Integrated Phase Difference Plate for Reflection-Type Liquid Crystal Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
In liquid crystal devices, particularly in projection-type display devices using reflection-type panels, the complexity of optical configurations and labor-intensive alignment processes are exacerbated by the need for λ/4 phase difference plates and phase difference compensation members, which limits space and increases manufacturing difficulty.
Innovation Solution
A reflection-type liquid crystal device with a λ/4 phase difference plate and a phase difference compensation layer integrated with the liquid crystal panel, where light is reflected and modulated, simplifying the optical path and reducing the need for separate alignment of optical members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a λ/4 phase difference plate and a phase difference compensation member are provided separately between the liquid crystal panel and polarizing plate, then the modulation characteristics are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the λ/4 phase difference plate and the phase difference compensation member into a single integrated optical element. This merged structure maintains the optical functions of both components while eliminating the need for separate alignment and assembly, thus reducing device complexity while preserving improved modulation characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated optical element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the λ/4 phase difference required for modulation characteristics while also incorporating the phase difference compensation function. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate components and simplifies the overall optical configuration.
2Reliability
If a λ/4 phase difference plate and a phase difference compensation member are arranged separately, then the optical performance is improved, but the space around the liquid crystal panel is limited and alignment labor increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the λ/4 phase difference plate and phase difference compensation member into a single integrated component, the patent eliminates the need for separate alignment operations. This single component can be positioned and aligned once, significantly reducing the labor and time required for assembly while maintaining the optical performance benefits of both functions.
3Reliability
If multiple separate optical members are used, then the phase difference compensation is effective, but the device structure becomes complex and assembly labor increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the λ/4 phase difference plate and phase difference compensation member into a single optical element, maintaining the effectiveness of phase difference compensation while dramatically simplifying the device structure. This eliminates the need for multiple separate optical members and their associated alignment requirements.
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 enhances contrast and visual field angle characteristics while simplifying the device structure, reducing space constraints and labor required for assembly, enabling high-definition image display with improved resolution and reduced manufacturing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a λ/4 phase difference plate arranged in an optical path in which light incident from the second substrate side is reflected by the reflection layer and emitted from the second substrate side
Implementation Method 2
light incident from the second substrate side is reflected by the reflection layer and emitted from the second substrate side
Implementation Method 3
a first substrate provided with a reflection layer and a second substrate having light-transmissivity face each other via a liquid crystal layer
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid crystal device includes a reflection-type liquid crystal panel in which a first substrate provided with a reflective layer and a second substrate having light-transmissivity face each other via a liquid crystal layer. In the liquid crystal device, a λ/4 phase difference plate is arranged in an optical path in which light incident from the second substrate side is reflected by the reflective layer and emitted from the second substrate side, and a phase difference compensation layer such as a C plate and O plate provided integrally with the liquid crystal panel is provided in the optical path. The λ/4 phase difference plate is an inorganic material film provided on a second end surface facing the second substrate in the polarized light separating element. The phase difference compensation layer is an inorganic material film provided on a surface of the second substrate opposite to the liquid crystal layer.