Fast-response Liquid Crystal Displays

After about five decades of extensive material research and device development, followed by massive investment in manufacturing technology, thin-film-transistor liquid-crystaldisplay (TFT-LCD) has finally become the dominant flat panel display technology. Nowadays, LCD performances, such as viewing angle, contrast ratio, and resolution, have reached acceptable levels. The remaining major technical challenges are response time, light efficiency, and sunlight readability. Fast response time is desired to reduce motion blur and to enable field sequential color displays using red (R), green (G), and blue (B) LEDs (light emitting diodes) without noticeable color breakup. Sequential RGB colors would eliminate the commonly used spatial color filters which in turn enhances light efficiency and resolution density by ~ 3X. In this dissertation, several new approaches for achieving fast-response LCDs are explored. From material viewpoint, the most straightforward approach for achieving fast response time is to employ a thin cell gap with high birefringence and low viscosity liquid crystal (LC). We investigated the thin cell approach theoretically and experimentally. Voltage shielding effect and anchoring energy effect of alignment layers are found to play important roles on operating voltage and response time. Simulations are carried out to understand the underlying physics and confirm the experimental results quantitatively. Another approach to realize fast response time is to explore novel device configuration. Here, we proposed a dual fringing-field switching (DFFS) mode in which small LC domains are iv formed following the distribution of fringing fields. Therefore, it exhibits submillisecond response time without using thin cell or overdrive/undershoot voltage method. The response time of the DFFS mode is ~20X faster than a conventional vertical aligned LCD. In addition, high optical efficiency is achieved from the complementary top and bottom active LC domains. Two transmissive and one transflective LCDs using DFFS mode are conceived and their electrooptical properties investigated. A shortcoming of DFFS LCDs is their fabrication complexity. To keep the advantages of this fast-response mode while avoiding the requirement of double-TFTs and pixel registration, we modified the device structure to transflective LCD which uses a single TFT in each pixel and vertical aligned positive dielectric anisotropy LC. Two types of electrodes are considered: fringing-field switching (FFS) and in-plane switching (IPS). Besides fast response time and high transmittance, such a transflective LCD shows good sunlight readability. As nematic LC is gradually approaching to its limit in term of response time, polymerstabilized blue phase (PSBP) LCD is emerging. It has potential to become next-generation display because of following revolutionary features: submillisecond response time, no need for alignment layer, good dark state and symmetric viewing angle, and cell gap insensitivity if IPS electrode is employed. In this dissertation, we studied the material-property correlation of Kerr effect-induced birefringence in nano-structured PSBP LC composites. Furthermore, a new device configuration of BP LCD with corrugated electrodes is proposed to solve two critical technical issues: high driving voltage and relatively low transmittance. The on-state voltage can be reduced from ~35 Vrms to ~10 Vrms which will enable TFT addressing, and the transmittance is improved from ~65% to ~85%. This new device configuration will accelerate the emergence of v PSBP LCD. Wide view is another important requirement for a high-end display. Several new LCD configurations with negative A-plate and biaxial plate as phase compensation films are proposed to achieve wide view and broadband operation. The underlying working principles are studied and detailed display performances are included in this dissertation

Anchoring Energy And Pretilt Angle Effects On Liquid Crystal Response Time

This dissertation covers some important topics on the liquid crystal-substrate surface effects, including theoretical derivations and confirming experimental results. The research work is expected to make important impacts on liquid crystal device designs and to open new doors for further research along these topics. In this dissertation, a novel high-electric-field technique is developed to characterize the anchoring energy of vertically-aligned liquid crystal cells. Both theoretical analyses and confirming experimental results are presented. Vertically-aligned liquid crystal cells with buffed polyimide alignment layers are used to validate the measurement techniques. Based on the voltage-dependent transmittance of the liquid crystal cells, a linear fitting can be obtained, which leads to a precise determination of the anchoring energy. If some specific liquid crystal material parameters are known, then the traditional cell capacitance measurements can be avoided. Anchoring energy and cell gap effects on liquid crystal response time is theoretically analyzed and experimentally investigated. A novel theory on the liquid crystal dynamics is developed. In this part, two different theoretical approaches are discussed: one is surface dynamic equation method and the other is effective cell gap method. These two different approaches lead to consistent results, which are also confirmed by our experimental results. This work opens a new door for LCD industry to optimize liquid crystal response time, and it is especially critical for liquid crystal cells with thin cell gap, which is a promising approach for fast response time liquid crystal display. Pretilt angle effects on liquid crystal dynamics are analyzed theoretically and validated experimentally. Analytical expressions are derived to describe liquid crystal response time under nonzero pretilt angle conditions. The theoretical analysis is confirmed experimentally using vertically-aligned liquid crystal cells. These results quantitatively correlate pretilt angles with liquid crystal response time, which is important for optimizing liquid crystal response time

투명한 매질에서의 광 경로 분석을 이용한 집약적 3차원 디스플레이

학위논문 (박사)-- 서울대학교 대학원 : 전기·컴퓨터공학부, 2017. 2. 이병호.본 박사학위 논문에서는 광학적으로 투명한 매질에서의 광 경로 분석을 바탕으로 집약적인 3차원 디스플레이 시스템을 구현하는 접근 방법에 대하여 논의한다. 3차원 영상 장치를 구성하는 요소와 시청자 사이의 물리적인 거리를 줄이는 것은 집약적인 3차원 디스플레이 시스템을 구현하는 직관적인 방법이다. 또한, 기존 시스템의 크기를 유지하면서 더 많은 양의 3차원 영상 정보를 표현하는 것 또한 집약적 3차원 디스플레이 시스템을 의미한다. 높은 대역폭과 작은 구조를 가진 집약적 3차원 디스플레이 시스템을 구현하기 위하여 다음의 두 가지 광학 현상을 이용한다. 등방성 물질에서의 전반사 특성과 이방성 물질에서의 복굴절 특성이다. 가시광 영역에서 빛을 투과시키는 두 매질의 고유 광학 특성을 기존의 3차원 디스플레이 시스템에 적용하기 위하여 광 경로 추적을 통하여 분석한다. 광 도파로의 전반사 특성은 집약적 다중 투사 3차원 디스플레이 시스템을 구현하기 위하여 사용한다. 투사 광학계의 영상 정보는 광 도파로로 입사, 내부에서 전반사를 통하여 진행하고, 이에 수평 투사 거리는 광 도파로의 두께로 제한된다. 다수의 전반사 이후 영상 정보는 광 도파로의 출사 면을 통해 빠져나가고, 렌즈에 의하여 최적 시청 지점에서 시점을 형성한다. 광 도파로 내부에서의 광 경로를 등가 모델을 통하여 조사하고, 이를 통해 다수의 투사 광학계로부터 생성된 다수의 시점 영상이 왜곡되는 것을 분석하고 보정한다. 10개의 시점을 제공하는 집약적 다중 투사 3차원 디스플레이 시스템을 통해 제안된 방법을 검증한다. 향상된 대역폭 특성을 가진 다중 투사 3차원 디스플레이와 다중 초점 헤드 마운트 디스플레이 구현을 위한 이방성 판을 이용한 편광 다중화 방법을 제안한다. 빛의 편광 상태, 이방성 판의 광축 방향에 따라 광 경로가 달라진다. 측면 방향으로의 광 경로 전환은 다중 투사 3차원 디스플레이 기술과 결합하여 시점을 측면 방향으로 두 배로 증가시킨다. 깊이 방향으로의 광 경로 전환은 헤드 마운트 디스플레이에서 다중 초점 기능을 구현한다. 광 경로 추적 시뮬레이션을 통해 이방성 판의 모양, 광축, 파장 등의 다양한 파라미터 변화에 따른 광 경로 전환을 분석한다. 각각의 기능에 맞도록 설계된 이방성 판과 편광 회전자를 실시간으로 결합하여, 다중 투사 3차원 디스플레이와 다중 초점 헤드 마운트 디스플레이의 대역폭이 2배 증가한다. 각 시스템에 대한 시작품을 제작하고, 제안된 방법을 실험적으로 검증한다. 본 논문에서는 광 도파로와 복굴절 물질을 이용하여 그 광 경로를 분석, 대형의 다중 투사 3차원 디스플레이 시스템과 개인 사용자의 헤드 마운트 디스플레이 시스템의 크기를 감소시키고, 표현 가능한 정보량을 증가시키는 방법을 제안한다. 광 도파로와 이방성 판은 기존의 3차원 디스플레이 시스템과 쉽게 결합이 가능하며, 제안된 방법은 향후 소형뿐만 아니라 중대형 3차원 디스플레이 시스템의 집약화에 기여할 수 있을 것으로 기대된다.This dissertation investigates approaches for realizing compact three-dimensional (3D) display systems based on optical path analysis in optically transparent medium. Reducing the physical distance between 3D display apparatuses and an observer is an intuitive method to realize compact 3D display systems. In addition, it is considered compact 3D display systems when they present more 3D data than conventional systems while preserving the size of the systems. For implementing compact 3D display systems with high bandwidth and minimized structure, two optical phenomena are investigated: one is the total internal reflection (TIR) in isotropic materials and the other is the double refraction in birefringent crystals. Both materials are optically transparent in visible range and ray tracing simulations for analyzing the optical path in the materials are performed to apply the unique optical phenomenon into conventional 3D display systems. An optical light-guide with the TIR is adopted to realize a compact multi-projection 3D display system. A projection image originated from the projection engine is incident on the optical light-guide and experiences multiple folds by the TIR. The horizontal projection distance of the system is effectively reduced as the thickness of the optical light-guide. After multiple folds, the projection image is emerged from the exit surface of the optical light-guide and collimated to form a viewing zone at the optimum viewing position. The optical path governed by the TIR is analyzed by adopting an equivalent model of the optical light-guide. Through the equivalent model, image distortion for multiple view images in the optical light-guide is evaluated and compensated. For verifying the feasibility of the proposed system, a ten-view multi-projection 3D display system with minimized projection distance is implemented. To improve the bandwidth of multi-projection 3D display systems and head-mounted display (HMD) systems, a polarization multiplexing technique with the birefringent plate is proposed. With the polarization state of the image and the direction of optic axis of the birefringent plate, the optical path of rays varies in the birefringent material. The optical path switching in the lateral direction is applied in the multi-projection system to duplicate the viewing zone in the lateral direction. Likewise, a multi-focal function in the HMD is realized by adopting the optical path switching in the longitudinal direction. For illuminating the detailed optical path switching and the image characteristic such as an astigmatism and a color dispersion in the birefringent material, ray tracing simulations with the change of optical structure, the optic axis, and wavelengths are performed. By combining the birefringent material and a polarization rotation device, the bandwidth of both the multi-projection 3D display and the HMD is doubled in real-time. Prototypes of both systems are implemented and the feasibility of the proposed systems is verified through experiments. In this dissertation, the optical phenomena of the TIR and the double refraction realize the compact 3D display systems: the multi-projection 3D display for public and the multi-focal HMD display for individual. The optical components of the optical light-guide and the birefringent plate can be easily combined with the conventional 3D display system and it is expected that the proposed method can contribute to the realization of future 3D display systems with compact size and high bandwidth.Chapter 1 Introduction 10 1.1 Overview of modern 3D display providing high quality 3D images 10 1.2 Motivation of this dissertation 15 1.3 Scope and organization 18 Chapter 2 Compact multi-projection 3D displays with optical path analysis of total internal reflection 20 2.1 Introduction 20 2.2 Principle of compact multi-projection 3D display system using optical light-guide 23 2.2.1 Multi-projection 3D display system 23 2.2.2 Optical light-guide for multi-projection 3D display system 26 2.2.3 Analysis on image characteristics of projection images in optical light-guide 34 2.2.4 Pre-distortion method for view image compensation 44 2.3 Implementation of prototype of multi-projection 3D display system with reduced projection distance 47 2.4 Summary and discussion 52 Chapter 3 Compact multi-projection 3D displays with optical path analysis of double refraction 53 3.1 Introduction 53 3.2 Principle of viewing zone duplication in multi-projection 3D display system 57 3.2.1 Polarization-dependent optical path switching in birefringent crystal 57 3.2.2 Analysis on image formation through birefringent plane-parallel plate 60 3.2.3 Full-color generation of dual projection 64 3.3 Implementation of prototype of viewing zone duplication of multi-projection 3D display system 68 3.3.1 Experimental setup for viewing zone duplication of multi-projection 3D display system 68 3.3.2 Luminance distribution measurement of viewing zone duplication of multi-projection 3D display system 74 3.4 Summary and discussion 79 Chapter 4 Compact multi-focal 3D HMDs with optical path analysis of double refraction 81 4.1 Introduction 81 4.2 Principle of multi-focal 3D HMD system 86 4.2.1 Multi-focal 3D HMD system using Savart plate 86 4.2.2 Astigmatism compensation by modified Savart plate 89 4.2.3 Analysis on lateral chromatic aberration of extraordinary plane 96 4.2.4 Additive type compressive light field display 101 4.3 Implementation of prototype of multi-focal 3D HMD system 104 4.4 Summary and discussion 112 Chapter 5 Conclusion 114 Bibliography 117 Appendix 129 초 록 130Docto

Panoramic, large-screen, 3-D flight display system design

The report documents and summarizes the results of the required evaluations specified in the SOW and the design specifications for the selected display system hardware. Also included are the proposed development plan and schedule as well as the estimated rough order of magnitude (ROM) cost to design, fabricate, and demonstrate a flyable prototype research flight display system. The thrust of the effort was development of a complete understanding of the user/system requirements for a panoramic, collimated, 3-D flyable avionic display system and the translation of the requirements into an acceptable system design for fabrication and demonstration of a prototype display in the early 1997 time frame. Eleven display system design concepts were presented to NASA LaRC during the program, one of which was down-selected to a preferred display system concept. A set of preliminary display requirements was formulated. The state of the art in image source technology, 3-D methods, collimation methods, and interaction methods for a panoramic, 3-D flight display system were reviewed in depth and evaluated. Display technology improvements and risk reductions associated with maturity of the technologies for the preferred display system design concept were identified

Reflective Planar Optics with Cholesteric Liquid Crystal for Near-Eye Displays

Display market has undergone dramatic changes as the near eye displays (NED) are gaining increasing attention because they offer a deeper level of human-computer interaction with the advancement of electronic devices and computer sciences. The NEDs can be presented in two ways: virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). The former is completely immersive while the latter combines the digital information with the surrounding scenes. Although several VR headsets have been commercialized for consumers and AR products for prosumers because of their high cost, but there is still a long way to go to satisfy the strict requirements of human vision system. For example, the headset design should be ergonomic so that the users are comfortable when wearing it for a long time. It is critically important to maintain a thin form factor and lightweight while improving the viewing performance, including image quality, resolution, field of view, fatigue free, etc. In this dissertation, we focus on improving the viewing performance of AR/VR displays by developing new cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) based reflective flat optical elements. Firstly, we introduce the basic CLC properties that are relevant to the reflective patterned optical elements. Secondly, we investigate the flat optical elements with patterned CLC structures from several aspects, including the photoalignment mechanism, polarization field generation, and device fabrication. Then we theoretically analyze the optical properties of the patterned CLC devices, providing the spectral and angular responses of the liquid crystal (LC) grating with different birefringence and device thickness. Finally, we explore new applications of these novel patterned CLC devices to address some major challenges in AR and VR displays. More specifically, a chromatic aberration correction method is applied to the pancake VR system based on our fabricated broadband CLC lens. Such a diffractive optical element exhibits an opposite dispersion behavior to the refractive lens. Thus, by combining our diffractive CLC optical element with a Fresnel lens, the chromatic aberration of the VR system is reduced significantly. In addition, a dual-depth AR system using two custom-designed CLC lenses with different optical powers is presented to mitigate the vergence-accommodation conflict (VAC) issue by generating multiple image depths. To address some existing challenges in waveguide-based AR eyeglasses, we propose and develop a switchable polarization volume grating (PVG) enabled by the patterned CLC layer. Some potential applications are demonstrated, including a significantly suppressed rainbow effect, enhanced light efficiency, and expanded field of view. The unique properties and benefits of switchable PVGs is expected to open a new door for AR and VR displays, especially the novel optical systems for waveguide-based AR displays

Optical MEMS

Optical microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), microoptoelectromechanical systems (MOEMS), or optical microsystems are devices or systems that interact with light through actuation or sensing at a micro- or millimeter scale. Optical MEMS have had enormous commercial success in projectors, displays, and fiberoptic communications. The best-known example is Texas Instruments’ digital micromirror devices (DMDs). The development of optical MEMS was impeded seriously by the Telecom Bubble in 2000. Fortunately, DMDs grew their market size even in that economy downturn. Meanwhile, in the last one and half decade, the optical MEMS market has been slowly but steadily recovering. During this time, the major technological change was the shift of thin-film polysilicon microstructures to single-crystal–silicon microsructures. Especially in the last few years, cloud data centers are demanding large-port optical cross connects (OXCs) and autonomous driving looks for miniature LiDAR, and virtual reality/augmented reality (VR/AR) demands tiny optical scanners. This is a new wave of opportunities for optical MEMS. Furthermore, several research institutes around the world have been developing MOEMS devices for extreme applications (very fine tailoring of light beam in terms of phase, intensity, or wavelength) and/or extreme environments (vacuum, cryogenic temperatures) for many years. Accordingly, this Special Issue seeks to showcase research papers, short communications, and review articles that focus on (1) novel design, fabrication, control, and modeling of optical MEMS devices based on all kinds of actuation/sensing mechanisms; and (2) new developments of applying optical MEMS devices of any kind in consumer electronics, optical communications, industry, biology, medicine, agriculture, physics, astronomy, space, or defense