Liquid Crystal Light Deflector Phase Modulation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current liquid crystal light deflectors have limited deflection angles and are bulky, making them unsuitable for applications requiring larger deflection ranges and compact designs.
Innovation Solution
A liquid crystal light deflector design featuring a first electrode layer with pattern electrodes arranged in a specific pitch and direction, a liquid crystal layer with aligned molecules, and a common electrode layer, which allows for phase modulation of light by controlling the orientation of liquid crystal molecules with applied voltages, thereby increasing the deflection angle and reducing the device's size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional optical devices such as lenses or mirrors are used as light deflectors, then the light deflection function is achieved, but the volume of the light deflector becomes large and the speed of angle change is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical optical devices (lenses, mirrors) with a liquid crystal light deflector that uses electrical signals to control liquid crystal molecule orientation. This substitution of mechanical systems with electro-optical systems achieves both compact size and fast response, resolving the contradiction between volume reduction and maintaining angle change speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and orientation parameters of liquid crystal molecules through applied voltage to achieve light deflection. By controlling the tilt angle of liquid crystal molecules electrically, the system achieves rapid angle changes without mechanical movement, resolving the contradiction between fast response speed and compact form factor.
2Volume of moving object
If liquid crystal light deflectors are designed to be small-sized, then the device compactness is improved, but the deflection angle of light remains limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the molecular orientation dimension of liquid crystals, controlling molecules to tilt at various angles (0-90 degrees) relative to the substrate. This dimensional control of molecular orientation enables large deflection angles within a compact device structure, resolving the contradiction between small size and wide deflection angle range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves variable deflection angles by changing the voltage applied to the liquid crystal layer, which changes the tilt angle of liquid crystal molecules. This electrical parameter control enables the compact device to achieve adaptable deflection angles from 0 to 90 degrees, resolving the contradiction between compact size and deflection angle versatility.
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 design achieves a higher deflection angle and increased resolution for display applications while maintaining a slim and compact form factor, enhancing the efficiency of laser beam incidence and emission.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid crystal layer including a plurality of liquid crystal molecules each having a long diameter substantially parallel to the concave portions on the first alignment layer
Implementation Method 2
change phase
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid crystal light deflector includes a first electrode layer including a plurality of pattern electrodes arranged with a constant pitch in a first direction on a first substrate, a first alignment layer covering the first electrode layer and having a plurality of concave portions formed on an upper surface thereof and extending in parallel to a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, a liquid crystal layer including a plurality of liquid crystal molecules each having a long diameter substantially parallel to the concave portions on the first alignment layer, a second electrode layer, which is a common electrode, disposed on the liquid crystal layer, and a second substrate disposed on the second electrode layer.