Reflective Absorbing Polarizer Stack for Half Mirror Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Display devices with half mirrors suffer from low light utilization efficiency due to most light being reflected back and not emitted externally, particularly in OLED, inorganic LED, and QLED systems.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a configuration that includes an active matrix substrate with a light-emitting element layer, a half mirror on the display surface, and a sequence of optical components such as a λ/4 plate, reflective polarizer, absorbing polarizer, and optionally a second λ/4 plate and anti-reflection layer, arranged to optimize light transmission and minimize reflections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a half mirror is installed on the display surface, then mirror display function is achieved, but light utilization efficiency is significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light management function by introducing multiple optical components (λ/4 plates, reflective polarizers, absorbing polarizers) that work in sequence to differentially manage light paths for display mode and mirror mode, allowing the half mirror to serve its function while recovering reflected light
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful reflected light that would otherwise be lost into a beneficial resource by using the reflective polarizer to redirect it back through the light-emitting element layer, effectively recycling light that would have been wasted and improving overall light utilization efficiency
2Adaptability or versatility
If a half mirror is installed, then display device functionality is enhanced, but luminance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures continuous useful action by creating a closed-loop light path where reflected light is continuously redirected back through the light-emitting element layer and optical components, maximizing the utilization of each photon and maintaining high luminance despite the presence of the half mirror
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 significantly enhances light utilization efficiency, achieving higher luminance and reducing double projections, thereby improving the overall performance of display devices with half mirrors.
Implementation Method 1
a first λ/4 plate, a reflective polarizer, and an absorbing polarizer which are provided in order from the light-emitting element layer side between the light-emitting element layer and the half mirror
Implementation Method 2
a first λ/4 plate, a reflective polarizer, and an absorbing polarizer which are provided in order from the light-emitting element layer side between the light-emitting element layer and the half mirror
Implementation Method 3
a first λ/4 plate, a reflective polarizer, and an absorbing polarizer which are provided in order from the light-emitting element layer side between the light-emitting element layer and the half mirror
Implementation Method 4
a half mirror provided on a display surface side of the light-emitting element layer
Data Source
AI summary
A display device includes an active matrix substrate including a transistor element and a light-emitting element layer provided on the active matrix substrate and including a first electrode, a second electrode, a function layer including a light-emitting layer between the first electrode and the second electrode, and a sealing layer. The display device includes: a half mirror provided on a display surface side of the light-emitting element layer; and a first λ/4 plate, a reflective polarizer, and an absorbing polarizer which are provided in order from the light-emitting element layer side between the light-emitting element layer and the half mirror.