Liquid Crystal Optical Element With Regional Alignment Treatments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid crystal polarization gratings require complex alignment of liquid crystal molecules, often involving photo-alignment and rubbing treatments, which can be cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A manufacturing method for a liquid crystal optical element that uses a combination of two-beam interference exposure with circularly polarized light and linearly polarized light, or rubbing, to align liquid crystal molecules, forming areas with varying and uniform alignment directions, eliminating the need for electric field control and reducing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If photo-alignment treatment and rubbing treatment are used to align liquid crystal molecules, then the liquid crystal molecules can be aligned in the surface, but the alignment process becomes complicated and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines photo-alignment treatment and rubbing treatment into a single integrated alignment layer structure. The alignment layer is formed by applying both treatments in sequence, merging two separate processes into one unified structure that achieves precise molecular alignment without requiring separate complex treatment steps for each region.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different alignment treatments to different regions of the alignment layer. The first region receives photo-alignment treatment to create a specific alignment pattern, while the second region receives rubbing treatment to create a different alignment pattern. This local differentiation allows each region to have optimized alignment properties for its specific function.
2Manufacturing precision
If complex alignment treatments are applied to align liquid crystal molecules, then the desired alignment pattern is achieved, but the manufacturing process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment layer is segmented into multiple regions, each receiving a specific alignment treatment tailored to its function. By dividing the alignment process into discrete, optimized segments rather than applying a single complex treatment uniformly, the manufacturing process becomes more efficient while maintaining precise alignment patterns in each region.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes different parameters for photo-alignment and rubbing treatments to achieve the desired alignment patterns. By optimizing parameters such as exposure dose, wavelength, and rubbing direction/force for each region, the process achieves high precision alignment without requiring excessive time for each treatment step.
3Manufacturing precision
If electric field control is used to align liquid crystal molecules, then alignment can be achieved, but electrodes and control systems are required increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electric field-based alignment control with mechanical and optical methods. Instead of using electrodes and electric fields to control molecular alignment, the invention employs rubbing treatment (mechanical) and photo-alignment treatment (optical) to achieve the same alignment effect, thereby eliminating the need for complex electrode and control system structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment layer is designed to be self-aligning through the combined photo-alignment and rubbing treatments. The treatment process itself creates the alignment pattern without requiring external electric field control systems, allowing the liquid crystal molecules to automatically align in the desired pattern through the inherent properties of the alignment layer and treatment process.
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 achieves efficient alignment of liquid crystal molecules, reducing scattering and cloudiness, and increases the area of the optical element while maintaining high light utilization efficiency without the need for electrodes.
Implementation Method 1
a first alignment treatment of conducting an interference exposure for the alignment film by using a beam of a first circularly polarized light and a beam of a second circularly polarized light reverse to the first circularly polarized light
Implementation Method 2
Photo-alignment treatment and rubbing treatment are examples of alignment treatments for aligning the liquid crystal molecules
Implementation Method 3
The liquid crystal layer is cured in a state in which alignment directions of the plurality of first liquid crystal molecules and the plurality of second liquid crystal molecules are fixed
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a liquid crystal optical element includes a substrate, an alignment film, and a liquid crystal layer. The alignment film includes a plurality of first areas and a second area. The liquid crystal layer includes a first alignment area overlapping with the first area and including a plurality of first liquid crystal molecules forming an alignment pattern in which longitudinal axes of the first liquid crystal molecules successively vary and a second alignment area overlapping with the second area and including a plurality of second liquid crystal molecules, longitudinal axes of the plurality of second liquid crystal molecules being arranged in the same direction.