Optical Alignment Process Cancelling Polarization Axis Divergence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical alignment techniques for liquid crystal display elements and angle of view field compensation films face issues with divergence of the polarization axis, leading to faulty parts and reduced image quality, especially when using rod-shaped lamps, which are difficult to correct without increasing costs.
Innovation Solution
Measure deviations in the polarization axis within the irradiation area and move either the alignment layers or the polarized light to cancel these deviations, aligning the layers in the direction of the polarization axis midpoint to ensure accurate alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If polarized light is used for optical alignment, then alignment layers can be aligned in the desired direction, but divergence of the polarization axis causes alignment direction deviation and faulty parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a feedback mechanism where the actual polarization axis direction is measured using a polarization axis direction measurement unit, and this measurement information is fed back to a polarization axis direction correction unit. The correction unit adjusts the polarization axis direction based on the measured deviations, ensuring that the alignment layers receive uniformly polarized light despite initial deviations in the optical system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of polarization axis direction dynamically. By measuring the actual polarization axis direction and correcting it based on measured deviations, the system adapts the polarization parameter to compensate for optical system variations, thereby maintaining consistent alignment quality across different positions and conditions.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional optical alignment devices are used, then alignment can be performed, but polarization axis deviations lead to contrast variation and reduced image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by measuring the polarization axis direction at multiple positions and using this information to correct deviations. This ensures that the alignment process maintains high image quality uniformity across the entire alignment area, preventing contrast variation caused by polarization axis deviations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary measurement of the polarization axis direction before the actual alignment process. By measuring and correcting the polarization axis direction in advance, the system prepares the optimal alignment conditions, ensuring uniform image quality throughout the alignment process.
3Area of stationary object
If rod-shaped lamps are used for irradiation, then large area coverage is achieved, but polarization axis divergence becomes more difficult to correct
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback control to measure and correct polarization axis deviations across the entire irradiation area. By implementing measurement and correction units that operate over the full irradiation range, the system maintains polarization axis uniformity even when using rod-shaped lamps for large area coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent addresses the polarization axis divergence problem by introducing a new dimension of control - measuring and correcting the polarization axis direction at multiple positions across the irradiation area. This multi-dimensional approach to polarization control enables uniform alignment quality over large areas using rod-shaped lamps.
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 approach allows for precise alignment of the alignment layers in the desired direction, even with existing deviations in the polarization axis, maintaining uniformity and image quality by eliminating divergence, and can be applied with both point and rod-shaped light sources.
Implementation Method 1
alignment layers of a liquid crystal display (LCD) element and an angle of view field compensation film which is installed in a liquid crystal cell are irradiated with polarized light, and in which optical alignment is performed
Data Source
AI summary
A process for optical alignment in which an alignment layer is irradiated with polarized light from a light source and optical alignment is carried out, and in which polarized light is emitted within the light irradiation area of the light source with differently aligned polarization axes. In doing so, the alignment layer and the light irradiation area are moved relative to one another so that the divergence of the polarization axes of the polarized light is essentially cancelled relative to one another and the direction of optical alignment in the alignment layer is made uniform.