Magnetic Field Controlled Active Optical Filter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional color display devices suffer from significant light loss due to the complex structure of optical shutters and color filters, with only 7-13% of backlight light reaching the viewer.
Innovation Solution
An active optical filter that functions as both a shutter and a color filter, controlled by a magnetic field, utilizing a multi-layer thin structure with ferromagnetic nano-crystals and a magnetic field applying unit to selectively transmit or block light based on the applied magnetic field.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional optical shutter and color filter are used separately, then light transmission control and color filtering functions are achieved, but light loss increases significantly and device structure becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the optical shutter function and color filter function into a single integrated component. The optical filter layer simultaneously performs wavelength-selective transmission and light blocking based on magnetic field application, eliminating the need for separate shutter and filter components. This merging reduces structural complexity and minimizes cumulative light loss that occurs when light passes through multiple separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical filter layer is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both a wavelength-selective color filter and a magnetically-controlled optical shutter. By making the filter layer universally functional, the patent eliminates the need for additional dedicated shutter components, thereby simplifying the overall device structure and reducing light loss associated with multiple optical components.
2Productivity
If multiple separate components (optical shutter and color filter) are used, then specific functions are achieved, but the number of components increases and light transmission efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optical shutter and color filter into a single optical filter layer with multi-layer thin film structure. This consolidation reduces the number of components from two or more to one, thereby improving light transmission efficiency by eliminating cumulative losses at each component interface while maintaining both shutter and filtering functions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional passive color filter is used, then wavelength selection is achieved, but the filter cannot function as an optical shutter
Solution Approach 1:
The optical filter layer is designed with magnetic-responsive properties that enable it to perform both wavelength-selective filtering and optical shuttering functions. When magnetic field is applied, the layer blocks all light; when no magnetic field is applied, it transmits specific wavelengths. This universal functionality eliminates the need for separate shutter components and enhances the adaptability of the display device.
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 active optical filter significantly reduces light loss by allowing light of specific wavelengths to pass through, improving light transmission efficiency and simplifying the display device structure.
Implementation Method 1
an optical filter layer for transmitting or blocking light according to whether or not a magnetic field is applied
Implementation Method 2
The thin layers may be formed of ferromagnetic nano-crystals
Implementation Method 3
the optical filter layer has a multi-layer thin layer structure which is formed of two kinds of thin layers having different refractive indices
Implementation Method 4
functioning as an optical filter transmitting light having a predetermined wavelength
Data Source
AI summary
An active optical filter transmits or blocks light according to whether or not a magnetic field is applied, and functions as an optical filter transmitting light having a predetermined wavelength when light is transmitted according to a magnetic field. The active optical filter includes: an optical filter layer for transmitting or blocking light according to whether or not a magnetic field is applied; and a magnetic field applying unit surrounding the optical filter layer for applying a magnetic field to the optical filter layer. The optical filter layer has a multi-layer thin layer structure which is formed of two kinds of thin layers having different respective refractive indices and sequentially and periodically stacked on a substrate.