Parallax Optic Patterned Anisotropy Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for generating orientation patterns in photo-alignable materials require complex mask alignment and multiple exposure steps, making them inefficient and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
The use of parallax optics to direct aligning light at different angles onto a photo-alignment layer, allowing for the generation of anisotropy in specific regions without the need for mask replacement or repositioning, using elements like parallax barriers, lenticular lens arrays, or grating plates to steer light and create patterned anisotropic properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple exposure steps with individual photo-masks are used to generate orientation patterns, then the manufacturing precision of the pattern is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the alignment function from the photo-masks and transfers it to the parallax optical element. The parallax barrier or lenticular lens array inherently directs light at different angles to different regions of the photo-alignable material, eliminating the need for complex mask alignment while maintaining precise pattern formation through optical angle-dependent exposure
Solution Approach 2:
The parallax optical element acts as an intermediary between the light source and the photo-alignable material. It mediates the exposure process by spatially separating light paths based on angle, allowing different regions to receive light at different angles without requiring physical mask positioning and alignment
2Manufacturing precision
If subsequent exposure steps with exact mask alignment are performed, then the manufacturing precision of multi-image elements is improved, but the loss of time and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple exposure functions into a single parallax optical element that can direct light at multiple angles simultaneously or in sequence without requiring mask changes. The same parallax element that creates the angular separation also defines the spatial pattern, combining alignment and exposure functions into one operation
Solution Approach 2:
The parallax optical element is pre-configured with specific geometric parameters (lens focal lengths, barrier stripe widths, spacing) that predetermined the angular-to-spatial mapping. This preliminary design allows direct exposure without subsequent alignment adjustments, eliminating time-consuming mask repositioning steps
3Ease of manufacture
If parallax optics are used to direct aligning light at different angles, then the ease of manufacture is improved by eliminating mask repositioning, but the device complexity increases due to the parallax optical element
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the parallax optical element to create angular copies of the light path that map to different spatial regions. Instead of physically moving masks to create different patterns, the system optically copies the exposure function across multiple angles, with each angle producing a predetermined region pattern through the parallax effect
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 method simplifies the process of creating orientation patterns, reduces the need for precise mask alignment, and allows for the production of optical devices with angular dependent anisotropic properties suitable for applications like autostereoscopic displays and optical security elements.
Implementation Method 1
parallax optic is used to direct aligning light to certain regions of a photo-alignment layer in order to generate anisotropy in the corresponding regions
Implementation Method 2
Examples of parallax optical elements are parallax barriers, lenticular lens arrays, grating plates and microlens arrays
Implementation Method 3
The liquid crystal material adopts the local alignment direction of the underlying alignment layer and is then cross-linked to fix the orientation
Implementation Method 4
elements with patterned anisotropic properties are, for example, known as optical elements, which include a layer comprising polymerized or cross-linked liquid crystals with locally different optical axes directions
Data Source
Figure 1a~1d
Figure 2a~2d
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
The invention provides a method for generation of an orientation pattern in a photo-alignable material using parallax optic. The invention further provides optical devices comprising a parallax optical element and an element with patterned optical anisotropic properties. Such devices have angular dependent, optically anisotropic properties, which are useful for various applications.