Liquid crystal cell

Abstract

A refractive index changing material cell comprising a first and second plastic substrate (24 26), a plurality of spacers (32n) extending between opposing sides of the first and second substrate and defining a space where the refractive index changing material (34) is disposed. The density of the spacers (32n) are increased and the lateral-dimension of the spacers is decreased to minimise tenting and maintain transmission and haze. In some embodiments the diameters of the spacers (32n) being less than 20μm, has a clear transmission range of 60-70% and a dark transmission range of 25-30% and has a further optical element. Certain embodiments may also include at least one waveguide, a luminance adjustment component, lens, image generation device, reflection reduction layer or a protective layer. Also disclosed is a method of manufacturing the refractive index material cell. The method may include determining the volume and lateral dimension of spacers on a rigid substrate and forming an increased volume of a reduced dimension between plastic substrates, and where the substrate is a flexible plastic substrate. [figure 2]