Enhanced Light Diffusing Sheet
First Claim
1. An optical element comprising:
- a) a first light transmitting component of predetermined shape having a first set of refractive indexes at a wavelength of 589 nm of n1x, n1y, and n1z in x, y, and z directions, respectively; and
b) a second light transmitting component of predetermined shape having a second set of refractive indexes at a wavelength of 589 nm of n2x, n2y, and n2z in the x, y, and z directions, respectively, satisfying at least one of the conditions selected from the group consisting of |(n1x−
n2x)|>
0.01, |(n1y−
n2y)|>
0.01, and |(n1z−
n2z)|>
0.01, wherein the second light transmitting component is disposed upon the first light transmitting component; and
c) a third light transmitting component of predetermined shape having a third set of refractive indexes at a wavelength of 589 nm of n3x, n3y, and n3z in the x, y, and z directions, respectively, disposed upon the second light transmitting component; and
d) at least one predetermined light re-directing structure derived from an interface between the first and second light transmitting components such that light of first wavelength and first polarization state incident at a first angle, θ
1, measured from the surface normal, is re-directed to a second angle, θ
2, such that θ
1≠
θ
2; and
e) a light transmissive matrix region having a third set of refractive indexes at a wavelength of 589 nm of nmx, nmy, and nmz in the x, y, and z directions, respectively; and
f) a plurality of light transmissive micro-bodies substantially encapsulated within the light transmissive matrix region having a fourth set of refractive indexes at a wavelength of 589 nm of ndx, ndy, and ndz in the x, y, and z directions, respectively, satisfying at least one of the conditions selected from the group consisting of |(nmx−
ndx)|>
0.01, |(nmy−
ndy)|>
0.01, and |(nmz−
ndz)|>
0.01.
7 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A light transmitting diffusing sheet can be used in backlighting systems for liquid crystal displays (LCDs). Such displays are typically used in televisions, computer monitors, laptop computers and handheld devices such as mobile phones. Embodiments of the light diffusing sheets are suitable for use with both cold-cathode fluorescent (CCFL) and light emitting diode based backlighting systems. Desired light transmitting properties in the light transmitting diffusing sheet have been achieved by modifying both the volume and surface features of the sheet. Embodiments of this invention when used as part of the backlighting assembly for a LCD system results in improved brightness and controlled viewing angles. In one embodiment, substantially asymmetric particles in the volume of the sheet are combined with a ridged structure on one surface of the sheet. The use of the sheet removes the need for separate prismatic films and diffusing sheets, while also optimizing the light transmitting properties of these two elements.
105 Citations
23 Claims
-
1. An optical element comprising:
-
a) a first light transmitting component of predetermined shape having a first set of refractive indexes at a wavelength of 589 nm of n1x, n1y, and n1z in x, y, and z directions, respectively; and
b) a second light transmitting component of predetermined shape having a second set of refractive indexes at a wavelength of 589 nm of n2x, n2y, and n2z in the x, y, and z directions, respectively, satisfying at least one of the conditions selected from the group consisting of |(n1x−
n2x)|>
0.01, |(n1y−
n2y)|>
0.01, and |(n1z−
n2z)|>
0.01, wherein the second light transmitting component is disposed upon the first light transmitting component; and
c) a third light transmitting component of predetermined shape having a third set of refractive indexes at a wavelength of 589 nm of n3x, n3y, and n3z in the x, y, and z directions, respectively, disposed upon the second light transmitting component; and
d) at least one predetermined light re-directing structure derived from an interface between the first and second light transmitting components such that light of first wavelength and first polarization state incident at a first angle, θ
1, measured from the surface normal, is re-directed to a second angle, θ
2, such that θ
1≠
θ
2; and
e) a light transmissive matrix region having a third set of refractive indexes at a wavelength of 589 nm of nmx, nmy, and nmz in the x, y, and z directions, respectively; and
f) a plurality of light transmissive micro-bodies substantially encapsulated within the light transmissive matrix region having a fourth set of refractive indexes at a wavelength of 589 nm of ndx, ndy, and ndz in the x, y, and z directions, respectively, satisfying at least one of the conditions selected from the group consisting of |(nmx−
ndx)|>
0.01, |(nmy−
ndy)|>
0.01, and |(nmz−
ndz)|>
0.01. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
-
Specification