Hybrid Polarizer with Embedded Absorbing Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hybrid polarizers are thicker due to the inclusion of absorbing elements, which can complicate manufacturing and result in undesirable light leakage and luminance issues in display devices.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid polarizer design featuring a reflective polarizer portion with alternating high and low index layers free of absorbing elements, combined with a hybrid polarizer portion that includes absorbing polarizer elements in its high index layers, allowing for thinner optical stacks and improved light management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional hybrid polarizers include absorbing elements in all layers, then polarization function is improved, but thickness increases and manufacturing complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by selectively incorporating absorbing polarizer elements only in specific high index layers (first and third layers) of the hybrid polarizer, while leaving other layers without absorbing elements. This localized approach maintains the necessary polarization function in critical regions while reducing overall thickness and manufacturing complexity compared to uniformly distributing absorbing elements throughout all layers.
2Reliability
If conventional hybrid polarizers include absorbing elements, then polarization function is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces device complexity by applying absorbing polarizer elements only where necessary for optimal polarization performance, rather than uniformly throughout the structure. This selective local application simplifies the manufacturing process by reducing the number of layers requiring absorbing material deposition and simplifies alignment procedures during assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid polarizer is segmented into distinct functional regions: high index layers with absorbing polarizer elements (first and third layers) and high index layers without absorbing elements (second layer). This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized independently for its specific function, simplifying the overall manufacturing process while maintaining effective polarization performance.
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 solution results in thinner displays, reduced light leakage, and enhanced contrast ratios by effectively combining reflective and absorbing polarizer functions within a single construction, improving brightness and reducing unwanted luminance variations.
Implementation Method 1
The reflective polarizer portion includes alternating high index layers and low index layers
Implementation Method 2
reflective polarizer portion includes alternating high index layers and low index layers
Implementation Method 3
at least some of the high index layers of the hybrid polarizer portion include absorbing polarizer elements
Implementation Method 4
multilayer optical films, which include co-extruded and stretched alternating thermoplastic birefringent layers
Data Source
AI summary
Hybrid polarizers are described. More particularly, hybrid polarizers including reflective polarizer portions and hybrid polarizing portions, including embedded absorbing polarizing elements are described. The hybrid polarizers may be used in backlights or display devices.