Diffractive Optical Element with Angled Electrodes for Multi-Directional Light Deflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing diffractive optical elements in display devices require multiple diffraction devices for horizontal and vertical light deflection, leading to increased complexity and cost, as well as limitations in field of view due to the need for separate devices for each direction.
Innovation Solution
A single diffractive optical element with substrates and a liquid-crystal layer, where electrodes on one substrate are angled relative to those on the other, allowing for the generation of out-of-plane fields to control liquid-crystal molecule orientation and achieve simultaneous deflection of light in both horizontal and vertical directions using a single device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate diffraction devices are used for horizontal and vertical light deflection, then light deflection in multiple directions is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate diffraction devices into a single diffractive optical element by stacking two substrates with electrode arrangements at angles greater than 50 degrees relative to each other. This combining approach maintains the capability to deflect light in multiple directions (horizontal and vertical) while reducing the overall number of devices from two to one, thereby simplifying the system structure and reducing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The single diffractive optical element performs multiple functions by incorporating two independent electrode arrangements on different substrates. Each electrode arrangement can independently control light deflection in different directions, making the single device universal for both horizontal and vertical deflection tasks that previously required separate devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate diffraction devices are used for horizontal and vertical light deflection, then light deflection in multiple directions is achieved, but the field of view is limited
Solution Approach 1:
By combining two diffraction device functions into one integrated element, the patent enables simultaneous light deflection in horizontal and vertical directions from a single optical position. This merging eliminates the need for sequential light paths through multiple devices, thereby expanding the effective field of view and allowing observers to access the holographic scene from a broader range of positions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If electrodes are arranged at angles greater than 50 degrees on stacked substrates, then simultaneous out-of-plane fields are generated for multi-directional light deflection, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from planar electrode arrangements to three-dimensional stacked substrate configurations with angularly oriented electrodes. By utilizing the vertical dimension and angular orientations greater than 50 degrees, the design generates independent out-of-plane electric fields that can simultaneously control liquid crystal molecules for multi-directional light deflection, overcoming the limitations of single-plane electrode geometries.
4Device complexity
If a single diffractive optical element is used instead of multiple devices, then device complexity is reduced, but achieving simultaneous multi-directional light deflection becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single diffractive optical element into two independent functional layers, each with its own electrode arrangement on separate substrates. This segmentation allows each layer to independently control light deflection in different directions while maintaining the overall unity of the single device structure, thereby achieving both simplification and multi-directional capability.
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
This configuration reduces the number of required diffraction devices, enabling more compact and cost-effective designs while enhancing the field of view by allowing simultaneous light deflection in multiple directions, including the ability to adjust the angle of deflection through varying grating periods.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid-crystal layer with liquid-crystal molecules... by writing a diffraction grating into the phase modulator with a particular grating period, it is thus possible to deflect light
Implementation Method 2
diffractive optical elements are frequently used for controlled deflection of light... a diffractive optical element may be used for observer tracking in a display device
Implementation Method 3
The electrode arrangement has strip-shaped electrodes on only one substrate... An in-plane field is generated here between each two strip-shaped electrodes on the same substrate
Implementation Method 4
by control of the in-plane electrodes on the one substrate... create variable orientations of the liquid-crystal molecules of the liquid-crystal layer, such that variable grating periods can be generated
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a diffractive optical element which comprises a first substrate and a second substrate, between which a liquid crystal layer is provided. The diffractive optical element also has strip-shaped electrodes on the first substrate and strip-shaped electrodes on the second substrate. The electrodes on the first substrate are arranged at an angle of greater than 50° relative to the electrodes on the second substrate. Furthermore, the electrodes on the first substrate and the electrodes on the second substrate are controllable in such a way that a defined out-of-plane field can be produced in a respective overlapping area of the electrodes on the first substrate with the electrodes on the second substrate. The diffractive optical element can be used in a display device for displaying preferably three-dimensional scenes.