Liquid Crystal Polarizer Array for Multi-Direction Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing polarizer technologies require one-to-one correspondence with pixels, leading to image resolution loss and high production costs due to the need for customized polarization detectors.
Innovation Solution
A polarizer with multiple types of polarization units, each comprising laminated liquid crystal cells with different alignment film orientations, allowing independent control of voltage application to achieve various polarization directions without affecting image resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If polarizers are embedded between pixel array and micro lens array with one-to-one correspondence to pixels, then polarization detection capability is improved, but image resolution is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The polarizer is divided into multiple independent polarization units, each capable of independently controlling polarization in different directions. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high image resolution while providing versatile polarization detection capabilities through selective activation of specific units.
Solution Approach 2:
The polarizer employs controllable liquid crystal cells that can dynamically adjust their polarization state in response to control signals. This dynamic capability enables the system to switch between different polarization modes without physical reconfiguration, maintaining resolution while adapting to different detection requirements.
2Measurement precision
If customized polarization detector is used to collect polarized light in different directions, then polarization detection accuracy is improved, but production cost is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The polarizer integrates multiple polarization functions into a single device structure, eliminating the need for separate customized polarization detectors. Each polarization unit can detect polarized light in different directions, providing multi-functional capability that reduces overall system complexity and production costs while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines the polarization detection function with the existing pixel array structure by placing the polarizer directly in front of the pixel array. This merging approach eliminates the need for separate customized detectors, reducing production costs while maintaining the ability to collect polarized light in different directions through multiple polarization units.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of polarization units with different alignment film orientations are used, then polarization direction control is improved, but device structure is complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The polarizer is divided into multiple polarization units, each with specific alignment film orientations. This segmentation allows independent control of polarization in different directions while maintaining a modular structure that simplifies the overall design and manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention achieves different polarization directions by changing the orientation parameter of alignment films in different polarization units, rather than creating fundamentally different structures. This parameter-based approach allows versatile polarization control while maintaining structural simplicity and ease of manufacturing.
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 polarized light in multiple directions with integrated light attenuation and transmission functions, reducing production costs and expanding application scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
Both the first liquid crystal layer and the second liquid crystal layer include a dichromatic dye molecule configured to absorb a light wave
Implementation Method 2
the first alignment film is configured to align the first liquid crystal layer, and the second alignment film is configured to align the second liquid crystal layer
Implementation Method 3
each type of the multiple types of polarization units includes a first liquid crystal cell and a second liquid crystal cell that are laminated
Data Source
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AI summary
A polarizer, a polarizer array, a polarization-controllable method and apparatus, and an electronic device are disclosed. The polarizer includes multiple types of polarization units, each polarization unit includes a first liquid crystal cell (301) and a second liquid crystal cell (302) that are laminated, each liquid crystal cell (301, 302) includes a liquid crystal layer (3013, 3023) and an alignment film (3012, 3022), and the alignment film (3012,3022) is connected to an electrode layer (30112,30212) configured to apply an external voltage to the liquid crystal layer (3013, 3023). The first liquid crystal cell (301) and the second liquid crystal cell (302) of each polarization unit may be separately controlled as "connected" or "disconnected", and orientations of alignment films (3012) of first liquid crystal cells (301) between all the multiple types of polarization units are different. In a same polarization unit, when one liquid crystal cell is in an on state, emergent light of the polarization unit is polarized light in one polarization direction. The polarizer includes multiple polarization units. Therefore, the emergent light of the polarizer may be polarized light in multiple polarization directions. The polarizer is directly disposed in front of an optical lens. Resolution of the optical lens is not affected, and production costs are low.