Light Deflecting Apparatus Using Cholesteric Blue Phase Liquid Crystals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional 3D glasses using liquid crystal shutters suffer from low optical transmittance due to the use of polarizers, and there is a need for a novel technique to enhance the light deflecting mechanism for effective three-dimensional image viewing.
Innovation Solution
A light deflecting apparatus employing first and second liquid crystal cells with a cholesteric blue phase, each corresponding to an eye, and a prism layer, where the liquid crystal cells switch between homeotropic and cholesteric blue phases under different voltages to deflect light, eliminating the need for polarizers and improving transmittance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If polarizers are used in liquid crystal shutters for 3D glasses, then light deflection function is achieved, but optical transmittance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes polarizers from the liquid crystal shutter structure, extracting the problematic component that caused low transmittance. The invention achieves light deflection without polarizers by using a liquid crystal layer with a blue phase that changes refractive index based on applied voltage, combined with a light-deflecting layer that redirects light based on the liquid crystal's optical state.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating principle from polarizer-based light filtering to refractive index-based light deflection. By controlling the refractive index of the liquid crystal layer through voltage application (changing from isotropic blue phase to anisotropic state), the system deflects light without absorbing it, thereby maintaining high optical transmittance.
2Ease of operation
If conventional liquid crystal shutters are used, then three-dimensional image display is achieved, but viewing comfort deteriorates due to darkness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the inherent optical properties of the blue phase liquid crystal (which normally cause scattering) into a beneficial effect. By controlling the phase transition through voltage, the scattered light is redirected rather than blocked, transforming what would be a disadvantage into a mechanism for achieving both 3D display and high brightness simultaneously.
3Productivity
If high switching frequency is required for 3D display, then image quality improves, but response speed requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the phase transition properties of blue phase liquid crystals, which can rapidly switch between isotropic and anisotropic states in response to voltage changes. This phase transition mechanism enables fast response speeds suitable for high-frequency 3D display applications, as the molecular reorientation occurs much faster than conventional liquid crystal modes.
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 apparatus achieves high optical transmittance, allowing for clear three-dimensional image viewing without polarizers, with fast response speeds suitable for frequencies higher than 240 Hz, and provides improved comfort by reducing the feeling of darkness.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid crystal layer (15) including liquid crystal molecules with positive dielectric anisotropy and exhibiting a cholesteric blue phase when no voltage is applied
Implementation Method 2
a prism layer (3) formed above the surface of one of the transparent substrates facing the liquid crystal layer
Data Source
AI summary
A light deflecting apparatus includes first and second light deflecting liquid crystal cells, each corresponding to each eye of a user and each comprising a liquid crystal layer including liquid crystal molecules with positive dielectric anisotropy and exhibiting a cholesteric blue phase when no voltage is applied, a pair of transparent substrates sandwiching the liquid crystal layer, a pair of transparent electrodes each being formed above each transparent substrate, a prism layer formed above one of the transparent substrates, and a driving device switching between a first state wherein the first and the second light deflecting liquid crystal cells are respectively in a homeotropic phase and a cholesteric blue phase, and a second state wherein the first and the second light deflecting liquid crystal cells are respectively in a cholesteric blue phase and a homeotropic phase.