SWIR Optically Anisotropic Liquid Crystal Composition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies fail to provide a liquid crystal layer with maximal absorption in the short-wave infrared region (SWIR) and excellent absorption anisotropy, which is necessary for advanced sensor devices.
Innovation Solution
A composition containing a coloring agent compound with a cationic structure and its reduction body, combined with a liquid crystal compound, particularly a rod-like or disk-like polymerizable liquid crystal compound, is used to form an optically anisotropic layer with a maximal absorption wavelength in the SWIR region.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a polarizing plate is obtained by infusing a polyvinyl alcohol film with a dichroic substance and stretching the film, then absorption in the infrared region is achieved, but absorption anisotropy in the short-wave infrared region (SWIR) is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the molecular structure parameter of the dichroic substance by introducing a specific cationic structure with conjugated double bonds and aromatic rings, which shifts the absorption maximum to the SWIR region (1000-1700 nm) while maintaining high absorption anisotropy. This structural parameter change resolves the contradiction by enabling both infrared absorption and improved SWIR anisotropy.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite system combining the cationic dichroic substance with a liquid crystal compound having a specific molecular structure (rod-like or disk-like). This composite material approach allows the dichroic substance to provide absorption anisotropy while the liquid crystal matrix provides structural organization, achieving both infrared absorption and enhanced SWIR absorption anisotropy simultaneously.
2Reliability
If existing dichroic substances are used in polyvinyl alcohol films, then infrared absorption is achieved, but maximal absorption wavelength in SWIR region with excellent absorption anisotropy cannot be obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The invention modifies the chemical structure parameter of the dichroic substance by incorporating a cationic structure with specific conjugated systems and aromatic moieties, which tunes the absorption maximum to the SWIR region while enhancing absorption anisotropy. This parameter change enables the substance to meet both requirements of SWIR absorption and high anisotropy.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces local structural features (cationic groups with conjugated double bonds and aromatic rings) into the dichroic substance molecule, creating localized regions of high electron density and polarizability that enhance light absorption anisotropy in the SWIR region while maintaining overall infrared absorption capability.
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 enables the formation of a liquid crystal layer with enhanced absorption anisotropy and maximal absorption in the SWIR region, suitable for applications in liquid crystal display devices, sensors, lenses, switching elements, isolators, and cameras.
Implementation Method 1
a coloring agent compound having a cationic structure represented by Formula (I)... with a maximal absorption wavelength in a wavelength range of 700 to 1800 nm
Implementation Method 2
a liquid crystal compound... the liquid crystal compound is a rod-like liquid crystal compound or a disk-like liquid crystal compound
Implementation Method 3
a liquid crystal layer having a maximal absorption wavelength in an infrared region (particularly, a wavelength of 1,000 to 1,700 nm) and excellent absorption anisotropy
Data Source
AI summary
An optically anisotropic layer; a liquid crystal cell; a liquid crystal display device; a sensor; a lens; a switching element; an isolator; and a camera include a composition, the composition which can form a liquid crystal layer having a maximal absorption wavelength in an infrared region (particularly, a wavelength of 1,000 to 1,700 nm) and excellent absorption anisotropy. The composition contains at least one specific compound selected from the group consisting of a coloring agent compound having a cationic structure represented by Formula (I) and a reduction body of the coloring agent compound, and a liquid crystal compound.