Liquid crystal optical device and liquid crystal light modulation apparatus

Abstract

A liquid crystal optical device (10) and a liquid crystal light modulation apparatus. The liquid crystal optical device (10) comprises a first base substrate (11) and a second base substrate (12) which are arranged opposite to each other, wherein a first liquid crystal control layer (111) is provided on the first base substrate (11), and the first liquid crystal control layer (111) comprises a first electrode structure (112); a second liquid crystal control layer (121) is provided on the second base substrate (12), and the second liquid crystal control layer (121) comprises a second electrode structure (122); and the second electrode structure (122) comprises at least two layers of structures arranged in a stacked manner. Configuring the second electrode structure (122) as a two-layer structure can further increase an electric field for controlling the alignment of liquid crystal molecules.

Description

Liquid crystal optical devices and liquid crystal dimming devices Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of this disclosure relate to a liquid crystal optical device and a liquid crystal dimming device. Background Technology

[0002] In special occasions such as mobile phone auxiliary flash, vehicle directional lighting, stage lighting, stadiums, museums and tea houses, different light spot shapes need to be formed to correspond to the lighting areas. General intelligent dimming systems need to use complex combinations of lights and optical lenses to achieve this, resulting in large, bulky and expensive lighting equipment.

[0003] Many public places suffer from ineffective or excessive lighting, leading to resource waste. In order to adapt to the concept of health, green and environmental protection, the light emission angle of the light source in some public places needs to be intelligently modulated to meet people's lighting needs while achieving energy conservation and environmental protection. Summary of the Invention

[0004] At least one embodiment of this disclosure provides a liquid crystal optical device and a liquid crystal dimming device. The liquid crystal optical device includes: a first substrate and a second substrate disposed opposite to each other. A first liquid crystal control layer is disposed on the first substrate, and the first liquid crystal control layer includes a first electrode structure. A second liquid crystal control layer is disposed on the second substrate, and the second liquid crystal control layer includes a second electrode structure. The second electrode structure includes at least two stacked layers. By configuring the second electrode structure as a two-layer structure, the limitation of the width W of the strip electrode in the comb electrode corresponding to the current process capability / the spacing D between adjacent strip electrodes can be broken, so as to achieve a smaller W / D, thereby enabling a further increase in the electric field for regulating the arrangement of liquid crystal molecules.

[0005] At least one embodiment of this disclosure provides a liquid crystal optical device, which includes: a first substrate and a second substrate disposed opposite to each other, wherein a first liquid crystal control layer is disposed on the first substrate, the first liquid crystal control layer including a first electrode structure; a second liquid crystal control layer is disposed on the second substrate, the second liquid crystal control layer including a second electrode structure; the second electrode structure includes at least two stacked layers.

[0006] For example, in the liquid crystal optical device provided in at least one embodiment of this disclosure, the first electrode structure is a planar electrode or a comb-shaped electrode; the second electrode structure includes a first substructure of the second electrode and a second substructure of the second electrode stacked together, and the first substructure of the second electrode is on the side of the second substructure of the second electrode closer to the first electrode structure, and the first substructure of the second electrode is a comb-shaped electrode; the second substructure of the second electrode is a planar electrode or a comb-shaped electrode.

[0007] For example, in a liquid crystal optical device provided in at least one embodiment of this disclosure, the second electrode first substructure includes a plurality of first strip electrodes, which are arranged in a first direction and extend in a second direction intersecting the first direction.

[0008] For example, in the liquid crystal optical device provided in at least one embodiment of this disclosure, the width of each first strip electrode in the first direction ranges from 3 micrometers to 10 micrometers, and the spacing between adjacent first strip electrodes ranges from 3 micrometers to 50 micrometers.

[0009] For example, in a liquid crystal optical device provided in at least one embodiment of this disclosure, the ratio of the width of the first strip electrode in the first direction to the spacing between adjacent first strip electrodes is in the range of 1 / 15 to 1 / 3.

[0010] For example, in a liquid crystal optical device provided in at least one embodiment of this disclosure, a plurality of the first strip electrodes have a domain structure, and the angle between the domain structure and the first direction is 0° to 35°.

[0011] For example, in a liquid crystal optical device provided in at least one embodiment of this disclosure, the first strip electrode extends in the second direction in a zigzag shape and includes a first zigzag portion and a second zigzag portion that are connected to each other, and the included angle between the first zigzag portion and the second zigzag portion is 50° to 80°.

[0012] For example, in the liquid crystal optical device provided in at least one embodiment of this disclosure, the second electrode second substructure is a comb-shaped electrode, the second electrode second substructure includes a plurality of second strip electrodes, the plurality of second strip electrodes are arranged in the first direction and extend in the second direction, and the orthographic projection of the first strip electrode on the second substrate and the orthographic projection of the second strip electrode on the second substrate have non-overlapping portions.

[0013] For example, in the liquid crystal optical device provided in at least one embodiment of this disclosure, the first electrode structure and the second electrode second substructure are both comb-shaped electrodes. The first electrode structure includes a plurality of third strip electrodes, and the second electrode second substructure includes a plurality of second strip electrodes. The extension direction of the third strip electrodes is the same as the extension direction of one of the first strip electrodes and the second strip electrodes, and intersects with the extension direction of the other of the first strip electrodes and the second strip electrodes.

[0014] For example, in a liquid crystal optical device provided in at least one embodiment of this disclosure, a liquid crystal layer is disposed between the first liquid crystal control layer and the second liquid crystal control layer, wherein the birefringence of the liquid crystal layer is greater than or equal to 0.2 and less than or equal to 1.

[0015] For example, at least one embodiment of the liquid crystal optical device provided in this disclosure further includes a spacer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate, wherein the spacer has a size of 8 to 30 micrometers in a direction perpendicular to the main surface of the first substrate.

[0016] For example, in a liquid crystal optical device provided in at least one embodiment of this disclosure, the spacer is disposed on only one of the first substrate and the second substrate, and the spacer has a first height, the first height being equal to the distance between the first substrate and the second substrate.

[0017] For example, in a liquid crystal optical device provided in at least one embodiment of this disclosure, the spacer is disposed on the first substrate and the second substrate, and the spacer has a second height, wherein the height of the spacer on the first substrate and the sum of the heights of the spacers on the first substrate are less than or equal to the distance between the first substrate and the second substrate.

[0018] For example, at least one embodiment of the present disclosure provides a liquid crystal optical device including a display area and a peripheral area around the display area, wherein the first electrode structure includes a first part in the display area and a second part in the peripheral area, the first part being a comb-shaped electrode or a planar electrode, the second part being a closed or unclosed annular electrode, and the first part and the second part being connected.

[0019] For example, in the liquid crystal optical device provided in at least one embodiment of this disclosure, the materials of the first electrode structure, the first substructure of the second electrode, and the second substructure of the second electrode are all conductive metal oxides.

[0020] At least one embodiment of this disclosure also provides a liquid crystal dimming device, which includes: a liquid crystal optical device, a light source, and a diffusion film, wherein the liquid crystal optical device is configured to adjust the emission angle of light emitted from the light source onto it; the liquid crystal optical device includes: a first substrate and a second substrate disposed opposite to each other, a first liquid crystal control layer disposed on the first substrate, the first liquid crystal control layer including a first electrode structure; a second liquid crystal control layer disposed on the second substrate, the second liquid crystal control layer including a second electrode structure; the second electrode structure includes at least two stacked layers.

[0021] For example, in the liquid crystal dimming device provided in at least one embodiment of this disclosure, the first electrode structure is a planar electrode or a comb-shaped electrode; the second electrode structure includes a first substructure of the second electrode and a second substructure of the second electrode stacked together, and the first substructure of the second electrode is on the side of the second substructure of the second electrode closer to the first electrode structure, and the first substructure of the second electrode is a comb-shaped electrode; the second substructure of the second electrode is a planar electrode or a comb-shaped electrode.

[0022] For example, in the liquid crystal dimming device provided in at least one embodiment of this disclosure, there are multiple liquid crystal optical devices, and the multiple liquid crystal optical devices are stacked. The first substructure of the second electrode includes multiple strip electrodes. The multiple strip electrodes of one of the adjacent liquid crystal optical devices are arranged in a first direction and extend in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The multiple strip electrodes of the other adjacent liquid crystal optical device are arranged in the second direction and extend in the first direction.

[0023] For example, in at least one embodiment of the liquid crystal dimming device provided in this disclosure, the number of liquid crystal optical devices is at least four, and includes a first liquid crystal optical device, a second liquid crystal optical device, a third liquid crystal optical device, and a fourth liquid crystal optical device stacked sequentially; the strip-shaped electrodes included in the first substructure of the second electrode in the first liquid crystal optical device and the strip-shaped electrodes included in the first substructure of the second electrode in the third liquid crystal optical device both extend along the second direction and are arranged in the first direction; the strip-shaped electrodes included in the first substructure of the second electrode in the second liquid crystal optical device and the strip-shaped electrodes included in the first substructure of the second electrode in the fourth liquid crystal optical device both extend along the first direction and are arranged in the second direction.

[0024] For example, at least one embodiment of the liquid crystal dimming device provided in this disclosure further includes a polarization control element, wherein the polarization control element is disposed between the second liquid crystal optical device and the third liquid crystal optical device, or the polarization control element includes a first polarization control element and a second polarization control element stacked together, wherein the first polarization control element is disposed between the first liquid crystal optical device and the second liquid crystal optical device, and the second polarization control element is disposed between the third liquid crystal optical device and the fourth liquid crystal optical device.

[0025] For example, in a liquid crystal dimming device provided in at least one embodiment of this disclosure, the first liquid crystal optical device is configured to control the first polarizing component to diverge along the first direction and in a direction opposite to the first direction; the second liquid crystal optical device is configured to control the first polarizing component to diverge along the second direction and in a direction opposite to the second direction; the third liquid crystal optical device is configured to control the second polarizing component to diverge along the first direction and in a direction opposite to the first direction; and the fourth liquid crystal optical device is configured to control the polarizing component to diverge along the second direction and in a direction opposite to the second direction.

[0026] For example, at least one embodiment of the liquid crystal dimming device provided in this disclosure further includes an adhesive, wherein the adhesive is disposed between the second liquid crystal optical device and the third liquid crystal optical device. Attached Figure Description

[0027] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings of the embodiments will be briefly described below. Obviously, the drawings described below only relate to some embodiments of this disclosure and are not intended to limit this disclosure.

[0028] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a liquid crystal optical device provided in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the first electrode structure and the second electrode structure shown in Figure 1.

[0030] Figure 3 is an enlarged structural schematic diagram of a strip electrode provided in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another liquid crystal optical device provided in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another liquid crystal optical device provided in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 6 is a schematic planar structure diagram of a first electrode structure provided in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of a liquid crystal dimming device provided in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a stack of multiple liquid crystal optical devices in a liquid crystal dimming device provided in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the arrangement of the first substructure of the second electrode in two adjacent liquid crystal optical devices in Figure 8.

[0037] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the electrode design of the first and third liquid crystal dimming devices as seen from the XZ plane.

[0038] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the electrode design of the first and third liquid crystal dimming devices as seen in the YZ plane.

[0039] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the electrode design of the second and fourth liquid crystal dimming devices as seen from the XZ plane;

[0040] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of the electrode design of the second and fourth liquid crystal dimming devices as seen from the YZ plane; and

[0041] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of the deflection of liquid crystal molecules in a cross-sectional structure of a stack of multiple liquid crystal optical devices in a liquid crystal dimming device provided in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0042] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this disclosure clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this disclosure. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the described embodiments of this disclosure without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0043] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this disclosure shall have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. The terms “first,” “second,” and similar terms used in this disclosure do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Terms such as “comprising” or “including” mean that the element or object preceding the word encompasses the elements or objects listed following the word and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. Terms such as “connected” or “linked” are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but can include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. Terms such as “upper,” “lower,” “left,” and “right” are used only to indicate relative positional relationships, and these relative positional relationships may change accordingly when the absolute position of the described objects changes.

[0044] Unless otherwise defined, the features such as "parallel," "perpendicular," and "identical" used in the embodiments of this invention include strictly defined cases of "parallel," "perpendicular," and "identical," as well as cases involving a certain degree of error, such as "approximately parallel," "approximately perpendicular," and "approximately identical." For example, the aforementioned "approximately" may indicate that the difference between the compared objects is within 10% or 5% of the average value of the compared objects. Unless otherwise specified in the following embodiments of this invention, the quantity of a component or element is implied to mean that the component or element may be one or more, or can be understood as at least one. "At least one" refers to one or more, and "more" refers to at least two. In the embodiments of this invention, "same-layer arrangement" refers to the relationship between multiple film layers formed from the same material after undergoing the same step (e.g., a patterning process). Here, "same-layer" does not always mean that the multiple film layers have the same thickness or that the multiple film layers have the same height in a cross-sectional view.

[0045] When applying mobile phone auxiliary flashes, automotive directional lighting, and ambient lighting to museums, homes, vehicles, and stage lighting, especially for mobile phone camera auxiliary flashes, the main characteristics of the flash are small size, similar to the size of the camera lens, and the thinner the phone, the better, and the higher the energy efficiency, the better. The inventors of this disclosure have noticed that a liquid crystal dimming device that can adjust the emission direction and intensity of emitted light can be designed and applied to the lighting field, such as in museums, homes, vehicles, and stage lighting. It can also be applied to the backlight of liquid crystal displays to control the emission angle of light and prevent privacy. This liquid crystal dimming device includes a light-emitting diode light source with a certain light divergence angle and a diffusion film. A liquid crystal cell for adjusting the emission angle of the emitted light is also disposed on the diffusion film. This is achieved through a specific design of the electric field within the liquid crystal cell. For example, the electrode structure disposed on the second substrate (e.g., an array substrate) can be configured as a multilayer structure, and the electrode structure on the side of the second substrate (e.g., an array substrate) closest to the first substrate (e.g., a color filter substrate) can be configured as a comb-shaped electrode. By applying voltage to the liquid crystal dimming panel, the deflection of liquid crystal molecules can be controlled, thereby achieving a specific arrangement of liquid crystal molecules to achieve the effect of modulating the light emitted by light sources such as light-emitting diodes, and achieving a 75° field of view (FOV) at a uniformity of 25%. This results in a large light control angle, small size of the liquid crystal dimming device, low production cost, and portability. Furthermore, by adjusting the voltage applied to the second electrode structure, the specifications of the liquid crystal dimming device can be met, and energy saving and environmental protection can be achieved.

[0046] For example, the field of view (FOV) is the angle between the two edges of the field of view that the human eye can observe through an optical imaging system and the line connecting the center of the pupil. FOV is an important parameter used to evaluate the size of the projected image. The field of view includes the horizontal field of view (HFOV) and the vertical field of view (VFOV).

[0047] For example, at least one embodiment of this disclosure provides a liquid crystal optical device, which includes: a first substrate and a second substrate disposed opposite to each other, wherein a first liquid crystal control layer is disposed on the first substrate, the first liquid crystal control layer including a first electrode structure; a second liquid crystal control layer is disposed on the second substrate, the second liquid crystal control layer including a second electrode structure; the second electrode structure includes at least two stacked layers. In the embodiments of this disclosure, by configuring the second electrode structure to include at least two stacked layers, the deflection of liquid crystal molecules can be controlled by applying a voltage to the liquid crystal dimming panel, thereby achieving a specific arrangement of liquid crystal molecules, and thus achieving the effect of modulating the light emitted by light sources such as light-emitting diodes.

[0048] For example, Figure 1 is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of a liquid crystal optical device provided in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 1, the liquid crystal optical device 10 includes: a first substrate 11 and a second substrate 12 disposed opposite to each other. A first liquid crystal control layer 111 is disposed on the first substrate 11, and the first liquid crystal control layer 111 includes a first electrode structure 112. A second liquid crystal control layer 121 is disposed on the second substrate 12, and the second liquid crystal control layer 121 includes a second electrode structure 122. The second electrode structure 122 includes at least two stacked structures. For example, the two structures included in the second electrode structure 122 are two structures separated by an insulating structure. For example, setting the second electrode structure 122 as a two-layer structure can break the limitation of the width W of the strip electrode in the comb electrode corresponding to the current process capability / the spacing D between adjacent strip electrodes, so as to achieve a smaller W / D, thereby further increasing the electric field for regulating the arrangement of liquid crystal molecules.

[0049] For example, different structural designs of the first electrode structure 112 and the second electrode structure 122 have a significant impact on the light divergence effect. With an initial light source divergence angle of 52°, for the first electrode structure design: the first electrode structure 112 is a planar electrode, the first substructure 1221 of the second electrode is a comb-shaped electrode, and the second substructure 1222 of the second electrode is a planar electrode, with a W / D ratio of 5μm / 20μm, it can control the light with a divergence FOV of 64°; for the second electrode structure design: the first electrode structure 112 is a planar electrode, the first substructure 1221 of the second electrode is a comb-shaped electrode, and the second substructure 1222 of the second electrode is a comb-shaped electrode, with a W / D ratio of 5μm / 28μm, it can control the light with a divergence FOV of 58°; for the third electrode structure design: the first electrode structure 112 is a comb-shaped electrode, the first substructure 1221 of the second electrode is a comb-shaped electrode, and the second substructure 1222 of the second electrode is a comb-shaped electrode, with a W / D ratio of 8μm / 20μm, it can control the light with a divergence FOV of 64°. By adjusting the W / D of the second electrode and the second substructure 1222, the light with different field of view can be controlled. If multiple W / D designs are combined, the light can be better dispersed within a certain divergence angle range, and a uniform light effect can be achieved at all field of view angles.

[0050] For example, by adjusting the W / D ratio of the second substructure of the second electrode, the control effect of light with different field of view angles can be achieved. This is mainly because different electrode structures affect the phase retardation distribution of liquid crystal molecules within the liquid crystal optical device, and the larger the achievable phase retardation difference (ΔRetardation) distribution, the better the light spot divergence effect. The width W of the strip electrodes in the comb-shaped electrodes included in the first substructure 1221 of the second electrode has a certain influence on the phase retardation distribution. Increasing the width W of the strip electrodes can increase the phase retardation distribution. For example, when the width W of the strip electrodes in the comb-shaped electrodes included in the first substructure 1221 of the second electrode is 8 micrometers and the spacing D between adjacent strip electrodes is 20 micrometers, the phase retardation difference can reach 3074 nm. However, increasing the width W of the strip electrodes in the comb-shaped electrodes included in the first substructure 1221 of the second electrode does not have a linear proportional relationship with increasing the phase retardation value. For example, there are extreme values; if the width W of the strip electrodes in the comb-shaped electrodes included in the first substructure 1221 of the second electrode continues to increase to 10 micrometers, the phase retardation value tends to decrease. When the width W of the strip electrode in the comb-shaped electrode included in the first substructure 1221 of the second electrode is between 6 micrometers and 9 micrometers, the phase delay value is better.

[0051] For example, adjusting the spacing D between adjacent strip electrodes in the comb-shaped electrode of the first substructure 1221 of the second electrode can also adjust the phase delay distribution. For instance, when W / D is designed to be 5μm / 28μm, the phase delay can reach 3086nm. When the spacing D between adjacent strip electrodes in the comb-shaped electrode of the first substructure 1221 of the second electrode is 5μm, there is also an optimal design value for improving the phase delay value by optimizing the width of the strip electrodes. When the width W of the strip electrodes in the comb-shaped electrode of the first substructure 1221 of the second electrode is between 24μm and 40μm, the phase delay value is relatively high.

[0052] For example, by adjusting the voltage applied to the liquid crystal optics 10, different light modulation effects can be achieved. For instance, when no voltage is applied to the liquid crystal optics 10, there is no control over the light output, achieving a field of view of 52° for the 25% uniformity requirement. As the voltage applied to the liquid crystal optics increases, for example, when 50% of the maximum driving voltage of the liquid crystal is applied, a modulation effect occurs, achieving a field of view of 58° for the 27.1% uniformity requirement. When 100% of the maximum driving voltage of the liquid crystal is applied, a field of view of 64° is achieved for the 26.4% uniformity requirement, and the light spot also exhibits a divergent effect in the first direction X (lateral). Therefore, by adjusting the voltage to control the arrangement of liquid crystal molecules, different phase retardation values ​​can be achieved, obtaining the desired light modulation effect. However, typically within the range of 0–50% of the maximum driving voltage of the liquid crystal, the FOV does not change significantly with voltage. When the voltage increases to more than 50% of the maximum driving voltage of the liquid crystal, the FOV and light spot distribution change significantly with the increase of the voltage applied to the liquid crystal optics.

[0053] For example, the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12 can both be glass substrates or organic substrates, and the embodiments disclosed herein do not limit this.

[0054] It should be noted that, in addition to the first electrode structure 112, the first liquid crystal control layer 111 may also include an alignment film. Similarly, in addition to the second electrode structure 122, the second liquid crystal control layer 121 may also include an alignment film. The embodiments of this disclosure do not impose any special limitations on the material and structure of the alignment film.

[0055] For example, the first substrate 11 and the structure formed thereon can be a color filter substrate. Other structures included in the color filter substrate, such as the color filter layer and the black matrix, can be found in conventional designs and will not be described in detail here. The second substrate 12 and the structure formed thereon can be an array substrate. Other structures included in the array substrate, such as thin-film transistors, can be found in conventional designs and will not be described in detail here.

[0056] For example, in some examples, the first electrode structure 112 is a planar electrode or a comb-shaped electrode; the second electrode structure 122 includes a stacked first substructure 1221 and a second substructure 1222, with the first substructure 1221 located on the side of the second substructure 1222 closer to the first electrode structure 112, and the first substructure 1221 being a comb-shaped electrode; the second substructure 1222 being a planar electrode or a comb-shaped electrode. Referring to Figure 1, the first electrode structure 112 is a planar electrode, and the second electrode structure 122 includes a stacked first substructure 1221 and a second substructure 1222, with the first substructure 1221 located on the side of the second substructure 1222 closer to the first electrode structure 112, the first substructure 1221 being a comb-shaped electrode, and the second substructure 1222 being a planar electrode.

[0057] For example, Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the first electrode structure and the second electrode structure shown in Figure 1 superimposed. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the first substructure 1221 of the second electrode includes a plurality of first strip electrodes 1231, which are arranged in the first direction X and extend in the second direction Y intersecting the first direction X.

[0058] For example, in Figure 1, the direction perpendicular to the main surface of the first substrate 12 is the third direction Z.

[0059] For example, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the width of each first strip electrode 1231 in the first direction X ranges from 3 micrometers to 10 micrometers, and the spacing between adjacent first strip electrodes 1231 ranges from 3 micrometers to 50 micrometers.

[0060] For example, referring to Figures 1 and 2, the ratio of the width W of the first strip electrode 1231 in the first direction X to the spacing D between adjacent first strip electrodes 1231 is in the range of 1 / 15 to 1 / 3.

[0061] For example, Figure 3 is an enlarged structural schematic diagram of a strip electrode provided in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3, a plurality of first strip electrodes 1231 have domain structures, and the angle α between the domain structure and the first direction X is 0° to 35°.

[0062] For example, by configuring multiple first strip electrodes 1231 to have a domain structure, such as a double-domain or multi-domain similar zigzag strip slit structure, the divergence of light can be more uniform at various angles.

[0063] For example, as shown in Figure 3, the first strip electrode 1231 is in the shape of a broken line and extends in the second direction Y, and includes a first broken line portion 1241 and a second broken line portion 1242 that are connected to each other. That is, the first strip electrode 1231 extends in a bent manner in the second direction Y, and the included angle between the first broken line portion 1241 and the second broken line portion 1242 is 50° to 80°.

[0064] For example, in addition to the first zigzag portion 1241 and the second zigzag portion 1242, the first strip electrode 1231 may include more zigzag portions. The embodiments disclosed herein are not limited in this regard, as long as the overall extension direction of the first strip electrode 1231 is in the second direction Y.

[0065] For example, Figure 4 is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of another liquid crystal optical device provided in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 4, the second electrode second substructure 1222 is a comb-shaped electrode. The second electrode second substructure 1222 includes a plurality of second strip electrodes 1232. The plurality of second strip electrodes 1232 are arranged in the first direction X and extend in the second direction Y. The orthographic projections of the first strip electrode 1231 and the second strip electrode 1232 on the second substrate 12 have non-overlapping portions. Preferably, the orthographic projections of the first strip electrode 1231 and the second strip electrode 1232 on the second substrate 12 do not overlap completely. Considering process errors or arrangement space, the orthographic projections of the first strip electrode 1231 and the second strip electrode 1232 on the second substrate 12 may partially overlap.

[0066] For example, Figure 5 is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of another liquid crystal optical device provided in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 5, the first electrode structure 112 and the second electrode second substructure 1222 are both comb-shaped electrodes. The first electrode structure 112 includes a plurality of third strip electrodes 1233, and the second electrode second substructure 1222 includes a plurality of second strip electrodes 1232. The extension direction of the third strip electrode 1233 is the same as the extension direction of one of the first strip electrode 1231 and the second strip electrode 1232, and intersects with the extension direction of the other of the first strip electrode 1231 and the second strip electrode 1232.

[0067] For example, as shown in Figure 5, the extension direction of the first strip electrode 1231 included in the first substructure 1221 of the second electrode on the second substrate is substantially parallel to the extension direction of the third strip electrode 1233 included in the first electrode structure 112 on the first substrate. The extension direction of the second strip electrode 1232 included in the second substructure 1222 of the second electrode on the second substrate is perpendicular to the extension direction of the first electrode structure 112 on the first substrate. This structure adds a layer of comb-shaped electrodes, which is more conducive to the formation of electric fields in various directions. Compared with forming a single layer of comb-shaped electrodes on the second substrate, it is more conducive to the divergence of light and the uniformity of light in various directions. The cross-sectional electrode structures of the first substructure 1221 and the second strip electrode 1232 at different positions will be different. Through simulation analysis, it is confirmed that compared with the case where no comb-shaped electrodes are provided on the first substrate, the phase delay difference formed by the electric field is relatively small, while for the case where comb-shaped electrodes are provided on the first substrate, the phase delay difference formed by the electric field is relatively large. With the same electrode design, the different cross-sectional distributions result in various light spot distributions, which is beneficial for the uniformity of light control.

[0068] For example, as shown in Figures 1, 4 and 5, a liquid crystal layer 13 is disposed between the first liquid crystal control layer 111 and the second liquid crystal control layer 121. The birefringence of the liquid crystal layer 13 is greater than or equal to 0.2 and less than or equal to 1.

[0069] For example, the specific refractive index distribution of the liquid crystal material included in the liquid crystal layer 13 has a significant impact on the light divergence effect. Choosing different types of liquid crystal materials will also affect the light modulation effect. For instance, choosing liquid crystal materials with a birefringence of 0.201 or 0.293 will result in different light modulation effects. For example, using the same pixel structure, when the birefringence Δn of the liquid crystal material is 0.293 (the first type of liquid crystal material), the voltage required to be applied to the liquid crystal optics is 10V; when the birefringence Δn of the liquid crystal material is 0.201 (the second type of liquid crystal material), the voltage required to be applied to the liquid crystal optics is 8V. That is, compared to the liquid crystal material with a birefringence Δn of 0.293, the liquid crystal optics formed by the liquid crystal material with a birefringence Δn of 0.201 require a 2V reduction in the applied voltage. The field of view (FOV) of the liquid crystal optical device formed using the first type of liquid crystal material is better at 75°, with a corresponding uniformity of 25.1%. The field of view (FOV) of the liquid crystal optical device formed using the second type of liquid crystal material is better at 75°, with a corresponding uniformity of 26.4%. That is, the greater the birefringence of the liquid crystal material, the more useful it is in improving the divergence angle, and the lower the voltage required to be applied can be to a certain extent.

[0070] For example, in the electrode design of liquid crystal optical devices, one approach is a periodic arrangement of uniform electrodes, forming a prism-like structure with a periodic arrangement. Another approach is an irregular distribution of the width W of the strip electrodes in the comb-shaped electrodes / the spacing D between adjacent strip electrodes within a specific range, forming a non-periodic, non-uniform arrangement of prism-like designs. Since the selected electrode designs are all within a specific angular divergence range, this design scheme maintains the same level of angular divergence as the uniform arrangement prism scheme, without significant improvement or reduction. However, because the brightness distribution of each prism is slightly different, it can help to improve the uniformity of the light spot distribution and optimize the light spot shape. For example, in the case of a structure with only one layer of comb electrodes, the width W of the strip electrodes in the comb electrodes / the spacing D between adjacent strip electrodes can be designed as four periodic electrode designs of 5 / 10, 5 / 12, 5 / 20 and 11 / 10, so that the achievable light divergence angle is about FOV64°, the overall brightness distribution of the liquid crystal optical device is relatively more uniform, and the effect of light spot diffusion visual effect is better.

[0071] For example, as shown in Figures 1, 4 and 5, the liquid crystal optical device 10 further includes a spacer 14 disposed between the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12, the spacer 14 having a size of 8 to 30 micrometers in the direction perpendicular to the main surface of the first substrate 11.

[0072] For example, liquid crystal control devices require a high cell thickness. Only with a high cell thickness can the liquid crystal achieve a larger phase difference value, resulting in a better dimming and divergence effect. Therefore, spacers 14 with a relatively high height are required to meet the design requirements of a high cell thickness, and the requirements for the materials and manufacturing processes of the spacers are very strict.

[0073] It should be noted that there are usually several ways to achieve high cell thickness. One method is to fabricate spacers on only one substrate, where spacers on one side need to be of a corresponding height, meaning the height of a single spacer must meet the corresponding cell thickness requirement. Another method is to fabricate spacers on both the first and second substrates, where the height requirement for spacers on both sides is not as high, and the height of the spacers can be halved compared to the single-side spacer design.

[0074] For example, as shown in Figures 1, 4 and 5, the spacer 14 is disposed on only one of the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12, and the spacer 14 has a first height, the first height 14 being equal to the distance between the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12.

[0075] For example, in another example, the spacer 14 can be divided into two sub-spacers, with the two opposing sub-spacers respectively disposed on the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12, and the spacer 14 has a second height, wherein the height of the spacer 14 on the first substrate 11 and the sum of the heights of the spacers 14 on the first substrate 11 are less than or equal to the distance between the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12.

[0076] For example, spacers primarily serve to support the box thickness, ensuring its uniformity. The arrangement of spacers mainly considers avoiding halos caused by stray light. While ensuring sufficient support area, increasing the top size of the spacers, and using large, sparsely spaced spacers, significantly improves halos compared to small, densely spaced spacers. With the same spacer support and size, randomly arranged spacers are more effective at improving halos than regularly arranged spacers.

[0077] For example, there are two designs for the alignment direction of the alignment film. One is that the alignment directions on the first and second substrates are parallel. For the alignment direction on the second substrate, it needs to be basically parallel to the extension direction of the elongated electrode in the first substructure of the second electrode on the second substrate, with a slight angle considering the domain structure. For example, if it is an elongated electrode extending in the second direction Y, to achieve multiple domains, the electrode tilt angle is 15 degrees. In this case, the alignment direction on the second substrate is a vertical alignment direction of 90°, forming a 15-degree angle with the second direction Y. The alignment direction of the second substrate is also 90°, parallel to the alignment direction on the second substrate. This achieves a light divergence effect. The field of view (FOV) can be improved from 40° to 60°, and a double-layer unidirectional alignment can further enhance the FOV from 60° to 90°.

[0078] For example, when the alignment directions on the first and second substrates are perpendicular, the alignment direction on the second substrate needs to be parallel to the direction of the pixel electrode on the second substrate, with a slight angle considering the domain structure. For example, if it is a long strip electrode extending in the second direction Y, in order to achieve multiple domains, the electrode tilt angle is 15 degrees. At this time, the alignment direction on the second substrate is a vertical alignment direction of 90°, forming a 15-degree angle with the second direction Y. At this time, the alignment direction on the second substrate is 0°, parallel to the alignment direction on the second substrate. This can achieve the effect of light divergence. The FOV increases from 40° to 58.3°, and the double-layer unidirectional alignment can achieve a further enhancement from 60° to 85.3°.

[0079] Furthermore, the pitch of the liquid crystal material also affects the light diffusion effect. When the pitch of the liquid crystal is large, although the light diffusion effect is comparable, and the first and second substrates have the same material, the increased spacing between the strip electrodes helps to increase the light efficiency. For example, the light efficiency is 73.9% when the spacing between adjacent strip electrodes is 70 micrometers, which is greater than the light efficiency of 66.6% when the spacing between strip electrodes is 50 micrometers.

[0080] Based on the simulation results above, compared with a single-layer liquid crystal, the divergence effect of parallel alignment (FOV 60°) is slightly better than that of vertical alignment (FOV 58.3%), and the luminous efficacy of parallel alignment (81.2%) is greater than that of vertical alignment (68.8%).

[0081] For example, in some examples, the liquid crystal optical device 10 includes a display area 151 and a peripheral area 152 surrounding the display area 151. The first electrode structure 112 includes a first portion 1511 in the display area 151 and a second portion 1512 in the peripheral area. The first portion 1511 is a comb-shaped electrode or a planar electrode, and the second portion 1512 is a closed or unclosed annular electrode. The first portion 1511 and the second portion 1512 are connected. Figure 6 is a schematic planar structure diagram of a first electrode structure provided in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 6, the liquid crystal optical device 10 includes a display area 151 and a peripheral area 152 surrounding the display area 152. The first electrode structure 112 includes a first portion 1511 in the display area 151 and a second portion 1512 in the peripheral area. The first portion 1511 is a comb-shaped electrode, and the second portion 1512 is an unclosed annular electrode. The first portion 1511 and the second portion 1512 are connected.

[0082] For example, as shown in FIG6, the first electrode structure 112 includes a first part 1511 in the display area 151 and a second part 1512 in the peripheral area. The first part 1511 is a comb-shaped electrode and the second part 1512 is a non-closed ring electrode to divide the ring electrode into two parts, and the first part 1511 and the second part 1512 are respectively connected to the two parts of the non-closed ring electrode.

[0083] For example, in the embodiments of this disclosure, the materials of the first electrode structure 112, the first substructure of the second electrode 1221, and the second substructure of the second electrode 1222 are all conductive metal oxides.

[0084] At least one embodiment of this disclosure also provides a liquid crystal dimming device. For example, FIG7 is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of a liquid crystal dimming device provided in at least one embodiment of this disclosure. Referring to FIG1 and FIG7, the liquid crystal dimming device 20 includes: a liquid crystal optical device 10 and a light source 21. The liquid crystal optical device 10 is configured to adjust the emission angle of light emitted from the light source 21 onto it. The liquid crystal optical device 10 includes: a first substrate 11 and a second substrate 12 disposed opposite to each other. A first liquid crystal control layer 111 is disposed on the first substrate 11, and the first liquid crystal control layer 111 includes a first electrode structure 112. A second liquid crystal control layer 121 is disposed on the second substrate 12, and the second liquid crystal control layer 121 includes a second electrode structure 122. The second electrode structure 122 includes at least two stacked structures. For example, as shown in FIG7, the original emission angle of the light emitted from the light source 21 is b, and the angle of the light emitted after passing through the liquid crystal optical device 10 is c. The original emission angle b is less than the angle c of the light emitted after passing through the liquid crystal optical device 10, which is equivalent to expanding the emission angle. In the liquid crystal dimming device provided in the embodiments of this disclosure, the second electrode structure is configured to include at least two stacked layers. By applying voltage to the liquid crystal dimming panel, the deflection of liquid crystal molecules can be controlled, thereby achieving a specific arrangement of liquid crystal molecules and thus achieving the effect of modulating the light emitted by light-emitting diodes and other light sources.

[0085] For example, as shown in FIG7, the liquid crystal dimming device 20 provided in the embodiments of this disclosure can achieve a non-uniform distribution of electric field in the direction perpendicular to the main surface of the first substrate 11, thereby achieving a specific distribution of phase delay. As shown in FIG7, when the initial light source 21 is incident on the liquid crystal optical device 10 in a divergent state at a certain angle, when no voltage is applied to the liquid crystal optical device 10, the liquid crystal optical device 10 has no modulation effect on the light; when a voltage is applied to the liquid crystal optical device 10, due to the refractive index distribution of the liquid crystal optical device 10, the outgoing light diverges at a certain angle, thereby achieving the effect of light diffusion. The divergence direction of the light is perpendicular to the extension direction of the strip electrode in the first substructure 1221 of the second electrode. This situation is similar to a prism effect, which allows the light to diverge within a specific angle range.

[0086] For example, as shown in FIG7, the liquid crystal dimming device 20 may also include a diffusion film 22 disposed between the liquid crystal optical device 10 and the light source 21, which can help expand the emission angle of light.

[0087] For example, in some examples, the first electrode structure 112 is a planar electrode or a comb-shaped electrode; the second electrode structure 122 includes a stacked second electrode first substructure 1221 and a second electrode second substructure 1222, with the second electrode first substructure 1221 located on the side of the second electrode second substructure 1222 closer to the first electrode structure 112, and the second electrode first substructure 1221 is a comb-shaped electrode; the second electrode second substructure 1222 is a planar electrode or a comb-shaped electrode. In the structure of the liquid crystal optical device 10 shown in FIG. 1, the first electrode structure 112 is a planar electrode, the second electrode first substructure 1221 is a comb-shaped electrode, and the second electrode second substructure 1222 is a planar electrode. In the structure of the liquid crystal optical device 10 shown in FIG. 4, the first electrode structure 112 is a planar electrode, the second electrode first substructure 1221 is a comb-shaped electrode, and the second electrode second substructure 1222 is a comb-shaped electrode. In the structure of the liquid crystal optical device 10 shown in Figure 5, the first electrode structure 112 is a comb-shaped electrode, the first substructure 1221 of the second electrode is a comb-shaped electrode, and the second substructure 1222 of the second electrode is a comb-shaped electrode.

[0088] For example, Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a stack of multiple liquid crystal optical devices in a liquid crystal dimming device provided by at least one embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 14 is a schematic view of the deflection of liquid crystal molecules in the cross-sectional view of a stack of multiple liquid crystal optical devices in a liquid crystal dimming device provided by at least one embodiment of the present disclosure; and Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the arrangement of the first substructure of the second electrode in two adjacent liquid crystal optical devices in Figure 8. As shown in Figures 8, 14 and 9, there are multiple liquid crystal optical devices 10, and the multiple liquid crystal optical devices 10 are stacked. The first substructure 1221 of the second electrode includes multiple strip electrodes. The multiple strip electrodes of one of the adjacent liquid crystal optical devices 10 are arranged in the first direction X and extend in the second direction Y intersecting the first direction X. The multiple strip electrodes of the other adjacent liquid crystal optical device 10 are arranged in the second direction Y and extend in the first direction X.

[0089] For example, a liquid crystal dimming device uses the light emitted by a light-emitting diode (LED) as a light source, and places a liquid crystal optical device in front of it. By controlling the deflection of the liquid crystal with voltage, the liquid crystal optical device modulates the light emitted by the light source to obtain light spots with various shapes and brightness distributions.

[0090] For example, referring to Figure 8, the working principle of the liquid crystal dimming device is explained as follows: Cross-sections are taken along the directions A~A' and B~B' respectively. The scattering angle of light emitted by the liquid crystal, LED, and other light sources in the liquid crystal dimming device can be controlled by driving the voltage.

[0091] For example, taking the liquid crystal dimming device shown in Figure 1 as an example, the extension direction of the first substructure 1221 of the second electrode in the first liquid crystal dimming device and the third liquid crystal dimming device is consistent with the second direction Y, and is uniformly distributed along the first direction X. The width of the first substructure 1221 of the second electrode is 3 μm, and the spacing between adjacent first substructures 1221 of the second electrode is 3 μm.

[0092] In the second and fourth liquid crystal dimming devices, the extension direction of the first substructure 1221 of the second electrode is consistent with the first direction X and is uniformly distributed along the second direction Y. The width of the first substructure 1221 of the second electrode is 3 μm, and the spacing between adjacent first substructures 1221 of the second electrode is 3 μm. The electrode is made of a metal material with high transmittance, such as indium tin oxide.

[0093] For example, Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the electrode design of the first and third liquid crystal dimming devices as seen from the XZ plane; Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the electrode design of the first and third liquid crystal dimming devices as seen from the YZ plane; Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the electrode design of the second and fourth liquid crystal dimming devices as seen from the XZ plane; and Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of the electrode design of the second and fourth liquid crystal dimming devices as seen from the YZ plane.

[0094] The liquid crystal injected between a first substrate and a second substrate rotates under voltage. The first substrate has a first electrode structure with a potential of 0V; the second substrate has a second electrode structure, and all second electrode structures on the second substrate have the same potential, which can be 0V or ±5V. The voltage applied between the first and second electrode structures can cause the liquid crystal above the electrodes to rotate to different states. In the second electrode structure, where there is no electrode, the liquid crystal molecules remain in their initial state due to the lack of voltage, or experience slight rotation due to the arrangement of liquid crystal molecules in adjacent regions. The state of the liquid crystal molecules within the liquid crystal cell undergoes significant changes under the influence of the second electrode structure.

[0095] For example, stacking multiple liquid crystal optical devices 10 can avoid moiré patterns and optimize the divergence of emitted light at various angles. For example, to avoid moiré patterns when stacking liquid crystal optical devices and to optimize the divergence of light at various angles, a comb-like electrode design with dual or multi-domain domains can be used to make the divergence of light more uniform at various angles.

[0096] For example, if it is necessary to simultaneously control the light effect in both the first direction X (horizontal) and the second direction Y (vertical), a double-layer (one horizontal and one vertical) or four-layer liquid crystal optical device can be superimposed (two horizontal and two vertical) to further expand and enrich the light control effect. For instance, when a single liquid crystal optical device is controlled in the first direction X, a FOV of 64° can be achieved. If two superimposed liquid crystal optical devices are controlled simultaneously in the first direction X, a further light diffusion effect of FOV 70° can be achieved. If bidirectional simultaneous control is required, liquid crystal optical devices superimposed in the first direction X and the second direction Y can be used. That is, multiple strip electrodes of one of the adjacent liquid crystal optical devices 10 are arranged in the first direction X and extend in the second direction Y intersecting the first direction X. Multiple strip electrodes of the other adjacent liquid crystal optical device 10 are arranged in the second direction Y and extend in the first direction X. This can achieve a more divergent light spot effect. For example, obvious horizontal and vertical divergence can be achieved. Therefore, different light effects can be achieved by controlling the voltage of a single control / stacked layer separately.

[0097] For example, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, the number of liquid crystal optical devices 10 is at least four, and includes a first liquid crystal optical device 101, a second liquid crystal optical device 102, a third liquid crystal optical device 103, and a fourth liquid crystal optical device 104 stacked sequentially. The strip electrodes included in the first substructure 1221 of the second electrode in the first liquid crystal optical device 101 and the strip electrodes included in the first substructure 1221 of the second electrode in the third liquid crystal optical device 103 both extend along the second direction Y and are arranged in the first direction X. The strip electrodes included in the first substructure 1221 of the second electrode in the second liquid crystal optical device 102 and the strip electrodes included in the first substructure 1221 of the second electrode in the fourth liquid crystal optical device 104 both extend along the first direction X and are arranged in the second direction Y.

[0098] For example, in some examples, the liquid crystal dimming device 20 further includes a polarization control element 105 disposed between the second liquid crystal optics 102 and the third liquid crystal optics 103. Alternatively, the polarization control element 105 may include a first polarization control element 1051 and a second polarization control element 1052 stacked together, with the first polarization control element 1051 disposed between the first liquid crystal optics 101 and the second liquid crystal optics 102, and the second polarization control element 1052 disposed between the third liquid crystal optics 103 and the fourth liquid crystal optics 104.

[0099] For example, Figure 8 illustrates a polarization control element 105 comprising a first polarization control element 1051 and a second polarization control element 1052 stacked together. The first polarization control element 1051 is disposed between the first liquid crystal optical device 101 and the second liquid crystal optical device 102, and the second polarization control element 1052 is disposed between the third liquid crystal optical device 103 and the fourth liquid crystal optical device 104. By configuring the polarization control element 105 to include the first polarization control element 1051 and the second polarization control element 1052 stacked together, the polarization effect of each liquid crystal optical device can be improved.

[0100] For example, in one example, a first liquid crystal optic device 101 is configured to control a first polarizing component to diverge along a first direction X and in a direction opposite to the first direction X; a second liquid crystal optic device 102 is configured to control the first polarizing component to diverge along a second direction Y and in a direction opposite to the second direction Y; a third liquid crystal optic device 103 is configured to control a second polarizing component to diverge along the first direction X and in a direction opposite to the first direction X; and a fourth liquid crystal optic device 104 is configured to control a polarizing component to diverge along the second direction Y and in a direction opposite to the second direction Y.

[0101] For example, a better and more uniform light spot divergence effect can be achieved by optimizing the structure of the strip electrode itself, which is included in the first substructure of the second electrode. From the perspective of improving light divergence and avoiding moiré patterns, the electrode design can consider a dual-domain or multi-domain structure. When using a dual-domain structure, the tilt angle of the strip electrode can be between 0° and 35°. When using a multi-domain structure, various combinations of tilt angles can be used to further disperse the light.

[0102] For example, in some examples, the liquid crystal dimming device 20 further includes an adhesive 106 disposed between the second liquid crystal optic device 102 and the third liquid crystal optic device 103. Of course, the embodiments disclosed herein are not limited to this. Taking into account the adhesion between adjacent liquid crystal optic devices and the thickness of the entire liquid crystal dimming device, the adhesive 106 can also be disposed between the first liquid crystal optic device 101 and the second liquid crystal optic device 102, between the third liquid crystal optic device 103 and the fourth liquid crystal optic device 104, and between the polarization control element 105 and the adjacent liquid crystal optic devices.

[0103] For example, as shown in Figure 8, when no power is applied to the first liquid crystal optical device 101, the second liquid crystal optical device 102, the third liquid crystal optical device 103 and the fourth liquid crystal optical device 104, the polarization component 1 and the polarization component 2 from the light source remain unchanged and pass through.

[0104] For example, as shown in Figure 8, when voltages are applied to the first liquid crystal optical device 101, the second liquid crystal optical device 102, the third liquid crystal optical device 103, and the fourth liquid crystal optical device 104, when polarized component 1 passes through the first liquid crystal optical device 101, the polarization direction of polarized component 1 is parallel to the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules. The liquid crystal molecules directly above the first substructure of the second electrode rotate under voltage. The state of the liquid crystal above the gap between the first substructures of the second electrode remains unchanged due to the lack of voltage drive, or is slightly altered by the alignment of adjacent liquid crystal molecules. Thus, the distribution state of the liquid crystal above the first substructure of the second electrode differs from the distribution state of the liquid crystal above the gap between the first substructures of the second electrode. Therefore, the entire liquid crystal layer is along one... In a crystal with a periodically different refractive index, the polarization direction of polarization component 1 is consistent with the initial alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules. When it passes through the liquid crystal layer, a phase delay is generated. The phase delay generated by the liquid crystal layer above the first substructure of the second electrode is different from the phase delay generated by the liquid crystal layer above the gap of the first substructure of the second electrode. This is equivalent to passing through a grating with a periodically different refractive index. When polarization component 1 passes through, it is diverged along the ±x axis by the liquid crystal grating. At this time, polarization component 2 is perpendicular to the initial alignment direction of the liquid crystal. When polarization component 2 passes through the liquid crystal layer above the first substructure of the second electrode and the liquid crystal layer above the electrode gap, no phase delay is generated. Therefore, polarization component 2 passing through the liquid crystal layer is equivalent to passing through a crystal with a uniform refractive index, and the direction of light propagation does not change.

[0105] For example, after polarization component 1 and polarization component 2 pass through the polarization control element, their polarization directions are rotated by 90 degrees respectively. That is, the polarization direction of polarization component 1 becomes perpendicular to the paper surface, and the polarization direction of polarization component 2 becomes parallel to the paper surface.

[0106] For example, when polarization component 1 and polarization component 2 pass through the second liquid crystal optical device 102, the polarization direction of polarization component 1 is parallel to the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules. The liquid crystal molecules directly above the first substructure of the second electrode rotate under voltage. The state of the liquid crystal above the gap between the first substructures of the second electrode remains unchanged due to the lack of voltage driving or is slightly changed by the alignment of adjacent liquid crystal molecules. Thus, the distribution state of the liquid crystal above the first substructure of the second electrode is different from the distribution state of the liquid crystal above the gap between the first substructures of the second electrode. In this way, the entire liquid crystal layer is a crystal with a periodic difference in refractive index. The polarization direction of polarization component 1 is parallel to the initial alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules. When the light propagates through the liquid crystal layer, a phase delay occurs. The phase delay generated by the liquid crystal layer above the first substructure of the second electrode differs from the phase delay generated by the liquid crystal layer above the gap between the first substructures of the second electrode. This is equivalent to passing through a grating with a periodic difference in refractive index. When polarized component 1 passes through, it is diverged along the ±y axis by the liquid crystal grating. At this time, polarized component 2 is perpendicular to the initial alignment direction of the liquid crystal. When polarized component 2 passes through the liquid crystal layer above the first substructure of the second electrode and the liquid crystal layer above the gap between the first substructures of the second electrode, no phase delay occurs. Therefore, when polarized component 2 passes through the liquid crystal layer, it is equivalent to passing through a crystal with a uniform refractive index, and the direction of light propagation does not change.

[0107] Similarly, when polarized component 2 passes through the energized third liquid crystal optical device, it will be diverged along the ±x direction by the liquid crystal grating formed by the third liquid crystal optical device. At this time, the polarization direction of polarized component 1 is perpendicular to the initial alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules. When polarized component 1 passes through the liquid crystal layer above the electrode and the liquid crystal layer above the electrode gap, no phase delay will occur. Therefore, when polarized component 1 passes through the liquid crystal layer, it is equivalent to passing through a crystal with a uniform refractive index, and the direction of light propagation does not change.

[0108] After passing through the polarization control element 2, the polarization directions of polarization component 1 and polarization component 2 are rotated by 90 degrees respectively. That is, the polarization direction of polarization component 1 becomes parallel to the paper surface, and the polarization direction of polarization component 2 becomes perpendicular to the paper surface.

[0109] When polarized component 2 passes through the energized fourth liquid crystal optical device 104, it will be diverged along the ±y direction by the liquid crystal grating formed by the fourth liquid crystal optical device 104. At this time, the polarization direction of polarized component 1 is perpendicular to the initial alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules. When polarized component 1 passes through the liquid crystal layer above the electrode and the liquid crystal layer above the electrode gap, no phase delay will occur. Therefore, when polarized component 1 passes through the liquid crystal layer, it is equivalent to passing through a crystal with a uniform refractive index, and the propagation direction of the light does not change.

[0110] In summary, the first liquid crystal optical device 101 can control the polarization component 1 to diverge along the ±x direction; the second liquid crystal optical device 102 can control the polarization component 1 to diverge along the ±y direction; the third liquid crystal optical device 103 can control the polarization component 2 to diverge along the ±x direction; and the fourth liquid crystal optical device 104 can control the polarization component 2 to diverge along the ±y direction.

[0111] The first substructures of the second electrodes of the first liquid crystal optical device 101 and the third liquid crystal optical device 103 can be connected together. When a voltage is applied to them, the first liquid crystal optical device 101 and the third liquid crystal optical device 103 can respectively control the polarization component 1 and the polarization component 2 to diverge along the ±x direction; the first substructures of the second electrodes of the second liquid crystal optical device 102 and the fourth liquid crystal optical device 104 can be connected together. When a voltage is applied to them, the second liquid crystal optical device 102 and the fourth liquid crystal optical device 104 can respectively control the polarization component 1 and the polarization component 2 to diverge along the ±y direction.

[0112] By controlling the power supply to the first liquid crystal optical device 101, the second liquid crystal optical device 102, the third liquid crystal optical device 103, and the fourth liquid crystal optical device 104, light emitted from a light source such as an LED can be diffused along the x-direction, the y-direction, or both directions.

[0113] Various light patterns can be achieved by adjusting the voltage of the first substructure of the second electrode of the first liquid crystal optical device 101, the second liquid crystal optical device 102, the third liquid crystal optical device 103, and the fourth liquid crystal optical device 104. The first liquid crystal optical device 101, the second liquid crystal optical device 102, the third liquid crystal optical device 103, and the fourth liquid crystal optical device 104 are bonded together with OCA adhesive.

[0114] The initial alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal optical device 101, the second liquid crystal optical device 102, the third liquid crystal optical device 103, and the fourth liquid crystal optical device 104 is controlled by an alignment film.

[0115] Since it is only necessary to drive the liquid crystal molecules to deflect so that the arrangement of liquid crystal molecules above the electrodes differs from that above the electrode gaps, a large cell thickness is not required, and the driving voltage also does not need to be very high, thus reducing the power consumption of the liquid crystal module. The liquid crystal cell thickness can be 2–4 μm; the driving voltage can be 2–5 V.

[0116] For example, when the signal on the first electrode structure of the first liquid crystal optical device 101, the second liquid crystal optical device 102, the third liquid crystal optical device 103, and the fourth liquid crystal optical device 104 remains constant at 0V, when a high-level signal ±5V is applied to the first substructure of the second electrode of the first liquid crystal optical device 101, the second liquid crystal optical device 102, the third liquid crystal optical device 103, and the fourth liquid crystal optical device 104, the voltage between the second electrode structure and the first electrode structure will drive the liquid crystal molecules to deflect. If a low-level signal of 0V is applied to the second electrode structure, the liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal optical device 101, the second liquid crystal optical device 102, the third liquid crystal optical device 103, and the fourth liquid crystal optical device 104 remain unchanged.

[0117] The following points need to be explained:

[0118] (1) The accompanying drawings of the embodiments of this disclosure only involve the structures involved in the embodiments of this disclosure. Other structures can be referred to the general design.

[0119] (2) For clarity, the thickness of layers or regions in the drawings used to describe embodiments of the present disclosure is enlarged or reduced, i.e., these drawings are not drawn to actual scale.

[0120] (3) Where there is no conflict, the embodiments of this disclosure and the features in the embodiments can be combined with each other to obtain new embodiments.

[0121] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this disclosure, but the scope of protection of this disclosure is not limited thereto. The scope of protection of this disclosure should be determined by the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A liquid crystal optical device comprising: The first substrate and the second substrate are disposed opposite to each other, wherein, A first liquid crystal control layer is disposed on the first substrate, and the first liquid crystal control layer includes a first electrode structure; A second liquid crystal control layer is disposed on the second substrate, and the second liquid crystal control layer includes a second electrode structure; The second electrode structure includes at least two stacked layers.

2. The liquid crystal optical device according to claim 1, wherein, The first electrode structure is a planar electrode or a comb-shaped electrode; The second electrode structure includes a first substructure of the second electrode and a second substructure of the second electrode stacked together, and the first substructure of the second electrode is located on the side of the second substructure of the second electrode closer to the first electrode structure. The first substructure of the second electrode is a comb-shaped electrode. The second substructure of the second electrode is a planar electrode or a comb-shaped electrode.

3. The liquid crystal optical device of claim 2, wherein, The second electrode first substructure includes a plurality of first strip electrodes, which are arranged in a first direction and extend in a second direction intersecting the first direction.

4. The liquid crystal optical device of claim 3, wherein, The width of each first strip electrode in the first direction ranges from 3 micrometers to 10 micrometers, and the spacing between adjacent first strip electrodes ranges from 3 micrometers to 50 micrometers.

5. The liquid crystal optical device of claim 3, wherein, The ratio of the width of the first strip electrode in the first direction to the spacing between adjacent first strip electrodes is in the range of 1 / 15 to 1 / 3.

6. The liquid crystal optical device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein, The plurality of the first strip electrodes have a domain structure, and the angle between the domain structure and the first direction is 0° to 35°.

7. The liquid crystal optical device of claim 6, wherein, The first strip electrode extends in the second direction in a zigzag shape and includes a first zigzag portion and a second zigzag portion that are connected to each other. The included angle between the first zigzag portion and the second zigzag portion is 50° to 80°.

8. The liquid crystal optical device according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein, The second substructure of the second electrode is a comb-shaped electrode. The second substructure of the second electrode includes a plurality of second strip electrodes. The plurality of second strip electrodes are arranged in the first direction and extend in the second direction. The orthographic projections of the first strip electrodes on the second substrate and the orthographic projections of the second strip electrodes on the second substrate have non-overlapping portions.

9. The liquid crystal optical device according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein, Both the first electrode structure and the second electrode second substructure are comb-shaped electrodes. The first electrode structure includes multiple third strip-shaped electrodes, and the second electrode second substructure includes multiple second strip-shaped electrodes. The extension direction of the third strip-shaped electrodes is the same as the extension direction of one of the first strip-shaped electrodes and the second strip-shaped electrodes, and intersects with the extension direction of the other of the first strip-shaped electrodes and the second strip-shaped electrodes.

10. The liquid crystal optical device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, A liquid crystal layer is disposed between the first liquid crystal control layer and the second liquid crystal control layer, wherein the birefringence of the liquid crystal layer is greater than or equal to 0.2 and less than or equal to 1. 11.The liquid crystal optical device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a spacer provided between the first substrate and the second substrate, wherein, The spacer has a size of 8 to 30 micrometers in the direction perpendicular to the main surface of the first substrate.

12. The liquid crystal optical device according to claim 11, wherein, The spacer is disposed on only one of the first substrate and the second substrate, and the spacer has a first height equal to the distance between the first substrate and the second substrate.

13. The liquid crystal optical device according to claim 11, wherein, The spacer is disposed on the first substrate and the second substrate, and the spacer has a second height, wherein the height of the spacer on the first substrate and the sum of the heights of the spacers on the first substrate are less than or equal to the distance between the first substrate and the second substrate.

14. The liquid crystal optical device of claim 1, comprising a display area and a peripheral area peripheral to the display area, wherein, The first electrode structure includes a first part in the display area and a second part in the peripheral area. The first part is a comb-shaped electrode or a planar electrode, and the second part is a closed or unclosed ring electrode. The first part and the second part are connected.

15. The liquid crystal optical device according to any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein, The materials of the first electrode structure, the first substructure of the second electrode, and the second substructure of the second electrode are all conductive metal oxides.

16. A liquid crystal dimming device, comprising: A liquid crystal optics device, a light source, and a diffusion film, wherein the liquid crystal optics device is configured to adjust the emission angle of light emitted from the light source onto it; The liquid crystal optical device includes: a first substrate and a second substrate disposed opposite to each other, a first liquid crystal control layer disposed on the first substrate, and the first liquid crystal control layer including a first electrode structure; A second liquid crystal control layer is disposed on the second substrate, and the second liquid crystal control layer includes a second electrode structure; The second electrode structure includes at least two stacked layers.

17. The liquid crystal dimming device according to claim 16, wherein, The first electrode structure is a planar electrode or a comb-shaped electrode; The second electrode structure includes a first substructure of the second electrode and a second substructure of the second electrode stacked together, and the first substructure of the second electrode is located on the side of the second substructure of the second electrode closer to the first electrode structure. The first substructure of the second electrode is a comb-shaped electrode. The second substructure of the second electrode is a planar electrode or a comb-shaped electrode.

18. The liquid crystal light modulator of claim 17 wherein, The number of liquid crystal optical devices is multiple, and the multiple liquid crystal optical devices are stacked. The first substructure of the second electrode includes multiple strip electrodes. The multiple strip electrodes of one of the adjacent liquid crystal optical devices are arranged in a first direction and extend in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The multiple strip electrodes of the other adjacent liquid crystal optical device are arranged in the second direction and extend in the first direction.

19. The liquid crystal dimming device according to claim 18, wherein, The number of liquid crystal optical devices is at least four, and includes a first liquid crystal optical device, a second liquid crystal optical device, a third liquid crystal optical device and a fourth liquid crystal optical device arranged in sequence. The strip-shaped electrodes included in the first substructure of the second electrode in the first liquid crystal optical device and the strip-shaped electrodes included in the first substructure of the second electrode in the third liquid crystal optical device both extend along the second direction and are arranged in the first direction; The strip-shaped electrodes included in the first substructure of the second electrode in the second liquid crystal optical device and the strip-shaped electrodes included in the first substructure of the second electrode in the fourth liquid crystal optical device both extend along the first direction and are arranged in the second direction.

20. The liquid crystal light modulator of claim 19, further comprising a polarization control element, wherein, The polarization control element is disposed between the second liquid crystal optical device and the third liquid crystal optical device, or, The polarization control element includes a first polarization control element and a second polarization control element stacked together. The first polarization control element is disposed between the first liquid crystal optical device and the second liquid crystal optical device, and the second polarization control element is disposed between the third liquid crystal optical device and the fourth liquid crystal optical device.

21. The liquid crystal dimming device according to claim 19 or 20, wherein, The first liquid crystal optical device is configured to control the first polarization component to diverge along the first direction and in a direction opposite to the first direction; The second liquid crystal optical device is configured to control the first polarization component to diverge along the second direction and in a direction opposite to the second direction; The third liquid crystal optical device is configured to control the second polarization component to diverge along the first direction and in a direction opposite to the first direction; The fourth liquid crystal optical device is configured to control the polarization component to diverge along the second direction and in a direction opposite to the second direction.

22. The liquid crystal light modulator of claim 19, further comprising an adhesive, wherein, The adhesive is disposed between the second liquid crystal optical device and the third liquid crystal optical device.

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