Spatial Light Modulator Electrode Segmentation for Fine-Pitch Pixels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spatial light modulators face challenges in achieving a wide viewing zone angle due to electric field leakage between adjacent pixels, which complicates independent driving with a fine pixel pitch of 1 μm or less, hindering practical application in holographic 3D displays.
Innovation Solution
A spatial light modulator structure with driving electrodes on both sides of each pixel and ground electrodes between electrode rows, utilizing a continuous potential difference lateral electric field driving method to suppress electric field leakage and enable independent pixel driving with a pixel pitch of 1 μm or less.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If pixel pitch is reduced to 1 μm or less to widen viewing zone angle, then viewing zone angle increases to 30° or more, but electric field leakage between adjacent pixels occurs making independent pixel driving difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces ground electrodes that segment the electrode structure into isolated units. These ground electrodes are positioned between adjacent pixel electrodes, creating electrical isolation barriers that prevent electric field leakage while maintaining fine pixel pitch. This segmentation allows each pixel to be independently controlled despite the reduced pitch.
Solution Approach 2:
The ground electrodes serve as intermediary elements between adjacent pixel electrodes. By introducing this intermediate component, the patent mediates the electric field distribution to prevent direct coupling between neighboring pixels, thereby enabling independent pixel driving at fine pitch without compromising viewing angle.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional electrode structure is used with fine pixel pitch, then manufacturing is simpler, but electric field leakage prevents independent pixel driving
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode structure is segmented by introducing ground electrodes between pixel electrodes. This segmentation approach maintains manufacturing simplicity while achieving pixel independence through electrical isolation, resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and pixel independence.
3Reliability
If ground electrodes are added between electrode rows to suppress electric field leakage, then pixel independence is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ground electrodes are connected to a common potential and serve multiple functions simultaneously: they isolate adjacent pixel electrodes, define pixel boundaries, and provide a reference potential. This self-service approach improves electric field control without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the same structural elements perform multiple functions.
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 structure allows for high-resolution, independent driving of pixels with reduced electric field leakage, enabling a viewing zone angle of 30° or more, suitable for practical holographic 3D displays.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid crystal layer located between the first substrate and the second substrate, wherein the first substrate has, on a substrate surface thereof, driving electrodes located on both sides of each of pixels arranged in a first direction
Implementation Method 2
an electronic device called a spatial light modulator (SLM) is used to recreate the wavefront of object light, and an electronic holographic image is recreated through the use of the diffraction of light by the SLM
Implementation Method 3
the liquid crystal layer is driven by a horizontal electric field between the driving electrodes located on both sides of each of the pixels arranged in the first direction
Implementation Method 4
Electric field leakage can be effectively suppressed by the driving electrodes located on both sides of each of the pixels arranged in the first direction and the ground electrodes located between the rows of the driving electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
To enable independent driving of pixels with a fine pixel pitch, a spatial light modulator includes: a first substrate; a second substrate facing the first substrate; and a liquid crystal layer located between the first substrate and the second substrate, wherein the first substrate has, on a substrate surface thereof, driving electrodes located on both sides of each of pixels arranged in a first direction among pixels arranged in a matrix and ground electrodes located between rows of driving electrodes arranged in the first direction.