Patterned Phase Delay Film via Dual Polymerization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The preparation process of patterned phase delay films in conventional Film-type Patterned Retarder (FPR) technology is complex, leading to high costs and limiting its application.
Innovation Solution
A liquid crystal composition comprising a photo-polymerizable and heat-polymerizable mixture with opposite rotatory directions is used, which is polymerized using UV and heat to form a patterned phase delay film, simplifying the process and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional FPR preparation process is used (coating with alignment liquid, UV alignment, liquid crystal coating, UV polymerization), then a patterned phase delay film can be obtained, but the preparation process becomes complex and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate preparation steps into a single coating process. Instead of separately applying alignment liquid, then liquid crystal layer, the invention integrates both functions into one liquid crystal composition that contains alignment groups and chiral dopants, eliminating intermediate steps and reducing process complexity while maintaining film quality
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid crystal composition serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the alignment layer and the liquid crystal layer, provides pattern formation through photopolymerization, and induces chiral structure through embedded chiral dopants. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate materials and processes needed
2Reliability
If conventional FPR preparation process is used with multiple coating and alignment steps, then patterned phase delay film is achieved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the alignment layer and liquid crystal layer into a single composition, the patent reduces material costs, processing costs, and time requirements. The integrated approach eliminates the need for separate alignment liquid coating and drying steps, directly reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining film performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the liquid crystal material to include photopolymerizable groups and chiral dopants, enabling the material to undergo in-situ polymerization that locks in the patterned structure. This parameter change allows a single-step process to achieve what previously required multiple steps, reducing manufacturing cost
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 method results in a patterned phase delay film with high reflectance and transmittance, offering a simple and cost-effective solution for 3D display applications.
Implementation Method 1
a photoinitiator and a photo-polymerizable monomer... irradiating the liquid crystal cell covered with a photo mask with UV light to complete UV-polymerization
Implementation Method 2
a chiral additive... The photo-polymerizable liquid crystal mixture and the heat-polymerizable liquid crystal mixture have opposite rotatory directions
Implementation Method 3
patterned phase delay film... high reflectance and transmittance
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid crystal composition comprises a photo-polymerizable liquid crystal mixture and a heat-polymerizable liquid crystal mixture, and the two mixtures have opposite rotatory directions. A patterned phase delay film is prepared from the liquid crystal composition. A display device comprises the phase delay film. The preparation of the patterned phase-delay film can be implemented by a two-step polymerization process including UV-polymerization and heat-polymerization. The process is simple and the costs are low.