Controllable Light Propagation via Segmented LC Interface
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light systems with liquid crystal (LC) materials for controlling light propagation suffer from high losses due to absorption and scattering, and have static light extraction locations and directions, which are unsuitable for dynamic applications.
Innovation Solution
A controllable light propagation system featuring a light guide with a controllable LC element and an array of electrodes along its length, allowing selective control of light extraction locations and directions through dynamic interface management, using transparent electrodes and optical elements for directional control of extracted light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If LC material is used for the core to control light propagation, then light extraction control is achieved, but large losses due to absorption and scattering occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the light propagation function into two separate components: a light guide for low-loss light transmission and a controllable LC element for light extraction control. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The LC material is extracted from the light guide core and placed as a separate controllable element adjacent to the light guide. This extraction removes the harmful absorption and scattering properties from the light propagation path while retaining the beneficial light extraction control capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If static light extraction locations are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but dynamic application requirements are not met
Solution Approach 1:
The system transforms the static light extraction interface into a dynamic one by introducing a controllable LC element that can be electrically actuated. This allows the light extraction location and characteristics to be dynamically adjusted to meet varying application requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables dynamic control of light extraction by changing the refractive index parameter of the LC material through electrical activation. This parameter change allows dynamic adjustment of light extraction characteristics without fundamentally altering the device structure.
3Ease of operation
If LC material is used in the light guide, then light extraction control is achieved, but light propagation losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the light propagation path from the light extraction control mechanism by using a separate light guide structure without LC material and placing the LC element only at the extraction interface, thereby maintaining high propagation efficiency while achieving extraction control.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide acts as an intermediary between the light source and the controllable LC extraction element, providing a low-loss transmission path that separates the propagation function from the extraction control function.
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
Enables dynamic control of light extraction location, direction, and quantity, reducing losses and enhancing flexibility in applications like dynamic lighting, display devices, and augmented reality.
Implementation Method 1
activation of electrodes near the LC material may reorient the LC molecules, which may change a relative refractive index of the LC material
Implementation Method 2
a transmissivity of an interface between the light guide and an adjacent structure (or air, etc.) may depend on the ratio of the LC refractive index (nLC) to refractive index of the adjacent structure, e.g., according to the total internal reflection formula sin(i)≥n2/n1
Data Source
AI summary
A controllable light propagation system includes a light guide elongated in a first direction, a controllable liquid crystal (LC) element including an LC material and having a first side adjacent the light guide to define a dynamic interface between the light guide and controllable LC element, and an array of electrodes arranged at different locations along the first direction. The array of electrodes arranged along the first direction are selectively activatable to generate electric fields in the LC material to control a transmissivity of the dynamic interface between the light guide and the controllable LC element, thereby allowing a controlled extraction of light at selected locations along the light guide. An array of optical elements may be provided at a second side of the controllable LC element to deflect or otherwise influence the extracted light, e.g., as a function of the location of the extracted light along the first direction.