Multilayer Optical Element for Oblique Light Leakage and Coloration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display devices suffer from light leakage and coloration issues in oblique directions due to side lobe light, which reduces contrast and visibility.
Innovation Solution
An optical element comprising a specific configuration of polarizers and retardation layers with aligned anisotropic molecules, including a negative C plate, to control light polarization and direction, reducing side lobe light and coloration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional optical elements are used, then the display device achieves basic light transmission, but light leakage occurs in oblique directions reducing contrast
Solution Approach 1:
The optical element is divided into multiple functional layers including first and second polarizers, multiple retardation layers with different orientations, and a negative C plate. Each layer segments the light control function to address oblique light leakage at different stages, with the first polarizer controlling initial polarization and subsequent layers managing oblique light components through their specific optical axes and retardation properties
Solution Approach 2:
Different layers are designed with specific local optical properties: the first retardation layer has a slow axis at 45° to control certain oblique directions, the second retardation layer has a slow axis at -45° for complementary control, and the negative C plate provides specific compensation for oblique light. Each layer's local optical characteristics are optimized to address specific aspects of the light leakage problem while maintaining overall brightness
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional optical elements are used, then the display device achieves basic viewing functionality, but coloration occurs in oblique directions reducing visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The optical element employs asymmetric layer configuration where the first and second retardation layers have slow axes oriented at opposite angles (45° and -45°), and the negative C plate is positioned specifically on the light source side. This asymmetric arrangement creates different optical paths for oblique light from different directions, compensating for coloration effects while maintaining wide viewing angle adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The negative C plate acts as an intermediary element between the backlight and the liquid crystal panel, specifically designed to compensate for oblique light coloration. Its negative retardation properties mediate the optical interaction between the backlight's wide viewing angle light and the liquid crystal display, correcting color shifts without compromising the overall viewing angle capability
3Object-affected harmful factors
If optical elements are added to improve visibility, then light leakage and coloration are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical element design integrates multiple functions into a unified structure where the combination of polarizers, retardation layers, and negative C plate simultaneously addresses light leakage control, coloration compensation, and viewing angle management. This multi-functional integration achieves comprehensive light control without requiring separate independent components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity
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 optical element effectively curbs light leakage and coloration in oblique directions, enhancing contrast and brightness in display devices.
Implementation Method 1
an absorption axis or a reflection axis of the first polarizer, an absorption axis or a reflection axis of the second polarizer are parallel to each other in a plan view
Implementation Method 2
a first retardation layer including first anisotropic molecules, a second retardation layer including second anisotropic molecules... a slow axis of the first retardation layer and a slow axis of the second retardation layer are parallel to each other in a plan view
Implementation Method 3
a negative C plate between the first retardation layer and the second retardation layer
Data Source
AI summary
An optical element includes a first polarizer, a first retardation layer including first anisotropic molecules, a second retardation layer including second anisotropic molecules, a second polarizer, a third retardation layer including third anisotropic molecules, a fourth retardation layer including fourth anisotropic molecules, and a third polarizer. Tilt angles of the first anisotropic molecules become larger from the first polarizer side of the first retardation layer toward the second retardation layer. Tilt angles of the second anisotropic molecules become larger from the second polarizer side of the second retardation layer toward the first retardation layer. Tilt angles of the third anisotropic molecules become smaller from the second polarizer side of the third retardation layer toward the fourth retardation layer. Tilt angles of the fourth anisotropic molecules become smaller from the third polarizer side of the fourth retardation layer toward the third retardation layer.