Liquid Crystal Optical Element Layout to Minimize Moire
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical elements using stacked liquid crystal cells face issues with moire and reduced light diffusion due to misalignment of liquid crystal molecules and inconsistent refractive index distribution, particularly when electrodes are configured in parallel with varying distances.
Innovation Solution
The optical element employs a design with two liquid crystal cells stacked and separated by an optical elastic resin layer, featuring comb-shaped transparent electrodes on orthogonal substrates, allowing for controlled alignment of liquid crystal molecules and refractive index distribution to manage light distribution effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If transparent electrodes are arranged in parallel in liquid crystal cells, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but moire and coloration occur due to light interference and wavelength dependence of refractive index
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by configuring the transparent electrodes with bent portions that break the parallel symmetry. Specifically, the second transparent electrode includes a first bent portion bent in the first direction, and the fourth transparent electrode includes a second bent portion bent in the second direction. This asymmetric bending configuration eliminates moire and coloration by preventing the regular interference patterns that occur with parallel electrode arrangements, while still maintaining manufacturability through standard electrode fabrication processes.
2Ease of manufacture
If transparent electrodes are arranged in parallel, then manufacturing is straightforward, but light diffusion performance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by introducing bendable portions in the transparent electrodes that can dynamically adjust the refractive index distribution. The bent portions create varying electric field distributions that dynamically control the liquid crystal molecule orientation, thereby enhancing light diffusion performance. This dynamic configuration allows the electrode structure to adapt to different operating conditions while maintaining ease of manufacture through standard fabrication techniques.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If bent portions are added to transparent electrodes, then moire and coloration are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the transparent electrodes into distinct segments with specific bent portions. The second transparent electrode is segmented with a first bent portion, and the fourth transparent electrode is segmented with a second bent portion. This segmentation approach reduces moire and coloration by creating localized refractive index variations, while the modular nature of the segmentation keeps the overall device complexity manageable through systematic design.
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 ensures sufficient control over light distribution while minimizing moire and maintaining light diffusion performance by aligning liquid crystal molecules in a twisted configuration, enabling precise light refraction and diffusion patterns.
Implementation Method 1
An optical element which is a so-called liquid crystal lens has been conventionally known in which a change in the refractive index of a liquid crystal is utilized by adjusting a voltage applied to the liquid crystal
Implementation Method 2
at least two liquid crystal cells... a liquid crystal layer between the first substrate and the second substrate
Data Source
AI summary
An optical element includes at least two liquid crystal cells. The at least two liquid crystal cells include a first substrate on which a first transparent electrode and a second transparent electrode are alternately and repeatedly arranged in a first direction, a second substrate on which a third transparent electrode and a fourth transparent electrode are alternately and repeatedly arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and a liquid crystal layer between the first substrate and the second substrate. The second transparent electrode comprises a first bent portion bent in the first direction. The fourth transparent electrode comprises a second bent portion bent in the second direction.