Blue Phase Liquid Crystal Display Polymer Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Blue phase liquid crystal displays suffer from light leakage in the dark state due to imperfect double twist cylinder structures, leading to a decreased contrast ratio.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced where a blue phase liquid crystal layer is sandwiched between substrates with electrodes, and a vertical electric field is applied to polymerize monomers within the layer, creating polymer-stabilized positive blue phase liquid crystals that are more isotropic, reducing light leakage and enhancing contrast ratio.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If horizontal electric field is applied to positive blue phase liquid crystals to change refractive index, then light can pass through the liquid crystals achieving bright state, but light leakage occurs in dark state due to imperfect double twist cylinder structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electric field configuration from horizontal to vertical orientation. The vertical electric field applied perpendicular to the substrates induces different molecular orientation and refractive index characteristics compared to horizontal fields, reducing light leakage while maintaining display functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical electric field as an intermediary mechanism to control the liquid crystal molecular orientation. This vertical field acts as a mediator between the applied voltage and the liquid crystal molecules, creating optimal conditions for reducing light leakage by inducing specific molecular alignment
2Reliability
If vertical electric field is applied to polymerize monomers in blue phase liquid crystal layer, then polymer-stabilized positive blue phase liquid crystals are produced with improved isotropy, but additional fabrication steps and energy consumption are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs polymerization of monomers during the fabrication process by applying vertical electric field before the display is fully assembled and put into service. This preliminary action creates polymer-stabilized liquid crystals with improved isotropy that persist throughout the display's operational life
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the polymerization process with the liquid crystal layer formation process. By applying vertical electric field during the same fabrication step, the patent merges two functions (polymerization and layer formation) into a single process, reducing overall device complexity despite the additional energy requirement
3Reliability
If vertical electric field is applied during polymerization, then light leakage is reduced and contrast ratio is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies vertical electric field during the fabrication process to induce polymerization, rather than applying it continuously during operation. This preliminary action creates the desired isotropic structure once and for all, eliminating the need for continuous energy consumption during display operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the vertical electric field to trigger a self-sustaining polymerization process. Once initiated, the polymerization reaction proceeds autonomously without requiring continuous external energy input, converting monomers to polymers that permanently stabilize the liquid crystal structure with improved contrast ratio
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The vertical electric field makes the blue phase liquid crystals more isotropic, significantly reducing light leakage in the dark state and improving the contrast ratio of the display.
Implementation Method 1
The blue phase liquid crystal layer is illuminated with a light source such that the monomer are polymerized to produce the polymer-stabilized positive blue phase liquid crystal
Implementation Method 2
A voltage is applied to the first electrode of the first substrate and the second electrode of the second substrate such that a vertical electric field is formed in the blue phase liquid crystal layer and substantially perpendicular to the first electrode and the second electrode
Data Source
AI summary
A method for fabricating a blue phase liquid crystal display is provided. A first substrate is arranged opposite to a second substrate, in which the first and second substrates include a first and a second electrode, respectively. A blue phase liquid crystal layer is sealed between the first substrate and the second substrate, in which the blue phase liquid crystal layer includes a positive blue phase liquid crystal and a monomer. A voltage is applied to the first electrode and the second electrode such that a vertical electric field is formed. The blue phase liquid crystal layer is illuminated with a light source such that the monomer performs polymerization to produce a polymer-stabilized positive blue phase liquid crystal. A blue phase liquid crystal display is also disclosed herein.