Patterned Transparent Electrodes for LCD Polarization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Liquid crystal displays (LCDs) face challenges in achieving high transmittance and simplified manufacturing processes, particularly due to the need for external polarizers which increase costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
The development of a liquid crystal display that integrates a polarizer function without an external polarizer, utilizing minute patterns on electrodes to align liquid crystal molecules, thereby eliminating the need for additional alignment layers and simplifying the manufacturing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an external polarizer is attached to the liquid crystal display, then the polarization function is achieved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the polarization function with the electrode structure by forming transparent electrodes with linear patterns that serve dual purposes: electrical conduction and light polarization. This integration eliminates the need for separate external polarizer components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining the polarization function.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode structure is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical conductivity for driving the liquid crystal and acts as a polarizing element for light control. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed in the display system.
2Reliability
If an external polarizer is attached to the liquid crystal display, then the polarization function is achieved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the polarization function into the electrode formation process. The transparent electrodes are patterned with linear structures during the standard TFT manufacturing process, eliminating the need for separate polarizer attachment steps. This integration simplifies the manufacturing process while ensuring the polarization function is achieved.
3Manufacturing precision
If additional alignment layers and processes are used, then the liquid crystal molecule alignment is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patterned transparent electrode structure itself serves as the alignment guide for liquid crystal molecules. The linear patterns of the electrodes create electric field distributions that automatically orient the liquid crystal molecules in the desired direction, eliminating the need for separate alignment layers and their associated manufacturing processes.
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 enhances transmittance and improves viewing angle characteristics while reducing manufacturing costs and complexity by eliminating the need for external polarizers and additional alignment processes.
Implementation Method 1
processing the block copolymer coating layer to form a block copolymer pattern layer including a first polymer block and a second polymer block that are regularly arranged
Implementation Method 2
etching the first mask layer by using the second mask pattern layer as an etching mask to form a first mask pattern layer; and etching the etch target layer by using the first mask pattern layer as an etching mask to form a first electrode
Implementation Method 3
Liquid crystal molecules close to the first electrode are aligned in a direction parallel to an extending direction of the first minute patterns
Data Source
AI summary
A manufacturing method of a liquid crystal display includes: forming an etch target layer including a conductive material on a first substrate; forming a first mask layer on the etch target layer; forming a block copolymer coating layer including a plurality of polymers on the first mask layer; processing the block copolymer coating layer to form a block copolymer pattern layer including first and second polymer blocks; removing one of the first or second polymer blocks to form a second mask pattern layer; etching the first mask layer by using the second mask pattern layer as an etching mask to form a first mask pattern layer; and etching the etch target layer by using the first mask pattern layer as an etching mask to form a first electrode. The first electrode includes a plurality of the first minute patterns extending in a predetermined direction and having a polarization function.