[go: up one dir, main page]

WO2000049452A1 - Microstructures a cristaux liquides electriquement reglables - Google Patents

Microstructures a cristaux liquides electriquement reglables Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2000049452A1
WO2000049452A1 PCT/US2000/003866 US0003866W WO0049452A1 WO 2000049452 A1 WO2000049452 A1 WO 2000049452A1 US 0003866 W US0003866 W US 0003866W WO 0049452 A1 WO0049452 A1 WO 0049452A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
microstructure
substrates
liquid crystal
cell according
polymer
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/US2000/003866
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Satyendra Kumar
Jae-Hoon Kim
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Kent State University
Original Assignee
Kent State University
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Kent State University filed Critical Kent State University
Priority to JP2000600135A priority Critical patent/JP2002537580A/ja
Priority to US09/913,253 priority patent/US6864931B1/en
Priority to EP00914593A priority patent/EP1161706A4/fr
Priority to AU35963/00A priority patent/AU3596300A/en
Publication of WO2000049452A1 publication Critical patent/WO2000049452A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B5/00—Optical elements other than lenses
    • G02B5/18—Diffraction gratings
    • G02B5/1828—Diffraction gratings having means for producing variable diffraction
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B3/00—Simple or compound lenses
    • G02B3/0006—Arrays
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B3/00—Simple or compound lenses
    • G02B3/0081—Simple or compound lenses having one or more elements with analytic function to create variable power
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
    • G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
    • G02F1/01—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour 
    • G02F1/13—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour  based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells
    • G02F1/133—Constructional arrangements; Operation of liquid crystal cells; Circuit arrangements
    • G02F1/1333—Constructional arrangements; Manufacturing methods
    • G02F1/1334—Constructional arrangements; Manufacturing methods based on polymer dispersed liquid crystals, e.g. microencapsulated liquid crystals
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
    • G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
    • G02F1/29—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the position or the direction of light beams, i.e. deflection
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B3/00—Simple or compound lenses
    • G02B3/0006—Arrays
    • G02B3/0037—Arrays characterized by the distribution or form of lenses
    • G02B3/0056—Arrays characterized by the distribution or form of lenses arranged along two different directions in a plane, e.g. honeycomb arrangement of lenses
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
    • G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
    • G02F1/29—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the position or the direction of light beams, i.e. deflection
    • G02F1/294—Variable focal length devices
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
    • G02F2203/00—Function characteristic
    • G02F2203/28—Function characteristic focussing or defocussing

Definitions

  • the present invention herein resides in the art of light modulating, shuttering, beam steering, and focusing devices that employ composite organic materials.
  • this invention relates to a device in which a composite layer of optical material is formed by phase separation of a solution of prepolymer and low molecular weight organic fluid or a second crosslinkable prepolymer. It teaches specific techniques for fabricating required internal architecture of the composite material which, depending on the desired application, may be parallel films of liquid crystals and polymer or regions of liquid crystal of specific shape surrounded by polymer regions. Liquid crystal regions may be shaped and patterned to function as one-dimensional and two-dimensional gratings, electrically addressable microlenses, or bounded and defined microstructures.
  • Electro-optical devices are indispensable in this age of high-speed optical, and digital communications. These applications require high bandwidth, low skew and cross talk, and high inter-connect density. There is an on-going effort to develop micro- and submicrometer size optical components. A majority of such components are built using existing technologies. But these components are not switchable which is essential for reprogrammable interconnects, angle multiplexers, data storage, and dynamically variable focal length devices.
  • Methods to build active microlens arrays include (i) a combination of passive solid state planar optical components and a liquid crystal (LC) modulator, and (ii) gradient refractive index profile (GRI) of liquid crystal switched with an axially symmetric electric field generated with specially designed electrode patterns.
  • Switchable optical gratings have been made using polymer dispersion of liquid crystal, known as the PDLC technology. Their performance is marred by factors such as high light scattering due to their internal structure and the need for high operating voltages. Furthermore, the size of droplets in PDLCs, which is in the several micron range with high polydispersity, puts a lower limit on the size of these microstructures.
  • a second approach uses alternatingly aligned linear domains or lines of LC.
  • An electro-optical medium may be obtained by confining liquid crystal within polymer walls using UN exposure with a photo mask. However, in this method, the phase separation is promoted by UN exposure only in the UV exposed region. Since the liquid crystal rich structure is formed only in non-UN exposed region, the structure is non-uniform.
  • An electro-optical device can also be made using liquid crystal confined by polymer walls using UN exposure while applying an electric field (Appl. Phys. Lett. N72, p2253 (1998)).
  • polymer walls are produced by applying high (IO N ⁇ m) electric field to separate the LC from the polymer, with the polymer walls then shaped by polymerization initiated by UN exposure.
  • the LC regions in the direction perpendicular to the cell cannot be controlled limiting its utility.
  • a display medium may be obtained by confining liquid crystal inside microdroplets. In this method, the liquid crystal is confined in microdroplets, and a relatively high voltage is used to change the orientation of the liquid crystal.
  • a microstructure is controlled by application and/or removal of an electric field in any various form.
  • Such a microstructure may be used with many types of liquid crystal material, may be configured into any thickness or bounded shape, and contained between two rigid or flexible substrates.
  • the size of such microstructures can be as small as 3,000 angstroms and possibly smaller.
  • a one- dimensional grating wherem the dimensional structures of the grating are precisely controlled and wherein the gratings can be formed in parallel lines adjacent to one another.
  • Such gratings can also be provided with progressively wider or progressively thinner amounts of liquid crystal material as dictated by the end use.
  • Such a structure may also be used to form a cylindrically-shaped lens.
  • Such gratings are formed by using a photomask and application of ultraviolet light, or a collimated beam of light or laser light. Other methods of phase separation, such as thermal induced or solvent induced phase separations, are also capable of producing the above and other microstructures.
  • a curved interface may be obtained between polymer material and liquid crystal material within the microstructure. This allows for concentration/diffusion of light as it passes through the microlens or as light is reflected by the microlens.
  • microstructures between glass or plastic substrates wherein one of the substrates is provided with an alignment layer compatible with the liquid crystal or low weight molecular organic material. It is still yet another object of the present invention to form polymer bounded microstructures adjacent the alignment layer which exhibit bistable characteristics. Although confined by substantially pure polymer regions, the microstructures have no defined pattern on the alignment layer. Moreover, if both substrates are provided with an alignment layer, then polymer bounded microstructures may bond to each substrate as dictated by the phase separation method used.
  • a light modulating cell comprising a pair of opposed substrates, solution of a prepolymer and low molecular weight (LMW) organic material, wherein the solution is phase separated to form a layer of polymeric material predominantly adjacent to one of the substrates and a defined microstructure of LMW organic material primarily adjacent to the other of the substrates.
  • LMW low molecular weight
  • a cell comprising a pair of opposed substrates and at least one liquid crystal microstructure bounded by a polymer material, wherein the liquid crystal microstructure is adjacent one of the substrates and wherein the polymer material is primarily adjacent the other of the substrates and is contacting to both of the substrates.
  • Still another aspect of the present invention is attained by a method for fabricating a low molecular weight microstructure, comprising the steps of preparing a solution of prepolymer and low molecular weight (LMW) organic material, disposing the solution between a pair of substrates, and inducing phase separation of the solution, wherein at least one LMW microstructure is formed on one of the substrates.
  • LMW low molecular weight
  • Fig. 1 A is a schematic diagram showing preparation of a bounded microstructure using a collimated light source with a photomask
  • Fig. IB is a schematic diagram showing preparation of a bounded microstructure using interference pattern of visible or UN laser beams without a photomask
  • Fig. 2 is an enlarged top view of a photomask having two different line widths and pitch used in the formation of a one-dimensional grating;
  • Fig. 3 is a microphotograph of a phase separated composite organic film one- dimensional grating of varying pitch using nematic liquid crystal material in a sample of 50 ⁇ m thickness;
  • Fig. 4 is a microphotograph of a phase separated composite organic film grating of varying pitch using ferroelectric liquid crystal material in a sample of 3 ⁇ m thickness;
  • Fig.5 A is a microphotograph of a one-dimensional nematic liquid crystal grating with a pitch of 200/100 ⁇ in a 5 ⁇ m thick cell using a polymer dispersed liquid crystal methodology.
  • the LC lines have internal structures responsible for light scattering;
  • Fig.5B is a microphotograph of a one-dimensional nematic liquid crystal grating with a pitch of 200/100 ⁇ m in a 5 ⁇ thick cell using the phase separated composite organic film methodology, wherein the grating has no internal structure and is free from light scattering;
  • Fig. 5C is a photograph of a diffracted beam image produced by a one-dimensional grating at 0 applied volts;
  • Fig. 5D shows the effect of application of 3 volts to the grating;
  • Fig. 5E shows vanishing diffraction at the application of 10 volts to the grating;
  • Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram of a bounded microstructure prepared with a two- dimensional photomask positioned adjacent one of the substrates.
  • the plano-convex shape of the LC regions is responsible for their ability to focus a beam of light
  • Fig. 7 is an enlarged top view of a photomask used in the formation of a two- dimensional microstructure;
  • Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram (top view) of a cell with an array of microlenses with electrodes to control them;
  • Fig. 11 is a schematic diagram of a microlens made in accordance with the concepts of the present invention and focusing of parallel rays incident from below; O 00/49452 - 7 - PCT/USOO/03866
  • Fig. 12 is a series of microphotographs of a microscopic texture of a cell with microlenses under a polarizing microscope, the rubbing direction liquid crystal alignment in Fig. 12A is at 45° and in Fig. 12B is at 0°, with respect to one of the crossed polarizers;
  • Fig. 12C shows application of a 0.5 volt/um applied to the microlenses and Fig. 12D shows application of a 1 volt/ m applied to the microlenses;
  • Fig. 13 is a series of microphotographs showing an intensity profile of a He-Ne laser beam observed by a CCD camera after passing through one of the microlenses shown in
  • Fig. 12 shows light passing through at a distance of 4 cm
  • Fig. 13B shows light passing through and focuses at a distance of 5 cm
  • Fig. 13C shows light passing through at a distance of 10 cm;
  • Fig. 14 is a graphical representation of the various measured intensity profiles at different distances for the microlenses shown in Fig. 13;
  • Fig. 15 is a series of microphotographs showing an intensity profile of a He-Ne laser beam observed by a CCD camera placed at 5 cm from one of the microlenses shown in Fig. 12 after passing through it, wherein the beam is focused at a distance of 5 cm, as a function of applied voltage wherein Fig. 15A shows application of 0 volts, Fig. 15B shows application of 3 volts, and Fig. 15C shows application of 5 volts;
  • Fig. 16 is a graphical representation of the measured intensity profiles of last beam passing through one of the microlenses shown in Fig. 2;
  • Figs. 17A-B are schematic diagrams of bounded phase separated composite organic film microstructure cells made in accordance with the concepts of the present invention;
  • Fig. 18 is a microphotograph of a bounded microstructure cell
  • Figs. 19A and 19B are graphical representations of optical transmission and response time of pure ferroelectric liquid crystal material, phase separated composite organic films and bounded phase separated composite organic films.
  • the present invention provides a way of building new electro-optic devices consisting of phase separated composite organic structures (PSCOS) for use as light modulating, beam steering, and focusing elements.
  • PSCOS phase separated composite organic structures
  • the position, shape, and size as well as the uniformity of liquid crystal material and polymer rich regions is easily controlled by the methods disclosed herein.
  • ferroelectric ferroelectric, ferroelectric, and antiferroelectric
  • LC liquid crystal
  • the devices of the present invention are fabricated by means of anisotropic polymerization induced phase separation (APIPS) of LC from its solution in a prepolymer.
  • APIPS anisotropic polymerization induced phase separation
  • the solution is placed between two substrates (glass or plastic) on which electrodes and alignment layer(s) were previously deposited depending upon the desired characteristics of the device.
  • a photomask with desired pattern is placed between the UV source and the cell.
  • the anisotropic phase separation is started by ultraviolet (UV) exposure of selected areas and helped by surface wetting properties of the substrates or of an alignment layer on the substrate(s).
  • UV ultraviolet
  • the phase separation occurs not only in the direction parallel to substrate but also in the perpendicular direction, i.e., 0 to 3-dimensions.
  • the desired LC/polymer configuration can be formed in exposed areas, unexposed areas or in both depending on the sample thickness, concentration of LC, size of light exposed area, and UV intensity.
  • the light exposed and unexposed areas can be controlled by use of a photomask.
  • a double UV exposure method may be used.
  • phase separation By applying heat to predetermined areas of the substrates, thermally induced phase separation occurs. Solvent induced phase separation may also be applicable to formation of some of the microstructures.
  • the alignment of LC at the substrate surface can be controlled by the alignment layers. At the polymer walls, the alignment of the LC can be determined by controlling the chemical structure and concentrations of the pre-polymer. Additionally, the anchoring conditions at the boundaries can also be imprinted by using an electric, magnetic field, or mechanical shear during phase separation.
  • Such a microstructure is carried or supported by a cell, generally indicated by the numeral 22.
  • the cell 22 includes a pair of opposed substrates 24 which may either be glass, plastic, or any other substrate material, hard or flexible, commonly used in the manufacture of liquid crystal display cells.
  • Each substrate 24 includes an electrode 26 that is connected to a power source 27.
  • At least one of the substrates 24 is provided with an alignment layer 28 disposed over the electrode 26.
  • the alignment layer 28 is a rubbed film of poly-vinyl-alcohol (PVA).
  • PVA poly-vinyl-alcohol
  • Substrates are typically spaced with the use of glass fibers or bead spacers (not shown) of 5 ⁇ m in diameter for nematic liquid crystal cells and 3 ⁇ m in diameter for ferroelectric liquid crystal cells. Other appropriate sizes may be used.
  • a liquid crystal/prepolymer solution or mixture, generally designated by the numeral 30, is disposed between the substrates by capillary action at a temperature corresponding to the liquid crystal material's isotropic phase.
  • nematic E-48 provided by Merck Chemical Company
  • ferroelectric Felix-15-100 provided by the Hoechst Company were used in conj unction with photocurable prepolymer NOA-65 provided by the Norland Company.
  • the mixture 30 may be provided in a weight ratio of 40:60 for ferroelectric liquid crystal material and 60:40 for nematic liquid crystal material.
  • the concentrations of the liquid crystal material to the prepolymer may be varied anywhere from 10 to 90%, depending upon the desired end structure.
  • a photomask 32 may be applied over the outer surface of one of the substrates 24.
  • the mask 32 may be applied directly to the substrate or positioned in a parallel arrangement at a predetermined distance from the substrate.
  • a light source 34 is positioned above the substrate 24 with the photomask 32 therebetween.
  • the light source may be an ultraviolet light, a laser light, or any other type of radiation source which causes the prepolymer within the mixture 30 to polymerize. If a visible light source is used to induce polymerization, a dye is mixed with the solution to shift photosensitivity from UN to visible radiation.
  • the cell 20, after being filled with the mixture 30, is exposed to a normally incident beam of ultraviolet light.
  • the gradient in the ultraviolet intensity causes anisotropic phase separation along the z-direction perpendicular to the substrate surface resulting in two adjacent layers parallel to the substrates.
  • a layer of polymeric material is formed adjacent the substrate closest to the UN light source 34 while a layer of liquid crystal material is formed on the substrate having the alignment layer 28.
  • the thickness of the polymer and liquid crystal films depend directly on the size of the spacers used and the relative amounts of the two components within the mixture 30.
  • the liquid crystal layer is aligned in the direction dictated by the alignment O 00/49452 - 10 - PCT/USOO/03866
  • phase separation layer 28 on the adjacent substrate 24 The ease with which complete phase separation occurs and forms the phase separated composite organic films structures also depends on the chemical nature of the alignment layer. If the alignment layer is such that the liquid crystal material readily wets it, then the cell 22 can be formed with a relatively fast rate of polymerization. The mechanism responsible for complete phase separation, for this reason, is referred to as the polymerization and surface induced anisotropic phase separation. In the resultant cell, the polymer film has very little liquid crystal material trapped in it and the liquid crystal is nearly polymer-free. The liquid crystal-polymer interface occasionally penetrates the liquid crystal volume and binds to the opposing substrate. This provides mechanical strength to the cell, making it difficult for mechanical deformations to affect the cell's performance.
  • a collimated beam or an interference pattern of laser beams designated by the numeral 38, may be used. Polymerization occurs in areas where the beam impinges upon the mixture 30. This results in formation of the microstructures where the beam does not impinge.
  • the photomask 32 may be used to generate microstructures, such as aperiodic linear grating to produce spatially periodic rate of polymerization and thus spatially periodic chemical potential in the direction perpendicular to the grating lines.
  • a photomask generally designated by the numeral 40, may have same pitch or may include a series of narrow pitch portions 42 and wide pitch portions 44.
  • the mask 32 forms corresponding narrow areas of narrow exposure 46 and areas of wide exposure 48. Upon UN exposure, diffusion of liquid crystal material from the regions of high to low chemical potential occurs.
  • the microstructures thus obtained are switchable linear gratings consisting of alternating regions of nearly pure polymer and regions of vertically phase separated liquid crystal and polymer regions.
  • a subsequent ultraviolet exposure without the photomask may be carried out to cause phase separation primarily along the z-direction in previously unexposed areas.
  • FIG. 3 An example of an enlarged PSCOF/PDLC grating using nematic liquid crystal material in a sample of 50 ⁇ m thickness is shown in Fig. 3.
  • the PSCOF structure is designated by the capital letter A in Fig. 3 to show the un-exposed region, wherein the PSCOF structure provides a liquid crystal portion adjacent the substrate with the alignment layer and a polymer portion adjacent the other substrate.
  • the grating sizes are about 180 ⁇ m on the right side of the Fig. and 90 ⁇ m in the left portion of the Fig.
  • the capital letter B designation shows the substantially pure polymer area.
  • Fig. 4 shows an example of a grating with alternating lines of PSCOF and pure polymer prepared using ferroelectric liquid crystal material in a sample of 3 ⁇ m thickness.
  • the grating sizes are 90 ⁇ m and 180 ⁇ m in lower left and upper right regions respectively.
  • the PSCOF region is designated by the capital letter A, and is formed in the ultraviolet protected region.
  • the photomask shown in Fig. 2 may be employed to generate the cells with such patterns.
  • FIGs. 5 A and 5B Still yet another example of such a periodic linear grating is shown in Figs. 5 A and 5B .
  • the one-dimensional nematic liquid crystal gratings shown have a pitch of200/100 ⁇ m in a 5 ⁇ m thick cell.
  • Fig. 5A shows a linear array of lines of polymer adjacent to lines of polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC)
  • Fig. 5B shows lines of polymer and PSCOF structure prepared with the PSCOF method. Structure internal to the PDLC lines is clearly visible.
  • the liquid crystal material orients in the direction dictated by the alignment layer on one of the substrates and then imprints compatible anchoring conditions on the liquid crystal-polymer interface.
  • switchable grating may be constructed.
  • One of the major advantages of preparing such a structure with the PSCOF method over those prepared with a PDLC method is that a linear structure is obtained which is optically very clear as there are no microdroplets of liquid crystal material which normally give rise to high scattering of light and thus reduced efficiency. This difference provides higher transmission and efficiency of gratings prepared with the disclosed method.
  • a microscopic view of a one-dimensional grating of 25 ⁇ m pitch along with the optical diffraction pattern obtained with a He-Ne laser beam is shown in Figs. 5C-E.
  • Fig.5C shows a diffracted beam image with no voltage applied
  • Fig. 5D shows an image with 3 volts
  • 5E shows a grating with 10 volts applied.
  • the extent of diffraction is electrically controllable by selectively addressing grating lines in a specific pattern (sequence), such as every other line, one can increase the effective pitch of these gratings.
  • the PSCOF grating has no internal structure and is free from scattering of light.
  • a cell designated generally by the numeral 50 forms a bounded microstructure of the present invention.
  • a mask 51 results in the formation of the microstructure that includes polymer walls 52 extending between both inner surfaces of the substrates 26, wherein the polymer wall 52 contacts the alignment layer 28 where provided.
  • a liquid crystal region designated generally by the numeral 54, is formed.
  • the liquid crystal region 54 includes a portion of liquid crystal material 56 adj acent the alignment layer 28 and a portion of polymer material 58 adjacent the other substrate 24.
  • An interface 60 is formed between the liquid crystal material 56 and the polymer material 58.
  • the interface 60 may be parabolic or any other uniform curvilinear type of shape.
  • the shape of the interface is believed critical to the operation of the microstructure. How the interface 60 is formed is dictated by at least the materials used for the mixture 30, the alignment layer 28, the rate of diffusion of LC and polymer molecules, the spacing of the substrates, the photomask, if used, the rate of polymerization, and how polymerization is initiated.
  • a two-dimensional photomask designated generally by the numeral 70, may be employed to form the cell 50.
  • the two-dimensional mask 70 includes an array 72 which provides a plurality of square openings 74.
  • a cell using ferroelectric liquid crystal material and prepared using a mask with O 00/49452 - 13 - PCT/USOO/03866
  • the direction of the largest intensity gradient is pe ⁇ endicular to the boundaries of the exposed rectangular openings along horizontal directions.
  • the ferroelectric liquid crystal material migrates outwards and moves under the shadow of the mask.
  • the exposed areas are nearly 100% polymer.
  • the liquid crystal and polymer form separated regions along the direction of illumination, in the unexposed areas.
  • the liquid crystal material is aligned homogeneously by the alignment layer on the adjacent substrate and the optic axis can be reoriented with the help of an applied field provided by the electrodes 26. As such, this forms a device that acts as a switchable two-dimensional grating.
  • Fig. 8 shows the alignment texture of a microdomain array using ferroelectric liquid crystal material under a polarizing microscope.
  • the PSCOF structure designated by the letter B, is formed in the ultraviolet protected region and consists of separated LC and polymer regions. The dark (non-birefringent) areas have pure polymer regions. Accordingly, it is possible to form any arbitrary shape with a corresponding photomask.
  • Fig. 9A, B, and C show the diffractive beam images obtained as a function of an applied field to the two-dimensional grating shown in Fig. 8.
  • Fig. 9A shows a pronounced two- dimensional diffraction pattern upon application of 10 volts to the two-dimensional grating, Fig.
  • the array 80 includes a pair of substrates 82, wherein lower electrode connections 84 are shown as dashed stripes and upper substrate electrode connections 86 are shown as the solid electrodes on both substrates are transparent.
  • the heavily shaded regions designate a microlens electrode pad 88 which may be a thin film transistor for active matrix addressing and wherein the exposed regions form a three-dimensional microlens 90.
  • each substrate has an electrode pad spaced apart from a corresponding electrode pad on the other substrate.
  • Each microlens 90 is formed between intersecting electrode pads 88. As such, a switchable microlens between two substrates allows for selective switching of lenses in an array.
  • the microlens array 80 can be switched with active or passive matrix operating methods.
  • a switchable microlens makes use of the electrically controllable spatial distribution of a liquid crystal's refractive index inside a microscopic, but well-defined and positioned volume elements 90 bounded by substrates and polymer-rich areas produced with the bounded phase separated composite organic film methodology.
  • Such a structure is schematically presented in Fig. 11.
  • a cell 80 provides a microlens with a curved interface 60 which allows for direction of incident light designated generally by the numeral 100, in a manner dictated by application of voltage across the electrodes.
  • a change in the applied voltage changes the optic axis configuration of the LC material which, along with the interface, changes the behavior of light passing through the cell.
  • Such a structure provides a new generation of microlenses having the capabilities of switching between focusing and non-focusing states on demand with superior mechanical stability.
  • Such microlenses remain transparent in focusing and non-focusing states.
  • Their focal length is controllable by proper shaping of the curved interface 60 and by changing the electric field applied across the electrode pads 88.
  • use of ultraviolet exposure through a mask with circular regions about 500 ⁇ m in diameter forms circular regions of liquid crystal material.
  • the ultraviolet light exposure causes liquid crystal to migrate from the exposed areas to the unexposed areas creating a concentration gradient under and near the shaded regions. Because of the concentration gradient and diffusion limited migration of liquid crystal and prepolymer molecules, the curved interface between the liquid crystal and polymers is obtained. Wetting properties of the liquid crystal material with the alignment layer used plays a crucial role in determining the processing parameters and the shape of the interface.
  • the liquid crystal director in these bounded liquid crystal regions is aligned in compliance with the alignment layer. Because of the shape of the interface and the alignment of the liquid crystal optic axis, a refractive index gradient or GRI, is created from the outer edge of the circular lens area towards their respective center. This GRI profile is apparent under cross polarizers in the variation of color from the center to the edge of the lens area.
  • Figs. 12A-D present different states or appearances of the microlenses prepared according to the present disclosure under a polarizing microscope.
  • the rubbing direction of the alignment layer is at 45 ° with respect to one of the crossed polarizers.
  • Fig. 12B is the same as Fig. 12A except that the rubbing direction is at 0° with respect to one of the crossed polarizers.
  • Outside the circular area of each microlens is a polymer dispersed liquid crystal structure. This region primarily contains polymeric material with a small percentage of liquid crystal material. It is possible to render this region entirely free of LC by controlling processing parameters and/or using the double exposure method discussed earlier. Figs.
  • FIGS. 12C and 12D show the appearance of the same microlenses as in Figs. 12A and B, wherein an electric field of 0.5 v/ ⁇ m is applied to the microlenses in Fig. 12C and 1.0 v/ ⁇ m is applied to the microlenses in Fig. 12D.
  • Figs. 13A-C show an intensity profile of a helium-neon laser beam, obtained with a CCD camera, after the beam passes through one of the microlenses shown in Fig. 12 at different distances.
  • Fig. 13A shows the appearance of the cell at a distance of 4 cm.
  • Fig. 13B shows that the beam is sha ⁇ ly focused at a distance of 5 cm from the microlens and
  • Fig. 13C shows the beam is defocused at a distance at 10 cm. These results show that the focal length of the microlens is about 5 cm. A graphical representation of the intensity profiles at different distances is shown in Fig. 14.
  • Figs. 15A-C show a detector at a distance of 5 cm from the microlens illustrates the defocusing and focusing attributes of the beam as the voltage is increased.
  • Fig. 15 A shows beam focusing by the lens with 0 voltage applied
  • Fig. 15B shows the appearance of the light beam beginning to defocus with 3 volts applied
  • Fig. 15C shows a complete defocusing of the beam with 5 volts applied. Accordingly, the focal length gradually moves from 5 cm to infinity with increasing voltage.
  • Fig. 16 shows a graphical representation of the intensity versus different applied voltages. Proper shaping of the curvilinear interface may be obtained by first using a mask to form - -
  • the rate of polymerization determined by the intensity of UN beam controls the shape of the curved interface and, hence, the focal length. Very different focal lengths ranging from 1.8 mm to 10 cm have already been achieved using the present invention.
  • the method for polymerizing the mixture captured between the substrates is critical in determining the shape and size of the bounded microstructure. It is believed that lenses can be manufactured with diameters as small as 50,000 angstroms (5 ⁇ m) with an appropriate photomask.
  • Such three-dimensional microlenses remain transparent at all voltages and in focusing as well as in non-focusing states.
  • a combination of polarizers and analyzers placed before and after the microlenses or any of the microstructures presented herein could be used to render the combination non-transparent in the non-focusing state.
  • This provides a unique advantage of controlling the focusing action as well as the level of optical transmission within the applied field, uniquely combining focusing and shuttering attributes in one device. Previously, this was only accomplished with the use of two devices produced with different technologies. Since the GRI profile can be controlled by changing the cell thickness, the relative diffusion rate of the liquid crystal and the polymer, and the rate of polymerization, it is possible to fabricate microlenses of different focal lengths. The density of such lenses and their placement can be controlled with the use of an appropriate photomask as discussed above. The ability to selectively address with a well-known matrix addressing schemes commonly used in liquid crystal displays makes the foregoing devices quite versatile.
  • a cell is a bounded phase separated composite organic structure. Similar to the cells shown in Figs. 1A-B, the cell 110 includes opposed substrates 24 with electrodes 26 on each. At least one ofthe substrates has an alignment layer 28. The phase separation process is performed so as to form randomly positioned, yet bounded, liquid crystal microstructures 112. Each microstructure is adjacent the substrate with the alignment layer 28. It is O 00/49452 - 17 - PCT/USOO/03866
  • the microstructures 112 could be adj acent both substrates as seen in Fig. 17B.
  • a substantially polymer region 114 bonds the substrates to one another and essentially forms a polymer film or layer between the two substrates.
  • the microstructure 114 is bounded by polymer, but not formed with a specific curvilinear interface. If the rate of phase separation is relatively fast, but slower than the rate which produces PDLC structures, the liquid crystal migrates toward the substrate with the alignment layer. However, because ofthe speed of phase separation, LC remains confined to regions bounded by the substrate and the polymer. LC in these droplets is aligned by the alignment layer.
  • FIG. 18 An example of such a cell is shown in Fig. 18 and its transmission and response time properties are shown in Figs. 19 A-B.
  • the cell 110 exhibits electrical bistability with superior mechanical stability properties.
  • the microstructures 112 can be switched to stable states upon application of an electric or magnetic field or the like, and will remain in that stable state upon removal ofthe field.
  • Such a cell is mechanically stable by virtue ofthe polymer region 114.
  • Free standing composite structures can also be formed by spreading the prepolymer and LC solution like a soap bubble over an aperture and then initiating phase separation using UN illumination from both sites. This should permit fabrication of PSCOS structures without substrates. These free standing structures can be put on other surfaces adjacent an electrooptical device.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Nonlinear Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Liquid Crystal (AREA)
  • Dispersion Chemistry (AREA)
  • Mathematical Physics (AREA)
  • Crystallography & Structural Chemistry (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne des procédés destinés à concevoir des ensembles rigides ou flexibles de dispositifs électro-optiques, notamment grâce à une technique d'élaboration de structures composites à phases séparées qui permet d'obtenir des zones adjacentes de polymères et de cristaux liquides (LC) selon une architecture spécifique, et non une dispersion aléatoire des gouttelettes de LC. On peut préparer les dispositifs susmentionnés en produisant des volumes d'une structure de LC (56) à proximité d'une zone polymère (58), par une séparation de phase anisotropique des LC à partir d'un photopolymère, cette séparation étant initiée par une exposition au rayonnement ultraviolet. On peut donc déterminer facilement la forme, la taille, et la disposition de ces zones dans une cellule à l'aide d'un masque optique ou d'un faisceau laser. On peut par ailleurs fixer les limites du volume de LC en ajustant la composition chimique du polymère et en utilisant une couche d'alignement (28).
PCT/US2000/003866 1999-02-17 2000-02-16 Microstructures a cristaux liquides electriquement reglables Ceased WO2000049452A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2000600135A JP2002537580A (ja) 1999-02-17 2000-02-16 電気的に制御可能な液晶微細構造
US09/913,253 US6864931B1 (en) 1999-02-17 2000-02-16 Electrically controllable liquid crystal microstructures
EP00914593A EP1161706A4 (fr) 1999-02-17 2000-02-16 Microstructures a cristaux liquides electriquement reglables
AU35963/00A AU3596300A (en) 1999-02-17 2000-02-16 Electrically controllable liquid crystal microstructures

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US12050599P 1999-02-17 1999-02-17
US60/120,505 1999-02-17

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2000049452A1 true WO2000049452A1 (fr) 2000-08-24

Family

ID=22390729

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2000/003866 Ceased WO2000049452A1 (fr) 1999-02-17 2000-02-16 Microstructures a cristaux liquides electriquement reglables

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1161706A4 (fr)
JP (1) JP2002537580A (fr)
AU (1) AU3596300A (fr)
WO (1) WO2000049452A1 (fr)

Cited By (16)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6897915B1 (en) * 2000-09-27 2005-05-24 Kent State University Non-lithographic photo-induced patterning of polymers from liquid crystal solvents with spatially modulated director fields
DE102005051070A1 (de) * 2005-10-25 2007-04-26 Carl Zeiss Surgical Gmbh Optisches Gerät
US7355668B2 (en) 2002-05-22 2008-04-08 Kent State University Polymer enhanced liquid crystal devices built with rigid or flexible substrates
US20100195203A1 (en) * 2005-09-09 2010-08-05 Koninklijke Philips Electronics, N.V. Lenticular device for an autostereoscopic display apparatus and method of producting the same
US9155614B2 (en) 2007-01-22 2015-10-13 E-Vision Smart Optics, Inc. Flexible dynamic electro-active lens
US9366881B2 (en) 2013-09-17 2016-06-14 Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. Method and apparatus for ophthalmic devices including shaped liquid crystal polymer networked regions of liquid crystal
US9442309B2 (en) 2013-09-17 2016-09-13 Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. Method and apparatus for ophthalmic devices comprising dielectrics and nano-scaled droplets of liquid crystal
US9500882B2 (en) 2013-09-17 2016-11-22 Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. Variable optic ophthalmic device including shaped liquid crystal elements with nano-scaled droplets of liquid crystal
US9541772B2 (en) 2013-09-17 2017-01-10 Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. Methods and apparatus for ophthalmic devices including cycloidally oriented liquid crystal layers
WO2017008881A1 (fr) 2015-07-16 2017-01-19 Merck Patent Gmbh Dispositif de régulation de la transmission de lumière
US9592116B2 (en) 2013-09-17 2017-03-14 Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. Methods and apparatus for ophthalmic devices including cycloidally oriented liquid crystal layers
US9690116B2 (en) 2011-12-23 2017-06-27 Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. Variable optic ophthalmic device including liquid crystal elements
US9869885B2 (en) 2013-09-17 2018-01-16 Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. Method and apparatus for ophthalmic devices including gradient-indexed liquid crystal layers and shaped dielectric layers
US9880398B2 (en) 2013-09-17 2018-01-30 Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. Method and apparatus for ophthalmic devices including gradient-indexed and shaped liquid crystal layers
US10386653B2 (en) 2012-12-21 2019-08-20 Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. Variable optic ophthalmic device including liquid crystal elements
CN114967206A (zh) * 2022-05-19 2022-08-30 南京大学 一种光学器件、光学器件的制备方法及其应用

Families Citing this family (18)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1612596A1 (fr) * 2004-06-29 2006-01-04 Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V. Filtre optique, commutable et accordable à base de composites et de films cristaux-liquides / polymères, les mélanges et le pocédé pour les fabriquer.
KR100716990B1 (ko) * 2005-01-05 2007-05-14 삼성전자주식회사 수차 보정용 액정소자 및 이를 구비한 광픽업 및 광 기록및/또는 재생기기
FR2888951B1 (fr) * 2005-07-20 2008-02-08 Essilor Int Composant optique pixellise aleatoirement, son procede de fabrication, et son utilisation dans la fabrication d'un element optique transparent
JP5265081B2 (ja) * 2005-12-16 2013-08-14 スタンレー電気株式会社 拡散異方性液晶光学素子及びその製造方法及び該拡散異方性液晶光学素子を使用したストロボ装置。
US10451897B2 (en) 2011-03-18 2019-10-22 Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. Components with multiple energization elements for biomedical devices
US8857983B2 (en) 2012-01-26 2014-10-14 Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. Ophthalmic lens assembly having an integrated antenna structure
US10361405B2 (en) 2014-08-21 2019-07-23 Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. Biomedical energization elements with polymer electrolytes
US10361404B2 (en) 2014-08-21 2019-07-23 Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. Anodes for use in biocompatible energization elements
US9793536B2 (en) 2014-08-21 2017-10-17 Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. Pellet form cathode for use in a biocompatible battery
US9599842B2 (en) 2014-08-21 2017-03-21 Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. Device and methods for sealing and encapsulation for biocompatible energization elements
US9941547B2 (en) 2014-08-21 2018-04-10 Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. Biomedical energization elements with polymer electrolytes and cavity structures
US9383593B2 (en) 2014-08-21 2016-07-05 Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. Methods to form biocompatible energization elements for biomedical devices comprising laminates and placed separators
US10627651B2 (en) 2014-08-21 2020-04-21 Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. Methods and apparatus to form biocompatible energization primary elements for biomedical devices with electroless sealing layers
US9715130B2 (en) 2014-08-21 2017-07-25 Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. Methods and apparatus to form separators for biocompatible energization elements for biomedical devices
US10381687B2 (en) 2014-08-21 2019-08-13 Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. Methods of forming biocompatible rechargable energization elements for biomedical devices
US10345620B2 (en) 2016-02-18 2019-07-09 Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. Methods and apparatus to form biocompatible energization elements incorporating fuel cells for biomedical devices
CN107632451B (zh) * 2017-10-26 2020-05-12 京东方科技集团股份有限公司 一种显示面板、显示装置及显示方法
US20200057302A1 (en) * 2018-08-16 2020-02-20 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Diffraction grating structure, augmented reality apparatus including the same, and method of manufacturing diffraction grating structure

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5096282A (en) * 1988-01-05 1992-03-17 Hughes Aircraft Co. Polymer dispersed liquid crystal film devices
US5396350A (en) * 1993-11-05 1995-03-07 Alliedsignal Inc. Backlighting apparatus employing an array of microprisms
US5949508A (en) * 1997-12-10 1999-09-07 Kent State University Phase separated composite organic film and methods for the manufacture thereof

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2683918B1 (fr) * 1991-11-19 1994-09-09 Thomson Csf Materiau constitutif d'une lunette de visee et arme utilisant cette lunette.
US5668651A (en) * 1994-03-18 1997-09-16 Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha Polymer-wall LCD having liquid crystal molecules having a plane-symmetrical bend orientation

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5096282A (en) * 1988-01-05 1992-03-17 Hughes Aircraft Co. Polymer dispersed liquid crystal film devices
US5396350A (en) * 1993-11-05 1995-03-07 Alliedsignal Inc. Backlighting apparatus employing an array of microprisms
US5949508A (en) * 1997-12-10 1999-09-07 Kent State University Phase separated composite organic film and methods for the manufacture thereof

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See also references of EP1161706A4 *

Cited By (36)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7372480B1 (en) 2000-09-27 2008-05-13 Kent State University Non-lithographic photo-induced patterning of polymers from liquid crystal solvents with spatially modulated director fields
US6897915B1 (en) * 2000-09-27 2005-05-24 Kent State University Non-lithographic photo-induced patterning of polymers from liquid crystal solvents with spatially modulated director fields
US7355668B2 (en) 2002-05-22 2008-04-08 Kent State University Polymer enhanced liquid crystal devices built with rigid or flexible substrates
US10126569B2 (en) 2004-11-02 2018-11-13 E-Vision Smart Optics Inc. Flexible electro-active lens
US10416467B2 (en) 2005-09-09 2019-09-17 Koninklijke Philips N.V. Lenticular device for an autostereoscopic display apparratus and method of producing the same
US20100195203A1 (en) * 2005-09-09 2010-08-05 Koninklijke Philips Electronics, N.V. Lenticular device for an autostereoscopic display apparatus and method of producting the same
US10254553B2 (en) * 2005-09-09 2019-04-09 Koninklijke Philips N.V. Method of producing a lenticular device for an autostereoscopic display apparatus
DE102005051070B4 (de) * 2005-10-25 2008-06-12 Carl Zeiss Surgical Gmbh Optisches Gerät
DE102005051070A1 (de) * 2005-10-25 2007-04-26 Carl Zeiss Surgical Gmbh Optisches Gerät
US12326617B2 (en) 2007-01-22 2025-06-10 E-Vision Smart Optics, Inc. Flexible electro-active lens
EP3048472A1 (fr) * 2007-01-22 2016-07-27 e-Vision Smart Optics Inc. Lentille électro-active flexible
US12235524B2 (en) 2007-01-22 2025-02-25 E-Vision Smart Optics, Inc. Flexible electro-active lens
US11474380B2 (en) 2007-01-22 2022-10-18 E-Vision Smart Optics, Inc. Flexible electro-active lens
EP2106566B1 (fr) * 2007-01-22 2016-04-20 e-Vision Smart Optics Inc. Lentille electro-active flexible
US9155614B2 (en) 2007-01-22 2015-10-13 E-Vision Smart Optics, Inc. Flexible dynamic electro-active lens
EP3273294A1 (fr) * 2007-01-22 2018-01-24 e-Vision Smart Optics Inc. Lentille électro-active flexible
US9690116B2 (en) 2011-12-23 2017-06-27 Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. Variable optic ophthalmic device including liquid crystal elements
US10386653B2 (en) 2012-12-21 2019-08-20 Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. Variable optic ophthalmic device including liquid crystal elements
US9817245B2 (en) 2013-09-17 2017-11-14 Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. Methods and apparatus for ophthalmic devices including cycloidally oriented liquid crystal layers
US9958704B2 (en) 2013-09-17 2018-05-01 Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. Methods and apparatus for ophthalmic devices including cycloidally oriented liquid crystal layers
US9823492B2 (en) 2013-09-17 2017-11-21 Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. Methods and apparatus for ophthalmic devices including cycloidally oriented liquid crystal layers
US9823491B2 (en) 2013-09-17 2017-11-21 Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. Methods and apparatus for ophthalmic devices including cycloidally oriented liquid crystal layers
US9823490B2 (en) 2013-09-17 2017-11-21 Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. Methods and apparatus for ophthalmic devices including cycloidally oriented liquid crystal layers
US9835876B2 (en) 2013-09-17 2017-12-05 Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. Methods and apparatus for ophthalmic devices including cycloidally oriented liquid crystal layers
US9869885B2 (en) 2013-09-17 2018-01-16 Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. Method and apparatus for ophthalmic devices including gradient-indexed liquid crystal layers and shaped dielectric layers
US9784993B2 (en) 2013-09-17 2017-10-10 Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. Methods and apparatus for ophthalmic devices including cycloidally oriented liquid crystal layers
US9880398B2 (en) 2013-09-17 2018-01-30 Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. Method and apparatus for ophthalmic devices including gradient-indexed and shaped liquid crystal layers
US9817244B2 (en) 2013-09-17 2017-11-14 Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. Methods and apparatus for ophthalmic devices including cycloidally oriented liquid crystal layers
US9592116B2 (en) 2013-09-17 2017-03-14 Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. Methods and apparatus for ophthalmic devices including cycloidally oriented liquid crystal layers
RU2611076C2 (ru) * 2013-09-17 2017-02-21 Джонсон Энд Джонсон Вижн Кэа, Инк. Офтальмологическое устройство с изменяемыми оптическими свойствами, включающее жидкокристаллические элементы с наноразмерными каплями из жидких кристаллов
US9366881B2 (en) 2013-09-17 2016-06-14 Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. Method and apparatus for ophthalmic devices including shaped liquid crystal polymer networked regions of liquid crystal
US9541772B2 (en) 2013-09-17 2017-01-10 Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. Methods and apparatus for ophthalmic devices including cycloidally oriented liquid crystal layers
US9442309B2 (en) 2013-09-17 2016-09-13 Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. Method and apparatus for ophthalmic devices comprising dielectrics and nano-scaled droplets of liquid crystal
US9500882B2 (en) 2013-09-17 2016-11-22 Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. Variable optic ophthalmic device including shaped liquid crystal elements with nano-scaled droplets of liquid crystal
WO2017008881A1 (fr) 2015-07-16 2017-01-19 Merck Patent Gmbh Dispositif de régulation de la transmission de lumière
CN114967206A (zh) * 2022-05-19 2022-08-30 南京大学 一种光学器件、光学器件的制备方法及其应用

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP1161706A1 (fr) 2001-12-12
AU3596300A (en) 2000-09-04
JP2002537580A (ja) 2002-11-05
EP1161706A4 (fr) 2004-07-07

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US6864931B1 (en) Electrically controllable liquid crystal microstructures
EP1161706A1 (fr) Microstructures a cristaux liquides electriquement reglables
US6215539B1 (en) Photo-oriented polymer network material having desired azimuthal orientation and tilt angle and method for its production
US5602661A (en) Optical component
EP0011644B1 (fr) Dispositif à crystal liquide
JP3100339B2 (ja) 偏光パターンを移動するための偏光マスク
JP3298607B2 (ja) 液晶素子及びその製造方法
CN1083110C (zh) 液晶器件
KR101876529B1 (ko) 능동형 렌즈 구조체 및 그 제조 방법
HK1007196B (en) Optical device
JP2007102236A (ja) 光学部品用液晶セル
Shang et al. Electrically controllable liquid crystal component for efficient light steering
KR20040093173A (ko) 액정 디바이스, 액정 디바이스의 제조 방법, 및 액정디바이스의 제어 방법
KR100743320B1 (ko) 액정 표시 장치 및 그 제조 방법
JPH1048605A (ja) 調光素子およびその製造方法
US11586075B2 (en) Photopatterning of molecular orientations
US6970211B2 (en) Bistable nematic liquid crystal device
US7034907B2 (en) Stressed liquid crystals as an ultra-fast light modulating material consisting of unidirectionally oriented liquid crystal micro-domains separated by polymer chains
EP3237970B1 (fr) Procédé d'alignement multiple dans un milieu liquide cristallin
US6608661B1 (en) Photo-oriented polymer network material having desired azimuthal orientation and tilt angle and method for its production
Ren et al. Polymer network liquid crystals for tunable microlens arrays
JP2000029040A (ja) 液晶表示セルおよびその製造法
Kim et al. Fabrication of electrically controllable microlens array using liquid crystals
JP3016744B2 (ja) 液晶マイクロレンズ
JP7513290B2 (ja) 液晶素子及び液晶素子の製造方法

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AM AT AU AZ BA BB BG BR BY CA CH CN CU CZ DE DK EE ES FI GB GD GE GH GM HR HU ID IL IN IS JP KE KG KP KR KZ LC LK LR LS LT LU LV MD MG MK MN MW MX NO NZ PL PT RO RU SD SE SG SI SK SL TJ TM TR TT UA UG US UZ VN YU ZW

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): GH GM KE LS MW SD SL SZ TZ UG ZW AM AZ BY KG KZ MD RU TJ TM AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LU MC NL PT SE BF BJ CF CG CI CM GA GN GW ML MR NE SN TD TG

121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application
DFPE Request for preliminary examination filed prior to expiration of 19th month from priority date (pct application filed before 20040101)
WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 09913253

Country of ref document: US

ENP Entry into the national phase

Ref country code: JP

Ref document number: 2000 600135

Kind code of ref document: A

Format of ref document f/p: F

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 2000914593

Country of ref document: EP

WWP Wipo information: published in national office

Ref document number: 2000914593

Country of ref document: EP

REG Reference to national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: 8642