Liquid Crystal Device Refractive Index Gradient Insulator
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Solution Overview
Problem
In liquid crystal devices, the interface reflection between the base member and the lens layer due to a constant refractive index in the thickness direction impairs light utilization efficiency, particularly when there is a difference in refractive indices between these components.
Innovation Solution
A liquid crystal device configuration with a base member, a pixel electrode, a first insulator with a higher refractive index, and a second insulator with a lower refractive index, where the second insulator surrounds the first insulator and abuts it, creating a refractive index gradient to minimize interface reflection and enhance light transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a lens layer with constant refractive index is used between base member and pixel electrode, then light guidance function is provided, but interface reflection occurs due to refractive index difference which impairs light utilization efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the refractive index of the insulator layer in the thickness direction. Specifically, the refractive index is set to be higher near the base member side and lower near the pixel electrode side, creating a gradient that reduces interface reflection and improves light transmission efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by creating different refractive index regions within the insulator layer. The insulator layer has a first region with higher refractive index adjacent to the base member and a second region with lower refractive index adjacent to the pixel electrode, optimizing light guidance at each interface separately.
2Illumination intensity
If high refractive index material is used in lens layer, then light guidance capability is improved, but interface reflection increases due to larger refractive index difference with base member
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by continuously changing the refractive index parameter through the thickness of the insulator layer. The refractive index transitions from a higher value at the base member interface to a lower value at the pixel electrode interface, maintaining light guidance while minimizing reflection losses at both interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the insulator layer with gradient refractive index as an intermediary between the base member and pixel electrode. This gradient structure acts as a transition medium that smoothly bridges the refractive index difference between the base member and the high-index lens material, reducing abrupt interface reflection.
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 configuration reduces light transmittance loss and prevents erroneous operation in TFTs by effectively guiding light through the high refractive index insulators, thereby improving the overall light utilization efficiency and durability of the device.
Implementation Method 1
The first insulator includes a first portion having a refractive index higher than a refractive index of the second insulator, and a second portion positioned on the base member side of the first portion and having a refractive index lower than the refractive index of the first portion
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid crystal device including a base member that is transmissive, a pixel electrode that is transmissive, a first insulator that is transmissive and that is disposed between the base member and the pixel electrode, and a second insulator that is transmissive and that surrounds and abuts the first insulator in a plan view from a thickness direction of the base member. The first insulator includes a first portion having a refractive index higher than a refractive index of the second insulator, and a second portion positioned between the base member and the first portion and having a refractive index lower than the refractive index of the first portion and higher than the refractive index of the second insulator.