Streak-like Polymer Liquid Crystal Display Polarization Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Display devices using polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) face degradation in display quality due to undesirable scattering of light, which affects the transmission and scattering states of incident light.
Innovation Solution
A display device configuration with a first display panel comprising streak-like polymers and liquid crystal molecules, where the extension direction of the polymers is orthogonal to the transmission axis of the polarizer, maintains the polarization state of linearly polarized light and suppresses scattering, thereby preventing degradation of display quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If polymer dispersed liquid crystal is used to achieve switching between scattering and transmitting states, then light control capability is improved, but display quality degrades due to undesirable scattering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a polarizer layer with specific polarization direction that creates local optical anisotropy in the PDLC layer. This local quality modification ensures that light traveling in specific directions (along the polymer extension direction) experiences minimal scattering, while maintaining the overall scattering-transmission switching capability of the PDLC structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines PDLC material with a polarizer layer to create a composite structure. The polarizer layer introduces additional optical properties that complement the PDLC's scattering-transmission switching, creating a hybrid system that maintains both functionality and display quality through the synergistic interaction of the two materials.
2Adaptability or versatility
If PDLC is used for display switching, then switching functionality is improved, but light scattering increases causing display quality degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potentially harmful scattering effect of PDLC into a beneficial directional transmission property by introducing the polarizer layer. The polarizer selectively transmits light with specific polarization, converting the random scattering into controlled directional transmission along the polymer extension direction, thereby reducing unwanted scattering while maintaining switching functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the PDLC layer by introducing a polarizer with specific polarization direction. This parameter modification (adding polarization selectivity) alters the light interaction with the PDLC, reducing scattering in the transmission direction while preserving the scattering-transmission switching capability through voltage control.
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 solution effectively maintains the polarization state of light and reduces undesirable scattering, ensuring clear viewing of the display image from the second display panel through the first display panel, thereby enhancing display quality.
Implementation Method 1
a polarizer opposed to the first display panel and having a transmission axis for transmitting linearly polarized light
Implementation Method 2
a first liquid crystal layer held between the first substrate and the second substrate and including streak-like polymers and liquid crystal molecules
Implementation Method 3
suppresses scattering, thereby preventing degradation of display quality
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a display device includes a first display panel, and a polarizer opposed to the first display panel and having a transmission axis for transmitting linearly polarized light. The first display panel includes a first substrate, a second substrate opposed to the first substrate, and a first liquid crystal layer held between the first substrate and the second substrate and including streak-like polymers and liquid crystal molecules. An extension direction of the polymers is substantially orthogonal to the transmission axis.