CN101517466A - Controllable light guide - Google Patents
Controllable light guide Download PDFInfo
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- CN101517466A CN101517466A CNA2007800338181A CN200780033818A CN101517466A CN 101517466 A CN101517466 A CN 101517466A CN A2007800338181 A CNA2007800338181 A CN A2007800338181A CN 200780033818 A CN200780033818 A CN 200780033818A CN 101517466 A CN101517466 A CN 101517466A
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- light
- controllable
- refractive index
- light guide
- photoconduction
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- 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
- G02F1/19—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 variable-reflection or variable-refraction elements not provided for in groups G02F1/015 - G02F1/169
- G02F1/195—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 variable-reflection or variable-refraction elements not provided for in groups G02F1/015 - G02F1/169 by using frustrated reflection
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- 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
- G02F1/1335—Structural association of cells with optical devices, e.g. polarisers or reflectors
- G02F1/1336—Illuminating devices
- G02F1/133615—Edge-illuminating devices, i.e. illuminating from the side
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- 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
- G02F1/165—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 translational movement of particles in a fluid under the influence of an applied field
- G02F1/166—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 translational movement of particles in a fluid under the influence of an applied field characterised by the electro-optical or magneto-optical effect
- G02F1/167—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 translational movement of particles in a fluid under the influence of an applied field characterised by the electro-optical or magneto-optical effect by electrophoresis
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- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Nonlinear Science (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Optics & Photonics (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- Electrochemistry (AREA)
- Molecular Biology (AREA)
- Mathematical Physics (AREA)
- Crystallography & Structural Chemistry (AREA)
- Electrochromic Elements, Electrophoresis, Or Variable Reflection Or Absorption Elements (AREA)
- Mechanical Light Control Or Optical Switches (AREA)
Abstract
A controllable light guide (101; 405) comprises a light guide (103) configured to guide in-coupled light through reflections of the light against a guiding boundary (109) of the light guide (103), and at least one light-modifying member (102; 201-202; 303-304; 414-416) arranged adjacent to the guiding boundary (109) of the light guide (103). The light-modifying member (102; 201-202; 303-304; 414-416) comprises a fluid (104) and a plurality of particles (105) distributed in the fluid. The light-modifying member is controllable between at least a first state having a first particle distribution resulting in at least a portion (106; 209, 210) of the light-modifying member (102; 201-202; 303-304; 414-416) having a first compound refractive index (rid), and a second state having a second particle distribution resulting in the portion (106; 209, 210) of the light-modifying member having a second compound refractive index (nc2). At least the second compound refractive index (nc2) is sufficiently high in relation to the refractive index of the light guide (103) at the guiding boundary (109) so as to allow at least partial outcoupling of light through a corresponding portion of the guiding boundary of the light guide.
Description
Technical field
The present invention relates to controllable light guide, comprise the light fixture and the display device of such controllable light guide.
Background technology
At present, various types of flat-panel monitors extensively are used in the various application, from the mobile telephone display to the large-screen receiver.Although the flat-panel monitor of some types (for example plasma scope) comprises luminescence pixel array, most of flat-panel monitors and have that can switch but can not independently luminous pel array between state.Such flat-panel monitor comprises ubiquitous LCD display.In order to make such flat-panel monitor image can be shown to the user, pel array must be by backlighted (under the situation of transmissive pixels array) or by surround lighting or preceding illumination bright (under the situation of reflective pixel array).
Traditional backlight (with preceding light) comprises planar-light guide, and light is coupled into this photoconduction from light source.The one side of planar-light guide typically is modified (for example surface roughening) by structure or modification, so that allow light by this face coupling output (outcouple).Be in the pixel under the transmissive state then in the light process pel array of coupling output, and to the observer as seen corresponding image becomes.
Yet, when only having a fraction of pixel to be bright (being in their transmissive state), as normal conditions, be prevented from arriving the observer, thereby valuable energy has been wasted by corresponding most of light of backlight emission.
In order to overcome this problem, proposed to have the controlled coupling output in space backlight of light.For example, WO 2004079437 discloses a kind of illuminator, and it comprises optical waveguide and matrix-addressable light regime member.Can control the coupling output of light by a part of light regime member of modulation between pellucidity and scattering state from optical waveguide.
Although disclosed illuminator provides for example controllable lighting of liquid crystal panel in WO 2004079437, the output efficiency that is coupled is restricted, because the light regime member is only to a kind of polarization state sensitivity.
Thereby, need improved controllable light guide, thereby realize the coupling output of the more high energy efficiency of light.
Summary of the invention
An object of the present invention is to provide a kind of improved controllable light guide.
Another object of the present invention provides the controllable lighting of the Energy Efficient of pel array in the flat-panel monitor.
According to the present invention, realize these and other objects by a kind of controllable light guide, this controllable light guide comprises: photoconduction, it is configured to hold the light that is coupled in this photoconduction and comes direct light by light in the borderline reflection of the guiding of photoconduction along the main ennation of this photoconduction, and this photoconduction has first refractive index at this guiding boundary; Revise member (light-modifying member) with at least one light, it is set to adjacent with the guiding border of photoconduction, and this light is revised member and comprised: the fluid with second refractive index; With a plurality of particles with the third reflect rate that is different from second refractive index, these a plurality of distribution of particles are in this fluid, wherein this light modification member is controlled between at least the first state and second state, this first state has at least a portion that makes light revise member and has first distribution of particles of first complex refractive index, this second state has makes this part of this light modification member have second distribution of particles of second complex refractive index, thereby this second complex refractive index is exported by appropriate section to the small part coupling on the guiding border of photoconduction with respect to the enough high light that allows of first refractive index at least.
This photoconduction can be for example planar optical waveguide or optical fiber.
If this photoconduction is a planar optical waveguide, then it can be made of the sheet (slab) of for example combination of single dielectric material or dielectric material.Suitable dielectric material comprises different transparent materials, for example various types of glass, polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) etc.Such slab guide can be flat or crooked.The slab guide of sheet type typically depends on total internal reflection (TIR), so that hold the light that is coupled in the waveguide.
In this application, " fluid " is understood that it is such material: it changes its shape in response to any power and trends towards mobile or consistent with the profile in the chamber that can hold this fluid.Thereby term " fluid " comprises gas, liquid, steam and solid and mixtures of liquids (when these potpourris can flow).
Term " particle " is not limited to solids, also comprises the capsule of drop and fill fluid.
The present invention is based on such understanding: light can be modified by the refractive index that the light that change is positioned at the guiding border of adjacent light guides is revised member from the coupling of photoconduction output, and this change of refractive index can realize by the distribution of particle in having the fluid of different refractivity that control has an a certain refractive index.
Owing to mainly depend on anaclastic coupling output according to controllable light guide of the present invention, so in fact nearly all light of this output of having guaranteed to be intended to be used to be coupled be allowed to leave photoconduction, and no matter polarization state how.
The particle that is distributed in the fluid is preferably enough little of scattering is restricted to such level: promptly, Particle suspending liquid mainly serves as the fluid with variable refractive index.
Suitably use the particle with about 100nm or littler median diameter and not too wide Size Distribution, because when particle during obviously greater than 100nm, promptly their size is a wavelength of visible light rank or when bigger, (back) scattering becomes and preponderates.
This light is revised member can be between two states or be controlled between a plurality of states.Under first kind of situation mentioning, light is revised member can be used as photoswitch, allowing partly or to stop light to be exported from the coupling of photoconduction, and under the latter event of mentioning, light in the photoconduction can be realized gray level in this case by part coupling output.So which light is coupled output and which light is stayed the incident angle that depends in the photoconduction at the guiding boundary, the light that wherein has little incident angle is coupled output, and the light with big incident angle is by total reflection.
Advantageously, this first complex refractive index can enough hang down to allow the total internal reflection at the guiding boundary of photoconduction, the output thereby the appropriate section that stops light to pass through the guiding border is coupled.
In order to make the photoconduction total internal reflection enter the light of photoconduction with all angles, the refractive index of any element adjacent with the border of photoconduction should satisfy following relation:
N wherein
1gBe the refractive index of photoconduction at the guiding boundary of photoconduction, and n
C1The refractive index of expression adjacent elements, described adjacent elements can be coat, air and/or the controllable light modification members (as under situation of the present invention) that for example is configured to cover photoconduction core or centre slice part.
For example, if photoconduction has 1.67 refractive index, then first complex refractive index can be less than 1.34, so that realization is to the total internal reflection (TIR) of the light that is coupled into of all angles.
The light that like this, has effectively prevented to be coupled in the photoconduction is exported by being coupled from photoconduction with a part that the adjacent light that is in its first state is revised a part of corresponding guiding border of member.
Second refractive index (fluid) can be lower than third reflect rate (particle).
In this case, for the certain portions of giving of the light modification member that comprises the equally distributed substantially fluid with particle, the concentration of particle is high more to mean that the complex refractive index of this part is high more.Therefore, can revise in this part of member at light and realize TIR, and can obtain coupling output with higher particle concentration with low particle concentration.
Alternately, the third reflect rate can be lower than second refractive index, and in this case, clearly, high more causing of the concentration of particle revised the above-mentioned low more to the complex refractive index in the certain portions of member at light.
According to one embodiment of present invention, particle can be subject to electric field effects, and can revise electric field in the above-mentioned part of member to make light revise member be controlled between at least the first and second states by changing light, thus the distribution of control particle.
In the present embodiment, particle can be or can not be charged.For uncharged particle, make particle move in response to the electric field that applies by dielectrophoresis, this is at " the Dielectrophoresis of the H.A.Pohl of Cambridge University Press's publication in 1978; The behaviourof neutral matter in non-uniform electric fields " in detailed description is arranged.
Under the situation of charged particle, most of particles advantageously have the electric charge of same-sign, assemble (electric neutrality of fluid has been guaranteed in the existence of the ion of opposite charges) so that prevent the particle of oppositely charged.
By configuration according to this embodiment of the invention, particle can not have under the situation of electric field by basic evenly distribution.When applying electric field, particle can be distributed again.Perhaps particle moves up to electric field and is removed, perhaps enter such state: wherein, the electric charge (under the situation at electrophoresis) by particle self or dipole (under the situation at dielectrophoresis) be applied to the power on the particle and the electric field that applied between reach balance.For the more detailed description of electrophoresis, please refer to following document:
" Principles of Colloid and Surface Chemistry ", P.C.Hiemenz and R.Rajagopalan, the 3rd edition, Marcel Dekker company, New York, 1997, the 534-574 pages or leaves.
According to another embodiment, particle is subject to the influence in magnetic field, and can to make light revise member be controlled between at least the first and second states by applying magnetic field in the above-mentioned part of revising member at light, thus the distribution of control particle (magnetophoresis).
In this embodiment, particle can be for example magnetic and have such characteristic: in particle, can bring out magnetic dipole.So, can control distribution of particles by applying magnetic field.
As substituting or replenishing to above-mentioned two embodiment of the present invention, the distribution of particle also can be controlled by mechanical hook-up (as in the MEMS device) in fluid, it can cause the density of the spatial variations of fluid, and therefore causes the concentration of the variation of the particle in fluid-particle suspension.
In order to realize that this controllable light guide may further include control device according to the control of any one distribution of particles in the above-mentioned mechanism for example.
These control device can be for example provide (for example electrode pattern, coil pattern or mechanical actuator) with the form of pattern (pattern), and it can be positioned at and light is revised member position adjacent, the perhaps place of other in controllable light guide.For the light of the output that prevents to be coupled is unnecessarily stopped, can advantageously generate these patterns by using one or more transparent materials (for example ITO (indium tin oxide) or similar well known materials) according to the position of pattern.In the position that coupling output should be prevented from, advantageously use catoptrical electrode (for example being made from aluminum or silver).
Control device can be set at the opposite side that light is revised member, in this case, moves (being basically perpendicular on the direction of photoconduction) by the either side that makes particle revise member to light selectively and controls distribution of particles.
Alternately, control device can be configured to realize so-called " switching (in-plane switching) in the face ".In this case, control distribution of particles by making particle revise laterally to move in the member at light selectively.Face is interior also to be possible with the combination of vertical switching.
As substituting of control device included in the controllable light guide, can produce electric field and/or magnetic field in the outside of controllable light guide.
Can advantageously comprise a plurality of light according to controllable light guide of the present invention and revise member, it is controlled separately that each light is revised member.
Thereby can form the pattern of the differing complexity of the coupling output of controllable light guide and light holding portion.
According to another embodiment, controllable light guide may further include light and changes member (light-altering member), it is arranged in light and revises member to revise member with respect to photoconduction side far away and light adjacent, and is suitable for changing at least one characteristic of the light that the small part coupling exports.
It can be the layer that for example is added into controllable light guide on light is revised the light-emitting face of member that light changes member, and this light change member can Change Example as in angle distribution, space distribution and the polarization state of the light of coupling output at least one.
For the light to the normal direction guiding coupling output of the coupling output surface of controllable light guide, the light that can use the form with layer to be provided with changes member, and the refractive index ratio light of described layer is revised the refractive index height of member.
In addition, light change member can have coupling-out structure so that strengthen the guiding effect.Such coupling-out structure can be provided separately or be combined with above-mentioned higher refractive index and be provided.
These coupling-out structures can advantageously be formed by substantially parallel groove.
For the output polarization light that is coupled, light changes member and can be made of birefringent material.
Specifically, light change member can be birefringent and have substantially parallel groove.These grooves can be provided in such a manner: birefringent light changes the refractive index component of member perpendicular to groove.This refractive index component can equal to have the refractive index of fluid of the suspended particles of low concentration substantially, perhaps alternately, equals to have the refractive index of fluid of the suspended particles of high concentration substantially.
In addition, can advantageously comprise in controllable lighting equipment according to controllable light guide of the present invention, this light fixture further comprises light source, and light source is configured to make that the optically-coupled of being sent by light source is input in this controllable light guide.
Above-mentioned controllable lighting equipment can advantageously comprise in display device, this display device further comprises the image forming that has to the controlled transmissivity of small part, wherein this controllable lighting equipment is positioned at the back of image forming with respect to the observer, and it is controlled backlight to serve as to be configured to illuminate this image forming.
Alternately, this controllable lighting equipment can be included in the display device, this display device further comprises the image forming that has to the small part controllable reflectivity, wherein this controllable lighting equipment is positioned at the front of this image forming with respect to the observer, and is configured to illuminate this image forming to serve as controlled preceding light.
Description of drawings
Describe these and other aspect of the present invention in more detail now with reference to accompanying drawing, accompanying drawing shows currently preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein:
Fig. 1 a-c schematically shows a part that is in three kinds of controllable light guides under the different states according to of the present invention;
Fig. 2 schematically shows the part according to the controllable light guide of the first embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 3 schematically shows the part of controllable light guide according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and it comprises the light change member of revising the member placed adjacent with light;
Fig. 4 a-b schematically shows the example according to display device of the present invention.
Embodiment
Below the present invention is described main reference plane controllable light guide, this plane controllable light guide comprises photoconduction and light modification member, this light is revised member and is had the particle that is suspended in a plurality of positively chargeds in the fluid, and the refractive index of fluid is lower than the refractive index of photoconduction and the refractive index of particle.Should be noted that this will not limit the scope of the invention, it can be equally applicable to the controllable light guide of other configuration, for example optical fiber and plane of bending photoconduction.In addition, the particle that is suspended in the fluid can be electronegative, and is not charged, magnetic or nonmagnetic.Certainly, the refractive index of fluid can be higher than the refractive index of photoconduction and particle.In addition, show the application example according to the embodiment of controllable light guide of the present invention, wherein controllable light guide is included in and is used for the backlight of transmissive flat-panel display.In this article, should be noted that the light fixture that comprises according to controllable light guide of the present invention can be used as equally that environment produces (ambience-creating) light fixture or as the preceding light of various types of reflective display (for example reflection LCD, electric moistening display, electrophoretic display device (EPD) or electrochromic display device (ECD)).
Fig. 1 a-c shows the part of controllable light guide 101, and it comprises that being arranged to the light adjacent with photoconduction 103 revises member 102.Here light modification member 102 is provided with the form of compartment (compartment), and this compartment comprises fluid 104 and a plurality of particle, and these particles are represented by Reference numeral 105 together.In this case, photoconduction 103 has single refractive index
1g, fluid 104 has refractive index n
F1, it is lower than the refractive index n of photoconduction 103
1g, and particle 105 has refractive index n
p, it is higher than the refractive index n of photoconduction 103
1gIn each figure of Fig. 1 a-c, show the part 106 that light is revised member 102, wherein the concentration of the particle 105 in the fluid 104 changes between three example states shown in Fig. 1 a-c.Light is coupled in the photoconduction by the light source (not shown) of suitable location.
Fig. 1 a shows has the controllable light guide 101 that the light that is in first state is revised member 102, and wherein particle 105 is distributed in the fluid 104, so that the concentration of the particle in the middle body 106 of light modification member 102 is very low.This causes existing in the middle body 106 the low complex refractive index n of fluid-particle suspension
C1In the example that illustrates, the complex refractive index n under first state
C1Enough low to satisfy needs by total internal reflection (TIR) in the photoconduction of light 107 indications.
Notice the middle body 106 that light is revised member 102 preferably big as far as possible (in current available technology, middle body 106 can occupy for example more than 90% of surface of light modification member 102).In order to make photoconduction 103 efficient as far as possible, the zone outside the middle body 106 of light modification member 102 preferably is made into reflexive, and this can realize by utilizing mirror to cover this zone.Alternately, can use when being assembled thick and fast is reflexive particle.
Fig. 1 b shows has the controllable light guide 101 that the light that is under second state is revised member 102, and wherein particle 105 is evenly distributed in the fluid 104 substantially.This causes the high complex refractive index n of middle body 106
C2In the example that illustrates, complex refractive index n
C2Be approximately equal to the refractive index of photoconduction, this causes light in the photoconduction by part 106 output that is coupled substantially fully, shown in light 108.The state of Fig. 1 b is preferably zero power phase.
Fig. 1 c shows has the controllable light guide 101 that the light that is under the third state is revised member 102, and the third state is the intermediateness of first and second states.Under this third state, thereby particle 105 is distributed on the situation that makes the concentration of the particle 105 in the middle body 106 be higher than the situation of first state in the fluid 104 and be lower than second state.This causes the complex refractive index n placed in the middle of middle body 106
C3In the example that illustrates, complex refractive index n
C3Allow to incide photoconduction 103 and light and revise the part of the light on the guiding border 109 between the member 102 and be coupled output, as respectively by shown in the light 110a and 110b of transmission and reflection.
Fig. 2 schematically shows first embodiment according to controllable light guide of the present invention, wherein show two light and revise member 201 and 202, light is revised one of member (promptly 201) and is in non-coupling output state, and another light modification member (promptly 202) is in the coupling output state.
Each shown light modification member 201,202 is formed by the compartment of the fluid 203 that comprises basic insulation and a plurality of charged particle 204.In this example, particle retainer belt positive charge.Each light is revised member 201,202 and is further comprised three electrode 207a-c and 208a-c respectively, and at least some electrodes are preferably formed by the optical clear conductive material, for example ITO or equivalent material.Peripheral electrode 207a, c and 208a, c can be advantageously reflexive, and output is coupled so that prevent the particle of assembling thick and fast (revising shown in the member 201 as the light among Fig. 2) of light by being in non-coupling output state.For the angle expansion of the light that limits coupling output, each light is revised member 201,202 and is further had structurized coupling output face 205,206.
As shown in Figure 2, by negative voltage being put on two peripheral electrode 207a, c and positive voltage is applied to contre electrode 207b, light revised member 201 controls to first, non-coupling output state.By selecting suitable voltage, particle 204 is concentrated near peripheral electrode 207a, the c, and the concentration of the particle in the middle body 209 of light modification member 201 becomes very low.Therefore the complex refractive index in this part 209 becomes enough low to prevent optically-coupled output, and is described as reference Fig. 1 a.
And for example shown in Figure 2, by not applying any voltage or three all electrode 208a-c being connected to identical electromotive force, light revised member 202 controls to second, the coupling output state, in this case, charged particle by forming basic suspending liquid uniformly with the energy minimization in the system.Thereby the concentration that light is revised the particle in the middle body 210 of member 202 uprises and allows coupling output, shown in the light 211 of coupling output.
What should emphasize is that Fig. 2 is a synoptic diagram, wherein, for easy, does not comprise the measure of crosstalking that prevents between the adjacent light modification member.The measure that prevents or reduce to crosstalk at least comprise space between adjacent fill fluid-particle compartment and/or between adjacent light is revised member, introduce guarded electrode.
Fig. 3 schematically shows second embodiment according to controllable light guide of the present invention.Here, control electrode 301a-c and 302a-c have been respectively formed on two adjacent light modification members 303 and 304.In addition, the light of the form of structurized layer changes member 305 and has been added into light and revises on the side of (facing away from) dorsad photoconduction 103 of member 303,304.
The operation of controllable light guide shown in Figure 3 is with top described identical with reference to Fig. 2, main difference between shown two embodiment is, revises member 304 by light and can change member 305 by light from the various characteristics of the light of photoconduction 103 coupling outputs and change.In the example that illustrates, it is structurized layers that light changes member 305, and its refractive index is higher than the complex refractive index of the light modification member 304 of coupling output.As the light 306 of the output that is coupled shown in, the light of coupling output is directed towards the normal of photoconduction 103.
Fig. 4 a-b schematically shows the application example according to the embodiment of controllable light guide of the present invention, and its form is a flat-panel monitor 401, and this flat-panel monitor comprises 3 * 3 pel arrays 402 and backlight 404 of controlled transmissive pixel 403a-i.
In Fig. 4 a, from the observer's of flat-panel monitor visual angle, backlight 404 are positioned at after the pel array 402.In this example, a 403e in the pixel in the pel array 402 is in its transmissive state, and residual pixel 403a-d, 403f-i are in their non-transmissive state.
Fig. 4 b show not by pel array 402 cover backlight 404.As shown in the figure, the controllable light guide 405 that comprises backlight, light is controlled from the coupling output of this controllable light guide three parts (segment) 406,407 and 408.Backlight 404 further comprise at least one light source (not shown), and it is arranged to realize that optically-coupled enters into controllable light guide 405.
In order to allow energy to use local high illumination more the effective and/or that realize transmissive pixel 403e, part 406 and 408 is controlled to non-coupling output state, and be controlled to the coupling output state corresponding to the part 407 of transmissive pixel 403e, shown in the light among Fig. 4 b 409,410.
By voltage being applied to electrode 411a-c, 412a-c and the 413a-c that is included in respectively in the light modification member 414,415 and 416, control the coupling output state of each several part 406-408.By voltage being applied to these electrodes, controlling light in the above-described mode of reference Fig. 2 and 3 and revise distribution of particles and thereby control complex refractive index among the member 414-416.
The present invention never is confined to previously described preferred embodiment, and this is obviously to those skilled in the art.For example, those, many configurations of electrode or control device all are feasible except previously described, and for example electrode or other control device are formed on adjacent light and revise the boundary between the member and/or be projected into light and revise in the member.In addition, any electrode or other control device can be made by non-transparent material, if particularly their extension is compared very little with the remainder that light is revised member.
Claims (13)
1, a kind of controllable light guide (101; 405), comprising:
-photoconduction (103), it is configured to hold the light that is coupled in the described photoconduction, and come to guide described light along the main ennation of described photoconduction by the reflection of described light on the guiding border (109) of described photoconduction (103), described photoconduction locates to have first refractive index on described guiding border (109); With
-at least one light is revised member (102; 201-202; 303-304; 414-416), it is set to adjacent with the described guiding border (109) of described photoconduction (103), and described light is revised member and comprised:
-have a fluid (104) of second refractive index; With
-a plurality of particles (105), it has the third reflect rate that is different from described second refractive index, described a plurality of distribution of particles in described fluid,
Wherein said light is revised member (102; 201,202; 303-304; Be controlled between at least the first state and second state 414-416), described first state has makes described light revise member (102; 201-202; 303-304; At least a portion (106 414-416); 209,210) has the first complex refractive index (n
C1) first distribution of particles, described second state has the described part (106 that makes described light revise member; 209,210) has the second complex refractive index (n
C2) second distribution of particles, thereby described at least second complex refractive index is exported by appropriate section to the small part coupling on the described guiding border (109) of described photoconduction (103) with respect to the enough high light that allows of described first refractive index.
2, controllable light guide (101 according to claim 1; 405), wherein, the described first complex refractive index (n
C1) enough low total internal reflection to allow to locate on the described guiding border (109) of described photoconduction (103), thereby prevent the described appropriate section coupling output of light by described guiding border.
3, controllable light guide (101 according to claim 1 and 2; 405), wherein, described third reflect rate is higher than described second refractive index.
4, according to the described controllable light guide (101 of arbitrary claim in the aforementioned claim; 405), wherein:
-described particle (105) is subject to electric field effects; And
-revise the described part (106 of member by changing described light; 209,210) electric field in and make described light revise member (102; 201-202; 303-304; Between described at least the first and second states, be controlled 414-416), thereby control the distribution of described particle.
5, according to the described controllable light guide (101 of arbitrary claim in the claim 1 to 3; 405), wherein:
-described particle is subject to the influence in magnetic field; And
-by revise the described part (106 of member at described light; 209,210) apply magnetic field in, and make described light revise member (102; 201-202; 303-304; Between described at least the first and second states, be controlled 414-416), thereby control the distribution of described particle.
6, according to the described controllable light guide (101 of arbitrary claim in the aforementioned claim; 405), further comprise control device (207a-c, 208a-c; 301a-c, 302a-c; 411a-c, 412a-c 413a-c), is used for controlling the described distribution of the particle (105) of described fluid (104).
7, according to the described controllable light guide (101 of arbitrary claim in the aforementioned claim; 405), comprise a plurality of described light modification member (201-202; 303-304; 414-416), each light modification member is controlled separately.
8, according to the described controllable light guide (101 of arbitrary claim in the aforementioned claim; 405), comprise that further light changes member (305), it is set to revise member at described light, and to revise member (303-304) with respect to described photoconduction (103) side far away and described light adjacent, and be suitable for changing at least one characteristic of the described light of exporting to the small part coupling.
9, controllable light guide (101 according to claim 8; 405), wherein, it is structurized element that described light changes member (305), and its refractive index is higher than described first refractive index.
10, according to Claim 8 or 9 described controllable light guides (101; 405), wherein, it is birefringent that described light changes member (305), and the light that changes the described coupling output of member through described light becomes polarization thus.
11, a kind of controllable lighting equipment comprises:
-according to the described controllable light guide (101 of arbitrary claim in the aforementioned claim; 405); With
-light source, it is set to allow enter into described controllable light guide (101 by the optically-coupled that described light source sends; 405) in.
12, a kind of display device (401) comprising:
-have a image forming (402) to the controlled transmissivity of small part; With
-controllable lighting equipment according to claim 11 (404), described controllable lighting equipment is positioned at for the observer after the described image forming, and it is controlled backlight to serve as to be configured to illuminate described image forming.
13, a kind of display device comprises:
-have to the image forming of small part controllable reflectivity; With
-controllable lighting equipment according to claim 11, described controllable lighting equipment is positioned at for the observer before the described image forming, and is configured to illuminate described image forming to serve as controlled preceding light.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| EP06120503.5 | 2006-09-12 | ||
| EP06120503 | 2006-09-12 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CN101517466A true CN101517466A (en) | 2009-08-26 |
Family
ID=38835008
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CNA2007800338181A Pending CN101517466A (en) | 2006-09-12 | 2007-09-07 | Controllable light guide |
Country Status (5)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP2074474A1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP2010503950A (en) |
| KR (1) | KR20090058558A (en) |
| CN (1) | CN101517466A (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2008032248A1 (en) |
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| CN104155715A (en) * | 2014-07-16 | 2014-11-19 | 合肥鑫晟光电科技有限公司 | Light guide device, backlight module group and display device |
| CN106405880A (en) * | 2016-11-21 | 2017-02-15 | 青岛海信电器股份有限公司 | Mangneto refractive index regulating material and film, light guide plate, backlight module and display device |
| CN107092127A (en) * | 2017-07-06 | 2017-08-25 | 京东方科技集团股份有限公司 | A kind of adjustable refractive index structure, color membrane substrates, display panel and display device |
| WO2018059086A1 (en) * | 2016-09-29 | 2018-04-05 | 京东方科技集团股份有限公司 | Display panel and manufacturing method therefor, display device, and brightness control method |
| JP2018534628A (en) * | 2015-12-07 | 2018-11-22 | イー インク コーポレイション | 3D display |
| CN109581748A (en) * | 2019-01-08 | 2019-04-05 | 合肥京东方光电科技有限公司 | Optical diaphragm and backlight module, display device |
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| US7656571B1 (en) * | 2008-07-31 | 2010-02-02 | Eastman Kodak Company | Balanced light valve |
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| RU2721752C2 (en) | 2015-11-10 | 2020-05-21 | Конинклейке Филипс Н.В. | Display device and a display control method |
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| EP0023741A1 (en) * | 1979-08-02 | 1981-02-11 | Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. | Electrophoretic image display device |
| JP3587435B2 (en) * | 1998-10-16 | 2004-11-10 | 株式会社タカラ | Display panel |
| US20060038769A1 (en) * | 2002-09-18 | 2006-02-23 | Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. | Display apparatus with scanning backlight |
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| GB2404448A (en) * | 2003-07-31 | 2005-02-02 | Qinetiq Ltd | Electrophoretic display device |
| US6977766B2 (en) * | 2004-01-14 | 2005-12-20 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Display device with side-illuminated cell |
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| US7586560B2 (en) * | 2005-01-03 | 2009-09-08 | Intel Corporation | Display using light guide and refractive index control |
-
2007
- 2007-09-07 CN CNA2007800338181A patent/CN101517466A/en active Pending
- 2007-09-07 WO PCT/IB2007/053609 patent/WO2008032248A1/en active Application Filing
- 2007-09-07 JP JP2009527270A patent/JP2010503950A/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2007-09-07 EP EP07826299A patent/EP2074474A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2007-09-07 KR KR1020097007399A patent/KR20090058558A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
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| CN106405880A (en) * | 2016-11-21 | 2017-02-15 | 青岛海信电器股份有限公司 | Mangneto refractive index regulating material and film, light guide plate, backlight module and display device |
| CN106405880B (en) * | 2016-11-21 | 2019-03-19 | 青岛海信电器股份有限公司 | Mangneto adjustable refractive index material, film, light guide plate, backlight module and display equipment |
| CN107092127A (en) * | 2017-07-06 | 2017-08-25 | 京东方科技集团股份有限公司 | A kind of adjustable refractive index structure, color membrane substrates, display panel and display device |
| WO2019007088A1 (en) * | 2017-07-06 | 2019-01-10 | 京东方科技集团股份有限公司 | Refractive index regulating structure, color film substrate, display panel and display device |
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Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP2074474A1 (en) | 2009-07-01 |
| JP2010503950A (en) | 2010-02-04 |
| WO2008032248A1 (en) | 2008-03-20 |
| KR20090058558A (en) | 2009-06-09 |
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Open date: 20090826 |