Liquid crystal components and polarized lenses

Abstract

Provided is a liquid crystal member which comprises a liquid crystal layer having a surface with recesses and protrusions, and with which desired optical properties can be obtained. Also provided is a polarizing lens. The present invention comprises a liquid crystal layer formed by polymerizing, in an aligned state, a liquid crystal composition containing a polymerization initiator and a liquid crystal compound which has a polymerizable group. The liquid crystal compound has magnetic anisotropy. At least one main surface of two main surfaces at the ends of the liquid crystal layer in the thickness direction is a non-flat surface having one of a concave shape, a convex shape, and a shape with recesses and protrusions. The slow axes of the liquid crystal composition in regions respectively near the two main surfaces are parallel.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid crystal member and a polarizing lens. [Background technology]

[0002] An element including a liquid crystal layer formed using a liquid crystal composition containing a liquid crystal compound is used as a retardation plate, an optical element that controls the angle of light, etc., by utilizing the refractive index anisotropy of the liquid crystal compound. Such optical elements including a liquid crystal layer have conventionally been used in devices with flat surfaces that are intended to control visible light, such as displays for televisions, smartphones, and tablet PCs.

[0003] Optical elements including such liquid crystal layers are expected to be used as elements that control incident and outgoing light to various optical sensors. Generally, the surface of an optical sensor may not be flat. Furthermore, optical sensors may be used in combination with optical elements that have non-flat surfaces, such as single-focus lenses, Fresnel lenses, light guide plates, and prisms. Therefore, when combining an optical sensor with an optical element having a liquid crystal layer, it is possible to make the surface of the liquid crystal layer uneven to match the surface shape of the optical sensor or the surface shapes of the various optical elements described above, thereby suppressing unintended refraction, reflection, scattering, and the like that may occur due to the generation of voids.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a light guide comprising a first optical component made of a transparent material and having a predetermined shaped irregularity formed on at least one main surface, and a second optical component containing a refractive index anisotropic material, one of the refractive indices of which is approximately the same as the refractive index of the first optical component, and formed on the irregularity of the first optical component, and in which the main surface of the first optical component on which the irregularity is formed is provided with a means for orienting the refractive index anisotropic material (liquid crystal material) in a predetermined direction. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-261088 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The orientation angle of liquid crystal compounds in regions near the interfaces (both major surfaces) of a liquid crystal layer is affected by interactions between the liquid crystal layer and its neighbors. Therefore, in the case of a liquid crystal layer with an uneven surface, even if the liquid crystal compounds are aligned in a predetermined direction, the liquid crystal compounds in the region near the uneven surface (non-flat surface) will be aligned along the uneven surface due to the influence of the uneven surface. Furthermore, the orientation state of liquid crystal compounds is affected by interactions between adjacent liquid crystal compounds. Therefore, the orientation angle of liquid crystal compounds in the region near the non-flat surface also affects the orientation angle of liquid crystal compounds located away from the non-flat surface, resulting in a gradual change in the orientation angle of liquid crystal compounds from the non-flat surface to the opposite major surface. This results in a problem in which the desired optical properties of the liquid crystal layer cannot be obtained.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a liquid crystal member and a polarized lens that can obtain desired optical characteristics in a liquid crystal member having a liquid crystal layer with an uneven surface. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve this problem, the present invention has the following configuration. [1] A liquid crystal layer in which a liquid crystal compound having a polymerizable group is fixed in an aligned state, The liquid crystal compound has magnetic susceptibility anisotropy, at least one of the two main surfaces at both ends in the thickness direction of the liquid crystal layer is a non-flat surface having a concave shape, a convex shape, or an uneven shape; A liquid crystal member in which the slow axes of liquid crystal compounds present in regions near each of the two main surfaces are parallel to each other. [2] The magnetic susceptibility anisotropy ΔX of the liquid crystal compound is |ΔX| ≧ 1×10 -8 The liquid crystal member according to [1], [3] The liquid crystal member according to [1] or [2], wherein the thickness of the liquid crystal layer is 10 μm or more. [4] The liquid crystal member according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the non-flat surface has an optical axis, and when a plane perpendicular to the optical axis is taken as a reference plane, the slow axes of the liquid crystal compounds present in the regions near each of the two main surfaces are parallel to the reference plane. [5] The liquid crystal member according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the non-flat surface has a lens shape. [6] An optical element having an optical axis and disposed on one main surface side of the liquid crystal layer, The liquid crystal member according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein, when a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the optical member is taken as a reference plane, the slow axes of the liquid crystal compounds present in the regions near each of the two main surfaces are parallel to the reference plane. [7] The liquid crystal member according to [6], wherein the optical member is a light source. [8] One of the two main surfaces of the liquid crystal layer is an uneven surface and the other is a flat surface; The liquid crystal member according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein when the flat principal surface is taken as a reference plane, the slow axes of the liquid crystal compounds present in the regions near each of the two principal surfaces are parallel to the reference plane. [9] A polarized lens having the liquid crystal member according to any one of [1] to [8]. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a liquid crystal member and a polarized lens that can obtain desired optical characteristics in a liquid crystal member that includes a liquid crystal layer having an uneven surface. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram conceptually illustrating an example of a liquid crystal member of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram conceptually showing a liquid crystal layer of the liquid crystal member shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram conceptually illustrating another example of a liquid crystal layer. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram conceptually illustrating another example of a liquid crystal layer. [Figure 5]FIG. 10 is a diagram conceptually illustrating another example of a liquid crystal layer. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the liquid crystal layer shown in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram conceptually illustrating another example of a liquid crystal layer. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram conceptually illustrating another example of a liquid crystal member. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram conceptually illustrating another example of a liquid crystal member. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram conceptually illustrating another example of a liquid crystal layer. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram conceptually illustrating another example of a liquid crystal member. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram conceptually illustrating another example of a liquid crystal member. [Figure 13] 1A and 1B are diagrams for explaining a liquid crystal member in an embodiment. [Figure 14] 1A and 1B are diagrams for explaining a liquid crystal member in an embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a method for evaluating an extinction angle in an example. [Figure 16] 16 is a diagram for explaining a method for evaluating the extinction angle in region B of FIG. 15. FIG. [Figure 17] 16 is a diagram for explaining a method for evaluating the extinction angle in region C of FIG. 15. FIG. [Figure 18] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining a method for evaluating imaging performance in Examples. [Figure 19] FIG. 1 is a diagram conceptually illustrating an example of a liquid crystal layer included in a conventional liquid crystal member. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The liquid crystal member of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0012] In this specification, a numerical range expressed using "to" means a range that includes the numerical values ​​before and after "to" as the lower and upper limits. In this specification, the term "(meth)acrylate" is used to mean "either or both of an acrylate and a methacrylate." In this specification, the terms "same" and "equal" include a margin of error generally accepted in the technical field.

[0013] [Liquid crystal components] The liquid crystal member of the present invention comprises: a liquid crystal layer formed by polymerizing a liquid crystal composition containing a liquid crystal compound having a polymerizable group and a polymerization initiator in an aligned state; The liquid crystal compound has magnetic susceptibility anisotropy, at least one of the two main surfaces at both ends in the thickness direction of the liquid crystal layer is a non-flat surface having a concave shape, a convex shape, or an uneven shape; This is a liquid crystal member in which the slow axes of the liquid crystal compounds present in the regions near the two main surfaces are parallel to each other.

[0014] FIG. 1 conceptually shows an example of the liquid crystal member of the present invention.

[0015] 1 has a support 30 and a liquid crystal layer 36a laminated on one main surface of the support 30. The main surface is the largest surface of the film-like material (sheet-like material). 1, the surface of the support 30 facing the liquid crystal layer 36a has a curved, uneven shape, and the second major surface 13a of the liquid crystal layer 36a, which contacts this uneven surface, also has a curved, uneven shape. The second major surface 13a having an uneven shape is the non-flat surface in the present invention. On the other hand, the first major surface 11 of the liquid crystal layer 36a on the side opposite the support 30 is a flat surface.

[0016] The liquid crystal layer 36a is a liquid crystal layer formed (cured) by polymerizing a liquid crystal composition containing a liquid crystal compound having a polymerizable group and a polymerization initiator in an aligned state, and has a configuration in which the liquid crystal compound is fixed in an aligned state.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a diagram conceptually showing the liquid crystal layer 36a of the liquid crystal member 10a shown in FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the liquid crystal compound 40 is a rod-shaped liquid crystal compound, and the direction of its slow axis is parallel to the flat first major surface 11 and the horizontal direction in the figure throughout the liquid crystal layer 36a. That is, the slow axis of the liquid crystal compound 40 present in the first region 12 near the first major surface 11, surrounded by a dashed line in FIG. 2, is parallel to the slow axis of the liquid crystal compound 40 present in the second region 14a near the second major surface 13a. Furthermore, with the flat first major surface 11 as the reference plane, the slow axis of the liquid crystal compound 40 present in the first region 12 and the slow axis of the liquid crystal compound 40 present in the second region 14a near the second major surface 13a are parallel to this reference plane. In rod-shaped liquid crystal compounds, the slow axis is the axis with the highest refractive index. In rod-shaped liquid crystal compounds, the slow axis is along the long axis direction of the rod shape.

[0018] In the present invention, the slow axes of the liquid crystal compound 40 present in the first region 12 and the liquid crystal compound 40 present in the second region 14a being parallel to each other means that the angle is strictly within the range of ±1°.

[0019] As will be described in detail later, in order to align the liquid crystal compound in parallel between the first region 12 on the flat first major surface 11 side and the second region 14a on the uneven second major surface 13a side, the liquid crystal compound 40 has magnetic susceptibility anisotropy, and a magnetic field is used to align the liquid crystal compound 40. This allows the liquid crystal compound 40 to be oriented in any direction even in the second region 14a on the uneven surface side, regardless of the shape of the uneven surface.

[0020] As mentioned above, when a liquid crystal member including a liquid crystal layer is used in combination with an optical sensor having an uneven surface, or an optical element having an uneven surface such as a single-focus lens, a Fresnel lens, a light guide plate, or a prism, it is considered to make the main surface of the liquid crystal layer an uneven surface that matches the surface shape of the optical sensor or the surface shape of the various optical elements mentioned above, thereby reducing the overall thickness. However, the orientation angle of liquid crystal compounds in regions near the interfaces (both major surfaces) of a liquid crystal layer is affected by interactions with the liquid crystal layer and its neighbors. Therefore, in the case of a liquid crystal layer with an uneven surface, even if the liquid crystal compounds are aligned in a predetermined direction, the liquid crystal compounds in regions near the uneven major surfaces (uneven surfaces) are oriented along the uneven surface due to the influence of the uneven surface. Furthermore, the orientation state of liquid crystal compounds is affected by interactions with neighboring liquid crystal compounds. Therefore, the orientation angle of liquid crystal compounds in regions near the uneven surface also affects the orientation angle of liquid crystal compounds located away from the uneven surface, resulting in a gradual change in the orientation angle of liquid crystal compounds from the uneven surface to the opposite major surface. As a result, the desired optical properties of the liquid crystal layer cannot be obtained.

[0021] In contrast, the liquid crystal member of the present invention has a configuration in which at least one principal surface of the liquid crystal layer is an uneven surface, and the alignment of the liquid crystal compound is parallel between the first region 12 on the first principal surface 11 side and the second region 14a on the second principal surface 13a side, which is an uneven surface. With this configuration, the liquid crystal member including the liquid crystal layer having an uneven surface can appropriately obtain desired optical characteristics due to the alignment of the liquid crystal compound.

[0022] In the present invention, a non-flat surface refers to a surface having any of a concave, convex, and uneven shape. The concave, convex, and uneven shapes may be curved surfaces or may be a combination of flat surfaces with different inclination angles. Furthermore, it is preferable that the non-flat surface includes at least a surface inclined with respect to a reference plane described below, i.e., a surface (including a curved surface) other than a surface horizontal or perpendicular to the reference plane. Specific examples of non-flat surfaces will be described in detail later.

[0023] In the present invention, the regions in the vicinity of the main surface (first region, second region) refer to regions 1 μm from the main surface in the thickness direction.

[0024] The angle of the slow axis of the liquid crystal compound present near each of the two main surfaces is measured as follows. A polarizer and an analyzer are arranged in a crossed Nicol configuration, with a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between them. The orientation of the liquid crystal layer is observed with a polarizing microscope to determine the in-plane slow axis angle of the liquid crystal layer. Next, a cross-section of the liquid crystal layer is taken along this slow axis angle, and the slice is placed on a stage with the magnification adjusted so that the field of view is approximately 50 μm. The slice is observed while rotating, and the angles relative to the reference plane (described below) are determined at positions 1 μm from the first principal surface and 1 μm from the second principal surface. This determines the extinction angle, but since the slow axis angle can be either parallel or perpendicular to the extinction angle, a sensitive color plate (530 nm wavelength plate) is inserted into the microscope and the slow axis angle is determined based on the relationship between the wavelength plate's slow axis and color.

[0025] Such measurements are taken 10 times at 1 mm intervals in the surface direction of the reference surface. If the angle of the slow axis at a position 1 μm from the first principal surface and the angle of the slow axis at a position 1 μm from the second principal surface are the same, that is, parallel, then it is determined that the present invention applies.

[0026] Furthermore, a liquid crystal compound having magnetic susceptibility anisotropy means that the magnetic susceptibility varies depending on the direction. Magnetic susceptibility is a physical property value that indicates the ease with which magnetization occurs in a substance. In the present invention, having magnetic susceptibility anisotropy means that the absolute value of magnetic susceptibility anisotropy ΔX measured as follows is 1×10 -8 The above refers to the above.

[0027] The magnetic susceptibility anisotropy is measured as follows. First, a liquid crystal composition containing a liquid crystal compound is prepared by aligning it with an alignment film and then curing it. The magnetic moment generated in response to an external magnetic field is measured in two configurations using a SQUID (superconducting quantum interference detector): (1) the slow axis is parallel to the external magnetic field, and (2) the slow axis is perpendicular to the external magnetic field. The absolute value of the difference between the value measured in configuration (1) and the value measured in configuration (2) is defined as the magnetic susceptibility anisotropy |ΔX|.

[0028] From the viewpoint of aligning the liquid crystal compound in parallel between the first region 12 on the first major surface 11 side and the second region 14a on the second major surface 13a side, which is an uneven surface, the magnetic susceptibility anisotropy |ΔX| is set to 1×10 -8 More than 10 is preferable. -7 Over 10 -4 The following is more preferable, 10 -5 Over 10 -4 The following is even more preferred:

[0029] In the example shown in FIG. 2, the direction of the slow axis of the liquid crystal compound in the first region 12 and the second region 14a is parallel to the first major surface 11, which is a flat surface, but this is not limited to this.

[0030] 3, the direction of the slow axis of the liquid crystal compound in the first region 12 on the first major surface 11 side and the second region 14f on the second major surface 13f side may be perpendicular to the flat first major surface 11. In the liquid crystal layer 36f shown in FIG. 3, the direction of the slow axis of the liquid crystal compound 40 is perpendicular to the first major surface 11, which is the reference plane, throughout the entire liquid crystal layer 36f.

[0031] 4, the direction of the slow axis of the liquid crystal compound in the first region 12 on the first major surface 11 side and the second region 14g on the second major surface 13g side may be tilted at a predetermined angle with respect to the first major surface 11, which is the reference plane. In the liquid crystal layer 36g shown in FIG. 4, the direction of the slow axis of the liquid crystal compound 40 is tilted with respect to the first major surface 11, which is the reference plane, throughout the entire liquid crystal layer 36g.

[0032] 2 to 4, the slow axes of the liquid crystal compounds are parallel to each other throughout the liquid crystal layer, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In the present invention, as long as the slow axis of the liquid crystal compound present in the first region on the first principal surface side is parallel to the slow axis of the liquid crystal compound present in the second region on the second principal surface side, the slow axis of the liquid crystal compound present in the intermediate region between the first and second regions does not have to be parallel to the slow axes of the liquid crystal compounds present in the first and second regions. However, from the viewpoint of obtaining desired optical properties, it is preferable that the slow axis of the liquid crystal compound present in the intermediate region be parallel to the slow axes of the liquid crystal compounds present in the first and second regions.

[0033] Next, the shape of the liquid crystal layer (shape of the non-flat surface) of the liquid crystal member of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0034] Fig. 5 is a diagram conceptually showing another example of the liquid crystal layer, and Fig. 6 is a perspective view of Fig. 5. 5 and 6, the liquid crystal layer 36b has a flat first major surface 11 and a non-flat second major surface 13b on which microprism rows with right-angled triangular cross sections are formed in the direction indicated by arrow D. The second major surface 13b can be described as having an uneven shape in which planes perpendicular to the first major surface 11 and planes inclined at a different angle to the first major surface 11 are alternately combined.

[0035] In the liquid crystal layer 36b having such an uneven surface, the slow axis of the liquid crystal compound 40 present in the first region near the first major surface 11 is parallel to the liquid crystal compound 40 present in the second region near the second major surface 13b. In the examples shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the uneven surface has a shape in which the concave and convex portions are aligned in one direction, like a microprism array. In such a case, the slow axis of the liquid crystal compound 40 is aligned in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the concave and convex portions (a direction perpendicular to the D direction). In the illustrated example, the slow axis of the liquid crystal compound 40 is aligned parallel to the alignment direction of the concave and convex portions (the D direction). 5 conceptually illustrates only the liquid crystal compound 40 present in the vicinity of the first major surface 11 and the vicinity of the second major surface 13b. This also applies to the following FIGS. 7, 9, and 11.

[0036] In the examples shown in Figures 5 and 6, the non-flat surface of the liquid crystal layer has an uneven shape in which planes perpendicular to the first major surface 11 and planes inclined at an angle different from these planes are alternately combined, but this is not limited to this. 7 has a flat first main surface 11 and a non-flat second main surface 13c on which microprism rows with isosceles triangular cross sections are formed. The second main surface 13c can be described as having an uneven shape in which planes inclined with respect to the first main surface 11 and planes inclined at a different angle to the first main surface 11 are alternately combined.

[0037] Even in the liquid crystal layer 36c having such a non-flat surface, the slow axis of the liquid crystal compound 40 present in the first region near the first major surface 11 is parallel to the slow axis of the liquid crystal compound 40 present in the second region near the second major surface 13c.

[0038] FIG. 8 is a diagram conceptually showing another example of a liquid crystal member. A liquid crystal member 10d shown in FIG. 8 includes a support 30d and a liquid crystal layer 36d. The support 30d has a substantially spherical crown-shaped recess on one of its main surfaces, that is, the support 30d can be said to have a concave lens shape.

[0039] The liquid crystal layer 36d is formed in the recess of the support 30d so that the surface of the support 30d and the surface of the liquid crystal layer 36d are approximately flush with each other. Therefore, the first major surface 11 of the liquid crystal layer 36d on the side opposite to the support 30d is flat, and the second major surface 13d on the support 30d side is a convex, non-flat surface. In other words, the liquid crystal layer 36d can be said to have a convex lens shape.

[0040] In the liquid crystal layer 36d having such a non-flat surface, the slow axis of the liquid crystal compound 40 present in the first region 12 near the first major surface 11 is parallel to the liquid crystal compound 40 present in the second region 14d near the second major surface 13d. In the illustrated example, the slow axis of the liquid crystal compound throughout the liquid crystal layer 36d is parallel to the first major surface 11 (reference plane), which is a flat surface.

[0041] FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram showing another example of the liquid crystal member. A liquid crystal member 10e shown in FIG. 9 includes a support 30e and a liquid crystal layer 36e. The support 30e has a convex portion in a substantially spherical crown shape on one of its main surfaces, that is, the support 30e can be said to have a convex lens shape.

[0042] The liquid crystal layer 36e is formed on the main surface of the support 30e that has the convex portion. The first main surface 11 of the liquid crystal layer 36e, opposite the support 30e, is flat, and the second main surface 13e on the support 30e side is a non-flat surface having a concave shape. In other words, the liquid crystal layer 36e can be said to have a concave lens shape.

[0043] Even in the liquid crystal layer 36e having such a non-flat surface, the slow axis of the liquid crystal compound 40 present in the first region near the first major surface 11 is parallel to the slow axis of the liquid crystal compound 40 present in the second region near the second major surface 13e.

[0044] Here, in the examples shown in Figures 1 to 9, the liquid crystal layer has one main surface that is flat and the other main surface that is non-flat, but this is not limited to this, and both main surfaces of the liquid crystal layer may be non-flat.

[0045] FIG. 10 is a diagram conceptually showing another example of the liquid crystal layer. In the liquid crystal layer 36h shown in FIG. 10, the first major surface 11h is a non-flat surface having an uneven shape, and the second major surface 13h is a non-flat surface having an uneven shape.

[0046] In the liquid crystal layer 36h, the slow axes of the liquid crystal compounds 40 are parallel throughout the entire region, pointing in the left-right direction in the figure. That is, the slow axes of the liquid crystal compounds 40 present in the first regions 12h near the first major surface 11h and the slow axes of the liquid crystal compounds 40 present in the second regions 14h near the second major surface 13h are parallel. In this way, both main surfaces of the liquid crystal layer may be non-flat.

[0047] 10, the first main surface 11h and the second main surface 13h each have an irregular, uneven shape, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the first main surface and the second main surface may each have any of the non-flat surfaces shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. 7 to Fig. 9. Furthermore, the shape of the non-flat surface of the first main surface and the shape of the non-flat surface of the second main surface may be the same as or different from each other.

[0048] Here, in the example shown in Figure 2 etc., the first main surface, which is a flat surface, is used as the reference plane, and the slow axes of the liquid crystal compounds present in the first region and the second region are parallel to the reference plane, but this is not limited to this.

[0049] For example, as in the examples shown in Figures 8 and 9, when the non-flat surface (second main surface) of the liquid crystal layer has a shape having an optical axis W1, such as a lens shape, a surface perpendicular to this optical axis W1 may be used as a reference plane, and the slow axes of the liquid crystal compounds present in the first and second regions may be configured to be parallel to this reference plane. In the examples shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the non-flat surface of the liquid crystal layer that is perpendicular to the optical axis W1 is parallel to the flat surface (first major surface) of the liquid crystal layer.

[0050] 8 and 9, when the main surface of the support has a shape having an optical axis W2, such as a lens shape, a plane perpendicular to the optical axis W2 may be used as a reference plane, and the slow axes of the liquid crystal compounds present in the first and second regions may be parallel to the reference plane. A support having the optical axis W2 is an optical member of the present invention. In the examples shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the plane of the main surface of the support member that is perpendicular to the optical axis W2 is parallel to the flat surface (first main surface) of the liquid crystal layer.

[0051] Here, the liquid crystal member of the present invention may further include a light source. FIG. 11 is a diagram conceptually showing another example of a liquid crystal member. The liquid crystal member 10i shown in Figure 11 has a light source 50 having an LED (light emitting diode) substrate 52 and a plurality of LEDs 54 arranged at predetermined intervals on the LED substrate 52, and a liquid crystal layer 36i laminated on the surface of the light source 50 on which the LEDs 54 are arranged.

[0052] 11, the light source 50 has a plurality of LEDs 54 arranged at predetermined intervals, and therefore has an uneven surface. Therefore, the second major surface 13i of the liquid crystal layer 36i arranged on the light source 50, which faces the light source 50, is an uneven surface having an uneven shape that follows the uneven shape of the surface of the light source 50. In addition, the first major surface 11 of the liquid crystal layer 36i, which faces the opposite side to the light source 50, is a flat surface.

[0053] In the liquid crystal layer 36i, the slow axis of the liquid crystal compound 40 present in the first region near the first major surface 11, which is a flat surface, is parallel to the slow axis of the liquid crystal compound 40 present in the second region near the second major surface 13i, which is a non-flat surface.

[0054] In such a liquid crystal member 10i, if the direction of travel of light emitted from the light source 50 is the optical axis W3 of the light source 50, a plane perpendicular to this optical axis W3 may be used as a reference plane, and the slow axes of the liquid crystal compounds present in the first and second regions may be configured to be parallel to this reference plane.

[0055] In the example shown in FIG. 11, the plane perpendicular to the optical axis W3 of the light source 50 is parallel to the flat surface (first major surface 11i) of the liquid crystal layer 36i.

[0056] FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram showing another example of a liquid crystal member. A liquid crystal member 10j shown in FIG. 12 includes a light source 50b and a liquid crystal layer 36j disposed on the side from which light from the light source 50b is emitted. The light source 50b is a light source that emits directional light, such as an LED.

[0057] The liquid crystal layer 36j has a second major surface 13j on the light source 50b side and a first major surface 11j on the opposite side to the light source 50b, both of which are non-flat surfaces having a convex shape, that is, the liquid crystal layer 36j has a convex lens shape.

[0058] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 12, in the liquid crystal layer 36j, the slow axis of the liquid crystal compound 40 present in the first region near the first major surface 11j, which is a non-flat surface, is parallel to the slow axis of the liquid crystal compound 40 present in the second region near the second major surface 13j, which is a non-flat surface.

[0059] In such a liquid crystal member 10j, if the direction of travel of light emitted from the light source 50b is the optical axis W3 of the light source 50b, a plane perpendicular to this optical axis W3 may be used as a reference plane, and the slow axes of the liquid crystal compounds present in the first and second regions may be configured to be parallel to this reference plane.

[0060] In addition, the example shown in Figure 12 can also be said to be a configuration in which the non-flat surfaces (first and second main surfaces) of the liquid crystal layer 36j are lens-shaped, and a surface of this lens shape perpendicular to the optical axis W1 is used as a reference plane, and the slow axes of the liquid crystal compound 40 present in the first and second regions are parallel to this reference plane.

[0061] The thickness of the liquid crystal layer may be appropriately set depending on the shape of the liquid crystal layer (non-flat surface), the desired optical properties of the liquid crystal layer, constraints on the shape of the substrate side, etc. From the viewpoint of forming a non-flat surface on at least one main surface of the liquid crystal layer, the thickness of the liquid crystal layer is preferably 10 μm or more, more preferably 10 μm to 1000 μm, and even more preferably 250 μm to 1000 μm.

[0062] <Support> The support 30 supports the liquid crystal layer. The support 30 can be made of various sheet-like materials (films, plates) as long as it can support the liquid crystal layer.

[0063] Furthermore, one of the main surfaces of the support 30 has an uneven shape corresponding to the uneven shape formed on the main surface that will become the uneven surface of the liquid crystal layer. The uneven shape of the support 30 may be formed by a known method depending on the material from which the support 30 is formed, the type of uneven shape, etc.

[0064] The material of the support 30 can be any suitable material that is used as a support in conventional liquid crystal components having a liquid crystal layer, such as glass, triacetyl cellulose (TAC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride, acrylic, and polyolefin.

[0065] Furthermore, the support 30 may be an optical element such as a concave lens, a convex lens, a Fresnel lens sheet, a light guide plate, or a prism sheet.

[0066] There is no limitation on the thickness of the support 30, and it is sufficient to set the thickness as needed to support the liquid crystal layer depending on the application of the liquid crystal member and the material from which the support 30 is made. The thickness of the support 30 is preferably 1 to 1000 μm, more preferably 3 to 250 μm, and even more preferably 5 to 150 μm.

[0067] In the liquid crystal member of the present invention, the support 30 may be finally peeled off from the liquid crystal layer, and the liquid crystal layer may be used alone.

[0068] <Liquid crystal layer> As described above, the liquid crystal layer is a liquid crystal layer formed by fixing a liquid crystal phase in which liquid crystal compound 40 having a polymerizable group is aligned, and the direction of the slow axis of the liquid crystal compound is parallel in the first region on the first principal surface side and the second region on the second principal surface side.

[0069] <<Method for forming a liquid crystal layer>> The liquid crystal layer can be formed by fixing a liquid crystal phase in a layer form, in which the slow axis of the liquid crystal compound is aligned in a predetermined direction. The structure in which the liquid crystal phase is fixed may be any structure in which the orientation of the liquid crystal compound in the liquid crystal phase is maintained, and typically, a structure is preferred in which a polymerizable liquid crystal compound is brought into a predetermined orientation state, and then polymerized and hardened by ultraviolet irradiation, heating, etc. to form a non-fluid layer, and at the same time, the structure is changed to a state in which the orientation form does not change due to an external field or external force. In the structure in which the liquid crystal phase is fixed, it is sufficient that the optical properties of the liquid crystal phase are maintained, and the liquid crystal compound in the liquid crystal layer does not need to exhibit liquid crystallinity. For example, a polymerizable liquid crystal compound may be polymerized by a curing reaction and lose its liquid crystallinity.

[0070] In the present invention, a liquid crystal compound having magnetic susceptibility anisotropy is used as the liquid crystal compound, and the liquid crystal compound is aligned by applying a magnetic field to the liquid crystal layer, thereby enabling the slow axes of the liquid crystal compound present in the regions near the two principal surfaces to be aligned parallel to each other even when the principal surfaces of the liquid crystal layer are uneven.

[0071] Specifically, a liquid crystal composition containing a liquid crystal compound having a polymerizable group and a polymerization initiator is first applied to a support having a textured surface to form a coating film. When forming a liquid crystal layer having uneven main surfaces, the liquid crystal composition is applied to a support having a textured surface, and then the coating film is sandwiched between a second support having a textured surface, thereby forming uneven surfaces on both main surfaces of the liquid crystal layer.

[0072] The liquid crystal composition can be applied by any known method capable of uniformly applying a liquid to a sheet-like material, such as printing methods such as ink jet printing and scroll printing, as well as spin coating, bar coating and spray coating.

[0073] The applied liquid crystal composition may be dried and / or heated as necessary.

[0074] The surface of the support on which the liquid crystal composition is applied may be subjected to an alignment treatment. Examples of the alignment treatment include rubbing treatment and processing with laser light. By performing the alignment treatment on the surface of the support, the liquid crystal compound in the liquid crystal layer can be more suitably aligned.

[0075] Next, a magnetic field alignment step is performed to align the liquid crystal compound in the coating film formed on the support in the desired orientation state. During this process, liquid crystal compounds with magnetic susceptibility anisotropy are aligned so that the direction of their high magnetic susceptibility is aligned along the direction of the magnetic field lines. Therefore, the direction of the slow axis of the liquid crystal compound in the coating film can be controlled by the direction of the magnetic field lines. Furthermore, if the magnetic field lines acting on the coating film are parallel to each other, the slow axis of the liquid crystal compound can be aligned in the desired direction throughout the liquid crystal layer.

[0076] The magnetic field can be generated using a pair of magnets, and various known electromagnet devices can be used. Depending on the direction in which the slow axis of the liquid crystal compound is desired to be aligned, a pair of magnets are placed on either side of the coating film to generate a magnetic field, thereby applying the magnetic field to the coating film and aligning the slow axis of the liquid crystal compound in any direction. To generate a strong magnetic field, it is preferable to use an electromagnet or a superconducting magnet.

[0077] As described above, in the case of a liquid crystal layer having a concave-convex shape, in the region near the uneven surface having the concave-convex shape, a force acts on the liquid crystal compound to align along the concave-convex shape due to interaction with the support having the concave-convex shape. Therefore, in magnetic field orientation, by applying an alignment control force sufficient to cancel out the interaction between the support and the liquid crystal compound near the uneven surface, the angle of the slow axis of the liquid crystal compound can be aligned parallel throughout the liquid crystal layer. Specifically, it is preferable to apply a magnetic force of 2 T (tesla) or more, and the magnetic field strength is more preferably 3.0 T to 10.0 T, and even more preferably 5.0 T to 10.0 T.

[0078] In addition, in the magnetic field alignment process, in order to promote the alignment of the liquid crystal compound, it is preferable to heat the coating film to increase the temperature of the coating film, and more preferably to raise the temperature to a temperature equal to or higher than the isotropic-nematic transition point of the liquid crystal.

[0079] Next, while maintaining the magnetic field strength and temperature, the coating film is irradiated with light to cause photopolymerization. The light irradiation is preferably ultraviolet light. The irradiation energy is 20 mJ / cm. 2 ~50J / cm 2 is preferred, and 50 mJ / cm 2 ~1500mJ / cm 2 In order to promote the photopolymerization reaction, the light irradiation may be carried out under heated conditions or in a nitrogen atmosphere. The wavelength of the ultraviolet light to be irradiated is preferably 250 nm to 430 nm. Through the above steps, a liquid crystal layer can be formed in which at least one of the principal surfaces is non-flat and the slow axes of the liquid crystal compounds present in the regions near the two principal surfaces are parallel to each other.

[0080] In the liquid crystal member of the present invention, since an uneven surface is formed on at least one main surface of the liquid crystal layer, the liquid crystal layer may need to have a thickness on the order of millimeters or centimeters. Therefore, even when the liquid crystal layer is thick, it is necessary to control the alignment state of the liquid crystal compound across the thickness direction. In forming a liquid crystal layer, the alignment control force is often two-dimensionally applied by an alignment film, such as by rubbing or photo-alignment. However, the thickness at which alignment can be controlled by an alignment film is at most about 10 μm. If the thickness exceeds this, fluctuations in the alignment angle or alignment defects may occur, making it difficult to obtain the desired optical properties. In contrast, it is known that the orientation of liquid crystal compounds can be controlled three-dimensionally without contact and without thickness restrictions by using electric or magnetic fields. The physical properties required of liquid crystal compounds are dielectric anisotropy for electric fields and magnetic susceptibility anisotropy for magnetic fields. When using electric fields, there are restrictions such as the placement of electrodes and the generation of a stable electric field, but when using magnetic fields, it is possible to align liquid crystal compounds in any direction depending on the placement of permanent magnets or electromagnets.

[0081] Therefore, in the present invention, by orienting the liquid crystal compound by magnetic field orientation, it is possible to obtain a liquid crystal layer in which the direction of the slow axis of the liquid crystal compound is uniform (parallel) throughout the entire thickness direction, even if the liquid crystal layer thickness is 10 μm or more.

[0082] <<Liquid Crystal Composition>> The liquid crystal composition for forming the liquid crystal layer contains a liquid crystal compound having a polymerizable group and a polymerization initiator. If necessary, the liquid crystal composition may contain a crosslinking agent, a surfactant, a polymerization inhibitor, an antioxidant, an ultraviolet absorber, a light stabilizer, a colorant, metal oxide fine particles, and the like, within a range that does not impair optical performance, etc.

[0083] (Polymerizable liquid crystal compound) As the liquid crystal compound having a polymerizable group, a rod-shaped liquid crystal compound or a discotic liquid crystal compound can be used.

[0084] --Rod-shaped liquid crystal compound-- Examples of rod-shaped liquid crystal compounds having a polymerizable group include rod-shaped nematic liquid crystal compounds.As rod-shaped nematic liquid crystal compounds, azomethines, azoxys, cyanobiphenyls, cyanophenyl esters, benzoic acid esters, cyclohexanecarboxylic acid phenyl esters, cyanophenylcyclohexanes, cyano-substituted phenylpyrimidines, alkoxy-substituted phenylpyrimidines, phenyldioxanes, tolanes, and alkenylcyclohexylbenzonitriles are preferably used.Not only low-molecular-weight liquid crystal compounds but also high-molecular-weight liquid crystal compounds can be used.

[0085] A polymerizable liquid crystal compound can be obtained by introducing a polymerizable group into a liquid crystal compound. Examples of the polymerizable group include an unsaturated polymerizable group, an epoxy group, and an aziridinyl group, with an unsaturated polymerizable group being preferred and an ethylenically unsaturated polymerizable group being more preferred. The polymerizable group can be introduced into the molecule of the liquid crystal compound by various methods. The number of polymerizable groups in the polymerizable liquid crystal compound is preferably 1 to 6, more preferably 1 to 3. Examples of polymerizable liquid crystal compounds include those described in Makromol.Chem., Vol. 190, p. 2255 (1989), Advanced Materials, Vol. 5, p. 107 (1993), U.S. Pat. No. 4,683,327, U.S. Pat. No. 5,622,648, U.S. Pat. No. 5,770,107, WO 95 / 22586, WO 95 / 24455, WO 97 / 00600, WO 98 / 23580, WO 98 / 52905, JP-A Nos. 1-272551, 6-16616, 7-110469, 11-80081, and 2001-328973. Two or more polymerizable liquid crystal compounds may be used in combination. The use of two or more polymerizable liquid crystal compounds in combination can lower the alignment temperature.

[0086] Other examples of polymerizable liquid crystal compounds that can be used include cyclic organopolysiloxane compounds having a cholesteric phase, such as those disclosed in JP-A-57-165480. Examples of the polymeric liquid crystal compounds that can be used include polymers having mesogenic groups exhibiting liquid crystallinity introduced into the main chain, side chain, or both the main chain and side chain, polymeric cholesteric liquid crystals having cholesteryl groups introduced into the side chain, liquid crystalline polymers such as those disclosed in JP-A-9-133810, and liquid crystalline polymers such as those disclosed in JP-A-11-293252.

[0087] Furthermore, the amount of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound added in the liquid crystal composition is preferably 75 to 99.9 mass %, more preferably 80 to 99 mass %, and even more preferably 85 to 90 mass %, relative to the solid mass of the liquid crystal composition (mass excluding the solvent).

[0088] --Discotic liquid crystal compounds-- As the discotic liquid crystal compound, for example, those described in JP-A No. 2007-108732 and JP-A No. 2010-244038 can be preferably used.

[0089] For example, the following compounds may be mentioned.

[0090] [ka]

[0091] (Polymerization initiator) The polymerization initiator may be either a photopolymerization initiator or a thermal polymerization initiator. In an embodiment in which the polymerization reaction is caused to proceed by ultraviolet irradiation, the polymerization initiator used is preferably a photopolymerization initiator that can initiate the polymerization reaction by ultraviolet irradiation. Examples of photopolymerization initiators include α-carbonyl compounds (described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,367,661 and 2,367,670), acyloin ethers (described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,448,828), α-hydrocarbon-substituted aromatic acyloin compounds (described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,722,512), polynuclear quinone compounds (described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,046,127 and 2,951,758), combinations of triarylimidazole dimers and p-aminophenyl ketones (described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,549,367), acridine and phenazine compounds (described in JP-A-60-105,667 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,239,850), and oxadiazole compounds (described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,212,970). The content of the photopolymerization initiator in the liquid crystal composition is preferably 0.1 to 20% by mass, more preferably 0.5 to 12% by mass, based on the content of the liquid crystal compound.

[0092] (Crosslinking agent) The liquid crystal composition may optionally contain a crosslinking agent to improve the film strength and durability after curing. As the crosslinking agent, those that are cured by ultraviolet light, heat, moisture, etc. can be suitably used. The crosslinking agent is not particularly limited and can be selected appropriately depending on the purpose. Examples include polyfunctional acrylate compounds such as trimethylolpropane tri(meth)acrylate and pentaerythritol tri(meth)acrylate; epoxy compounds such as glycidyl (meth)acrylate and ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether; aziridine compounds such as 2,2-bishydroxymethylbutanol-tris[3-(1-aziridinyl)propionate] and 4,4-bis(ethyleneiminocarbonylamino)diphenylmethane; isocyanate compounds such as hexamethylene diisocyanate and biuret-type isocyanate; polyoxazoline compounds having oxazoline groups in the side chain; and alkoxysilane compounds such as vinyltrimethoxysilane and N-(2-aminoethyl)3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane. Depending on the reactivity of the crosslinking agent, known catalysts can be used to improve film strength and durability as well as productivity. These may be used alone or in combination. The content of the crosslinking agent is preferably 3 to 20 mass %, more preferably 5 to 15 mass %, based on the mass of the solid content of the liquid crystal composition. When the content of the crosslinking agent is within the above range, the effect of improving the crosslink density is easily obtained, and the stability of the liquid crystal phase is further improved.

[0093] (surfactant) The liquid crystal composition used to form the liquid crystal layer may contain a surfactant. The surfactant is preferably a compound that can function as an alignment control agent that contributes to the stable or rapid alignment of the liquid crystal compound. Examples of the surfactant include silicone surfactants and fluorine surfactants, and fluorine surfactants are preferred.

[0094] Specific examples of surfactants include the compounds described in paragraphs

[0082] to

[0090] of JP 2014-119605 A, the compounds described in paragraphs

[0031] to

[0034] of JP 2012-203237 A, the compounds exemplified in paragraphs

[0092] and

[0093] of JP 2005-99248 A, the compounds exemplified in paragraphs

[0076] to

[0078] and paragraphs

[0082] to

[0085] of JP 2002-129162 A, and fluorine (meth)acrylate polymers described in paragraphs

[0018] to

[0043] of JP 2007-272185 A, etc. The surfactants may be used alone or in combination of two or more. As the fluorine-based surfactant, the compounds described in paragraphs

[0082] to

[0090] of JP-A No. 2014-119605 are preferred.

[0095] The amount of the surfactant added in the liquid crystal composition is preferably 0.01 to 10% by mass, more preferably 0.01 to 5% by mass, and even more preferably 0.02 to 1% by mass, based on the total mass of the liquid crystal compound.

[0096] The liquid crystal composition is preferably used in the form of a liquid when forming a liquid crystal layer. The liquid crystal composition may contain a solvent. The solvent is not limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose, but an organic solvent is preferred. The organic solvent is not limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose, and examples thereof include ketones, alkyl halides, amides, sulfoxides, heterocyclic compounds, hydrocarbons, esters, and ethers. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more. Among these, ketones are preferred in consideration of the environmental impact.

[0097] [LCD component applications] Examples of uses of liquid crystal members are given below. As shown in the examples of Figures 8, 9, and 12, when the main surface of the liquid crystal layer has a lens shape, the liquid crystal layer exhibits the optical function of a condensing or diverging lens depending on the shape. Furthermore, for example, by aligning the liquid crystal compound parallel to a reference plane perpendicular to the optical axis of this lens shape, the liquid crystal layer becomes an anisotropic layer having a slow axis and a fast axis. However, by making the refractive indexes of the support and the liquid crystal layer in the fast axis direction approximately the same, the liquid crystal layer can exhibit the lens function for polarized light in the slow axis direction without exhibiting an optical effect on polarized light in the fast axis direction. This allows the liquid crystal member to function as a polarizing lens that acts as a condensing or diverging lens for light of a specific polarization direction.

[0098] When used as such a polarized lens, if the direction of the slow axis of the liquid crystal compound is disturbed in the region near the non-flat surface, the desired optical properties cannot be obtained, and for example, the lens may act as a converging or diverging lens for polarized light other than that in the desired polarization direction, thereby reducing its function as a polarized lens.

[0099] In contrast, the liquid crystal member of the present invention has parallel slow axes of the liquid crystal compounds present in the regions near each of the two main surfaces of the liquid crystal layer, and therefore does not act as a converging or diverging lens for polarized light other than in the desired polarization direction, and can properly function as a polarizing lens.

[0100] In addition, the liquid crystal member of the present invention can be used for lens arrays for diffusing light emitted from point light sources and for focus switching in head-mounted displays and wearable displays used in applications such as VR (virtual reality) and AR (augmented reality).

[0101] The liquid crystal member of the present invention has been described in detail above, but the present invention is not limited to the above examples, and various improvements and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention. [Example]

[0102] The features of the present invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to examples. The materials, reagents, amounts used, amounts of substances, ratios, treatment details, and treatment procedures shown in the following examples can be appropriately changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should not be construed as being limited by the specific examples shown below.

[0103] [Example 1] <Production of liquid crystal components> (Preparation of Liquid Crystal Composition) The following oxime ester compound photopolymerization initiator (Irgacure OXE01, manufactured by BASF) was added to the following polymerizable liquid crystal monomer 1 (NLO-2224) at a weight ratio of 0.01% by weight relative to the liquid crystal monomer, and the mixture was dissolved in methyl ethyl ketone to prepare a solution with a solid concentration of 36 vol%, thereby preparing a liquid crystal composition. The polymerizable liquid crystal monomer 1 has a magnetic susceptibility anisotropy |ΔX| of 1×10 -8 The magnetic susceptibility anisotropy was measured by the above method.

[0104] Polymerizable Liquid Crystal Monomer 1

[0105] [ka]

[0106] Photopolymerization initiator

[0107] [ka]

[0108] (Formation of liquid crystal layer) Next, a soda lime glass substrate was prepared as a support, with a square 50 mm square support and a spherical lens-shaped recess with a diameter of 25 mm and a depth of 1 mm located in the center, as shown in Figure 13. The liquid crystal composition was applied to the surface of the recess by spin coating, and the substrate was left in an air atmosphere at 80°C for 2 minutes to dry the solvent. This coating and drying process was repeated until the lens-shaped recess was filled with solid matter, forming a coating film. Of the two major surfaces of the coating film, the one closest to the air interface became the first major surface of the liquid crystal layer, and the one closest to the support became the second major surface of the liquid crystal layer.

[0109] Next, while the temperature of the support and the coating film was maintained at 100°C (a temperature exceeding the transition point of the liquid crystal), an electromagnet device (manufactured by Toei Kogyo Co., Ltd.) was used to apply a magnetic field of 5.0 T in a direction parallel to the first main surface for 1 minute to orient the film. Next, while maintaining the temperature and magnetic field strength, an ultraviolet irradiator (long-arc high-pressure mercury lamp, manufactured by iGraphics Co., Ltd.) was used to irradiate the film with an illuminance of 10 mW / cm. 2 , cumulative irradiation dose 1000mJ / cm 2 The orientation state was fixed by irradiation with light (365 nm) to polymerize the liquid crystal layer. In this way, a liquid crystal member having a support and a liquid crystal layer was produced as shown in Figures 13 and 14. Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along the dashed line A in Figure 13.

[0110] [Example 2] A liquid crystal member was produced in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the angle formed by the direction in which the magnetic field was applied and the first main surface was set to 45°.

[0111] [Comparative Example 1] As a liquid crystal compound, the magnetic susceptibility anisotropy |ΔX| is 1×10 -10 A liquid crystal member was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1, except that a liquid crystal compound (polymerizable liquid crystal monomer 2 below) having no magnetic susceptibility anisotropy was used.

[0112] Polymerizable Liquid Crystal Monomer 2

[0113] [ka]

[0114] Comparative Example 2 A liquid crystal member was produced in the same manner as in Example 1, except that after the liquid crystal composition was applied to the support, it was polymerized by irradiating it with ultraviolet light without applying a magnetic field.

[0115] Comparative Example 3 A liquid crystal member was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the applied magnetic field strength was set to 0.5T.

[0116] [evaluation] <Orientation angle> The fabricated liquid crystal member was sandwiched between a polarizer and an analyzer arranged in a crossed Nicol configuration and observed with a polarizing microscope (ECLIPSE LV100 POL, manufactured by Nikon Corporation) to determine the in-plane slow axis angle of the liquid crystal layer. Next, a cross-section of the liquid crystal layer was taken along the slow axis angle (see Figure 15), placed on a stage, and the magnification was set so that the field of view was approximately 50 μm. The sample was observed while rotating, and the stage angle with respect to the first principal surface (reference plane) was determined to be the angle at which the amount of transmitted light was minimized in a 1 μm field of view at multiple locations in the first region near the first principal surface (see Figure 16) and the second region near the second principal surface (see Figure 17). This allowed us to determine the extinction angle, but this alone left two possibilities for the angle of the slow axis: either parallel or perpendicular to the extinction angle. Therefore, we inserted a sensitive color plate (530 nm wavelength plate) into the microscope and determined the direction of the slow axis from the relationship between the slow axis of the wavelength plate and the hue. Figure 16 is an enlarged view of the area indicated by B in Figure 15, and Figure 17 is an enlarged view of the area indicated by C in Figure 15.

[0117] If the extinction angle calculated using the above method was within 1° across the entire first and second regions, it was judged as A; if it exceeded 1°, it was judged as B; and if there was a region where extinction did not occur (the extinction angle could not be determined = not oriented), it was judged as C.

[0118] <Imaging performance> The image forming performance when the prepared liquid crystal member was used as a polarizing lens was evaluated as follows. 18, the prepared liquid crystal member was placed 50 cm in front of an IPS (In Plane Switching) panel display (SE2416H manufactured by DELL) 60, and the imaging state of the image displayed on the display 60 was visually evaluated. The liquid crystal member was placed so that the polarization direction of the light emitted from the display 60 was parallel to the slow axis direction of the liquid crystal layer. An A was given to images formed without blur or distortion, while a B was given to images where blur or distortion occurred or the lens did not function as a zoom lens. The results are shown in Table 1.

[0119] [Table 1]

[0120] It can be seen from Table 1 that the orientation angles of the examples of the present invention are consistent across the entire first and second regions compared to the comparative examples, and that the imaging performance of the polarized lens is high.

[0121] Comparative Example 1 shows that when the anisotropic magnetic susceptibility of the liquid crystal compound is insufficient, poor orientation occurs and extinction does not occur. Comparative Example 2 shows that when no magnetic field is applied, the liquid crystal is oriented at the interface with the support, i.e., along the uneven surface, resulting in different extinction positions depending on the location. Furthermore, it shows that no orientation control force is applied except near the interface with the support, resulting in no orientation. Comparative Example 3 shows that when the applied magnetic field is weak, the interaction between the support and the liquid crystal compound causes the slow axis to align along the uneven surface of the support in the region near the support, resulting in different extinction positions depending on the location. From the above results, the effects of the present invention are clear. [Explanation of symbols]

[0122] 10, 10a, 10e, 10i, 10j Liquid crystal components 11, 11h, 11j 1st main surface 12 First Area 13, 13a to 13j Second principal surface 14, 14a, 14d, 14f, 14g, 14h Second Region 30 Support 36, 36a~36j liquid crystal layer 40 Liquid crystal compounds 50, 50b light source 52 LED boards 54 LED 60 LCD panel 110 Conventional liquid crystal components (optical elements) 111 First main surface 112 First Area 113 Second main surface 114 Second Realm W1, W2, W3 optical axes A cross section B, C area D Array direction

Claims

1. a liquid crystal layer in which a liquid crystal compound having a polymerizable group is fixed in an aligned state; the liquid crystal compound has magnetic susceptibility anisotropy, at least one of two main surfaces at both ends in a thickness direction of the liquid crystal layer is a non-flat surface having an uneven shape; a slow axis of the liquid crystal compound is aligned in an in-plane direction parallel to an alignment direction of the concave and convex portions of the concave-convex shape, A liquid crystal member, wherein the slow axes of the liquid crystal compounds present in the regions near the two principal surfaces are parallel to each other.

2. The magnetic susceptibility anisotropy ΔX of the liquid crystal compound is |ΔX|≧1×10 -8 The liquid crystal member according to claim 1 ,

3. 3. The liquid crystal member according to claim 1, wherein the liquid crystal layer has a thickness of 10 [mu]m or more.

4. 4. The liquid crystal member according to claim 1, wherein the non-flat surface has an optical axis, and when a plane perpendicular to the optical axis is taken as a reference plane, a slow axis of the liquid crystal compound present in a region near each of the two main surfaces is parallel to the reference plane.

5. The liquid crystal member according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the non-flat surface has a lens shape.

6. an optical member having an optical axis and arranged on one main surface side of the liquid crystal layer; 4. The liquid crystal member according to claim 1, wherein a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the optical member is taken as a reference plane, and the slow axes of the liquid crystal compounds present in regions near each of the two principal surfaces are parallel to the reference plane.

7. The liquid crystal member according to claim 6 , wherein the optical member is a light source.

8. one of the two main surfaces of the liquid crystal layer is the non-flat surface and the other is a flat surface; 4. The liquid crystal member according to claim 1, wherein the main surfaces, which are flat surfaces, are taken as a reference plane, and the slow axes of the liquid crystal compounds present in regions near each of the two main surfaces are parallel to the reference plane.

9. A polarized lens comprising the liquid crystal member according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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