Liquid-Crystal Lens Non-Uniform Electrode Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid-crystal lenses face challenges in controlling electric-field distribution with precision due to the number of electrodes, leading to increased IC size and yield defects when trying to achieve high precision.
Innovation Solution
A liquid-crystal lens design with a plurality of first electrodes receiving relatively low voltage applied more adjacently to each other than those receiving high voltage, along with a second electrode, allows for precise control of electric-field distribution using fewer electrodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the number of electrodes is increased to control electric-field distribution with high precision, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the device complexity increases and yield decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different electrode densities in different regions of the liquid-crystal lens. Specifically, first electrodes receiving relatively low voltage are provided more adjacently (higher density) than first electrodes receiving relatively high voltage. This non-uniform electrode distribution allows precise control of electric-field distribution in regions where it is most needed, while reducing the total number of electrodes compared to uniform high-density coverage, thus resolving the contradiction between precision and complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If the number of electrodes is increased to control electric-field distribution with high precision, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the IC size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces IC size by implementing non-uniform electrode density, where electrodes are concentrated in regions requiring fine control and spaced out in regions requiring coarser control. This allows the system to achieve high precision electric-field distribution control with fewer electrodes overall, thereby reducing the IC size needed to drive the electrodes while maintaining the required manufacturing precision.
3Manufacturing precision
If the distance between electrodes is shortened due to increased electrode count, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the reliability decreases due to pattern defects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent improves reliability by providing different electrode densities in different regions. First electrodes receiving relatively low voltage are provided more adjacently (shorter spacing) than first electrodes receiving relatively high voltage. This allows the system to achieve the necessary electric-field control precision in critical regions while maintaining larger electrode spacing in other regions, thereby reducing the overall impact of pattern defects and improving yield.
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 design enables precise control of electric-field distribution and orientation of liquid-crystal molecules, achieving a high degree of precision in lens performance while minimizing IC size and reducing yield defects.
Implementation Method 1
The liquid-crystal molecules have refractive-index anisotropy. Thus, when the orientation state changes, the refractive index for light incident to the liquid-crystal layer also changes as well.
Implementation Method 2
If a voltage is applied between electrodes, which are opposed to each other to sandwich a liquid-crystal layer, in order to control an electric-field distribution in the liquid-crystal layer, liquid-crystal molecules included in the liquid-crystal layer are oriented in accordance with the electric-field distribution.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a liquid-crystal lens including: a plurality of first electrodes; a second electrode placed to be opposed to the first electrodes; and a liquid-crystal layer provided between the first electrodes and the second electrode. The first electrodes each receiving a relatively low voltage applied thereto are provided more adjacently to each other than the first electrodes each receiving a relatively high voltage applied thereto.