Polymerizable Liquid Crystal Compounds for Thin High-Birefringence Films
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in producing thin optical films with high birefringence for optical or electro-optical effects, particularly in retardation films, as they struggle to achieve high performance with minimal material usage.
Innovation Solution
Development of laterally substituted curable liquid crystal compounds with high optical anisotropy, allowing for the creation of thin films with controlled molecular orientation and alignment, using polymerizable groups and specific spacer and substituent configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If conventional liquid crystal materials are used to produce thin optical films, then the film thickness can be reduced, but the birefringence and optical performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the molecular structure parameters of liquid crystal compounds by introducing laterally substituted curable groups and specific spacer configurations. This modifies the molecular shape and electronic distribution to achieve high birefringence (Δn ≥ 0.27) in thin film configurations, resolving the contradiction between thinness and optical performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite liquid crystal systems combining curable liquid crystal monomers with specific molecular architectures (laterally substituted groups, rigid spacers, aromatic rings). These composite molecular structures achieve enhanced optical anisotropy and birefringence values that enable high-performance thin films
2Quantity of substance
If liquid crystal compounds with high birefringence are used, then the desired retardation value can be achieved with small quantities, but the material complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by introducing specific functional groups and substituent patterns at particular positions in the molecular structure. The laterally substituted curable groups and rigid spacer arrangements create localized regions of high electron density and anisotropy, achieving high birefringence through targeted molecular design rather than overall complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The molecular structure is segmented into distinct functional modules: laterally substituted curable groups, rigid spacer units, and aromatic ring systems. This modular segmentation allows each component to contribute specifically to the overall birefringence property, enabling high optical performance with controlled material quantities
3Length of stationary object
If liquid crystal films are made thinner to meet display industry demands, then the display thickness is reduced, but the alignment quality and manufacturing precision become more difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates curable functional groups that enable preliminary alignment of liquid crystal molecules before final film formation. The photopolymerizable or thermally curable groups allow the molecules to be oriented in the desired direction and then fixed in place, ensuring high alignment quality in thin films
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical alignment methods with chemical curing mechanisms. The laterally substituted curable groups undergo photopolymerization or thermal curing to lock molecular orientation, substituting mechanical alignment control with chemical fixation for superior precision in thin film configurations
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 new liquid crystal compounds enable the production of thin films with birefringence in the range of 0.27 to 0.45, providing enhanced optical and electro-optical effects with improved alignment quality and reduced energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
LCP materials with high birefringence could give access to thin optical films, especially thin retardation films
Implementation Method 2
BP is a polymerizable group... P1 is a polymerizable group
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to novel polymerizable liquid crystals of formula (I),to LCP mixtures comprising these compounds and to their uses for optical and electro-optical devices.