Stacked Liquid Crystal Cells for Polarization Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical control devices using liquid crystal cells face challenges in efficiently modulating and converging or diverging light beams of different polarization components, often requiring complex configurations and higher manufacturing costs due to distinct specifications for each liquid crystal cell.
Innovation Solution
A configuration of two liquid crystal cells stacked with overlapping control electrodes, where the first cell modulates and converts a first polarization component into a second, and the second cell modulates the fourth polarization component transmitted through the first, allowing for cost-effective manufacturing by integrating the manufacturing line with similar specifications for both cells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two liquid crystal cells are stacked with distinct specifications for each cell to modulate different polarization components, then the optical control function is achieved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making both liquid crystal cells have the same specifications and structure, allowing each cell to function as a universal optical control unit. The first liquid crystal cell modulates the first polarization component, and the second liquid crystal cell modulates the second polarization component, with both cells being structurally identical. This multi-functional design enables the system to handle different polarization components using identical components, thereby reducing device complexity and manufacturing cost while maintaining full optical control functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If two liquid crystal cells are stacked with distinct specifications for each cell to modulate different polarization components, then the optical control function is achieved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making both liquid crystal cells have the same specifications and structure, allowing each cell to function as a universal optical control unit. The first liquid crystal cell modulates the first polarization component, and the second liquid crystal cell modulates the second polarization component, with both cells being structurally identical. This multi-functional design enables the system to handle different polarization components using identical components, thereby reducing device complexity and manufacturing cost while maintaining full optical control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies merging by combining the manufacturing processes of both liquid crystal cells into a single integrated manufacturing line. Since both cells have identical specifications, they can be produced using the same equipment, materials, and process parameters, allowing for economies of scale and reduced per-unit manufacturing cost compared to producing two different types of cells separately.
3Ease of manufacture
If two liquid crystal cells are stacked with overlapping control electrodes, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining the manufacturing processes of both liquid crystal cells into a single integrated manufacturing line. Since both cells have identical specifications, they can be produced using the same equipment, materials, and process parameters, allowing for economies of scale and reduced per-unit manufacturing cost compared to producing two different types of cells separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the nested doll principle by stacking the second liquid crystal cell on top of the first liquid crystal cell, with the control electrodes of the second cell positioned to overlap with the control electrodes of the first cell. This nested arrangement allows both cells to occupy a compact vertical space while maintaining their individual optical control functions, effectively reducing the overall device footprint and simplifying the structural layout.
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 configuration enables efficient modulation and conversion of light polarization components while reducing manufacturing costs by utilizing similar specifications for both liquid crystal cells, enhancing the optical control device's functionality and production efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a first liquid crystal layer LC1 twisted and aligned between the first substrate and the second substrate
Implementation Method 2
The first liquid crystal cell has a function of modulating and converting a first polarization component of incident light into a second polarization component
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, an optical control device includes a first liquid crystal cell and a second liquid crystal cell. The second liquid crystal cell is stacked on the first liquid crystal cell. The first liquid crystal cell has a function of modulating and converting a first polarization component of incident light into a second polarization component, and hardly modulating and converting a third polarization component of incident light into a fourth polarization component. The second liquid crystal cell has a function of hardly modulating the second polarization component transmitted through the first liquid crystal cell, and modulating the fourth polarization component transmitted through the first liquid crystal cell.