diagram of the waveguide of the light input well and the light deflection well;

[0052] Fig. 8A is illustrated in side view Figure 1A Schematic diagram of the waveguide and aligned light emitting diodes;

[0053] Figure 8B is illustrated in an expanded side view Fig. 8A Schematic diagram of the operation of the waveguide and aligned light emitting diode;

[0054] Fig. 9 is illustrated in an expanded side view Fig. 8A Schematic diagram of the operation of the waveguide, light steering optical components and aligned light emitting diodes;

[0055] Fig. 10A It is illustrated in bottom perspective. Figure 1A A schematic diagram of a light redirecting optical assembly;

[0056] Fig. 10B , Fig. 10C and Fig. 10D is a top perspective view illustrating the Figure 1A Schematic diagram of different output pupillations of light steering optical components used in a backlight source;

[0057] Fig.10E is a schematic diagram illustrating pupilizing the output of a light turning film by adjusting the face angle of a light turning optical component in at least one direction across the light turning optical component;

[0058] Fig.10F is a schematic diagram illustrating pupilizing the output of a light turning film by adjusting the curvature of a face of a light turning optical component in at least one direction across the light turning optical component;

[0059] Figure 10G is a schematic diagram illustrating in front view a pupil steering optical assembly using a pupil steering optical assembly such as Fig.10E A linear surface trajectory with a varying inclination across the light steering optical assembly is illustrated in FIG. 1 to provide pupillization of light from the illumination device to provide such as Fig. 10D An optical window as illustrated in FIG.

[0060] Fig. 10H is a schematic diagram illustrating, in front view, a pupil steering optical assembly that provides pupillization from an illumination device using a curved concave base trajectory that intersects a linear surface base trajectory;

[0061] Fig.10I is a schematic diagram illustrating, in front view, a pupil steering optical assembly that provides pupillization from an illumination device using a curved concave base trajectory that intersects a curved concave base trajectory;

[0062] Fig.11A is illustrated in top view for Figure 3B Schematic diagram of the light path of the waveguide and the aligned light emitting diode;

[0063] Fig. 11B is a schematic diagram illustrating a light output cone from a face of a light input well in a perspective side view;

[0064] Fig. 11C is a schematic graph illustrating the variation of the luminous intensity of a ray resolved into a plane in which a waveguide extends with respect to the angle in the plane of the waveguide;

[0065] Fig.11D is a schematic diagram illustrating, in top view, refraction and reflection of facing light rays of a light redirecting optical component;

[0066] Fig.11E is a schematic diagram illustrating, in side view, refraction and reflection of facing light rays of a light redirecting optical component;

[0067] Fig. 12A This diagram is for FIG. 6A to FIG. 6B A schematic graph showing how the brightness of a backlight area when illuminated by a single light emitting diode varies with spatial locations;

[0068] Fig. 12B This diagram is for FIG. 6A to FIG. 6B A schematic curve diagram showing how the brightness of a backlight area when illuminated by all light emitting diodes varies with spatial locations;

[0069] Fig. 12C This diagram is for FIG. 6A to FIG. 6B A schematic graph showing the brightness of a backlight source when illuminated by a single light emitting diode as a function of polar coordinate locations;

[0070] Fig.13A This diagram is for FIG. 6A to FIG. 6B A schematic graph showing the brightness of a backlight source as a function of polar coordinate locations compared to a Lambertian directional distribution;

[0071] Fig. 13B is a schematic graph illustrating the change in normalized luminous intensity of a directional distribution compared to a Lambertian directional distribution;

[0072] Fig.14A is a schematic diagram illustrating, in top perspective view, a waveguide including alternative light input wells and light deflection wells;

[0073] Fig. 14B is a schematic diagram illustrating in bottom perspective view a waveguide including alternative light input wells and light deflection wells;

[0074] Fig. 14C is a diagram in top view for FIG. 13A to FIG. 13B Schematic diagram of the arrangement of the light input well and the light deflection well of the waveguide;

[0075] Fig.15A is a diagram for FIG. 13A to FIG. 13B A schematic graph showing how the brightness of a region of a backlight source of a waveguide changes with spatial locations when illuminated by a single light emitting diode;

[0076] Fig. 15B is a diagram for FIG. 13A to FIG. 13B A schematic graph showing how the brightness of a backlight area of ​​a waveguide when illuminated by all light emitting diodes varies with spatial locations;

[0077] Fig. 15C is a diagram for FIG. 13A to FIG. 13B A schematic graph showing the brightness of a waveguide backlight source when illuminated by a single light emitting diode as a function of polar coordinate locations;

[0078] Fig.15D is a graphical representation of the value Y measured in nit. 最大 The display front brightness is included FIG. 13A to FIG. 13B The waveguide Figure 1D Schematic diagram of a safety factor S of a privacy display device operating in a shared operation mode and illuminated by a single light-emitting diode as a function of polar coordinate locations, wherein the value Y measured in nit is 最大 The front brightness of the display is half the illuminance of value I measured in lux;

[0079] Fig.15E This diagram is for Figure 1D A schematic graph of transmission of an exemplary polar controlled retarder operating in a privacy mode as a function of polar coordinate location;

[0080] Fig.15F is a diagram illustrating an exemplary polarity controlled retarder and operating in a privacy mode Figure 1D A schematic graph showing a change in reflectivity of a display device;

[0081] Figure 15G is a graphical representation of the value Y measured in nit. 最大 The display front brightness is included FIG. 13A to FIG. 13B The waveguide Figure 1D Schematic graph of the safety factor S of the privacy display device operating in the privacy operation mode and illuminated by a single light-emitting diode as a function of the polar coordinate location, wherein the value Y measured in nit is 最大The front brightness of the display is half the illuminance of value I measured in lux;

[0082] Fig.16 is a schematic diagram illustrating a top view of a vehicle having a center console display device;

[0083] Fig.17A It is illustrated in top perspective view including FIG. 13A to FIG. 13B Schematic diagram of a backlight arrangement of a waveguide and alternative light steering optical components;

[0084] Fig. 17B It is illustrated in bottom perspective view including Fig.17A Schematic diagram of a backlight arrangement of a waveguide and alternative light steering optical components;

[0085] Fig. 17C It is illustrated in bottom perspective. FIG. 17A to FIG. 17B A schematic diagram of a light redirecting optical assembly;

[0086] Fig.17D It is a graphic illustration Fig. 17C A schematic diagram of a pyramidal concave portion of a light redirecting optical component;

[0087] Fig.17E is illustrated in top view Fig. 17C A schematic diagram of the refraction and reflection of light rays facing the light steering optical component;

[0088] Fig.17F is illustrated in side view Fig. 17C A schematic diagram of the refraction and reflection of light rays facing the light steering optical component;

[0089] Fig.18A is a top perspective view illustrating the FIG. 17A to FIG. 17B The backlight used Fig. 17C Schematic diagram of output pupilization of a light steering optical component;

[0090] Fig.18B is a diagram for backlight source (including FIG. 17A to FIG. 17B A schematic graph showing the variation of the brightness of a backlight source of a light source when illuminated by a single light emitting diode with the polar coordinate location;

[0091] Fig.19A is a schematic diagram illustrating a top view of a vehicle having a passenger infotainment display device;

[0092] Fig.19B is a diagram in bottom perspective for Fig.19A The passenger infotainment display provides lighting with Fig.14A Schematic diagram of a light steering optical assembly with an arrangement of waveguides;

[0093] Fig.19C is a diagram for illustrating the waveguide and Fig.19B A schematic graph showing the brightness of a backlight source of a light redirecting optical assembly as a function of polar coordinate locations;

[0094] Fig.19D is a graphical representation of the value Y measured in nit. 最大 In the case of the display front brightness, Fig.19A Schematic graph of the safety factor S of a passenger infotainment display device operating in a privacy operating mode and illuminated by a single light-emitting diode as a function of the polar coordinate location, Fig.19A The passenger infotainment displays include Figure 1D A privacy display device, and comprising Fig.14A The waveguide and Fig.19B The light steering optical component, where the value Y is measured in nits 最大 The front brightness of the display is half the illuminance of value I measured in lux;

[0095] Fig.19E is a diagram for illustrating the waveguide and Fig.19B A schematic graph showing the brightness of a backlight source of an alternative light redirecting optical assembly as a function of polar coordinate location;

[0096] Fig.19F is a graphical representation of the value Y measured in nit. 最大 In the case of the display front brightness, Fig.19A Schematic graph of the safety factor S of a passenger infotainment display device operating in a privacy operating mode and illuminated by a single light-emitting diode as a function of the polar coordinate location, Fig.19A The passenger infotainment displays include Figure 1D A privacy display device, and comprising Fig.14A The waveguide and Fig.19B The light steering optical component, where the value Y is measured in nits 最大 The front brightness of the display is half the illuminance of value I measured in lux;

[0097] Fig. 20A is a schematic diagram illustrating, in top perspective view, a backlight arrangement including an alternative waveguide;

[0098] Fig. 20B It is illustrated in bottom perspective. Fig. 20A A schematic diagram of a backlight arrangement including an alternative waveguide;

[0099] Fig. 20Cis a diagram in top view for FIG. 20A to FIG. 20B Schematic diagram of the arrangement of the light input well and the reflective end of the light deflection well of the waveguide;

[0100] Fig.20D is illustrated in side view for FIG. 20A to FIG. 20B A schematic diagram of the arrangement of the reflective end of the light deflection well of the waveguide;

[0101] Fig.21A is a diagram for FIG. 20A to FIG. 20B A schematic graph showing how the brightness of a region of a backlight source of a waveguide changes with spatial locations when illuminated by a single light emitting diode;

[0102] Fig.21B is a diagram for FIG. 20A to FIG. 20B A schematic graph showing how the brightness of a backlight area of ​​a waveguide when illuminated by all light emitting diodes varies with spatial locations;

[0103] Fig. 21C is a diagram for FIG. 20A to FIG. 20B A schematic graph showing the brightness of a waveguide backlight source when illuminated by a single light emitting diode as a function of polar coordinate locations;

[0104] Fig.22A is a schematic diagram illustrating, in top perspective view, a backlight arrangement including an alternative waveguide;

[0105] Fig. 22B It is illustrated in bottom perspective view including Fig.22A Schematic diagram of an alternative waveguide backlight arrangement;

[0106] Fig.23A is a diagram in top view for FIG. 22A to FIG. 22B Schematic diagram of the arrangement of the light input well and the reflective end of the light deflection well of the waveguide;

[0107] Fig. 23B is illustrated in side view for FIG. 22A to FIG. 22B A schematic diagram of the arrangement of the reflective end of the light deflection well of the waveguide;

[0108] Fig.24A is a diagram for FIG. 22A to FIG. 22B A schematic graph showing how the brightness of a region of a backlight source of a waveguide changes with spatial locations when illuminated by a single light emitting diode;

[0109] Fig. 24B is a diagram for FIG. 22A to FIG. 22B A schematic graph showing how the brightness of a backlight area of ​​a waveguide when illuminated by all light emitting diodes varies with spatial locations;

[0110] Fig.24C is a diagram for FIG. 22A to FIG. 22B A schematic graph showing the brightness of a waveguide backlight source when illuminated by a single light emitting diode as a function of polar coordinate locations;

[0111] Fig.25 is a schematic diagram illustrating, in top perspective view, a waveguide including an alternative light input well and an octagonal light deflecting well;

[0112] Fig.26A is a schematic diagram illustrating, in side perspective view, an alternative arrangement of a light input well and a light deflecting well of a waveguide;

[0113] Fig.26B is illustrated in side perspective Fig.26A Schematic diagram of a light input well and an aligned light emitting diode;

[0114] Fig. 27 is a schematic diagram illustrating in side view an alternative arrangement of a waveguide and aligned light emitting diodes, wherein the rear light guiding surface of the waveguide is coated with a reflective coating;

[0115] Fig.28 is a schematic diagram illustrating in side view an alternative arrangement of waveguides and aligned light emitting diodes, wherein the light deflecting well is aligned with Fig. 8A Compared with the arrangement of the invention, the invention has an increased density and a reduced height;

[0116] Fig.29 is a schematic diagram illustrating in side view an alternative arrangement of a waveguide and aligned light emitting diodes in which the light deflecting well does not include a reflective end;

[0117] Fig.30 is a schematic diagram illustrating in side view an alternative arrangement of a waveguide and aligned light emitting diodes, wherein light extraction features are arranged on the reflective ends of the light input well and the light deflection well, and are further arranged on a rear light guiding surface;

[0118] Fig.31 is a schematic diagram illustrating in side view an alternative arrangement of a backlight in which the light input well comprises an air gap;

[0119] Fig.32A is a schematic diagram illustrating in side view an alternative arrangement of a backlight in which the light turning optics are omitted and a scattering layer is provided to receive light from the waveguide;

[0120] Fig.32B is a schematic diagram illustrating in side view an alternative arrangement of a backlight in which a light turning optical assembly is provided to receive light from a waveguide and is arranged to direct the light onto a scattering layer;

[0121] Fig.32C is a schematic diagram illustrating in side view an alternative arrangement of a backlight in which the light turning optics are omitted and a scattering layer is provided to receive light from the waveguide, further comprising an intersecting brightness enhancement film;

[0122] Fig.33 is a schematic diagram illustrating, in top view, an arrangement of a light emitting diode and an emission well, the emission well including an input surface having a planar profile;

[0123] Fig.34 is a schematic diagram illustrating in top view an arrangement of a light emitting diode and an emission well, the emission well comprising an input surface having a convex profile in the material of a waveguide;

[0124] Fig.35A is a schematic diagram illustrating in side view an arrangement of a light emitting diode and a color conversion layer, the color conversion layer being arranged on the light emitting diode, the light emitting diode being arranged in a light input well of a waveguide;

[0125] Fig.35B is a schematic diagram illustrating in side view an arrangement of a light emitting diode arranged in a light input well of a waveguide and a color conversion layer arranged on a reflective end of the light input well;

[0126] Fig.35C is a schematic diagram illustrating, in side view, an arrangement of three light emitting diodes arranged in a light input well of a waveguide;

[0127] Fig.35D is a schematic diagram illustrating, in side view, an arrangement of three light emitting diodes arranged on a carrier and arranged in a light input well of a waveguide;

[0128] Fig.35E is a schematic diagram illustrating, in side view, an arrangement of three light emitting diodes arranged in respective light input wells of a waveguide;

[0129] Fig.35F is a schematic diagram illustrating, in side view, an arrangement of three light emitting diodes arranged in respective light input wells of a waveguide, wherein some of the light input wells include a color conversion layer arranged on a reflective end of the light input well;

[0130] Fig.36A is a schematic diagram illustrating, in side view, an arrangement of edge emitting light emitting diodes arranged in an input well of a waveguide;

[0131] Fig.36B is a schematic diagram illustrating, in top view, an arrangement of edge emitting light emitting diodes arranged in an input well of a waveguide;

[0132] Fig.36C is a schematic diagram illustrating, in side view, an arrangement of edge emitting optical elements and light emitting diodes arranged in an input well of a waveguide;

[0133] Fig.37 and Fig.38 is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating a driving scheme for an array of light emitting diodes;

[0134] Fig.39A is a schematic diagram illustrating, in side view, a near-eye display device including an illumination device and a Fresnel lens arranged to direct light into an aperture of an eyepiece lens;

[0135] Fig.39B is illustrated in side view for use in Fig.39A Schematic diagram of a light steering optical assembly used in a near-eye display device;

[0136] Fig.40 is a schematic diagram illustrating in side view a near-eye display device including a pupil illumination device arranged to direct light into an aperture of an eyepiece lens;

[0137] Fig.41 is a schematic diagram illustrating, in side view, the imaging of an optical window into an entrance aperture of an eyepiece lens;

[0138] Fig.42A is a schematic diagram illustrating, in side view, an arrangement of a waveguide comprising a light input well and a light deflecting well, wherein metal is arranged at the ends of the light input well and the light deflecting well;

[0139] Fig.42B is a schematic diagram illustrating, in side view, an arrangement of a waveguide comprising a light input well and a light deflecting well, wherein metal is arranged at the end of the light input well and no metal is arranged at the end of the light deflecting well;

[0140] Fig.42C is a schematic diagram illustrating in side view an arrangement of a waveguide comprising a light input well and a light deflecting well, wherein metal is arranged at an end of the light input well and no metal is arranged at an end of the light deflecting well, wherein the light deflecting well has a different height than the light input well;

[0141] Fig.43A is a schematic diagram illustrating, in side view, a method of providing a first arrangement of holes in a waveguide layer;

[0142] Fig.43B is a schematic diagram illustrating in side view an alternative method of providing a first arrangement of a light input aperture and a light deflection aperture in a well layer;

[0143] Fig.43C is a schematic diagram illustrating in side view an alternative method of providing a first arrangement of a light input aperture and a light deflecting well in a well layer;

[0144] Fig.44A is a schematic diagram illustrating in side view a method of providing a waveguide including a light input well and a light deflecting well, wherein the waveguide includes an adhesive layer;

[0145] Fig.44B is a schematic diagram illustrating in side view a method of providing a waveguide comprising a light input well and a light deflecting well, wherein the waveguide comprises an adhesive layer, and wherein the light deflecting well is not metallized;

[0146] FIG44C is a schematic diagram illustrating in side view an alternative step of a method of providing a waveguide comprising a light input well and a light deflecting well, wherein the waveguide comprises an adhesive layer, and wherein the light deflecting well is not metallized and has a different height than the light input well;

[0147] FIG45A is a schematic diagram illustrating in side view a method of providing a waveguide including a light input well and a light deflecting well, wherein the waveguide includes a solder layer; and

[0148] Fig.45B is a schematic diagram illustrating in side view a method of providing a waveguide comprising a light input well and a light deflecting well, wherein the waveguide comprises a solder layer and wherein the light deflecting well is not metallized. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0149] The privacy operating mode of the display is one in which the observer sees low contrast sensitivity so that the image is not clearly visible. Contrast sensitivity is a measure of the ability to distinguish different levels of brightness in a static image. Reverse contrast sensitivity can be used as a measure of visual safety, since a high visual safety level (VSL) corresponds to low image visibility.

[0150] For a privacy display that provides an image to an observer, visual security can be given as:

[0151] VSL = (Y + R) / (Y – K) Equation 1.

[0152] Where VSL is the Visual Safety Level, Y is the luminance of the white state of the display at the viewing angle of the peeper, K is the luminance of the black state of the display at the viewing angle of the peeper, and R is the luminance of the reflected light from the display.

[0153] The panel contrast ratio is given by:

[0154] C=Y / K Equation 2.

[0155] For high contrast optical LCD modes, the white state transmission remains substantially constant with respect to viewing angle. In the contrast-reduced liquid crystal mode of the present embodiment, the white state transmission generally decreases as the black state transmission increases, so that

[0156] Y+K~PL equation 3.

[0157] The visual safety level can be further given as:

[0158]

[0159] Where the off-axis relative brightness P is typically defined as a percentage of the front brightness L at the peeper's angle, and the display may have an image contrast ratio C, and a surface reflectivity of ρ.

[0160] The off-axis relative brightness P is sometimes referred to as the privacy level. However, such a privacy level P describes the relative brightness of the display at a given polar angle compared to the front brightness and is not a measure of the privacy appearance.

[0161] The display may be illuminated by a Lambertian ambient illuminance I. Thus in a completely dark environment, a high contrast display has a VSL of approximately 1.0. As the ambient illuminance increases, the perceived image contrast decreases, the VSL increases, and a privacy image is perceived.

[0162] For a typical LCD display, the panel contrast C is higher than 100:1 for almost all viewing angles, so that the visual safety level is approximated as:

[0163] VSL=1+I.ρ / (π.PL) Equation 5.

[0164] Perceived image safety can be determined by the logarithmic response of the eye so that

[0165] S=log 10 (V) Equation 6.

[0166] The desired limit for S is determined in the following manner. In a first step, a privacy display is provided. Measurements of the privacy level P(θ) of the display as a function of polar viewing angle and the reflectivity ρ(θ) of the display as a function of polar viewing angle are performed using photopic measurement equipment. A light source such as a light box of substantially uniform brightness is arranged to provide illumination from the illuminated area, the illumination being arranged to illuminate the privacy display along an incident direction for reflection to a viewer position at a polar angle greater than 0° to the normal to the display. The illuminance I(θ) of the substantially Lambertian emitting light box as a function of polar viewing angle is determined by measuring the recorded reflected brightness as a function of polar viewing angle and taking into account the variation in reflectivity ρ(θ). P(θ), r(θ) and I(θ) are used to determine the safety factor S(θ) along the zero elevation axis as a function of polar viewing angle.

[0167] In the second step, a series of high contrast images are provided on the privacy display, including (i) a small text image with a maximum font height of 3 mm, (ii) a large text image with a maximum font height of 30 mm, and (iii) a moving image.

[0168] In a third step, each observer (with vision correction for viewing at 1000 m, where appropriate) views each of the images from a distance of 1000 mm and adjusts their polar viewing angle at zero elevation until image invisibility is achieved for one eye from a position nearly on the display at or close to the centerline of the display. The polar coordinate locations of the observer's eyes are recorded. From the relationship S(θ), the safety factor at the polar coordinate location is determined. For different images, for various display brightnesses Y 最大 The measurements were repeated for different light box illuminations I(q=0), for different background lighting conditions, and for different observers.

[0169] From the above measurements, S<1.0 provides low or no visual safety, 1.0≤S<1.5 provides visual safety that depends on the contrast, spatial frequency, and temporal frequency of the image content, 1.5≤S<1.8 provides acceptable image invisibility for most images and most observers (that is, no image contrast is observable), and S≥1.8 provides complete image invisibility, regardless of the image content for all observers.

[0170] Compared to privacy displays, it is desirable that wide-angle displays be easily viewed under standard ambient illumination conditions. One measure of image visibility is given by contrast sensitivity, such as Michelson contrast, which is given by the following equation:

[0171] M=(I 最大 –I 最小) / (I 最大 +I 最小 )Equation 7.

[0172] And therefore:

[0173] M=((Y+R)–(K+R)) / ((Y+R)+(K+R))=(YK) / (Y+K+2.R) Equation 8.

[0174] Therefore, the visual safety level (VSL) is equal to 1 / M (but not the same as 1 / M). In this discussion, for a given off-axis relative luminance P, the wide-angle image visibility W is approximated as:

[0175] W=1 / VSL=1 / (1+I.ρ / (π.PL)) Equation 9.

[0176] In this discussion, the expected white point (u w ',v w ')'s output color (u w '+Δu',v w The color change Δε of the display ('+Δv') can be determined by the CIELUV color difference metric (assuming typical display spectrum illuminants) and is given by the following equation:

[0177] Δε=(Δu' 2 +Δv' 2 ) 1 / 2 Equation 10.

[0178] Catadioptric elements utilize both refraction and reflection, which may be total internal reflection or reflection from a metallized surface.

[0179] The structure and operation of various directional display devices will now be described. In this description, common elements have common reference numerals. Note that the disclosure associated with any element is applicable to each device in which the same or corresponding element is provided. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, such disclosure is not repeated.

[0180] It would be desirable to provide a collimated illumination device 100 that provides a relatively narrow output cone angle for a display device. In this disclosure, collimated is used as an acceptable term for narrow angle illumination (e.g., less than 40 degrees, and typically less than 30 degrees full width half maximum (FWHM) luminance cone angle) from a display and / or backlight.

[0181] Compared to conventional wide-angle backlights, collimated backlights can provide high-efficiency light output for frontal viewers, thereby achieving increased brightness for a given power consumption or reduced power consumption for a given brightness. Collimated backlights can also provide low off-axis image visibility for privacy displays.

[0182] It would further be desirable to provide a switchable collimated lighting device 100 for a privacy display with a narrow angle output in a first operating mode and a wide angle output in a second operating mode. In operation, the narrow angle output may be provided to a single front user, while the wide angle output may be provided to multiple display users.

[0183] It would further be desirable to provide an ambient lighting device for illuminating an ambient environment with low glare, collimated illumination from a large illuminated area.

[0184] It would be desirable to provide a thin switchable lighting device for a display, a display backlight, or for domestic or professional ambient lighting. Ambient lighting may include lighting of a room, office, building, scene, street, equipment, or other lighting environment. A display backlight means a lighting device arranged to illuminate a transmissive spatial light modulator such as a liquid crystal display. A light emitting element such as an LED of a display backlight source may be provided with image information, for example in a high dynamic range operation as will be described herein. However, in general, pixel data is provided by a spatial light modulator.

[0185] It would be further desirable to provide a thin backlight for a spatial light modulator that can provide local area dimming for high dynamic range, thin packaging, widely spaced light source arrays, and high uniformity. It would be further desirable to provide a thin flexible free form shaped (e.g. circular) backlight for thin substrate LCDs with very low bezel widths that achieves appropriate light output distribution with high uniformity, high efficiency, and HDR capability.

[0186] The structure and operation of various lighting devices will now be described. In this description, common elements have common reference numerals. Note that the disclosure associated with any element is applicable to each device in which the same or corresponding element is provided. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, such disclosure is not repeated.

[0187] It may be desirable to provide a high efficiency display with a high dynamic range.

[0188] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram illustrating in a side perspective view a display device 100 including an illumination device 20, the illumination device 20 including an array of light emitting elements 15 and a catadioptric optical element (including a waveguide 1 and a light redirecting optical component 50), arranged to illuminate a transmissive spatial light modulator 48 and a switchable privacy optical stack 300.

[0189] The display device 100 comprises an illumination device 20 and an optical stack 5 arranged to illuminate a predetermined area 101 of a transmissive spatial light modulator 48. The illumination device 20 and the spatial light modulator 48 are controlled by means of a controller 500.

[0190] The transmissive spatial light modulator 48 includes an input display polarizer 210 disposed on the input side of the spatial light modulator 48 and an output display polarizer 218 disposed on the output side of the spatial light modulator 48. A liquid crystal layer 214 including pixels 220R, 220G, 220B is disposed between transparent substrates 212, 216.

[0191] Output light 400 from display device 100 is provided within a light output cone 402. Figure 1A In the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 4 , light output cone 402 has the highest brightness in direction 199 perpendicular to display device 100. As described below in Fig.18A and Fig.18B In other embodiments described in , the direction of maximum brightness may be different from direction 199.

[0192] The size and profile of light output cone 402 are determined by the structure and operation of backlight illuminator 20 and the other optical layers in optical stack 5. As will be described below, backlight illuminator 20 is arranged to be used with a brightness enhancement film (such as BEF from 3M Company). TM ) provides a distribution of luminous intensity within a relatively small cone angle 402 compared to conventional backlight sources.

[0193] The structure of the backlight including the illumination device 20 and the optical stack 5 will now be described.

[0194] The optical stack 5 may include diffusers, reflective polarizers, moisture barriers, and other desired structures for manipulating the light output cone 402 from the illumination device 20 .

[0195] The lighting device 20 comprises a supporting substrate 17, a reflective layer 3, an array of light emitting elements 15 and an optical waveguide 1 comprising a light input well 30 and a light deflecting well 40. The light emitting elements 15 are aligned with the light input well 30. The light deflecting well 40 is arranged in an array between the light input wells 30.

[0196] The waveguide 1 comprises a rear light guiding surface 6 and a front light guiding surface 8, and may comprise a light transmissive material such as PMMA, PC, COP or other known transmissive materials. The light input well may comprise air between the rear light guiding surface 6 and the end 34. The waveguide 1 comprises an array of catadioptric elements, wherein light is refracted at the light input well and reflected by total internal reflection and / or reflection at the coated reflective surface.

[0197] The lighting device 20 further comprises a reflective layer 3 behind the rear light guiding surface 6, the reflective layer 3 being arranged to reflect light extracted from the waveguide 1 through the rear light guiding surface 6 back through the waveguide 1 to be output forwardly.

[0198] The lighting device 20 further comprises a light turning optical arrangement, which is a light turning optical component 50 arranged to direct the output light rays 415G from the waveguide 1 into the desired light output cone 402. The light turning optical component 50 may comprise a film. Advantageously, a low thickness may be achieved.

[0199] The control system 500 is arranged to control the light emitting element 15 and the pixels 220R, 220G, 220B of the spatial light modulator 48. Through the control system, high resolution image data may be provided to the spatial light modulator 48, and lower resolution image data may be provided to the light emitting element 15. As will be further described below, the display device 100 may advantageously be provided with a high dynamic range, high brightness, and high efficiency.

[0200] The display 100 may be curved or arcuate.The display 100 may have a free-form shape, such as for use in a car cockpit.

[0201] It may be desirable to provide a near-eye display 100 .

[0202] Figure 1B is a schematic diagram illustrating in side view a near-eye display device 102 including an illumination device 20 including a mini LED array and a catadioptric optical element (including a waveguide 1 and a turning film 50), similar to Figure 1A The illumination device 20 is arranged to illuminate the eyepiece 60 through the transmissive spatial light modulator 48. Figure 1B Features of the embodiments that are not discussed in further detail may be assumed to correspond to features as discussed above with equivalent reference numerals, including any possible variations in features.

[0203] exist Figure 1B In an alternative embodiment, the display device 102 further includes an eyepiece optical element 60 arranged in front of the spatial light modulator 48, wherein the eyepiece optical element 60 is a lens, and the display device 100 includes an illumination device 20 arranged to illuminate the spatial light modulator 48.

[0204] In operation, Figure 1B An alternative arrangement provides illumination from the illumination device 20 through a spatial light modulator 48 so that the light is collected by the eyepiece 60 and directed toward the eye of the observer 45. Figure 1B In an embodiment, the eyepiece 60 is a lens arranged to magnify the image on the spatial light modulator 48.

[0205] The top pixel 220T provides light 460T, the center pixel 220C provides light 460C, and the bottom pixel 220B provides light 460B. The eye of the observer 45 collects the light 460T, 460C, 460B, and generates an image on the retina of the eye so that the image is perceived at an enlarged angular size compared to the angular size of the spatial light modulator 48. Fig.39A and Fig.40 The operation of backlight source 20 in near-eye display device 102 is further described in .

[0206] The display device 100 can provide virtual reality display functionality. Advantageously, a high brightness image can be provided with a high dynamic range. The scanning of the illumination phases of the mini LED array can provide improved response speed and less motion blur, advantageously reducing nausea cues. Light scattering from the spatial light modulator 48 can be reduced, and image contrast can be advantageously improved.

[0207] It may be desirable to provide a privacy display.

[0208] Figure 1C 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating illustrative viewing conditions for the privacy display device 100 in a top view. The primary user 45 is positioned close to the axis 199 of the display and receives Y measured in nits along the ray 445. o An off-axis snooper 47 at a polar angle (θ, φ) receives light 447 from the display device 100 and reflected light 449 from an ambient light source 450 having an illuminance I measured in lux.

[0209] It would be desirable to provide a switchable privacy display that can be switched between a shared mode of operation and a private mode of operation.

[0210] Figure 1D is illustrated in side perspective view further comprising a viewing angle control arrangement Figure 1A Schematic diagram of a display device, the viewing angle control arrangement includes an additional polarizer 318, a reflective polarizer 302 and a pole-controlled retarder 300, and the pole-controlled retarder 300 is arranged on the output side of the spatial light modulator 48, between the reflective polarizer 302 and the additional polarizer 318. Figure 1D Features of the embodiments that are not discussed in further detail may be assumed to correspond to features as discussed above with equivalent reference numerals, including any possible variations in features.

[0211] The additional polarizer 318 is arranged on the output side of the spatial light modulator 48, and the polarity controlled retarder 300 is arranged between the additional polarizer 318 and the output display polarizer 218. The polarity controlled retarder 300 includes a liquid crystal retarder 301 and a passive retarder 330, the liquid crystal retarder 301 including a switchable liquid crystal retarder layer 314 arranged between transparent substrates 312, 316.

[0212] In the privacy operation mode, the liquid crystal retarder 301 can be controlled by the controller 500 to achieve a high brightness image and low display reflectivity for an observer at a polar coordinate location in the light cone 404 close to the optical axis 199; and to achieve a low brightness image and high display reflectivity for a peeper at a polar coordinate location outside the cone 404 inclined to the optical axis 199.

[0213] In the shared mode of operation, the liquid crystal retarder 301 can be controlled by the controller to provide a high brightness image and low display reflectivity to an observer at a polar coordinate location in the light cone 402 close to the optical axis 199, and to provide an image with increased brightness and low display reflectivity to a peek at a polar coordinate location inside the cone 402 that is tilted to the optical axis 199. A switchable privacy display device 100 with a high security factor can be advantageously provided. Further, as will be further described below, a display can be provided with high dynamic range, high brightness and high efficiency.

[0214] The structure and operation of the polar controlled retarder 300, the reflective polarizer 302, and the additional polarizer 318 are further described in U.S. Patent No. 10,976,578, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0215] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the reflective polarizer 302 may be omitted. The additional polarizer 318 may be arranged between the illumination device 20 and the input polarizer 210. The polarity controlled retarder 300 may be arranged between the additional polarizer 318 and the input polarizer 210. The front surface reflectivity of the display may advantageously be reduced.

[0216] In other alternative embodiments (not shown), further additional polarisers and further polar controlled retarders may be provided.Brightness for off-axis viewing locations may advantageously be reduced and the safety factor may be increased.

[0217] The lighting device 20 (eg, used as Figure 1A and Figure 1D The structure of an illustrative embodiment of a backlight source for a display or for ambient lighting.

[0218] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating lighting device 20 in a side perspective expanded view; and Figure 3A is illustrated in side perspective Figure 1A and Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the arrangement of the light input well 30 and the light deflection well 40 of the waveguide 1. Figure 2 and Figure 3A Features of the embodiments that are not discussed in further detail may be assumed to correspond to features as discussed above with equivalent reference numerals, including any possible variations in features.

[0219] The lighting device 20 may be provided, for example, as a Figure 1A and Figure 1D A backlight illuminated by a spatial light modulator of the illumination device 20, or provided to provide ambient lighting, for example, with light from a large area having a desirably small cone angle 402, advantageously achieves a desired uniformity of illumination across a predetermined area 101 of the illumination device 20. Lighting applications may include, but are not limited to, automotive headlights and indicator lights, downlights, street lighting, and other known ambient lighting applications.

[0220] The lighting device 20 for providing illumination over a predetermined area 101 comprises: a waveguide 1 extending over the predetermined area 101, the waveguide 1 comprising a front light guiding surface 8 and a rear light guiding surface 6 for guiding light along the waveguide 1; an array of light emitting elements 15 arranged across the predetermined area 101 behind the waveguide 1; and a light turning arrangement arranged to redirect at least some of the output light towards a normal to the plane of the waveguide. Figure 2 In an embodiment, the light redirecting arrangement is a light redirecting optical component 50.

[0221] Each light emitting element 15 comprises a light emitting diode, such as an unpackaged mini-LED. In an illustrative embodiment, the light emitting element 15 has a maximum width of at most 1000 microns, preferably at most 500 microns, and more preferably at most 250 microns. In at least one cross-sectional plane, the distance between the centers of the light input wells 30 is at most 20 mm, preferably at most 10 mm, and more preferably at most 2.5 mm.

[0222] The rear light guiding surface 6 of the waveguide 1 comprises: an array of light input wells 30, each light input well 30 being arranged above a respective light emitting element 15; and an array of light deflection wells 40, the light deflection wells 40 not being arranged above the light emitting element 15. In other words, the rear light guiding surface 6 of the waveguide 1 comprises: an array of light input wells 30, each light input well 30 being arranged to receive light from the light emitting element 15; and an array of light deflection wells 40, the light deflection wells 40 not receiving light from the light emitting element 15.

[0223] The light emitting elements 15 may be arranged on the substrate 17 by means of a pick and place machine. It may be desirable to improve the speed at which the light emitting elements 15 are placed.

[0224] The lighting device 20 may be manufactured at least in part using the methods provided in U.S. Patent No. 8,985,810, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0225] The method may include forming a monolithic array of light emitting elements on a substrate, such as a wafer. The wafer may be, for example, a sapphire wafer on which gallium nitride multi-quantum well light emitting diodes are grown.

[0226] A plurality of light emitting elements 15 may be selectively removed from a monolithic array in a manner that preserves the relative spatial positions of the selectively removed light emitting elements 15. Such methods may include laser lift-off methods that transfer a gallium nitride LED array disposed on, for example, a sapphire wafer.

[0227] A non-monolithic array of light emitting elements 15 may be formed, for example, on the substrate 17 from the selectively removed light emitting elements 15 in a manner that preserves the relative spatial positions of the selectively removed light emitting elements 15 .

[0228] The non-monolithic array of light emitting elements may be aligned with an array of optical elements, the optical element being the light input well 30 of the waveguide 1. The plurality of light emitting elements 15 selectively removed from the monolithic array are selected so that in at least one direction, for at least one pair of selectively removed light emitting elements 15 in the at least one direction, for each respective pair, there is at least one respective light emitting element 15 that is not selected and is positioned in the monolithic array between the pair of selectively removed light emitting elements 15 in the at least one direction.

[0229] In other words, the method may include: forming a monolithic array of light emitting elements; selectively removing a plurality of light emitting elements 15 from the monolithic array in a manner that preserves the relative spatial positions of the selectively removed light emitting elements 15;

[0230] forming a non-monolithic array of light emitting elements 16 with the selectively removed light emitting elements 16 by mounting the selectively removed light emitting elements on a substrate 17 in a manner that preserves the relative spatial positions of the selectively removed light emitting elements 15; and

[0231] An integrated optical body 1 is formed separately, and the integrated optical body 1 is a waveguide 1, which includes an array of catadioptric optical elements having a refractive light input well 30, a refractive and reflective light extraction feature 10, a refractive and reflective rear surface 6 and a refractive and reflective front surface 8, and a reflected light deflection well 40.

[0232] The method may further comprise the step of aligning a substrate 17 comprising a non-monolithic array of light emitting elements 15 with an integrated body, the integrated body being a waveguide 1 comprising an array of catadioptric optical elements 30, 40, 6, 8, 10. The plurality of light emitting elements selectively removed from the monolithic array are selected so that in at least one direction, for at least one pair of selectively removed light emitting elements 15 in said at least one direction, for each respective pair, there is at least one respective light emitting element that is not selected and is positioned in the monolithic array between a pair of selectively removed light emitting elements 15 in said at least one direction.

[0233] In other words, the method may include a method for manufacturing a lighting device 20; the method includes: forming a monolithic array of light-emitting elements; selectively removing multiple light-emitting elements 15 from the monolithic array in a manner that preserves the relative spatial positions of the selectively removed light-emitting elements 15; forming a non-monolithic array of light-emitting elements 15 with the selectively removed light-emitting elements 15 in a manner that preserves the relative spatial positions of the selectively removed light-emitting elements; and aligning the non-monolithic array of light-emitting elements 15 with an array of optical elements 30, 40; wherein the multiple light-emitting elements 15 selectively removed from the monolithic array are selected so that in at least one direction, for at least one pair of selectively removed light-emitting elements 15 in the at least one direction, for each respective pair, there is at least one respective light-emitting element that is not selected and is positioned in the monolithic array between the pair of selectively removed light-emitting elements 15 in the at least one direction.

[0234] Such a method can provide an array of light emitting elements 15 with spacing and orientation defined in a controlled manner over a large number of light emitting elements. The transfer cost of the light emitting elements 15 can be significantly reduced. The alignment accuracy of the light emitting elements 15 with the light input well 30 arranged above the light emitting elements 15 can be improved. Advantageously, improved uniformity can be provided.

[0235] Each light input well 30 comprises a light input surface 32 extending towards the front light guiding surface 8, arranged to input light from a respective light emitting element 15 into the waveguide 1. The light input well 30 end surface 34 is provided with a reflective material 200, for example as illustrated hereinafter.

[0236] In the present embodiment, a reference axis 198 is provided. The alignment of at least some of the surfaces of the illumination device 20 relative to the reference axis 198 is provided relative to the alignment within a plane in the plane of the waveguide 1. The alignment of one face of the light input surface 32 of each light input well 30 relative to the reference axis 198 will be further described below.

[0237] As further described herein, a light-diverting optical component 50 arranged to receive light from the waveguide 1 has an input surface 51 that is parallel to the front surface 8 of the waveguide. The plane in which the light-diverting optical component 50 extends may be the same as the plane in which the waveguide 1 extends. In embodiments in which the waveguide 1 is curved, the plane in which the waveguide 1 extends is provided for at least one region of the waveguide 1.

[0238] The light deflection well 40 includes a light deflection surface 42 and a reflective end 44. As will be described below, the light deflection well 40 has an arrangement around each light input well 30 that distributes the guided light that has been input through the light input surface 32 of the light input well 30 around the light input well 30. Figure 2 and Figure 3A In the embodiment of the present invention, the end surface 44 of the light deflection trap 40 is coated with a reflective material 200.

[0239] As will be further described below, at least one of the front light guiding surface 8 and the rear light guiding surface 6 includes a light extraction feature 10 arranged to extract the guided light from the waveguide 1 as output light 400. Figure 2 In the embodiment of , the front light directing surface 8 comprises light extraction features 10. The light extraction features 10 each comprise a face 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D.

[0240] As will be further described below, the light turning optical component 50 includes an input surface 51, which includes a pyramidal recess 52. The input surface 51 extends across the front light guiding surface 8 of the waveguide 1 and is arranged to receive the output light 400 from the waveguide 1. The output surface 53 faces the input surface 51. As will be further described below, Figure 2 The light steering optical component 50 in the embodiment is arranged to provide a deflection of the output light 400 from the waveguide 1 towards a normal 199 to the plane of the waveguide 1 .

[0241] The waveguide 1 thus comprises a front light guiding surface 8 and a rear light guiding surface 6 for guiding light along the waveguide 1, wherein: the rear light guiding surface 6 comprises: an array of light input traps 30 for being arranged above respective light emitting elements 15; and an array of light deflection traps 40, each light input trap 30 comprising a light input surface 32 extending toward the front light guiding surface 8, the light input surface 32 being arranged to input light from respective light emitting elements 15 into the waveguide 1, each light deflection trap 40 comprising a light deflection surface 42 extending toward the front light guiding surface 8 so that some of the guided light is incident On the light deflecting surface 42 and some of the guided light passes through the light deflecting surface 42, the light deflecting surface 42 is arranged to reflect at least some of the guided light incident thereon, and the light deflecting well 40 has an arrangement around each light input well 30, which makes the guided light that has been input through the light input surface 32 of the light input well 30 distributed around the light input well 30; and at least one of the front light guiding surface 8 and the rear light guiding surface 6 includes a light extraction feature 10, and the light extraction feature 10 is arranged to extract the guided light from the waveguide 1 as output light 400.

[0242] exist Figure 3A In the embodiment of , the waveguide 1 has a rectangular shape, and the reference axis 198 is inclined at an angle of 45 degrees to the side 21 of the rectangular shape. Alternative arrangements of the light input well 30 and the light deflection well 40 over the predetermined area will now be described.

[0243] Figure 3B is a schematic diagram illustrating an alternative arrangement of the light input well 30 and the light deflecting well 40 of the waveguide 1 in a side perspective view. FIG. 3A to FIG. 3B Features of the embodiments that are not discussed in further detail may be assumed to correspond to features as discussed above with equivalent reference numerals, including any possible variations in features.

[0244] exist Figure 3B In an alternative embodiment, the waveguide 1 has a rectangular shape, and the reference axis 198 is parallel to the sides 21 of the rectangular shape. Figure 3A Compared to the arrangement of FIG. 1 , the width of the border area at the edge of the lighting device 20 providing output uniform illumination can be reduced. The border width of the backlight source can be advantageously reduced.

[0245] The structure of the various features of the lighting device 20 will now be described. The structure of the input surface 51 of the light redirecting optic 50 will now be described.

[0246] Figure 4A is a schematic diagram illustrating a portion of a light redirecting optical assembly 50 in a side perspective view; and Figure 4B is a schematic diagram illustrating a pyramidal recess 52 of a light redirecting optical component. FIG. 4A to FIG. 4BFeatures of the embodiments that are not discussed in further detail may be assumed to correspond to features as discussed above with equivalent reference numerals, including any possible variations in features.

[0247] The input surface 51 of the light redirecting optical assembly 50 includes an array of pyramidal recesses 52, each of which includes a square base having a base trajectory 55 and four light redirecting faces 54A, 54B, 54C, 54D, with the light redirecting faces 54A, 54B, 54C, 54D having a surface normal P A , P B , P C , P D , surface normal P A , P B , P C , P D With average components P1, P2, P3, P4 in the plane of waveguide 1 and at angles η A , η B , η C , η D Tilt 199 to the optical axis.

[0248] The faces 54A, 54B, 54C, 54D may be planar, or may have some other shape, for example to provide some diffusion of the deflected light. The average components P1, P2, P3, P4 are oriented at angles within at most 10°, preferably at most 5°, of 0°, 90°, 180°, and 270° relative to the reference axis 198.

[0249] The four light redirecting surfaces 54A, 54B, 54C, 54D are contiguous. Advantageously, light output from the light emitting element is deflected with high efficiency.

[0250] The base track 55 can be considered to be a ridge in the material of the light redirecting optical component 50, and the faces 54A to 54D of the recess 52 can provide a trough 59 in the material of the light redirecting optical component 50, which can be, for example, a point, or can have some other profile that can be arranged to enable the faces 54A to 54D to be easily processed with a tool.

[0251] The structure of the light input well 30 of the waveguide 1 will now be described.

[0252] Figure 4C is illustrated in side perspective Figure 3B Schematic diagram of the light input well 30 and the aligned light emitting element 15. Figure 4C Features of the embodiments that are not discussed in further detail may be assumed to correspond to features as discussed above with equivalent reference numerals, including any possible variations in features.

[0253] The light input surface 32 of each light input well 30 includes four light input faces 32A, 32B, 32C, 32D, each of which has a surface normal n A 、n B 、n C 、n D , surface normal n A 、n B 、n C 、n D The waveguide 1 has average components n1, n2, n3, n4 in the plane of the waveguide 1. The average components n1, n2, n3, n4 are oriented at an angle of at most 10°, preferably at most 5°, of 0°, 90°, 180° and 270° relative to the reference axis. In other words, the average components n1, n2, n3, n4 are oriented at an angle of at most 10°, preferably at most 5°, relative to the surface normal P of the light redirecting surface. A , P B , P C , P D The average components P1, P2, P3, P4 in the plane of the waveguide 1 are at most 10°, preferably at most 5°, preferably with the surface normal P of each of the light redirecting surfaces 54A, 54B, 54C, 54D. A , P B , P C , P D The average components P1, P2, P3, P4 in the plane of the waveguide 1 make an angle of at most 5°.

[0254] The four light input surfaces 32A, 32B, 32C, 32D are adjacent and Figure 4C In the embodiment of FIG. 5 , each of the light input surfaces 32A, 32B, 32C, 32D is planar.

[0255] Each light input well 30 further comprises an input well 40 end surface 34 extending across the light input surface 32 and arranged to direct the directed light onto the light input well 30. The light input well 30 end surface 34 is planar and is coated with a reflective material 200.

[0256] The light input wells 30 have openings 31 which are larger than the respective light emitting elements 15 over which they are arranged. Advantageously, the capture efficiency of light from the light emitting elements 15 is improved.

[0257] Alternative structures of the light deflecting well 40 of the waveguide 1 will now be described.

[0258] Figure 4D is illustrated in side perspective Figure 3B Schematic diagram of the light deflection trap 40. Figure 4DFeatures of the embodiments that are not discussed in further detail may be assumed to correspond to features as discussed above with equivalent reference numerals, including any possible variations in features.

[0259] The light deflecting surface 42 of each of the light deflecting traps 40 includes at least one light deflecting surface 42 having a surface normal k A , surface normal k A has an average component k1 in the plane of waveguide 1 .

[0260] exist Figure 4D In the embodiment of the present invention, the light deflecting surface 42 of the light deflecting trap 40 includes two light deflecting surfaces 42A and 42B, and the light deflecting surfaces 42A and 42B have surface normals k A , k B , surface normal k A , k B There are average components k1, k2 in the plane of the waveguide 1. The light deflecting surface 42 of the light deflecting trap 40 comprises a pair of opposing light deflecting surfaces 42A, 42B, the average components k1, k2 of the opposing light deflecting surfaces extending in opposite directions.

[0261] The average components k1, k2 across the array of light deflecting traps 40 about the light deflecting surface 42 of the light deflecting trap 40 are aligned with the axis 196 and are oriented to be aligned with the surface normal P of the light redirecting surfaces 54A, 54B, 54C, 54D. A , P B , P C , P D Each of the average components P1, P2, P3, P4 in the plane of the waveguide 1 (aligned with the reference axis 198 as described above) is at an angle δ in the range of 35° to 55°, preferably in the range of 40° to 50°.

[0262] The light deflecting well 40 further comprises a light deflecting well 40 end surface 44 extending across the light deflecting surface 42 , the light deflecting well 40 end surface 44 being arranged to direct the guided light over the light deflecting well 40 .

[0263] exist Figure 4D In the embodiment of the present invention, the end surface 44 of the light deflecting trap 40 is planar and is coated with a reflective material 200.

[0264] Figure 4E is a schematic diagram illustrating in side perspective view a light deflecting trap 40 having four opposing faces 42A, 42B, 42C, 42D further comprising a reflective coating. Figure 4E Features of the embodiments that are not discussed in further detail may be assumed to correspond to features as discussed above with equivalent reference numerals, including any possible variations in features.

[0265] exist Figure 4E In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the light deflecting surface 42 of the light deflecting trap 40 includes a first pair of opposing light deflecting surfaces 42A, 42C and a second pair of opposing light deflecting surfaces, the first pair of opposing surfaces 42A, 42C having a surface normal k A , k C , surface normal k A , k C having average components k1, k3 in the plane of the waveguide 1, the average components k1, k3 being oriented at an angle δ within at most 10°, preferably at most 5°, of 45° and 225°, respectively, relative to the reference axis 198, and the second pair of opposing faces 42B, 42D having a surface normal k B , k D , surface normal k B , k D Having average components k2, k4 in the plane of the waveguide 1, the average components k2, k4 are oriented at an angle δ within at most 10°, preferably at most 5°, of 135° and 315°, respectively, relative to the reference axis 198.

[0266] More generally, the light deflecting surfaces 42A, 42B, 42C, 42D of the light deflecting trap 40 include at least one light deflecting surface 42 having a surface normal k A , surface normal k A has an average component k1 in the plane of the waveguide 1, an average component k2 across the array of light deflecting wells 40 about the light deflecting surfaces 42A to 42D of the light deflecting wells 40 1-4 Variously oriented at angles within at most 10°, preferably at most 5°, of 45°, 135°, 225°, and 315° relative to reference axis 198 .

[0267] The first pair of opposing faces 42A, 42C and the second pair of opposing faces 42B, 42D are contiguous. Each of the light deflecting faces 42A, 42C and 42B, 42D is planar and coated with a reflective material 200.

[0268] The structure of an alternative light extraction feature 10 of the waveguide 1 will now be described.

[0269] Figure 4F is a schematic diagram illustrating a portion of a waveguide 1 including light extraction features 10 in a top perspective view; and

[0270] Figure 4G is a schematic diagram illustrating the light extraction features 10 of the waveguide 1 in a top perspective view. Figures 4F to 4GFeatures of the embodiments that are not discussed in further detail may be assumed to correspond to features as discussed above with equivalent reference numerals, including any possible variations in features.

[0271] The light extraction feature 10 comprises an array of sets of four light extraction faces 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, each light extraction face 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D having a surface normal E A 、E B 、E C 、E D , surface normal E A 、E B 、E C 、E D It has average components E1, E2, E3, E4 in the plane of the waveguide 1.

[0272] The average components E1, E2, E3, E4 are oriented at angles within at most 10°, preferably at most 5°, of 0°, 90°, 180°, and 270° relative to the reference axis 198. In other words, the average components E1, E2, E3, E4 are oriented at angles within at most 10°, preferably at most 5°, of the surface normal P of the light redirecting surface. A , P B , P C , P D The average components P1, P2, P3, P4 in the plane of the waveguide 1 make an angle of at most 10°, preferably with the surface normal P of a respective one of the light redirecting surfaces. A , P B , P C , P D The average components P1, P2, P3, P4 in the plane of the waveguide 1 are at an angle of at most 5°. In other words, the average components E1, E2, E3, E4 are aligned at an angle close to parallel, antiparallel or orthogonal to the reference axis 198.

[0273] Figure 4H is a schematic diagram illustrating a portion of a waveguide 1 including alternative light extraction features 14 in a top perspective view. Figure 4H Features of the embodiments of the present invention that are not discussed in further detail may be assumed to correspond to features having equivalent reference numerals as discussed above, including any possible variations in features. Figures 4F to 4G Compared with the implementation scheme, Figure 4H Alternative embodiments illustrate that the light extraction features 10 may have other shapes, such as convex or concave bumps 14. Manufacturing complexity may advantageously be reduced.

[0274] The relative orientations of the surfaces 32, 42 of the light input well 30 and the light deflecting well 40 will now be further described.

[0275] Figure 5 is illustrated in top view Figure 3B Schematic diagram of the arrangement of the reflective end 34 of the light input well 30 and the light deflection well 40. Figure 5 Features of the embodiments that are not discussed in further detail may be assumed to correspond to features as discussed above with equivalent reference numerals, including any possible variations in features.

[0276] exist Figure 5 In an embodiment of the present invention, the light input well and the light deflection well form a pattern 70.

[0277] The light input well 30 is arranged in a grid with four-fold rotational symmetry, that is, the angles α1, α2, α3, α4 of the components n1, n2, n3, n4 are arranged at angles of 0°, 90°, 180°, 270° relative to the reference axis 198.

[0278] The light deflection trap 40 is arranged in a grid having four-fold rotational symmetry around the light input trap 30, that is, the angles β1, β2, β3, β4 of the components k1, k2, k3, k4 are arranged at angles of 45°, 135°, 225°, 315° relative to the reference axis 198. Figure 5 In the embodiment of the present invention, the end surfaces 44 of the light deflection well 40 have the same area.

[0279] The structure of an alternative lighting device 20 will now be described in further detail.

[0280] Fig. 6A It is illustrated in top perspective view including Figure 3B Schematic diagram of the arrangement of the illumination device 20 with the light input well 30 and the light deflection well 40; Figure 6B It is illustrated in bottom perspective view including Figure 3B Schematic diagram of the arrangement of the illumination device 20 with the light input well 30 and the light deflection well 40; Fig. 7A It is illustrated in top perspective view including Figure 3B The light input well 30 and the light deflection well 40 FIG. 6A to FIG. 6B A schematic diagram of a waveguide 1; and Figure 7B It is illustrated in bottom perspective view including Figure 3B Schematic diagram of the waveguide 1 with a light input well 30 and a light deflection well 40. FIG. 7A to FIG. 7B Features of the embodiments of the invention not discussed in further detail may be assumed to correspond to features with equivalent reference numerals as discussed above, including any possible variations in features. The relative alignment of the various optical structures 10, 30, 40, 52 is as previously described.

[0281] The structure of the waveguide 1 and the aligned light emitting elements 15 will now be described in further detail.

[0282] Fig. 8A is illustrated in side view Figure 1A Schematic diagram of the waveguide 1 and the aligned light emitting element 15. Fig. 8A Features of the embodiments that are not discussed in further detail may be assumed to correspond to features as discussed above with equivalent reference numerals, including any possible variations in features.

[0283] The array of light emitting elements 15 is supported on a support substrate 17, for example by means of a seal 160. The seal 160 provides attachment to the support substrate 17. Thermal and mechanical elasticity can advantageously be improved. The substrate 17 can be, for example, a glass or polyimide layer and can be provided with a connection layer 9, which can further include thin film transistors (TFTs) for addressing of the light emitting elements.

[0284] The lighting device 20 may further comprise a light blocking element extending around the light input well 30 between the support substrate 17 and the rear light guiding surface 6 of the waveguide 1. The seal 160 may prevent the light 413 from propagating underneath the waveguide 1. Hot spots of extracted light near the light input well 30 may advantageously be reduced.

[0285] Support substrate 17 further supports electronic components connected to light emitting elements 15. At least some of electronic components 550 extend into at least some of light deflecting wells 40. Connections 16A, 16B may be provided from electrodes provided on support substrate 17 to light emitting elements 15. Optical output may advantageously not be impaired by optical elements.

[0286] The reflective layer 3 may be provided on the support substrate. The output efficiency may be advantageously improved.

[0287] Normal line 199 is illustrated for an area of ​​lighting device 20. Lighting device 20 may be curved, and so normal line 199 may have different directions across a predetermined area.

[0288] The operation of the waveguide will now be described in further detail by considering various illustrative light rays emitted from source 13 of light emitting element 15.

[0289] Figure 8B is illustrated in an expanded side view Fig. 8A Schematic diagram of the operation of the waveguide 1 and the aligned light emitting element 15. Figure 8B Features of the embodiments that are not discussed in further detail may be assumed to correspond to features as discussed above with equivalent reference numerals, including any possible variations in features.

[0290] Illustrative light ray 403 is output from light emitting element 15 and refracted by the facet of light input surface 32 of light input well 30. Front light guiding surface 8 is arranged to guide light ray 403 by total internal reflection and rear light guiding surface 6 is arranged to guide light by total internal reflection.

[0291] Light 403 is guided within the waveguide 1 and is incident on the rear light guiding surface 6 and the front light guiding surface 8. As will be described below, a cover layer thickness 7 of the waveguide 1 is provided between the ends 34, 44 of the features 30, 40 and the front light guiding surface 8 so that some of the guided light passes through the light deflecting surface 42. In particular, some of the guided light passes through the light deflecting well 40. Such light enables the light deflecting well to be hidden from the output light, that is, visibility due to light leakage and hot spots caused around the light deflecting well is minimized.

[0292] In the present embodiment, the area of ​​the waveguide 1 around each input well 30 that is illuminated from a single well can be modified by selecting the density of light deflecting wells and the cover layer thickness 7.

[0293] Some of the light is incident on the light deflecting surfaces 42 of the light deflecting wells 40. The light deflecting surfaces 42 of each light deflecting well are arranged to reflect at least some of the guided light incident thereon.

[0294] At least one of the front light guiding surface 8 and the rear light guiding surface 6 comprises a light extraction feature 10 arranged to extract the guided light from the waveguide 1 as output light 400. At the extraction feature 10, the propagation angle of the light within the waveguide 1 is adjusted. Some light near the critical angle can be extracted as output light having an angle close to the front surface 8 of the grazing waveguide 1.

[0295] Another illustrative light ray 404 is output after being reflected at the back reflector 3. Another illustrative light ray 406 is guided within the waveguide 1 and propagates toward an adjacent light input well. Another illustrative light ray 408 is incident on the reflective material 200 disposed on the end 34 of the light input well before being refracted at the light input surface 32 of the light input well 30.

[0296] The operation of light redirecting optics assembly 50 will now be described in further detail.

[0297] Fig. 9 is illustrated in an expanded side view Fig. 8A Schematic diagram of the operation of the waveguide 1, light steering optical component 50 and aligned light emitting element 15. Fig. 9 Features of the embodiments that are not discussed in further detail may be assumed to correspond to features as discussed above with equivalent reference numerals, including any possible variations in features.

[0298] The light turning optical component 50 is arranged to receive the output light 400 from the waveguide 1 and is provided with a light source as described above in FIG. 4A to FIG. 4B The light turning optical component 50 is arranged to provide a deflection of the output light 400 from the waveguide 1 towards the normal to the plane of the waveguide 1. The light turning optical component 50 is arranged to provide a deflection of the output light 400 from the waveguide 1 towards the normal 199 to the plane of the waveguide 1.

[0299] Fig. 10A It is illustrated in bottom perspective. Figure 1A A schematic diagram of a light redirecting optical assembly 50; and FIG. 10B to FIG. 10D is a top perspective view illustrating the Figure 1A Schematic diagram of different output arrangements of light redirecting optical components 50 used in lighting device 20. FIG. 10A to FIG. 10D Features of the embodiments that are not discussed in further detail may be assumed to correspond to features as discussed above with equivalent reference numerals, including any possible variations in features.

[0300] exist Fig. 10B In the embodiment of the present invention, the deflection provided by the prismatic input surface 51 of the light redirecting optical assembly 50 is the same across the plane of the light redirecting optical assembly 50, so that the deflected light rays 403 are directed in a common direction toward the front of the lighting device 20. Therefore, all output light rays 403 are parallel. The complexity of tooling of the light redirecting optical assembly 51 can be advantageously reduced.

[0301] exist Fig. 10C In an alternative embodiment, the deflection of the light ray 403 provided by the prismatic input surface 51 of the light redirecting optical component 50 varies in one direction across the plane of the light redirecting optical component 50 so that the deflected light ray 403 is directed toward a common elongated optical window 26 in front of the lighting device 20.

[0302] In the present disclosure, optical window 26 refers to a defined spatial region (that is, at a window distance Z from the lighting device) that directs light from a light source (such as source 15) through lighting device 110 into window plane 197. wA The optical window 26 may also be referred to as an optical pupil. Observation from a location within the optical window provides light having common or substantially common optical properties across the lighting devices 110. Fig. 10B Compared to the arrangement of FIG. 4 (in which the optical window 26 is located at substantially infinity and can be considered not to be provided), an observer 45 located at the window 26 of the collimated light cone 410 of the embodiment of the present application sees improved uniformity.

[0303] The use of the term optical window 26 in the present application embodiment is distinct from the use of the term window being used to refer to the glass or other transparent materials (such as plastic) used in house windows, car windows and windshields, and other types of protective windows. The optical window 26 is not a physical layer, and refers to the area in space where light is directed toward it. Such a sheet or window does not contribute to the creation of a desired viewing area with improved uniformity as described herein.

[0304] Improved uniformity of brightness in one direction, such as the lateral direction (x-axis), can advantageously be provided to an observer at or near the optical window 26. Improved viewing freedom is achieved in orthogonal directions.

[0305] exist Fig. 10D In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the deflection of light rays 403 provided by the prismatic input surface 51 of the light redirecting optical assembly 50 varies in two directions across the plane of the light redirecting optical assembly 50 so that the deflected light rays 403 are directed toward a common optical window on the front of the lighting device 20. Improved uniformity of brightness can advantageously be provided to an observer at or near the optical window 26.

[0306] Pupil light redirecting optical assemblies are described in U.S. Patent No. 11,340,482, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. FIG. 10C to FIG. 10D Operation of the pupil output.

[0307] Fig.10E is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of variably tilted light redirecting surface 54 of light redirecting optics 50 of pupil illumination device 20 in side view. Fig.10E Features of the embodiments that are not discussed in further detail may be assumed to correspond to features as discussed above with equivalent reference numerals, including any possible variations in features.

[0308] exist Fig.10E In an alternative embodiment, the corresponding light redirecting surfaces 54A, 54C of the pyramidal recess 52 have a surface normal P A , P C , surface normal P A , P C Having a tilt η that varies in at least one direction across the plane of the light redirecting film assembly 50 A , η D, so that the deflection provided by the prismatic input surface 51 of the light redirecting film assembly 50 varies in the at least one direction so that the deflected light is directed toward the common optical window 26 in front of the lighting device 20. At least one pair of opposing light redirecting surfaces 54A, 54C of the pyramidal recess 52 has a surface normal P A , P C , surface normal P A , P C Having average components in the plane of the waveguide 1, these average components vary in at least one direction across the plane of the light redirecting film assembly 50, so that the deflection provided by the prism input surface 51 of the light redirecting film assembly 50 varies in said at least one direction, so that the deflected light is guided toward the common optical window 26 in front of the lighting device.

[0309] The glancing output light 415G is output from waveguide 1 with a light cone 425 and an output angle that is substantially uniform across the plane of waveguide 1 (the xy plane).

[0310] and Fig. 10B Compared to the light redirecting optical assembly 50, Fig.10E The light redirecting optical component 50 of an alternative embodiment has a surface 54 arranged to deflect the light 415G leaving the waveguide 1, the deflection varying in at least one direction across a plane (xy plane). Thus, the tilt of the light redirecting surface 54 has an angle η that varies with position L.

[0311] Consider each example Figure 4B In the recess 52 illustrated in the figure, near the upper edge of the light redirecting optical component 50, the light 415G is directed by the surface 54AU at a surface angle η AU refracted, and by total internal reflection at surface 54CU in the direction η of the surface normal CU is reflected so that the output light 415U is directed toward a window distance Z from the light redirecting optical component 50. w The optical window 26 at the position is guided. In at least one cross-sectional plane ( Fig.10E In the yz plane in the image, the size of the window 26 in the window plane 197 is determined by the angular width of the light cone 425.

[0312] Near the middle of light redirecting optical assembly 50, light ray 415M is directed by surface 54AM at surface angle η. AM refracted, and by total internal reflection at 54CM on the surface in the direction η of the surface normal CM is reflected so that the output light 415M is directed toward the optical window 26; and near the lower edge of the light turning optical component 50, the light 415L is reflected by the surface 54AT at a surface angle η AL refracted, and by total internal reflection at the surface 54CT in the direction η of the surface normalCL is reflected so that the output light 415T is directed toward the optical window 26.

[0313] The facet angle η can vary continuously from facet 54 to facet 54 as a function of location L across the length of the light redirecting optic 50. The deflected light rays 415U, 415M, 415T are directed toward a common optical window 26 on the front of the illumination device 110.

[0314] Advantageously, increased uniformity may be achieved for an observer 45 located at the viewing window 26 .

[0315] A further arrangement of light turning optics 50 to achieve pupillification of window 26 will now be described.

[0316] Fig.10F is a schematic diagram illustrating a perspective view of light output from a light turning optical assembly 50 including a curved trajectory 55 . Fig.10F Features of the embodiments that are not discussed in further detail may be assumed to correspond to features as discussed above with equivalent reference numerals, including any possible variations in features.

[0317] exist Fig.10F In an alternative embodiment, the recess 52 has a base trajectory 55X, with Fig. 10A The base trace 55X is curved in the direction of extension of the trace across the light redirecting optical assembly 50, compared to an arrangement of the base trace 55, where the lines of the base trace 55 are all straight lines. In the present disclosure, the prism face 54A is generally planar, and the curvature is arranged to provide a change in the direction of the surface normal across the light redirecting optical assembly 50. The curvature of the face 54 may additionally be provided to achieve some diffusion of the output light rays.

[0318] Face 54A has a surface normal direction P that varies across the width of optical turning film 50. AR , P AM , P AL (and corresponding to the target surface 54C), so that the light 415G from the waveguide 1 is directed toward the distance Z from the light turning optical component 50 W The common window 26 is guided in the window plane 197B at (in the z direction, which is outside the xy plane and is illustrated in perspective for ease of explanation).

[0319] In an alternative embodiment, the surface 54 may be provided with Fig.10E The slope of the change illustrated in the figure and the Fig.10F The varied curved base trajectory 55X is illustrated in FIG. Fig.10E The optical window distance Z W and Fig.10F The optical window distance ZW can be the same. Advantageously, improved uniformity is achieved at the common window plane 197. Alternatively, Fig.10E The optical window distance Z W Can be different from Fig.10F The optical window distance Z W Advantageously, the improved uniformity is achieved for viewing distances away from the nominal viewing distance Z W A distance of 45° from the viewer is achieved.

[0320] exist FIG. 10A to FIG. 2 In the embodiment of FIG. 0F, the center of the optical window 26 is shown to be aligned with the center of the lighting device 20, that is, the common optical window 26 is aligned with the optical axis 199, which extends perpendicular to the plane (xy plane) from the center of the light redirecting optical assembly 50. OB is zero, and the lines in the array have an arithmetic mean tangent angle projected onto a plane (xy plane) tilted at 0° from the lateral direction. In other embodiments, as described elsewhere herein, the curvature and face angle η of the trajectory 55 can be arranged to provide an optical window 26 that is offset from the center of the light redirecting optical component 50.

[0321]

[0046] Alternative arrangements for the recess base trajectory 55 of the light turning optic 50 will now be described in further detail.

[0322] Figure 10G is a schematic diagram illustrating in front view a pupil steering optical assembly using a pupil steering optical assembly such as Fig.10E The linear surface base trajectory 55X, 55Y with a tilt angle η that varies across the light turning optical assembly 50 is illustrated in FIG. 5 to provide pupillization from the illumination device to provide as shown in FIG. Fig. 10D The optical window 26 is illustrated in FIG. Figure 10G Features of the embodiments that are not discussed in further detail may be assumed to correspond to features as discussed above with equivalent reference numerals, including any possible variations in features.

[0323] exist Figure 10G In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the light redirecting optical assembly 50 is arranged with a light redirecting optical assembly 50 as described elsewhere herein (e.g., in Fig. 10A The intersecting linear base tracks 55X, 55Y are illustrated in FIG. Fig.10E The change in the inclination angle η of the surface 54 illustrated in FIG. 5 can be achieved by the angles η of the surfaces 54A and 54C. A , η C As the distance L XThe linear base trajectories 55X, 55Y can be controlled using the linear motion of the cutting head for the molding tool, advantageously achieving reduced cost and reduced mura and moire artifacts.

[0324] Fig. 10H is a schematic diagram illustrating in front view a pupil steering optical assembly 50 that provides pupillization from an illumination device 20 using a base track 55X and an intersecting base track 55Y, where the base track 55X is located as shown in FIG. Fig.10F The base tracks 55Y are illustrated as being curved in their direction of extension, and the base tracks 55Y are linear in their direction of extension. Fig. 10H Features of the embodiments that are not discussed in further detail may be assumed to correspond to features as discussed above with equivalent reference numerals, including any possible variations in features.

[0325] exist Fig. 10H In an alternative embodiment, a curved base track 55X and a linear base track 55Y are provided. The light redirecting optical component 50 may further include faces 54A to 54D or may not further include faces 54A to 54D, and the faces 54A to 54D have a tilt angle n that varies across the light redirecting optical component 50. A-D A reduced size window 26 may be achieved, advantageously increasing the optical efficiency of the illumination from the illumination device 20 .

[0326] Fig.10I is a schematic diagram illustrating a pupil steering optical component in a front view, which uses a concave base trajectory 55X to provide pupillization from an illumination device, the concave base trajectory 55X being curved in the direction in which they extend and intersecting with a concave base trajectory 55Y being curved in the direction in which they extend. Fig.10I Features of the embodiments that are not discussed in further detail may be assumed to correspond to features as discussed above with equivalent reference numerals, including any possible variations in features.

[0327] exist Fig. 10H In an alternative embodiment, curved base tracks 55X, 55Y are provided. The light redirecting optical component 50 may further include faces 54A to 54D or may not further include faces 54A to 54D, and faces 54A to 54D have tilt angles n that vary across the light redirecting optical component 50. A-D Further reductions in the size of window 26 may be achieved, thereby advantageously increasing the optical efficiency of the illumination from illumination device 20 .

[0328] FIG. 10G to FIG. 10I An alternative embodiment may be provided as follows in Fig.40 In an alternative embodiment of the illustrated near-eye display device 102. Advantageously, cost and complexity can be reduced.

[0329] FIG. 10G to FIG. 10I The contour of can be mastered using linear cutting of a mold (e.g., by diamond turning of a tooling surface such as a metal block) and then replicated into the optical surface. Cutting of the intersecting steering optical assembly 50 is described below with respect to Fig. 17C is further illustrated.

[0330] We will now further describe the implementation of Figure 1A The light propagates between the light input well 30 in the waveguide 1, the light deflection well 40 and the pyramid-shaped recess 52 of the light steering optical component 50 at the output of the small output cone angle 402.

[0331] Fig.11A is illustrated in top view for Figure 3B Schematic diagram of the light path of the waveguide 1 and the aligned light emitting element 15. Fig.11A Features of the embodiments that are not discussed in further detail may be assumed to correspond to features as discussed above with equivalent reference numerals, including any possible variations in features.

[0332] Light 412 from source 13 is output into the air-filled light input well 30 in a substantially Lambertian cone. The light is refracted at face 32A of light input surface 32 and propagates from face 32A in waveguide 1 in a light cone 410 before impinging on light extraction features 10 (not shown). FIG. 11B to FIG. 11D As depicted, the maximum brightness of light output from face 32A is near the positive y-direction propagation.

[0333] Light 403 is reflected by the surface 42 of the light deflection well 40. The arrangement of the light deflection well 40 relative to the light input well 30 provides that the highest brightness light propagates at the following angles, when Fig.11A When these angles are viewed in a top view of FIG. 1 , these angles are close to or orthogonal to the direction of reference axis 198. The present embodiments desirably achieve confinement of light 403 around light input well 30.

[0334] Fig. 11B is a schematic diagram illustrating a light output cone from a face of a light input well 30 in a perspective side view; Fig. 11C is a schematic graph illustrating the variation of the luminous intensity of a ray resolved into a plane in which the waveguide 1 extends with respect to the angle in the plane of the waveguide 1; Fig.11D is a schematic diagram illustrating, in top view, refraction and reflection of light rays facing light redirecting optical assembly 50; and Fig.11Eis a schematic diagram illustrating refraction and reflection of facing light rays of a light redirecting optical component in side view. FIG. 11B to FIG. 11D Features of the embodiments that are not discussed in further detail may be assumed to correspond to features as discussed above with equivalent reference numerals, including any possible variations in features.

[0335] Fig. 11B The diagram illustrates the angle from the light emitting element 15 up to the critical angle θ C 32. The light cone 410 is provided by refraction at the input surface 32 of the light input well 30. The light cone 410 is reflected within the waveguide before being output from the front light guiding surface 8. The waveguide 1 is therefore a catadioptric optical element as defined above. As will be described below, both the refractive and reflective properties of the waveguide contribute to the collimating effect of the waveguide 1.

[0336] Fig. 11C The graph 418 illustrates the luminous intensity in the cone 410 resolved into the plane of the waveguide, where the region 414 around the center of the cone contributes more luminous intensity than the region 416 away from the center of the cone 410. Thus, the highest luminous intensity rays 420A are those rays having a resolved component in the plane of the waveguide at an angle close to being orthogonal to the reference axis 198. Similarly, the highest luminous intensity rays 420B are those rays having a resolved component in the plane of the waveguide at an angle close to being parallel to the reference axis 198. Again referring to Fig.11A , light 403 has an angle having a component in the plane of the waveguide that is nearly parallel to or orthogonal to the reference axis 198.

[0337] The propagation in directions with high luminous intensity and low luminous intensity will now be considered.

[0338] FIG. 11D to FIG. 11E The diagram illustrates the paths of light rays 420A, 420B having high luminous intensity parallel to or orthogonal to the reference axis 198. The faces 54A, 54B, 54C, 54D of the pyramidal recess 52 are arranged to deflect such light rays 412 toward the normal direction 199 or to other directions, for example, so that as described herein FIG. 10B to FIG. 10C or Fig.18A Output pupillization illustrated in FIG.

[0339] By comparison, exemplary light rays, such as light rays 412 that do not propagate approximately parallel to or orthogonal to reference axis 198 , are output at angles different than desired direction 199 .

[0340] In the above manner, embodiments of the present application achieve light that can be referred to as collimated, that is, the maximum luminous intensity is directed into a desired output direction.

[0341] We will now describe the FIG. 6A to FIG. 6B Optical output of an illustrative embodiment of the type illustrated in FIG.

[0342] Fig. 12A This diagram is for FIG. 6A to FIG. 6B A schematic graph showing how the brightness of an area of ​​the lighting device 20 when illuminated by a single light emitting element 15A changes with spatial location; Fig. 12B This diagram is for FIG. 6A to FIG. 6B A schematic graph showing how the brightness of an area of ​​the lighting device 20 changes with spatial location when illuminated by four light emitting elements 15A to 15D; and Fig. 12C is a diagram illustrating an illustrative embodiment for Table 1, FIG. 6A to FIG. 6B Schematic graph of the brightness of the illumination device 20 when illuminated by a single light emitting element 15A as a function of polar coordinate location. The light emitting elements 15 of the waveguide 1 and the respective aligned light input wells 30 are arranged at a pitch of 4 mm in the plane of the waveguide 1 in the x- and y-directions.

[0343]

[0344] Table 1

[0345] In the illustrative embodiment of Table 1, each of the surfaces is planar. Light input surface 32 has a surface normal n A 、n B 、n C 、n D , surface normal n A 、n B 、n C 、n D The light deflecting surfaces 42 are inclined at an angle of 90-φ (maximum 3°) to the plane of the waveguide 1. Each of the light deflecting surfaces 42 has a surface normal k A , k B , k C , k D , surface normal k A , k B , k C , k D The inclined light extraction features 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D are inclined at an angle 90-γ to the plane of the waveguide 1, which angle 90-γ may be at most 3°. Each of the inclined light extraction features 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D has a surface normal E A 、E B 、E C 、E D , surface normal E A 、E B 、E C 、E DThe normal 199 to the plane of the waveguide 1 is inclined by at least 3°. The surface normal P of the faces 54A, 54B, 54C, 54D of the pyramidal recess 52 A , P B , P C , P D The normal 199 to the plane of the waveguide 1 has an inclination angle η in the range of 35 to 80 degrees, and preferably in the range of 45 to 65 degrees.

[0346] Embodiments of the present application desirably achieve confinement of light around light input well 30 . Fig. 12A The illustration shows that light from light emitting element 15A in light input well 30A is provided in an area proximate to the light well and overlaps with adjacent wells. Image information from light emitting element 15A is provided over the desired area and provides some overlap with adjacent areas to advantageously reduce visibility of light patches.

[0347] Fig. 12B The illustration shows that light from the light emitting elements 15A in adjacent light input wells 30A to 30D is provided with high image uniformity. A uniform image can be advantageously seen, for example for a uniformly white screen. Additional diffusers can be provided, for example in the optical stack 5 to further improve uniformity.

[0348] Fig. 12C The diagram illustrates that light from light emitting element 15A in light input well 30A is output over an angular range having a full width half maximum polar angle of approximately 35 degrees, such output may be referred to as being collimated.

[0349] The collimated light will now be described further.

[0350] Fig.13A is a schematic graph illustrating, in one cross-sectional plane, an orientation distribution 520 of an array from an embodiment of the present application compared to a Lambertian orientation distribution 510; and Fig. 13B is a schematic graph illustrating the solid angle of the normalized orientation distribution 520 compared to the normalized Lambertian orientation distribution 510 in a cross-sectional plane.

[0351] Luminous intensity is a measure of the energy density in a light cone and is the number of lumens per unit solid angle. In embodiments of the present application, the luminous intensity half-peak solid angle describes the subtended dimension of the illumination output cone for which the luminous intensity is half the peak luminous intensity in each direction.

[0352] The brightness of a display is determined by the luminous intensity per subtended unit area. A Lambertian surface has a brightness that is independent of the viewing angle, and therefore has a luminous intensity that is proportional to the cosine of the viewing angle to the direction normal to the surface.

[0353] The luminous intensity half-peak solid angle is the solid angle defined by the cone where the luminous intensity in any direction drops to 50% of the peak luminous intensity. The solid angle Ω of a symmetric cone with a full width half-peak angle of 2θ is given by:

[0354] Ω=2π*(1–cosθ)Equation 11

[0355] A Lambertian light source has a cosine-distributed luminous intensity, making Fig.29 The FWHM 542 illustrated in FIG is 120 degrees, and the half angle θ is 60 degrees. In the two-dimensional array of the present embodiment, the directional distribution is also two-dimensional, so that the curves 520, 510 represent the solid angle of the output.

[0356] In an embodiment of the present application, the output is directional, that is, the light output distribution 540 therefore has a luminous intensity half-peak solid angle that is smaller than the luminous intensity half-peak solid angle of the light output distribution from each of the plurality of light emitting elements 15 (having a substantially Lambertian output). The embodiment of the present application achieves a half-peak solid angle of less than π steradian, and the half-cone angle θ in a single cross-sectional plane is less than 60 degrees, preferably less than about 40 degrees, more preferably less than about 30 degrees, and most preferably less than about 20 degrees. In other words, the ratio of the luminous intensity half-peak solid angle of the embodiment of the present application to the luminous intensity half-peak solid angle of the Lambertian light source is less than 1, preferably less than 50%, and more preferably less than 25%. For a privacy display, the ratio is most preferably less than 10%.

[0357] In this disclosure, angular directional distribution refers to the distribution of luminous intensity for a point on the display, in other words, the spread of light density over angle for that point. The uniformity of a display represents the spatial distribution across the optical array for any given viewing angle.

[0358] In an embodiment of the present application, the lighting device 20 is arranged to emit light with a light output distribution, wherein the ratio of the luminous intensity half-peak solid angle of the light output distribution to the luminous intensity half-peak solid angle of the Lambertian light distribution is less than 1, preferably less than 0.5, more preferably less than 0.25, and most preferably less than 0.1.

[0359] An alternative arrangement of the waveguide 1 will now be described.

[0360] Fig.14A is a schematic diagram illustrating, in a top perspective view, a waveguide 1 including alternative light input wells 30 and light deflecting wells 40A to 40C; and Fig. 14B is a schematic diagram illustrating in bottom perspective view a waveguide 1 including alternative light input wells 30 and light deflection wells 40A to 40C; Fig. 14C is a diagram in top view for FIG. 13A to FIG. 13B Schematic diagram of the arrangement of the light input well 30 and the light deflection wells 40A to 40C of the waveguide 1. FIG. 14A to FIG. 14C Features of the embodiments that are not discussed in further detail may be assumed to correspond to features as discussed above with equivalent reference numerals, including any possible variations in features.

[0361] exist Fig. 14C In an alternative embodiment, the light input well and the light deflection well are formed with, for example Figure 5 Patterns of different patterns.

[0362] and FIG. 6A to FIG. 6B Compared to the embodiment of the present invention, the light deflection well 40 has a different area. The end surfaces 44A, 44B, 44C of the light deflection wells 40A, 40B, 40C have varying areas. The area varies with the distance from the respective aligned light input wells. The uniformity of the brightness output can be advantageously improved. The size of the additional electronic components 550 provided in the light deflection well 40 can be advantageously increased. Further, the aspect ratio of the light deflection well can be reduced. Higher precision of tooling and reproducibility of tooling can be advantageously achieved. The reflective coating 200 can be applied to the end 44 of the light deflection well 40 with improved uniformity using known coating methods. The yield and uniformity can be advantageously improved.

[0363] Fig. 14C The diagram illustrates illustrative directed light 403. Fig.11A In a manner similar to that illustrated in FIG. 1 , light 403 having high luminous intensity is propagated to a direction nearly parallel to or orthogonal to reference axis 198. FIG. 11A to FIG. 11E As illustrated in , such an arrangement advantageously enables collimation of the optical output.

[0364] FIG. 6A to FIG. 6B and FIG. 14A to FIG. 14C An arrangement may be provided without a reflective coating 200 on the surface 42 of the respective light deflecting well 40. The efficiency may advantageously be increased.

[0365] We will now describe the FIG. 14A to FIG. 14B The optical output of an illustrative embodiment of a waveguide of the type illustrated in FIG.

[0366] Fig.15A is a diagram for FIG. 13A to FIG. 13B A schematic graph showing the brightness of an area of ​​the lighting device 20 of the waveguide 1 when illuminated by a single light emitting element 15A as a function of the spatial location; Fig. 15B is a diagram for FIG. 13A to FIG. 13B A schematic graph showing the brightness of an area of ​​the lighting device 20 of the waveguide 1 as a function of the spatial location when illuminated by all the light emitting elements 15A to 15D; and Fig. 15C is a diagram for FIG. 13A to FIG. 13B Schematic graph of the brightness of the illumination device 20 of the waveguide 1 when illuminated by a single light emitting element 15A as a function of polar coordinate location. The light emitting elements 15 of the waveguide 1 and the respective aligned light input wells 30 are arranged at a pitch of 4 mm in the plane of the waveguide 1 in the x- and y-directions.

[0367] We will now describe Figure 1D An illustrative embodiment of a switchable privacy display in a shared operating mode.

[0368] Fig.15D is a graphical representation of the value Y measured in nit. 最大 The display front brightness is included FIG. 13A to FIG. 13B Waveguide 1 Figure 1D Schematic graph of the change of the safety factor S with the polar coordinate location when the privacy display device 100 is operated in the shared operation mode and illuminated by a single light emitting diode 15A, wherein the value Y measured in nit is 最大 The display front brightness is half the illuminance of value I measured in lux. Figure 1D The polar controlled retarder 300 provides substantially no variation in transmission with polar viewing angles, and the variation in reflectivity with viewing angle is determined by the front surface reflection.

[0369] Fig.15D The diagram illustrates that in sharing mode, the security factor S is less than 1.0 over a wide field of view, that is, for image visibility conditions where the frontal brightness for the user 45 is half the illumination for the snooper 47, for example Figure 1C All image data is visible in the viewing arrangement illustrated in FIG. 1. High image visibility (S<0.1) is advantageously visible in the vicinity of the optical axis 199 so that the primary user 45 can see a high contrast image.

[0370] We will now describe Figure 1D An illustrative embodiment of a switchable privacy display in a shared operating mode.

[0371] Fig.15E This diagram is for Figure 1D A schematic graph of transmission of an exemplary polar controlled retarder 300 operating in a privacy mode as a function of polar coordinate location; Fig.15F is a diagram illustrating an exemplary pole-controlled retarder 300 operating in a privacy mode. Figure 1D A schematic graph showing a change in reflectivity of a display device; and Figure 15G is a graphical representation of the value Y measured in nit. 最大The display front brightness is included FIG. 13A to FIG. 13B Waveguide 1 Figure 1D 1 is a schematic graph of the safety factor S of the privacy display device 100 operating in the privacy operation mode and illuminated by a single light emitting diode 15A as a function of the polar coordinate location, wherein the value Y measured in nit is 最大 The display front brightness is half the illuminance of value I measured in lux.

[0372] Figure 1D An illustrative embodiment of the pole-controlled retarder 300 is described in U.S. Patent No. 10,976,578, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Figure 15G As illustrated in FIG, reduced off-axis transmission and increased off-axis reflection provide reduced image visibility, Figure 15G The diagram illustrates that in privacy mode, for lateral angles greater than 35°, the safety factor S is greater than 1.0, so that the snooper 47 has reduced visibility of the image. For angles greater than 45°, all images are invisible. High image visibility (S<0.1) is advantageously visible near the optical axis 199, so that the primary user 45 can see a high contrast image. A switchable privacy display with a high safety factor is advantageously implemented. Further, such a display device 100 can be provided with reduced power consumption and a high dynamic range with a low thickness.

[0373] It may be desirable to provide a display for a center console of an automobile.

[0374] Fig.16 is a schematic diagram illustrating a top view of a vehicle 650 having a center console display device 100. Output light is directed to either side of an optical axis 199 of the display 100 to enable efficient illumination of the driver 47 and passengers 45.

[0375] It may be desirable that the display 100 be operated with high efficiency and high brightness and image visibility uniformity across the width of the display 100 for the passenger 45 and the driver 47 so that the light rays 445L, 445C, 445R for the passenger and the light rays 447L, 447C, 447R for the driver each provide an image with substantially uniform high brightness and with high dynamic range at low power consumption. Further, stray light for nighttime operation is advantageously reduced by minimizing light that is not directed toward the driver 47 or the passenger 45. In an alternative embodiment, the light rays 445L, 445C, 445R and the light rays 447L, 447C, 447R are parallel, for example by using a light source having a configuration such as Fig. 10B The pupillized light redirecting optical assembly 50 is illustrated in FIG. The tooling complexity of the light redirecting optical assembly 50 is advantageously reduced.

[0376] Fig.17A It is illustrated in top perspective view including FIG. 13A to FIG. 13B A schematic diagram of an illumination device 20 arrangement of a waveguide 1 and an alternative light redirecting optical assembly 50; and Fig. 17B It is illustrated in bottom perspective view including Fig.17A Schematic diagram of an arrangement of a waveguide 1 and an alternative light redirecting optical assembly 50 for an illumination device 20 . FIG. 17A to FIG. 17B Features of the embodiments that are not discussed in further detail may be assumed to correspond to features as discussed above with equivalent reference numerals, including any possible variations in features.

[0377] Fig. 17C It is illustrated in bottom perspective. FIG. 17A to FIG. 17B Schematic diagram of a light redirecting optical component 50. Fig. 17C Features of the embodiments that are not discussed in further detail may be assumed to correspond to features as discussed above with equivalent reference numerals, including any possible variations in features.

[0378] The light redirecting optical assembly 50 includes a first array of prismatic elements arranged on the input surface 51, each prismatic element including a pair of faces 54A, 54C defining a base trajectory 55X therebetween, the trajectory 55X extending along a first array of lines across a plane extending therein the input surface 51 and parallel to the y-axis. The light redirecting optical assembly 50 further includes a second array of prismatic elements arranged on the input surface 51, each prismatic element including a pair of faces 54B, 54D defining a base trajectory 55Y therebetween, the base trajectory 55Y extending along a second array of lines across a plane extending therein the input surface. 17A to 17C An alternative embodiment of the invention includes an alternative light redirecting optical assembly 50 in which the base tracks 55X, 55Y do not intersect at 90 degrees, but have an angle ε different from 90 degrees and as shown in FIG. Fig.17D The angles are further illustrated in FIG.

[0379] like Fig.18A As will be described in FIG. 18D , the first and second line arrays extend at different angles projected onto a plane so that the first and second arrays of prismatic elements deflect light exiting the waveguide into different lobes.

[0380] Fig. 17C Further illustrating an arrangement of cutting tools 61A, 61B (eg diamonds) that may be provided to cut such a structure into a mold (eg a metal mold). In manufacturing, such a mold is replicated, wherein the replicated portion is formed in a transparent material in the reverse shape.

[0381] The tracks 55X, 55Y may further be curved, as described above. Fig.10F , Fig. 10H and Fig.10I As illustrated in FIG, to achieve pupilization and advantageously improve efficiency and uniformity.

[0382] Fig.17D It is a graphic illustration Fig. 17C A schematic diagram of a pyramid-shaped recess 52 of a light redirecting optical component; Fig.17E is illustrated in top view Fig. 17C A schematic diagram of the refraction and reflection of light rays facing the light steering optical component; and Fig.17F is illustrated in side view Fig. 17C Schematic diagram of the refraction and reflection of light rays in the face of a light steering optical component. FIG. 17D to FIG. 17F Features of the embodiments that are not discussed in further detail may be assumed to correspond to features as discussed above with equivalent reference numerals, including any possible variations in features.

[0383] Fig.17D The diagram illustrates that the parallelogram base trajectory 57 of the pyramidal recess 52 is different from Figure 4C The square base trajectory of the pyramidal recess is 55.

[0384] We will now describe 17A to 17C The operation of lighting equipment.

[0385] FIG. 17E to FIG. 17F The diagram illustrates that for light rays 420A, 420B having high luminous intensity, off-axis deflection is provided in a direction different from the normal 199 to the plane of the waveguide 1. Similarly, Fig.17F The light ray 422A illustrated in FIG. 1 provides a different deflection direction, which is in a direction different from the normal 199 to the plane of the waveguide 1.

[0386] Illustrative embodiments will now be described.

[0387] Fig.18A is a top perspective view illustrating the FIG. 17A to FIG. 17B The lighting device 20 used Fig. 17C Schematic diagram of the output pupilization of the light redirecting optical component 50. Fig.18A Features of the embodiments that are not discussed in further detail may be assumed to correspond to features as discussed above with equivalent reference numerals, including any possible variations in features.

[0388] and Fig. 10D Compared with the arrangement of Fig. 17CThe light redirecting optical assembly 50 is arranged to provide two windows 26A, 26B offset to either side of the optical axis 199 perpendicular to the display surface. Observers 45, 47 located near each window 26A, 26B, respectively, advantageously see an image having high brightness and uniformity across the predetermined area 101.

[0389] Fig.18B is a diagram illustrating an illustrative embodiment of Table 2, a lighting device 20 (including FIG. 17A to FIG. 17B A schematic graph showing how the brightness of a lighting device 20) when illuminated by a single light-emitting element 15 changes with the polar coordinate location.

[0390]

[0391] Table 2

[0392] The input surface 51 of the light redirecting optical assembly 50 comprises an array of pyramidal recesses 52, each pyramidal recess 52 comprising a parallelogram base having a base locus 57 and four light redirecting faces 54A, 54B, 54C, 54D. Surface normal P A , P C Having average components P1 and P3 respectively in the plane of waveguide 1, the average components P1, P2, P3, P4 are oriented at angles of at most 20°, preferably at most 10°, of 25°, 90°, 205° and 270° relative to the reference axis 198 in the embodiment of the present application.

[0393] Two light output polar coordinate locations 770, 772 having brightness maxima are provided for Fig.16 High efficiency and brightness are achieved for the viewers 45, 47. Power consumption can advantageously be reduced and display brightness can be improved for high dynamic range images for the driver 47 and passengers 45. Stray light can be reduced for nighttime operation.

[0394] It may be desirable to provide a passenger infotainment display (PID) having a privacy mode of operation.

[0395] Fig.19A is a schematic diagram illustrating a top view of a vehicle 650 having a passenger infotainment display device 100 . Fig.19A Features of the embodiments that are not discussed in further detail may be assumed to correspond to features as discussed above with equivalent reference numerals, including any possible variations in features.

[0396] Fig.19A The arrangement is similar to Fig.16, however, the passenger 45 is illuminated by on-axis light 445, and the driver 47 is illuminated by off-axis light 447, and particularly in the light cone between off-axis angles α and β. It would be desirable that in the shared operating mode, the driver sees a high brightness image, and in the private operating mode, an image with a high safety factor.

[0397] Fig.19B is a diagram in bottom perspective for Fig.19A The passenger infotainment display device 100 provides lighting having Fig.14A Schematic diagram of a light redirecting optical component 50 having an arrangement of waveguides 1 and including an illustrative pyramidal recess 52 of Table 3. Fig.19B Features of the embodiments that are not discussed in further detail may be assumed to correspond to features as discussed above with equivalent reference numerals, including any possible variations in features.

[0398]

[0399] Table 3

[0400] In operation, light 445 reflected by total internal reflection at surfaces 54A, 54C is directed near passenger 45 in a direction close to display normal 199, while light reflected by total internal reflection at surfaces 54B, 54D is directed toward driver 47 in an off-axis direction 447.

[0401] Fig.19C is a diagram for explaining the waveguide 1 and Fig.19B Schematic graph of the brightness of the backlight source of the light redirecting optical assembly 50 as a function of polar coordinate locations. Peak brightness is observed at the passenger 45 polar coordinate location 845 and the driver 47 polar coordinate location 847. High brightness images can be advantageously observed in a shared operating mode. High power efficiency can be achieved.

[0402] Fig.19D is a graphical representation of the value Y measured in nit. 最大 In the case of the display front brightness, Fig.19A Schematic graph of the safety factor S of a passenger infotainment display device operating in a privacy operating mode and illuminated by a single light-emitting diode as a function of the polar coordinate location, Fig.19A The passenger infotainment displays include Figure 1D The privacy display device 100 includes Fig.14A The waveguide 1 and Fig.19B and the light redirecting optical assembly 50 of Table 3, wherein the value Y measured in nit is 最大The display front brightness is half the illuminance of value I measured in lux.

[0403] Figure 1D An illustrative embodiment of a pole-controlled retarder 300 is described in U.S. Pat. No. 10,976,578. Fig.19D As illustrated in FIG, reduced off-axis transmission and increased off-axis reflection provide reduced image visibility, Fig.19D The diagram illustrates that in privacy mode, for lateral angles greater than 26°, the safety factor is greater than 1.0, so that the snooper 47 has reduced visibility of the image. For angles greater than 45°, all images are invisible. High image visibility (S<0.1) is advantageously visible near the optical axis 199, so that the passenger 45 can see a high contrast image. A switchable passenger infotainment display with a high safety factor is advantageously implemented. Further, such a display device 100 can be provided with reduced power consumption and a high dynamic range with a low thickness.

[0404] Fig.19E is a diagram for illustrating a waveguide including FIG. 14 and Fig.19B and Table 4 are schematic graphs of the brightness of the backlight source of alternative light redirecting optical assemblies as a function of polar coordinate location.

[0405]

[0406] Table 4

[0407] Fig.19F is a graphical representation of the value Y measured in nit. 最大 In the case of the display front brightness, Fig.19A Schematic graph of the safety factor S of a passenger infotainment display device operating in a privacy operating mode and illuminated by a single light-emitting diode as a function of the polar coordinate location, Fig.19A The passenger infotainment displays include Figure 1D A privacy display device, and comprising Fig.14A The waveguide and Fig.19B An alternative light redirecting optical assembly, wherein the value Y measured in nits 最大 The display front brightness is half the illuminance of value I measured in lux.

[0408] In operation, light 445 reflected by total internal reflection at surfaces 54A, 54C, 54D is directed toward passenger 45 in a direction close to display normal 199, while light reflected by total internal reflection at surface 54B is directed toward driver 47 in an off-axis direction 447. FIG. 19C to FIG. 19D compared to, FIG. 19E to FIG. 19FThe illustration shows that the steering optical assembly 50 may be arranged to achieve reduced brightness at the polar coordinate location 847 of the driver 47. Advantageously, a higher safety factor may be achieved for the driver 47 over the polar region of increased size.

[0409] Alternative arrangements of the light deflecting trap 40 will now be described.

[0410] Fig. 20A is a schematic diagram illustrating, in a top perspective view, an arrangement of a lighting device 20 comprising an alternative waveguide 1; Fig. 20B It is illustrated in bottom perspective view including Fig. 20A A schematic diagram of an alternative arrangement of an illumination device 20 of the waveguide 1; Fig. 20C is a diagram in top view for FIG. 20A to FIG. 20B A schematic diagram of the arrangement of the reflective end 34 of the light input well 30 and the light deflection well 40 of the waveguide 1; and Fig.20D is illustrated in side view along Fig. 20C The cross section A-A' is used for FIG. 20A to FIG. 20B Schematic diagram of the arrangement of the reflective end 44 of the light deflecting well 40 of the waveguide 1. FIG. 20A to FIG. 20B and FIG. 20C to FIG. 20D Features of the embodiments that are not discussed in further detail may be assumed to correspond to features as discussed above with equivalent reference numerals, including any possible variations in features.

[0411] exist Fig. 20C In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the light input well and the light deflection well form a pattern 70 which is different from, for example, Figure 5 or Fig. 14C pattern.

[0412] The light deflecting traps 40 are connected at the ends of multiple pairs of opposing faces to form a grid of complete loops around the light input trap 30. Such an arrangement can be more easily tooled and replicated than the previous embodiments. Fig.28 As will be illustrated in FIG. 4 , the deflecting surface 42 of the light deflecting trap 40 may not be coated, advantageously optical efficiency may be improved and manufacturing complexity may be reduced.

[0413] Fig.21A is a diagram for FIG. 20A to FIG. 20B A schematic graph showing the brightness of an area of ​​the lighting device 20 of the waveguide 1 when illuminated by a single light emitting element 15A as a function of the spatial location; Fig.21B is a diagram for FIG. 20A to FIG. 20B A schematic graph showing the brightness of an area of ​​the lighting device 20 of the waveguide 1 as a function of the spatial location when illuminated by all the light emitting elements 15A to 15D; and Fig. 21C is a diagram for FIG. 20A to FIG. 20B Schematic graph of the brightness of the illumination device 20 of the waveguide 1 when illuminated by a single light emitting element 15A as a function of polar coordinate location. The light emitting elements 15 of the waveguide 1 and the respective aligned light input wells 30 are arranged at a pitch of 4 mm in the plane of the waveguide 1 in the x- and y-directions.

[0414] Such an embodiment advantageously achieves output localization on a rectangular grid around the light input well 30. Further, the profile of the output brightness has a reduced cone angle in the lateral and vertical directions. The visibility of the display 100 in the privacy operating mode can advantageously be reduced in the lateral and vertical directions to achieve an increased level of visual security for appropriately seated display users 45 and snoopers 47.

[0415] An alternative embodiment of the waveguide 1 will now be described.

[0416] Fig.22A is a schematic diagram illustrating, in a top perspective view, an arrangement of a lighting device 20 comprising an alternative waveguide 1; Fig. 22B It is illustrated in bottom perspective view including Fig.22A A schematic diagram of an alternative arrangement of an illumination device 20 of the waveguide 1; Fig.23A The top view diagram is used to illustrate the FIG. 22A to FIG. 22B A schematic diagram of the arrangement of the reflective ends 34, 44 of the light input well 30 and the light deflection well 40 of the waveguide 1; and Fig. 23B is illustrated in side view for FIG. 22A to FIG. 22B Schematic diagram of the arrangement of the reflective end 44 of the light deflecting well 40 of the waveguide 1. FIG. 22A to FIG. 22B and FIG. 23A to FIG. 23B Features of the embodiments that are not discussed in further detail may be assumed to correspond to features as discussed above with equivalent reference numerals, including any possible variations in features.

[0417] and FIG. 20A to FIG. 20B and FIG. 20C to FIG. 20D In contrast, the arrangement of the present alternative embodiment includes a light input well 30 having a light input surface 32 extending along an axis 196 that is inclined at 45° relative to a reference axis 198, wherein Figure 4A As illustrated in FIG. 1 , the reference axis is determined by the alignment of the pyramidal recess 52 of the light redirecting optical assembly 50. Thus, the input surface 32 of the light input well 30 is at an angle within 10°, preferably at most 5°, of 0°, 90°, 180°, and 270° to the light deflecting surface 42 of the light deflecting well 40. The surfaces 32, 42 are at an angle within 10°, preferably at most 5°, of 0°, 90°, 180°, and 270° to the reference axis 198.

[0418] Further, the light deflecting surface 42 is coated with a reflective coating 200, for example as in Fig. 8A In operation, the light 403 having the highest luminous intensity is directed in a direction that is approximately parallel to or orthogonal to the reference axis 198. FIG. 11B to FIG. 11E As illustrated in FIG, advantageously, is collimated close to the optical axis 199 .

[0419] Fig.24A is a diagram for FIG. 22A to FIG. 22B A schematic graph showing the brightness of an area of ​​the lighting device 20 of the waveguide 1 when illuminated by a single light emitting element 15 as a function of the spatial location; Fig. 24B is a diagram for FIG. 22A to FIG. 22B A schematic graph showing the brightness of an area of ​​the lighting device 20 of the waveguide 1 when illuminated by all the light emitting elements 15 as a function of the spatial location; and Fig.24C This diagram is for FIG. 22A to FIG. 22B Schematic graph of the brightness of a lighting device 20 including a waveguide 1 when illuminated by a single light emitting element 15 as a function of the polar coordinate location.

[0420] Light localization, high dynamic range operation, high uniformity and collimation are advantageously achieved.

[0421] Fig.25 is a schematic diagram illustrating a waveguide 1 comprising an alternative light input well 30 and an octagonal light deflecting well 40 in a top perspective view. Fig.25 Features of the embodiments that are not discussed in further detail may be assumed to correspond to features as discussed above with equivalent reference numerals, including any possible variations in features.

[0422] and Figure 4E Compared to the embodiment of the present invention, the light deflection surface 42 of the light deflection trap 40 includes four intermediate light deflection surfaces 42E, 42F, 42G, 42H extending between the first pair 42A, 42C and the second pair 42B, 42D of light deflection surfaces, respectively. Further, the light deflection surface 42 is coated with a reflective coating 200, for example, as in Fig. 8A As illustrated in the figure.

[0423] In operation, as described elsewhere herein, light rays 403A, 403B, 403C have relatively high luminous intensity. Light 403A propagates in waveguide 1 at an angle close to parallel or orthogonal to reference axis 198 by reflection from, for example, faces 42G, 42H; light 403B propagates in waveguide 1 at an angle close to parallel or orthogonal to reference axis 198 by reflection from, for example, faces 42C, 42A; and light 403C propagates in waveguide 1 at an angle close to parallel or orthogonal to reference axis 198 by reflection from, for example, faces 42E, 42C, 42H. Each beam of light 403A to 403C maintains a propagation direction that achieves substantially collimated light being output after light steering optical assembly 50. Light localization, high dynamic range operation, high uniformity and collimation are advantageously achieved. Further, desired tuning of uniformity and collimation can be provided by selection of the relative sizes of faces 42A to 42H.

[0424] An alternative light deflecting trap 40 will now be described.

[0425] Fig.26A is a schematic diagram illustrating an alternative arrangement of the light input well 30 and the light deflecting well 40 of the waveguide 1 in a side perspective view; and Fig.26B is illustrated in side perspective Fig.26A Schematic diagram of the light input well 30 and the aligned light emitting element 15. FIG. 26A to FIG. 26B Features of the embodiments that are not discussed in further detail may be assumed to correspond to features as discussed above with equivalent reference numerals, including any possible variations in features.

[0426] Compared to embodiments described elsewhere herein, the light input well 30 may be simpler to manufacture, advantageously the reflective end 34 is not provided, while low visibility of hot spots surrounding the light input well 30 is achieved.

[0427] An alternative arrangement of the waveguide 1 will now be described.

[0428] Fig. 27 is a schematic diagram illustrating an alternative arrangement of a waveguide 1 and aligned light emitting elements 15 in a side view, wherein the rear light guiding surface of the waveguide 1 is coated with a reflective coating. The rear light guiding surface 6 is coated with a reflective material 200. Fig. 27 Features of the embodiments that are not discussed in further detail may be assumed to correspond to features as discussed above with equivalent reference numerals, including any possible variations in features.

[0429] exist Fig. 27In an alternative embodiment, the rear surface 6 of the waveguide 1 is coated with a reflective material 200. The rear reflector 3 may be omitted, advantageously reducing cost and thickness. Further, light leakage from around the light input well 30 through the rear surface 6 is reduced, advantageously reducing the visibility of hot spots. Further, an increased number of seals 160 may be provided, advantageously achieving improved resistance to temperature and mechanical changes during operation and handling.

[0430] Fig.28 is a schematic diagram illustrating an alternative arrangement of a waveguide 1 and aligned light emitting elements 15 in side view, wherein a light deflecting well 40 is aligned with Fig. 8A Compared with the arrangement of , it has an increased density and a reduced height. Fig.28 Features of the embodiments that are not discussed in further detail may be assumed to correspond to features as discussed above with equivalent reference numerals, including any possible variations in features.

[0431] exist Fig.28 In an alternative embodiment, a region of the rear surface 6 of the waveguide 1 is coated with a reflective material 200, and a seal 160 is provided between the reflective material 200 and the rear reflector 3. An increased number of seals 160 may be provided, advantageously achieving increased resistance to temperature and mechanical variations during operation and handling. Fig. 27 Compared to the arrangement of , the losses are reduced and advantageously the efficiency is improved.

[0432] Considering light ray 422, some of the light is transmitted through the sides 42 of some of the light deflecting surfaces 42 and is reflected by total internal reflection at other surfaces 42 of different light deflecting wells.

[0433] Losses can advantageously be reduced and efficiency can be improved.Furthermore, such a surface 42 can more conveniently remain uncoated or be partially coated with the reflective material 200, reducing coating costs and complexity.

[0434] Fig.29 is a schematic diagram illustrating an alternative arrangement of the waveguide 1 and aligned light emitting elements 15 in a side view, wherein the light deflecting well 40 does not include a reflective end. Fig.29 Features of the embodiments that are not discussed in further detail may be assumed to correspond to features as discussed above with equivalent reference numerals, including any possible variations in features.

[0435] and Fig.28 Compared to the embodiment of FIG. 4 , the light deflecting well 40 does not have the reflective end 44 including the reflective material 200. The manufacturing cost can be advantageously reduced.

[0436] In embodiments of the present application, the density, height and arrangement of light deflecting wells 40 surrounding respective light input wells 30 can be adjusted to modify the uniformity of the light output.

[0437] Alternative locations for the light extraction features 10 will now be described.

[0438] Fig.30 is a schematic diagram illustrating an alternative arrangement of a waveguide 1 and aligned light emitting elements 15 in side view, wherein light extraction features are arranged on the reflective ends of the light input well 30 and the light deflecting well 40, and are further arranged on the rear light guiding surface. Fig.30 Features of the embodiments that are not discussed in further detail may be assumed to correspond to features as discussed above with equivalent reference numerals, including any possible variations in features.

[0439] exist Fig.30 In the embodiment of the invention, the rear light guiding surface 6 includes the light extraction feature 10. Further, the end 44 of the light deflecting well 40 includes light extraction features 44A, 44B having similar characteristics as described elsewhere herein (e.g., with reference to Figure 4G ) described light extraction features 10.

[0440] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), further light extraction features 10 may be provided on at least some areas of both the rear waveguide surface 6 and the front waveguide surface 8. The output uniformity of the illumination device 20 may advantageously be improved.

[0441] The operation and optical paths are similar to those illustrated elsewhere herein.Manufacturing costs and complexity may advantageously be reduced.

[0442] Fig.31 is a schematic diagram illustrating an alternative arrangement of the lighting device 20 in side view, in which the light input well 30 comprises an air gap. Fig.31 Features of the embodiments that are not discussed in further detail may be assumed to correspond to features as discussed above with equivalent reference numerals, including any possible variations in features.

[0443] exist Fig.31 In an alternative embodiment, the light emitting element 15 is arranged on a carrier 158. The light input well 30 includes a light transmission component 130, which includes an inner surface formed by an input surface 32 of the light input well 30, an end surface 34 of the light input well 30, and a reflective coating 200. The light transmission component 130 further includes an outer surface 131, which is arranged to be inserted into a cavity 134 in the waveguide 1. The cavity 134 may include a material 132, which may be a transparent material, or may be air.

[0444] In assembly, the light transmitting component 130 is formed from the reflective coating material 200 and positioned onto the carrier 158. The carrier array is provided on the substrate 17 and the waveguide 1 is aligned with the light emitting element 15. Assembly yield can be improved and advantageously, costs can be reduced.

[0445]

[0036] A lighting device 20 for use with a color converting layer will now be described.

[0446] Fig.32A is a schematic diagram illustrating an alternative arrangement of the lighting device 20 in side view, in which the light redirecting optical component 50 is omitted and a scattering layer is provided to receive light from the waveguide 1; Fig.32B is a schematic diagram illustrating an alternative arrangement of backlight 20 in side view, wherein light turning optics 50 are provided to receive light from the waveguide and are arranged to direct the light onto a scattering layer; and Fig.32C is illustrated in side view Fig.32A Schematic diagram of an alternative arrangement further comprising intersecting brightness enhancement films. FIG. 32A to FIG. 32C Features of the embodiments that are not discussed in further detail may be assumed to correspond to features as discussed above with equivalent reference numerals, including any possible variations in features.

[0447] exist Fig.32A In an alternative embodiment, the light redirecting arrangement includes a light diffusing layer 802, that is, the light redirecting optical component 50 is omitted. The light emitting element 15 can be arranged to provide an output light 410 having a single color, such as blue or ultraviolet light, or can be white light. The light diffusing layer 802 is arranged to receive the light 410 from the waveguide 1. The light diffusing layer 802 can include a color conversion material, such as a phosphor or a quantum dot material, and some of the light 410 can be converted to different spectral bands. The light diffusing layer 802 can further or alternatively include a diffusing surface and / or diffusing particles. The light 410 incident on the light diffusing layer 802 is provided at a grazing incidence. The increased path length of the light in the light diffusing layer advantageously enables a reduced thickness of the color conversion material to provide the desired color conversion efficiency at a reduced cost.

[0448] Efficient illumination of the diffuser layer with high uniformity is advantageously achieved with thin optical structures. High dynamic range operation can be provided.

[0449] exist Fig.32B In an alternative embodiment, the light redirecting optical component 50 is arranged between the waveguide 1 and the light diffusing layer 802. The amount of diffusion provided by the light diffusing layer 802 can be reduced for the desired front brightness, and the backscattering back into the waveguide can be reduced. Advantageously, the efficiency can be improved.

[0450] exist Fig.32C In an alternative embodiment, the light redirecting arrangement includes a light diffusing layer 802, and further includes at least one light recycling film assembly 800. The light recycling film assemblies 800A, 800B each include a light recycling film input surface 801A, 801B extending across the light diffusing layer 802 and arranged to receive output light from the light diffusing layer 802, and light recycling film output surfaces 803A, 803B facing the light recycling film input surfaces 801A, 801B, respectively, wherein the light recycling film output surfaces 803A, 803B are prismatic and arranged to provide recycling of the output light toward the normal 199 of the plane of the waveguide 1.

[0451] Fig.32C An alternative embodiment of the invention illustrates output light 170 comprising white light from a light diffusing layer 802 incident upon intersecting light recycling film assemblies 800A, 800B (such as BEF from 3M Company) TM The off-axis light 170 is guided by the light recycling film assemblies 800A, 800B to a direction near the optical axis 199, and the light closer to the optical axis 199 is recycled by total internal reflection in the light recycling film assemblies 800A, 800B.

[0452] The present embodiments can achieve high uniformity for widely dispersed light emitting elements 15 in a thin package. Uniform illumination of the light diffusing layer 802 can be advantageously achieved, and a high dynamic range display can be provided. Some improved benefits can be provided by intersecting light recycling film assemblies 800A, 800B; however, such output is not collimated as embodiments disclosed elsewhere herein that include light turning films.

[0453] In other embodiments (not shown), one of the light recycling film assemblies 800A, 800B may be omitted.Brightness roll-off in one plane may be reduced, advantageously enabling increased viewing freedom in that plane.

[0454] The shape of the light input surface 32 of the light input well 30 will now be described.

[0455] Fig.33 is a schematic diagram illustrating, in top view, an arrangement of a light emitting element 15 and an emission trap including a light input surface 32 having a planar profile; and Fig.34 is a schematic diagram illustrating in top view an arrangement of a light emitting element 15 and an emission well in the material of the waveguide 1 comprising a light input surface 32 having a convex profile. Figure 33 to Figure 34Features of the embodiments that are not discussed in further detail may be assumed to correspond to features as discussed above with equivalent reference numerals, including any possible variations in features.

[0456] exist Fig.33 In the embodiment of the present invention, each of the light input faces 32A, 32B, 32C, 32D is planar in the material of the waveguide 1, and Fig.34 In an embodiment, each of the light input faces 32A, 32B, 32C, 32D is convex in the material of the waveguide 1.

[0457] exist Fig.33 In the embodiment of the present invention, the light input surface 32 includes four planar light input surfaces 32A, 32B, 32C, and 32D, and the light input surfaces 32A, 32B, 32C, and 32D have surface normals n. A 、n B 、n C 、n D , surface normal n A 、n B 、n C 、n D has components n1, n2, n3, n4 in the plane of waveguide 1. Fig.34 In the embodiment of the present invention, the light input surface 32 includes four convex light input surfaces 32A, 32B, 32C, and 32D, and the light input surfaces 32A, 32B, 32C, and 32D have surface normals n. A 、n B 、n C 、n D , surface normal n A 、n B 、n C 、n D There are components n1, n2, n3, n4 in the plane of the waveguide 1 which are averages of the components across the respective input surfaces.

[0458] Back to Fig. 11C ( Fig. 11C The diagram illustrates the distribution of the luminous intensity of light as a function of the lateral angle in the plane of the waveguide 1, and Fig.33 Compared with the implementation scheme, Fig.34 The embodiment can achieve a narrower luminous intensity distribution. The brightness of the light near the optical axis 199 can be advantageously improved. The efficiency of the lighting device 20 can be improved.

[0459] Various arrangements of the light emitting elements 15 will now be described.

[0460] Fig.35Ais a schematic diagram illustrating the arrangement of the light emitting element 15 and the light diffusing layer 802 arranged on the light emitting element 15 , which is arranged in the light input well 30 of the waveguide 1 , in a side view. Fig.35A Features of the embodiments that are not discussed in further detail may be assumed to correspond to features as discussed above with equivalent reference numerals, including any possible variations in features.

[0461] At least some of the light emitting elements 15 further include a color conversion layer 156 provided on the light emitting element 15. In an illustrative embodiment, the gallium nitride light emitting diode LED 154 may be arranged to provide blue light incident on the color conversion material 156, which may be, for example, a phosphor or quantum dot material. White light may advantageously be input into the waveguide 1.

[0462] Fig.35B is a schematic diagram illustrating the arrangement of a light emitting element 15 arranged in a light input well 30 of a waveguide 1 and a scattering layer 156 arranged on a reflective input well end 34 of the light input well 30 in a side view. Fig.35B Features of the embodiments that are not discussed in further detail may be assumed to correspond to features as discussed above with equivalent reference numerals, including any possible variations in features.

[0463] exist Fig.35B In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, a color conversion layer 156 is provided inside the light input well 30, separate from the at least one light emitting diode 154. The color conversion layer 156 is provided on the reflective material 200 at the reflective end 34 of the light input well 30. Some light rays 710 are output directly from the LED 154, while some light rays 711 are output after color conversion and are scattered at the color conversion layer 156. The light rays 710, 711 together provide white light for input into the waveguide 1 through the input surface 32 of the light input well 30.

[0464] Heating of the color conversion material 156 may advantageously be reduced and efficiency may be improved.

[0465] Fig.35C is a schematic diagram illustrating, in side view, an arrangement of three light emitting elements 15 arranged in the light input well 30 of the waveguide 1. Each light emitting element 15 comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes. Fig.35C Features of the embodiments that are not discussed in further detail may be assumed to correspond to features as discussed above with equivalent reference numerals, including any possible variations in features.

[0466] exist Fig.35CIn an alternative embodiment, each light emitting element 15 includes more than one light emitting diode 154R, 154G, 154B, which together can be arranged to provide white light input through the input surface 32 of the light input well 30.

[0467] Fig.35D is a schematic diagram illustrating an arrangement of three light emitting elements 15 arranged on a carrier 16 and arranged in a light input well 30 of a waveguide 1 in a side view. Fig.35D Features of the embodiments that are not discussed in further detail may be assumed to correspond to features as discussed above with equivalent reference numerals, including any possible variations in features.

[0468] The carrier 16 may include silicon, or may be an insulator. The carrier 16 may include active and / or passive control circuitry, which may be added to the carrier 16 as an additional component 550 in a manner similar to the light emitting element 15, or may be included in the carrier 16 itself. Examples of circuitry components 550 include ICs, transistors, current sources, latches or storage elements, and shift registers. In an alternative embodiment, each light emitting element 15 including at least one light emitting diode may be provided on a semiconductor substrate 16, which is mounted on a support substrate 17. The semiconductor substrate 16 may include at least a portion of a drive circuit for at least one light emitting diode.

[0469] The light emitting elements 15R, 15G, 15B and optionally the component 550 may be provided in a single assembly step during assembly of a backplane comprising the light emitting elements 15 and the substrate 17. Costs may be reduced.

[0470] Fig.35E is a schematic diagram illustrating in side view an arrangement of three light emitting elements 15 arranged in respective light input wells 30 of a waveguide 1. The plurality of light emitting diodes have different emission colors. Features of the embodiment of FIG. 35 that are not discussed in further detail may be assumed to correspond to features with equivalent reference numerals as discussed above, including any possible variations in the features.

[0471] exist Fig.35E In an alternative embodiment, each of the light emitting elements 15R, 15G, 15B may be provided in a separate light input well 30, so that the light emitting elements 15 with respect to different light input wells 30 have different emission colors.

[0472] The size of the light input well 30 may be reduced and the visibility of hot spots may advantageously be reduced.

[0473] Fig.35Fis a schematic diagram illustrating in side view an arrangement of three light emitting elements 15 arranged in respective light input wells 30 of a waveguide 1, wherein some of the light input wells 30 comprise a scattering layer 156 arranged on a reflective input well end 34 of the light input well. Fig.35F Features of the embodiments that are not discussed in further detail may be assumed to correspond to features as discussed above with equivalent reference numerals, including any possible variations in features.

[0474] exist Fig.35F In an alternative, each of the light input wells 30 may be provided with an LED 154. Some of the light input wells may include a green light color conversion layer 156G, and other wells may be provided with a red color conversion layer 156R. Hot spots may be reduced, and collimated white light may be provided with high dynamic range and high efficiency.

[0475] Fig.36A is a schematic diagram illustrating, in side view, an arrangement of edge emitting light emitting diodes arranged in an input well of a waveguide; and Fig.36B is a schematic diagram illustrating, in top view, an arrangement of edge emitting light emitting diodes arranged in an input well of a waveguide. FIG. 36A to FIG. 36B Features of the embodiments that are not discussed in further detail may be assumed to correspond to features as discussed above with equivalent reference numerals, including any possible variations in features.

[0476] Each light emitting element 15 comprises four light emitting diodes 154A, 154B, 154C, 154D, each aligned with the light input face of the respective light input well 30. The carrier 16 may be arranged to provide the light emitting diodes 154A to 154D as an integrated unit, or the light emitting diodes 154A to 154D may be provided directly onto the substrate 17. The light emitting diodes 154A to 154D may be arranged in respective packages 157, which may be provided with electrodes and a heat sink. Assembly costs may advantageously be reduced, and thermal degradation may be reduced.

[0477] Fig.36C is a schematic diagram illustrating, in side view, an arrangement of edge emitting optical elements and light emitting diodes arranged in an input well of a waveguide. Fig.36C Features of the embodiments that are not discussed in further detail may be assumed to correspond to features as discussed above with equivalent reference numerals, including any possible variations in features.

[0478] exist Fig.36CIn an alternative embodiment of the exemplary input optical element 159 is arranged to collimate input light rays 490, 492 from the LED 154 into the plane of the waveguide 1. Light 490 is output by refraction at the outer surface 161 of the optical element 159, and light 492 is output by reflection and refraction at the outer surface 161 of the optical element 159. The brightness and efficiency of the lighting device 20 can be advantageously improved.

[0479] The control of the array of light emitting elements 15 will now be described.

[0480] Figure 37 to Figure 38 is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating a driving scheme for an array of light emitting elements 15 . Figure 37 to Figure 38 Features of the embodiments that are not discussed in further detail may be assumed to correspond to features as discussed above with equivalent reference numerals, including any possible variations in features.

[0481] exist Fig.37 In the illustrative embodiment, the control system 500 further includes a control system 502 arranged to control the light emitting element 15 , which may be a light emitting diode 154 .

[0482] The light emitting elements 15 are connected in an XY matrix including row and column addressing circuitry. When row 702A is driven high, current sources 716A, 716B connected to column addressing electrodes 700 enable the current sources to control the brightness of the light emitting elements 15. The next row 702B is driven high, and 702A returns to a low value. In this way, the entire array of light emitting elements 15 can be sequentially addressed with image data. Alternatively, the light emitting elements 15 can be grouped together in addressable groups of, for example, 2, 4, 6, or 9. As Fig.37 As illustrated in FIG, a cluster 729 of four light emitting elements 15 is addressed by the row 702A, 702B and column drivers 716A and 716B operating simultaneously. In this case, the drivers 716A and 716B can be a single driver connected to the two columns of the respective columns 700. This means that by addressing clusters of light emitting elements 15, fewer drivers are required, saving costs. Further, the same basic emitter array can be used in high-resolution or lower-resolution products by combing the light emitting elements 15 into clusters 720 of different sizes. The array design can be arranged with different drivers to advantageously achieve products of different performance.

[0483] Fig.38An alternative configuration of row and column drive electronics is shown in which a current source 716 is connected to the row drive electronics 714 instead of the column drive electronics 712. The row drive electronics 714 can multiplex one current source 716 for multiple row electrodes 702A, 702B, thereby saving cost.

[0484] exist Fig.38 In the illustrative embodiment of , the control system 500 further includes a control system 502 , which is arranged to collectively control the cluster of light emitting elements 15 .

[0485] The row drive electronics 714 and column drive electronics 712 may be included in a driver IC mounted within or below the array of light emitting elements 15. Such an IC may address a subset of the total number of light emitting elements 15. Multiple driver ICs may cooperate to address the entire emission array. The driver IC may also include pulse width modulation (PWM) circuitry and may be mounted proximate to a group of light emitting elements 15. The driver IC may address a local group of light emitting elements 15, and the driver IC itself may be addressed or controlled from a controller peripheral to the array.

[0486] We will now describe Figure 1B An alternative arrangement of the near-eye display 100 of the display illustrated in FIG.

[0487] Fig.39A is a schematic diagram illustrating in side view a near-eye display device 102 including an illumination device 20 and a Fresnel lens 65 arranged to direct a cone of light 425 from a trans-spatial light modulator 48 into an aperture of an eyepiece lens 60 . Fig.39A Features of the embodiments that are not discussed in further detail may be assumed to correspond to features as discussed above with equivalent reference numerals, including any possible variations in features.

[0488] The illumination device 20 may include non-pupil light steering optics 50 that provide a substantially parallel cone of light 425 from the illumination device 20. The Fresnel lens 65 directs the cone of light 425 into the aperture of the eyepiece lens 60. The cone of light 425 is coupled into the eyepiece lens 60, advantageously improving uniformity and efficiency.

[0489] Fig.39B is a schematic diagram illustrating in side view a light redirecting optical assembly for use in the near-eye display device of FIG. 39 . Fig.39B Features of the embodiments that are not discussed in further detail may be assumed to correspond to features as discussed above with equivalent reference numerals, including any possible variations in features.

[0490] An integrated body including the light redirecting optical assembly 50 and the Fresnel lens 65 is advantageously provided with a low thickness.

[0491] Fig.40 is a schematic diagram illustrating, in side view, a near-eye display device including a pupil illumination device arranged to direct light into an aperture of an eyepiece lens. Fig.40 Features of the embodiments that are not discussed in further detail may be assumed to correspond to features as discussed above with equivalent reference numerals, including any possible variations in features.

[0492] and Fig.39A Compared to the arrangement of FIG. 10G to FIG. 10I 2. The pupil light steering optical assembly 50 illustrated in FIG. Advantageously, cost and complexity are reduced. Further, the appearance of Moire in the illumination pattern can be reduced. The screen door appearance caused by the visibility of the illumination device 20 can also be reduced.

[0493] Fig.41 is a schematic diagram illustrating the imaging of the optical window into the entrance aperture of the eyepiece lens in side view. Fig.41 Features of the embodiments that are not discussed in further detail may be assumed to correspond to features as discussed above with equivalent reference numerals, including any possible variations in features.

[0494] Fig.41 The diagram shows Fig. 10D The optical window 26 illustrated in FIG. 1 may be directed toward the eyepiece lens 60. The size of the optical window 26 may be arranged to match the input aperture of the eyepiece arrangement 60, which may be a lens. The efficiency and uniformity of the illumination are advantageously improved. Stray light in the near-eye display device 102 is reduced and contrast is advantageously improved.

[0495] A method of manufacturing the waveguide 1 will now be described, wherein the metal material 200 is deposited within the wells 30, 40.

[0496] Fig.42A is a schematic diagram illustrating an arrangement of a waveguide 1 comprising a light input well 30 and a light deflecting well 40 in a side view, wherein a metal 201 is arranged on the ends 34 , 44 of the wells 30 , 40 . Fig.42A Features of the embodiments that are not discussed in further detail may be assumed to correspond to features as discussed above with equivalent reference numerals, including any possible variations in features.

[0497] Fig.42AThe diagram illustrates a waveguide 1 which can be manufactured using the method described below. The waveguide 1 has a plurality of wells 30, 40 having ends 34, 44 on which a metal 201 is formed.

[0498] As described elsewhere herein, the plurality of traps 30, 40 include: an array of light input traps 30; and an array of light deflection traps 40, wherein each light input trap 30 includes a light input surface 32 extending into the waveguide 1, the light input surface 32 being arranged to input light (not shown) from a respective light emitting element 15 into the waveguide 1, and each light deflection trap 40 includes a light deflection surface 42 extending into the waveguide so that some guided light is incident on the light deflection surface 42 and some guided light passes through the light deflection surface 42, the light deflection surface 42 being arranged to reflect at least some of the guided light incident thereon, and the light deflection trap 40 having an arrangement around each light input trap 30 such that the guided light that has been input through the light input surface 32 of the light input trap 30 is distributed around the light input trap 30.

[0499] Continuous layer 810 includes an outer surface 808 and an interface surface 815 .

[0500] The well layer 820 includes an outer surface 806 and an interface surface 817 and a plurality of apertures 830, 840 extending through the well layer 820. The interface region 811 includes patterned metal 201 and is arranged between the surfaces 815, 817 in areas not including metal 201 to provide substantially lossless light propagation within the waveguide 1. The interface region 811 can be thin and can have a thickness of less than 100 microns, preferably less than 30 microns, and most preferably less than 15 microns. In the case where the materials of the well layer 820 and the continuous layer 810 are directly bonded, the interface region 811 can have zero thickness. Advantageously, the visibility of hot spots can be reduced.

[0501] Desirably, the width 836 of the metal 201 is the same as, or greater than, the width 834 of the aperture 830 in the well layer 820. Advantageously, in operation, the visibility of hot spots is reduced.

[0502] For illustrative purposes, the light extraction features 10 of the waveguide 1 are not shown in the present application manufacturing method embodiment. Such light extraction features 10 can be formed by copying to one or each of the surfaces 806, 808 of the waveguide 1 after the manufacturing steps herein, or can be molded into or on the surface 806 of the well layer 820 or the surface 808 of the continuous layer 810 before or during the manufacturing steps.

[0503] Fig.42Bis a schematic diagram illustrating an arrangement of a waveguide 1 comprising a light input well 30 and a light deflecting well 40 in a side view, wherein metal 201 is arranged at the end 34 of the light input well 30 and no metal 201 is arranged at the end of the light deflecting well 40 . Fig.42B Features of the embodiments that are not discussed in further detail may be assumed to correspond to features as discussed above with equivalent reference numerals, including any possible variations in features.

[0504] The light deflecting well 40 is not metallized, and the cost and complexity of fabrication are advantageously reduced. The heights of the light input well 30 and the light deflecting well 40 are the same. Fig.43A As described, the well layer 820 may advantageously be provided with reduced complexity and cost.

[0505] Fig.42C is a schematic diagram illustrating an arrangement of a waveguide 1 comprising a light input well 30 and a light deflecting well 40 in a side view, wherein metal 201 is arranged at the end of the light input well 30 and no metal 201 is arranged at the end of the light deflecting well 40 . Fig.42C Features of the embodiments that are not discussed in further detail may be assumed to correspond to features as discussed above with equivalent reference numerals, including any possible variations in features.

[0506] exist Fig.42C In an alternative embodiment, the metal 201 may be provided in a pattern 70 of the light input well 30, rather than in a pattern 70 of the light deflecting well 40. The complexity of the pattern 70 of the metal 201 may be reduced, advantageously reducing costs. Further, the depth of the light deflecting well 40 may be arranged to vary, enabling control of the output illumination profile. Advantageously, uniformity may be improved.

[0507] In the method described hereinafter, metal 201 is illustrated as being arranged in the same pattern 70 as light input well 30 and light deflecting well 40, however, metal 201 for the light deflecting well in region 846 may be omitted.

[0508] Fig.43A is a schematic diagram illustrating a method of providing an arrangement 820 of holes 830 , 840 in a well layer 820 in a side view. Fig.43A Features of the embodiments that are not discussed in further detail may be assumed to correspond to features as discussed above with equivalent reference numerals, including any possible variations in features.

[0509] In a first step S1A, a continuous prefabricated layer 801 is provided having surfaces 808, 817. The prefabricated layer 801 may comprise a transparent material 823 suitable for the waveguide 1, such as for example polycarbonate, PMMA, COP or glass. Advantageously, the surface 808 may be provided with desired surface properties, such as light extraction features 10 (not shown).

[0510] The method further comprises a step S2A, which forms a well layer 820 by forming apertures 830, 840 in a continuous prefabricated layer 801, the well layer 820 having a plurality of apertures 830, 840 extending through the well layer 820 to form the well layer 820. The apertures 830, 840 can be formed, for example, by laser processing (such as laser ablation) or by stamping with a patterned stamp. The apertures 830, 840 can be provided in the prefabricated layer using a roll processing type process, advantageously reducing cost and complexity.

[0511] Fig.43B is a schematic diagram illustrating an alternative method of providing an arrangement 820 of holes 830 , 840 in a well layer 820 in a side view. Fig.43B Features of the embodiments that are not discussed in further detail may be assumed to correspond to features as discussed above with equivalent reference numerals, including any possible variations in features.

[0512] In an alternative first step S1B, a well layer 820 is formed having a plurality of apertures 830, 840 extending through the well layer 820 by molding a prefabricated layer 803 having a plurality of wells 831, 841 formed in the prefabricated layer 803 on a first side 806 of the prefabricated layer 803. Advantageously, the surface quality of the light input surface 32 and the light deflecting surface 42 may enable low scattering and low visibility of hot spots in operation.

[0513] In an alternative second step S2B, a portion 805 of the prefabricated layer 801 that exceeds the level 819 of the ends of the wells 831, 841 is removed from a second side 807 opposite the first side 806 to form a well layer 820 in which the wells 831, 841 form apertures 830, 840. The step of removing S2B may be performed by means of grinding and / or polishing, for example by means of a removal device 809. In a further step (not shown), the surface 806 may also be polished.

[0514] The corner features 833, 843 of the apertures 830, 840 may be provided with high accuracy. Advantageously, in operation, light input efficiency may be improved and visibility of hot spots reduced.

[0515] Fig.43Cis a schematic diagram illustrating an alternative method of providing the first arrangement of the light input aperture 830 and the light deflecting well 40 in the well layer 820 in a side view. Fig.43C Features of the embodiments that are not discussed in further detail may be assumed to correspond to features as discussed above with equivalent reference numerals, including any possible variations in features.

[0516] exist Fig.43C In an alternative embodiment of the invention, in step S1C, the light deflecting well 40 is formed so as not to extend to level 819 within the prefabricated layer 803, and thus in step S2C, not to extend through the well layer 820, as in Fig.42C Advantageously, improved output uniformity control may be achieved and the cost and complexity of providing the pattern 70 of metal 201 may be reduced.

[0517] Fig.44A is a schematic diagram illustrating a method of providing a waveguide 1 comprising a light input well 30 and a light deflecting well 40 in a side view, wherein the waveguide 1 comprises an adhesive layer 804 . Fig.44A Features of the embodiments that are not discussed in further detail may be assumed to correspond to features as discussed above with equivalent reference numerals, including any possible variations in features.

[0518] In this embodiment, the light input well 30 is metallized, and the light deflection well 40 is metallized. In step S3A for providing the waveguide 1, a continuous prefabricated layer 801 is provided, the continuous prefabricated layer 801 comprising a cover layer 800 and a protective layer 802, wherein an adhesive layer 804 is between the cover layer 800 and the protective layer 802. The continuous prefabricated layer may, for example, comprise an adhesive 304 encapsulated between the sacrificial cover layer 801 and the protective layer 802, the adhesive 304 comprising an optically clear adhesive (OCA) or a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA). Such a continuous prefabricated layer 801 may advantageously be provided at low cost and with a low thickness of the adhesive layer 804.

[0519] In step S4A, a plurality of apertures 832, 842 are formed in the continuous prefabricated layer 801. The apertures 833, 843 may be formed, for example, by laser processing (such as laser ablation) or by stamping with a patterned stamper. The plurality of apertures 832, 842 of the alignment layer 812 and the plurality of apertures 830, 840 of the well layer 820 are arranged in the same pattern 70, for example as described above in Figure 5 , Fig.11A and Fig. 14C However, the size of apertures 830, 832 and the size of apertures 840, 842 may be different, such as Fig.42A As illustrated in the figure.

[0520] In an alternative approach, the pattern may not include a pattern of light extraction wells 40, and the apertures 842 may be omitted.

[0521] In step S5A, protective layer 802 is removed to expose adhesive layer 804 on cover layer 800. In an alternative method (not shown), protective layer 802 and step S5A may be omitted.

[0522] Steps S3A to S5A therefore illustrate the steps of forming an alignment layer 812 having a plurality of apertures 832, 842 extending through the alignment layer 812. As will now be described, the alignment layer 812 provides alignment of both the metal 201 and the adhesive 804 with the wells 30, 40 of the waveguide 1. Advantageously, the cost and complexity of alignment and assembly is reduced.

[0523] In step S6A, the alignment layer 812 is attached to the surface 815 of the continuous layer 810 by the adhesive layer 804 such that the plurality of regions 836 , 846 of the surface 815 of the continuous layer 810 are exposed in the plurality of apertures 832 , 842 of the alignment layer 812 .

[0524] In step S7A, metal 201 is continuously deposited across the outer side 821 of the capping layer 800 and the exposed multiple regions 836 , 846 of the surface 815 of the continuous layer 810 .

[0525] In step S8A, cover layer 800 is removed to expose adhesive layer 804 on surface 815 of continuous layer 810 and leave multiple metal 201 layers 838 , 848 on multiple regions 832 , 842 of surface 815 of continuous layer 810 on which metal 201 is deposited.

[0526] In step S9A, the well layer 820 is attached to the surface 815 of the continuous layer 810 via the adhesive layer 804, wherein the multiple apertures 830, 840 of the well layer 820 are aligned with the multiple regions 836, 846 of the surface 815 of the continuous layer 820 on which the metal 201 is deposited to form a waveguide 1, in which the apertures 830, 840 of the well layer 820 form wells 30, 40.

[0527] exist Fig.44A In an embodiment, the apertures 830, 840 of the alignment layer 812 are larger than the corresponding apertures 830, 840 of the well layer 820, such that in cross-section, the width 836 is larger than the width 834, and the width 846 is larger than the width 844. Advantageously, as described above, hot spots are reduced.

[0528] Fig.44Bis a schematic diagram illustrating in side view a method of providing a waveguide 1 comprising a light input well 30 and a light deflecting well 40, wherein the waveguide comprises an adhesive layer 804, and wherein the light deflecting well 40 is not metallized. Fig.44B Features of the embodiments that are not discussed in further detail may be assumed to correspond to features as discussed above with equivalent reference numerals, including any possible variations in features.

[0529] In this embodiment, the light input well 30 is metallized and the light deflection well 40 is not metallized. Steps S3B to S9B1 are similar to Fig.44A Steps S3A to S9A are described above, except that in step S4B, the aperture 842 of the alignment layer 812 is omitted so that the light deflecting well is not metallized.

[0530] Therefore Fig.44B In the method, the method may be a method for manufacturing a waveguide 1 further having a plurality of unmetallized wells, wherein the plurality of apertures 830 in the well layer 820 are a plurality of first apertures, and the well layer 820 further comprises a plurality of second apertures 840 extending through the well layer 820, whereby: the plurality of apertures 832 of the alignment layer 812 and the plurality of first apertures 830 of the well layer 820 are arranged in the same pattern, the step of attaching the alignment layer 812 to the surface 815 of the continuous layer 810 by means of the adhesive layer 804 is performed in the plurality of first apertures of the alignment layer 812; The steps of exposing multiple regions 836 of the surface 815 of the continuous layer 810 in the aperture 832; and attaching the well layer 820 to the surface 815 of the continuous layer 810 by the adhesive layer 804 (wherein the multiple first apertures 830 of the well layer 820 are aligned with the multiple regions 836 of the surface 815 of the continuous layer 810 on which the metal 201 is deposited) form a waveguide 1, in which the first apertures 830 of the well layer 820 form a metallized well, and the second apertures 842 of the well layer 820 form an unmetallized well.

[0531] Such an arrangement can provide Fig.42B Advantageously, cost and complexity may be reduced, particularly in embodiments where the light deflecting well 40 has small dimensions. The efficiency and uniformity of the output around the light deflecting well 40 may be improved because no metal 201 is provided in these regions.

[0532] Figure 44C is a schematic diagram illustrating in side view alternative steps of a method of providing a waveguide comprising a light input well and a light deflecting well, wherein the waveguide comprises an adhesive layer, and wherein the light deflecting well is not metallized and has a different height than the light input well. Features of the embodiment of Figure 44C that are not discussed in further detail can be assumed to correspond to features having like numbers as discussed above, including any possible variations in features.

[0533] In an alternative method of FIG. 44C , the well layer 820 is as Fig.43C of the type illustrated in step S2C, and Fig.44B Step S9B1 of FIG44C is omitted and replaced by step S9B2 of FIG44C. Advantageously, the waveguide 1 may have reduced cost and complexity. The height of the light deflecting well 40 may be adjusted to improve uniformity.

[0534] Therefore, Fig.44B In comparison, the well layer 820 further includes a plurality of unmetallized wells, wherein the well layer 820 further includes a plurality of wells 40 partially extending through the well layer 820, thereby attaching the well layer 820 to the surface 815 of the continuous layer 810 by means of the adhesive layer 804 (wherein the plurality of first apertures 830 of the well layer 820 are aligned with a plurality of regions of the surface 815 of the continuous layer 810 on which the metal 201 is deposited) to form a waveguide 1, in which the apertures 830 of the well layer 820 form metallized wells, and the wells 40 of the well layer 820 form unmetallized wells.

[0535] exist Fig.44B In operation of an alternative embodiment of Figure 44C, a plurality of metallized wells include an array of light input wells 30; and a plurality of unmetallized wells include an array of light deflection wells 40, wherein each light input well 30 includes a light input surface 32 extending into the waveguide 1, the light input surface 32 being arranged to input light from a respective light emitting element 15 into the waveguide 1, and each light deflection well 40 includes a light deflection surface 42 extending into the waveguide 1 so that some guided light is incident on the light deflection surface 42 and some guided light passes through the light deflection surface 42, the light deflection surface 42 being arranged to reflect at least some of the guided light incident thereon, and the light deflection wells 40 have an arrangement around each light input well 30 such that the guided light that has been input through the light input surface 32 of the light input well 30 is distributed around the light input well 30.

[0536] Figure 45A is a schematic diagram illustrating in side view an alternative method of providing a waveguide 1 including a metallized light input well 30 and a metallized light deflecting well 40, wherein the waveguide 1 includes a solder layer 828. Features of the embodiment of Figure 45A that are not discussed in further detail can be assumed to correspond to features having like reference numbers as discussed above, including any possible variations in features.

[0537] The method may be a method for manufacturing a waveguide 1 further having a plurality of unmetallized wells, wherein the plurality of apertures 832, 842 in the well layer 820 are a plurality of first apertures 832, and the well layer 820 further includes a plurality of second apertures 842 extending through the well layer 820, whereby: the plurality of first apertures 830 of the well layer 820 and a plurality of regions of a surface 815 of a continuous layer 810 are arranged in the same pattern, and the step of attaching the well layer 820 to the surface 815 of the continuous layer 810 (wherein the plurality of first apertures 830 of the well layer 820 are aligned with a plurality of regions of the surface 815 of the continuous layer 810 on which metal 201 is deposited) forms a waveguide 1, in which the first apertures 830 of the well layer 820 form metallized wells, and the second apertures 842 of the well layer 820 form unmetallized wells.

[0538] Figure 45A illustrates an alternative method of manufacturing a waveguide 1 having a plurality of wells 30, 40 having a surface on which is deposited a metal 201. In this embodiment, the light input well 30 is metallized and the light deflecting well 40 is metallized.

[0539] In step S3C, the continuous layer 810 is provided with metal 201 deposited across a continuous portion of the surface 815 .

[0540] In step S4C, metal 201 is patterned to have pattern 70 so that metal 201 is deposited on multiple regions 836, 846 of surface 815 by removing deposited metal 201 outside multiple regions 836, 846 to leave deposited metal 201 on multiple regions 836, 846. Patterning can be provided by known patterning methods such as photoresist processing, deposition through a mask, or by printing.

[0541] As described above, the regions 836 , 846 of the surface 815 of the continuous layer 810 on which the metal 201 is deposited may be larger than the corresponding apertures 830 , 840 of the well layer 820 .

[0542] As described elsewhere hereinabove, the well layer 820 is provided with a plurality of apertures 830, 840 of the well layer 820, and a plurality of regions 836, 846 of the surface 815 of the continuous layer 810 arranged in the same pattern 70, or in an alternative approach, the plurality of regions 846 may be omitted, for example as described with respect to Fig.42C As illustrated in the diagram.

[0543] In step S5C, the well layer 820 is attached to the continuous layer 810, wherein the plurality of apertures 830, 840 of the well layer 820 is aligned with the plurality of regions 836, 846 of the surface 815 of the continuous layer 810 on which the metal 201 is deposited, to form a waveguide 1 in which the apertures 830, 840 of the well layer 820 form the wells 30, 40. The step of attaching the well layer 820 to the continuous layer 810 may be performed by laser welding, wherein illumination 870 is provided to achieve heating of the interface region 811 and bonding between the two materials of the well layer 820 and the continuous layer 810, respectively. At least one of the surfaces 815, 817 may be provided with an absorption layer arranged to absorb the laser radiation and achieve local heating of the interface region 811. Scattering and Fresnel reflections at the interface region may advantageously be reduced, and the visibility of hot spots may be reduced. Alternatively, the step of attaching the well layer 820 may be by means of a continuous adhesive layer (not shown) arranged in the interface region 811 .

[0544] In step S6C, waveguide 1 is illustrated after the well layer 820 is attached to the continuous layer 810 (wherein the plurality of apertures 830, 840 of the well layer 820 are aligned with the plurality of regions 836, 846 of the surface 815 of the continuous layer 810 on which the metal 201 is deposited) to form waveguide 1, in which the apertures 830, 840 of the well layer 820 form wells 30, 40.

[0545] Therefore, the multiple traps 30, 40 include: an array of light input traps 30; and an array of light deflection traps 40, wherein each light input trap 30 includes a light input surface 32 extending into the waveguide 1, the light input surface 32 is arranged to input light from the respective light emitting element 15 into the waveguide 1, and each light deflection trap 40 includes a light deflection surface 42 extending into the waveguide so that some guided light is incident on the light deflection surface 42 and some guided light passes through the light deflection surface 42, the light deflection surface 42 is arranged to reflect at least some of the guided light incident thereon, and the light deflection trap 40 has an arrangement around each light input trap 30, which causes the guided light that has been input through the light input surface 32 of the light input trap 30 to be distributed around the light input trap 30.

[0546] Fig.45B is a schematic diagram illustrating in a side view a method of providing a waveguide 1 comprising a light input well 30 and a light deflecting well 40, wherein the waveguide 1 comprises a solder layer and wherein the light deflecting well 40 is not metallized. Fig.45B Features of the embodiments that are not discussed in further detail may be assumed to correspond to features as discussed above with equivalent reference numerals, including any possible variations in features.

[0547] In this embodiment, the light input well 30 is metallized and the light deflecting well 40 is not metallized.

[0548] The method may be a method for manufacturing a waveguide 1 further having a plurality of unmetallized wells, wherein the well layer 820 further includes a plurality of wells partially extending through the well layer 820, whereby a step of attaching the well layer 820 to the surface 815 of the continuous layer 810 (wherein the plurality of first apertures 830 of the well layer 820 are aligned with a plurality of regions 836 of the surface 815 of the continuous layer 810 on which the metal 201 is deposited) forms the waveguide 1, in which the apertures 832, 842 of the well layer 820 form metallized wells, and the wells of the well layer 820 form unmetallized wells.

[0549] Steps S3D to S6D are similar to steps S3C to S9C of Figure 45A, except that in step S4D, region 846 of continuous layer 810 is omitted so that light deflecting well 40 is not metallized. Fig.45B Further illustrating that in step S5D, the well layer 820 can be as follows Fig.43C Advantageously, the light deflection well 40 may have a different height than the light input well 30. In an alternative approach, Fig.43A The well layer 820 may be provided in step S5B.

[0550] In the above embodiment, in which a plurality of metallized wells include an array of light input wells 30; and a plurality of unmetallized wells include an array of light deflection wells 40, each light input well 30 includes a light input surface 32 extending into the waveguide 1, the light input surface 32 is arranged to input light from a respective light emitting element 15 into the waveguide 1, and each light deflection well 40 includes a light deflection surface 42 extending into the waveguide 1 so that some guided light is incident on the light deflection surface 42 and some guided light passes through the light deflection surface 42, the light deflection surface 42 is arranged to reflect at least some of the guided light incident thereon, and the light deflection well 40 has an arrangement around each light input well 30, the arrangement causing the guided light that has been input through the light input surface 32 of the light input well 30 to be distributed around the light input well 30.

[0551] Such an arrangement can provide Fig.42C Advantageously, cost and complexity may be reduced, particularly in embodiments where the light deflecting well 40 has small dimensions. The efficiency and uniformity of the output around the light deflecting well 40 may be improved because no metal 201 is provided in those areas.

[0552] As may be used herein, the terms "substantially" and "approximately" provide industry-accepted tolerances for their corresponding terms and / or correlations between terms. Such industry-accepted tolerances range from zero percent to ten percent and correspond to, but are not limited to, component values, angles, etc. Such correlations between terms range from approximately zero percent to ten percent.

[0553] Although various embodiments according to the principles disclosed herein have been described above, it should be understood that they are presented as examples only, not limitations. Therefore, the breadth and scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by any of the above exemplary embodiments, but should only be defined in accordance with any claims published from the present disclosure and their equivalents. In addition, the above advantages and features are provided in the described embodiments, but the application of such published claims should not be limited to the process and structure that achieves any or all of the above advantages.

[0554] In addition, the paragraph titles of this article are provided for the suggested consistency under 37CFR 1.77, or for providing organizational clues. These titles should not limit or characterize the one or more embodiments that can be set forth in any claims published from this disclosure. Specifically and as an example, although the title refers to "technical field", the claims should not be limited to describing the so-called technical field by the language selected under the title. Further, the description of the technology in the "background technology" section is not to be interpreted as admitting that a certain technology is the prior art of any one or more embodiments in this disclosure. "Summary of the invention" is also not to be considered as a feature description of one or more embodiments set forth in the published claims. In addition, any reference to the singular "invention" in this disclosure should not be used to prove that there is only one novel point in this disclosure. According to the limitations of multiple claims published from this disclosure, multiple embodiments can be set forth, and these claims accordingly define one or more embodiments protected by them, and their equivalents. In all cases, the scope of these claims should be understood according to the essence of these claims themselves according to this disclosure, and should not be limited by the titles listed herein.

Claims

1. A method of manufacturing a waveguide having a plurality of metallized wells, the metallized wells having a surface on which a metal is deposited, the method comprising: supply: Continuous layers; a well layer having a plurality of apertures extending through the well layer; as well as an alignment layer having a plurality of apertures extending through the alignment layer, the alignment layer comprising a cover layer and an adhesive layer exposed on the cover layer, the plurality of apertures of the alignment layer and the plurality of apertures of the well layer being arranged in a same pattern; attaching the alignment layer to the surface of the continuous layer via the adhesive layer such that a plurality of regions of the surface of the continuous layer are exposed in the plurality of apertures of the alignment layer; continuously depositing metal across the outer side of the capping layer and the exposed plurality of regions of the surface of the continuous layer; removing the cover layer to expose the adhesive layer on the surface of the continuous layer and to leave a plurality of metal layers on the plurality of areas of the surface of the continuous layer having metal deposited thereon; as well as The well layer is attached to the surface of the continuous layer by the adhesive layer, wherein the plurality of apertures of the well layer are aligned with the plurality of regions of the surface of the continuous layer having metal deposited thereon to form the waveguide, in which the apertures of the well layer form the wells.

2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising forming the well layer having the plurality of apertures extending through the well layer by: Providing successive precast layers; and The apertures are formed in the continuous preformed layer to form the well layer.

3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising forming the well layer having the plurality of apertures extending through the well layer by: molding a prefabricated layer having a plurality of wells formed in the prefabricated layer on a first side; and A portion of the prefabricated layer beyond the level of the end of the well is removed from a second side opposite to the first side to form the well layer in which the well forms the aperture.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising forming the alignment layer having the plurality of apertures extending through the alignment layer by: providing a continuous prefabricated layer, the continuous prefabricated layer comprising the cover layer and the protective layer, wherein the adhesive layer is between the cover layer and the protective layer; forming the plurality of apertures in the continuous preformed layer; as well as The protective layer is removed to expose the adhesive layer on the cover layer.

5. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the aperture of the alignment layer is larger than the corresponding aperture of the well layer.

6. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of metallized wells comprises: an array of light input wells; as well as An array of light deflecting wells, wherein Each light input well comprises a light input surface extending into the waveguide, the light input surface being arranged to input light from a respective light emitting element into the waveguide; and Each light deflection well includes a light deflection surface extending into the waveguide so that some of the guided light is incident on the light deflection surface and some of the guided light passes through the light deflection surface, the light deflection surface is arranged to reflect at least some of the guided light incident thereon, and the light deflection well has an arrangement around each light input well, the arrangement causes the guided light that has been input through the light input surface of the light input well to be distributed around the light input well.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the method is a method for manufacturing a waveguide further having a plurality of unmetallized wells, wherein The plurality of apertures in the well layer is a plurality of first apertures, and the well layer further comprises a plurality of second apertures extending through the well layer, whereby: The plurality of apertures of the alignment layer and the plurality of first apertures of the well layer are arranged in the same pattern, The step of attaching the alignment layer to the surface of the continuous layer via the adhesive layer exposes a plurality of areas of the surface of the continuous layer in the plurality of first apertures in the alignment layer; and The step of attaching the well layer to the surface of the continuous layer by the adhesive layer, wherein the plurality of first apertures of the well layer are aligned with the plurality of areas of the surface of the continuous layer having metal deposited thereon, forms the waveguide, in which the first apertures of the well layer form the metallized wells and the second apertures of the well layer form the unmetallized wells.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the method is a method for manufacturing a waveguide further having a plurality of unmetallized wells, wherein The well layer further includes a plurality of wells extending partially through the well layer, thereby attaching the well layer to the surface of the continuous layer by the adhesive layer, wherein the step of aligning the plurality of first apertures of the well layer with the plurality of regions of the surface of the continuous layer having metal deposited thereon forms the waveguide, in which the apertures of the well layer form the metallized wells and the wells of the well layer form the unmetallized wells.

9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, wherein: The plurality of metallized wells comprises an array of light input wells; and The plurality of unmetallized wells comprises an array of light deflecting wells, wherein Each light input well comprises a light input surface extending into the waveguide, the light input surface being arranged to input light from a respective light emitting element into the waveguide, and Each light deflection well includes a light deflection surface extending into the waveguide so that some of the guided light is incident on the light deflection surface and some of the guided light passes through the light deflection surface, the light deflection surface is arranged to reflect at least some of the guided light incident thereon, and the light deflection well has an arrangement around each light input well, the arrangement causes the guided light that has been input through the light input surface of the light input well to be distributed around the light input well.

10. A method of manufacturing a waveguide having a plurality of metallized wells, the metallized wells having a surface of metal deposited thereon, the method comprising: supply: a continuous layer having a metal deposited on a plurality of regions of a surface; a well layer having a plurality of apertures extending through the well layer, the plurality of apertures of the well layer and the plurality of regions of the surface of the continuous layer being arranged in a same pattern; The well layer is attached to the surface of the continuous layer, wherein the plurality of apertures of the well layer are aligned with the plurality of regions of the surface of the continuous layer having metal deposited thereon to form the waveguide in which the apertures of the well layer form the wells.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising forming the well layer having the plurality of apertures extending through the well layer by: Providing successive precast layers; and The apertures are formed in the continuous preformed layer to form the well layer.

12. The method of claim 10, further comprising forming the well layer having the plurality of apertures extending through the well layer by: molding a prefabricated layer having a plurality of wells formed in the prefabricated layer on a first side; and A portion of the prefabricated layer beyond the level of the end of the well is removed from a second side opposite to the first side to form the well layer in which the well forms the aperture.

13. A method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the step of attaching the well layer to the continuous layer is performed by laser welding.

14. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 13, further comprising forming a continuous layer having the metal deposited on a plurality of regions of the surface by: providing the continuous layer with metal deposited across a continuous portion of the surface; and The deposited metal outside the plurality of regions is removed to leave the deposited metal on the plurality of regions.

15. The method of any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the area of ​​the surface of the continuous layer on which metal is deposited is larger than the corresponding aperture of the well layer.

16. The method of any one of claims 10 to 15, wherein the plurality of metallized wells comprises: an array of light input wells; as well as An array of light deflecting wells, wherein Each light input well comprises a light input surface extending into the waveguide, the light input surface being arranged to input light from a respective light emitting element into the waveguide, and Each light deflection well includes a light deflection surface extending into the waveguide so that some of the guided light is incident on the light deflection surface and some of the guided light passes through the light deflection surface, the light deflection surface is arranged to reflect at least some of the guided light incident thereon, and the light deflection well has an arrangement around each light input well, the arrangement causes the guided light that has been input through the light input surface of the light input well to be distributed around the light input well.

17. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 15, wherein the method is a method for manufacturing a waveguide further having a plurality of unmetallized wells, wherein The plurality of apertures in the well layer is a plurality of first apertures, and the well layer further comprises a plurality of second apertures extending through the well layer, whereby: The plurality of first apertures of the well layer and the plurality of regions of the surface of the continuous layer are arranged in the same pattern, and The step of attaching the well layer to the surface of the continuous layer, wherein the plurality of first apertures of the well layer are aligned with the plurality of regions of the surface of the continuous layer having metal deposited thereon, forms the waveguide in which the first apertures of the well layer form the metallized wells and the second apertures of the well layer form the unmetallized wells.

18. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 15, wherein the method is a method for manufacturing a waveguide further having a plurality of unmetallized wells, wherein The well layer further comprises a plurality of wells extending partially through the well layer, thereby attaching the well layer to the surface of the continuous layer, wherein the step of aligning the plurality of first apertures of the well layer with the plurality of regions of the surface of the continuous layer having metal deposited thereon forms the waveguide, in which the apertures of the well layer form the metallized wells and the wells of the well layer form the unmetallized wells.

19. The method according to claim 17 or 18, wherein: The plurality of metallized wells comprises an array of light input wells; and The plurality of unmetallized wells comprises an array of light deflecting wells, wherein Each light input well comprises a light input surface extending into the waveguide, the light input surface being arranged to input light from a respective light emitting element into the waveguide, and Each light deflection well includes a light deflection surface extending into the waveguide so that some of the guided light is incident on the light deflection surface and some of the guided light passes through the light deflection surface, the light deflection surface is arranged to reflect at least some of the guided light incident thereon, and the light deflection well has an arrangement around each light input well, the arrangement causes the guided light that has been input through the light input surface of the light input well to be distributed around the light input well.

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