Transflective LCD Retardation Plate Alignment via Leveling Layer Anchoring

The invention merges the alignment film formation step with the leveling layer formation step by incorporating anchoring energy directly into the leveling layer. The leveling layer is formed with both planarization function and alignment function, eliminating the need for a separate alignment film. This is achieved by adding anchoring agents to the leveling layer material or by forming the leveling layer in a way that creates anchoring sites for the liquid crystal molecules, thus combining two functions into one layer and reducing manufacturing steps.

The leveling layer is given multi-functionality by endowing it with both the planarization function (to flatten the surface for subsequent layer formation) and the alignment function (to orient liquid crystal molecules). This universal layer performs multiple tasks that were previously handled by separate layers, thereby simplifying the overall structure and reducing the number of manufacturing steps without compromising alignment precision.

The invention combines the alignment film deposition process with the leveling layer deposition process. Instead of forming the leveling layer and then separately forming an alignment film on top, the alignment functionality is integrated into the leveling layer itself. This merging of processes reduces the number of deposition steps, lowers material costs, and simplifies the manufacturing workflow while maintaining the necessary alignment and planarization qualities.

The invention extracts the alignment function from the separate alignment film and transfers it to the leveling layer. By removing the need for a distinct alignment film layer and embedding the anchoring capability within the leveling layer material, the process complexity is reduced while the essential alignment function is preserved through the anchoring energy provided by the modified leveling layer.

The invention extracts the alignment function from the polyimide-based alignment film process and transfers it to the leveling layer. By eliminating the need for a separate polyimide alignment film and its associated application, baking, and rubbing steps, the manufacturing time is significantly reduced. The alignment function is achieved instead through the anchoring energy inherent in the leveling layer material or its surface structure, bypassing the lengthy polyimide processing sequence.

The leveling layer is designed to provide self-alignment capability through its anchoring energy, eliminating the need for external alignment processes such as rubbing. The anchoring agents or surface characteristics of the leveling layer automatically orient the liquid crystal molecules during the liquid crystal injection process or subsequent heating, without requiring manual intervention or additional processing steps, thus reducing both time and cost.