Multi-Axis Polarizer via Photomask Patterning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional polarizers exhibit polarizing capability in only one direction due to material properties and fabrication techniques, making it difficult to achieve wide viewing angles in displays without complex and costly multi-domain alignments or high-precision metal-slit-array fabrication methods.

Innovation Solution

A polarizer structure with an organic film having multiple regions with different polarization axes, achieved through coating a polarizing-material doped base-material on a substrate and irradiating with light or electromagnetic waves of varying polarization directions, eliminating the need for stretching and simplifying the fabrication process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If conventional single-axis polarizing films are used, then the fabrication process is simple, but the viewing angle is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefabrication simplicityVSAvoidviewing angle
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The polarizing film is divided into multiple regions (first region, second region, third region) with different polarization axes. Each region is independently patterned using photomasks during the coating process, enabling multi-axis polarization capability while maintaining a relatively simple fabrication process without requiring complex post-processing alignment steps

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from single-axis to multi-axis polarization by introducing spatial variation in the polarization direction across different regions of the film. This dimensional change in polarization orientation enables wide viewing angles while the coating-based fabrication maintains process simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multi-domain alignment techniques are used to achieve wide viewing angle, then the viewing angle improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveviewing angleVSAvoidalignment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The different polarization axes are predetermined and patterned into the film during the coating process using photomasks. This preliminary configuration of multiple polarization directions eliminates the need for complex post-fabrication alignment procedures, reducing device complexity while achieving wide viewing angles

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces mechanical alignment procedures with a photomask-based patterning approach during coating. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical alignment steps and reduces device complexity while achieving the desired multi-axis polarization for wide viewing angles

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If metal-slit-array based polarizers are used, then multi-axis polarization is achieved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepolarization directionVSAvoidcomponent precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces the metal-slit-array mechanical structure with a photomask-based optical patterning method. This substitution achieves multi-axis polarization through light-directed coating processes rather than precision mechanical components, significantly reducing manufacturing precision requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the fabrication parameter from mechanical component precision to photomask patterning precision. The photomask approach allows for multi-axis polarization with standard manufacturing tolerances, eliminating the need for high-precision metal component fabrication

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Stability of the object's composition

If conventional polarizing films are used, then the material properties are stable, but the polarization capability is limited to one direction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial stabilityVSAvoidpolarization direction
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Different regions of the polarizing film are assigned different polarization axes according to specific patterns. This local differentiation of polarization properties within a stable material matrix enables multi-axis capability while maintaining the overall material stability and consistency of the film structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 solution enables the production of multi-axis polarizers with improved reliability, reduced warpage, and cost-effectiveness, allowing for wider viewing angles in displays without the need for complex alignment techniques or high-precision components.

Implementation Method 1

irradiating light or electromagnetic waves having a first polarization direction on the at least one first region

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight alignment effect: Polarisation

Data Source

PatentUS10295715B2Polarizer and fabrication method thereof, display panel, and display device
Publication Date: 2019.05.21 SHANGHAI TIANMA MICRO ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US10295715B2 patent drawing
  • US10295715B2 patent drawing
  • US10295715B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A polarizer and fabrication method thereof, a display panel and a display device are provided. The polarizer includes an organic film capable of being aligned during a polarization treatment. The organic film includes at least one first region having a first polarization axis and at least one second region having a second polarization axis. A direction of the first polarization axis is different from a direction of the second polarization axis.