Controlling haze in holographically polymerized polymer dispersed liquid crystal optical elements
First Claim
1. A method for controlling the haze in a holographically polymerized polymer dispersed liquid crystal optical element comprising:
- forming a loosely gelled network within a pre-polymerized polymer dispersed liquid crystal material; and
holographically polymerizing the polymer dispersed liquid crystal material, including the loosely gelled network, to form the polymer dispersed liquid crystal optical element with decreased haze.
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Abstract
Described herein are the materials, mechanisms and procedures for optimizing various performance parameters of HPDLC optical devices in order to meet differing performance requirements. These optimization tailoring techniques include control and independent optimization of switchable HPDLC optical devices to meet the demanding requirements of anticipated applications for, inter alia, the telecommunications and display industries. These techniques include optimization of diffraction efficiency, i.e., index modulation, polarization dependence control, haze, cosmetic quality, control of response and relaxation time, voltage driving for on and off switching, and material uniformity. This control and independent optimization tailors properties of switchable HPDLC optical devices according to the specific requirements of the application of the switchable HPDLC optical device. The invention disclosed herein retains the desirable attributes of the multi-functional acrylate system for forming HPDLC optical devices, but adds new materials to the acrylate system and/or new process control to the recording to optimize performance parameters as may be needed for specific applications. This results in high optical quality switchable holograms with good diffraction efficiency and low, stable switching voltage.
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Citations
13 Claims
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1. A method for controlling the haze in a holographically polymerized polymer dispersed liquid crystal optical element comprising:
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forming a loosely gelled network within a pre-polymerized polymer dispersed liquid crystal material; and holographically polymerizing the polymer dispersed liquid crystal material, including the loosely gelled network, to form the polymer dispersed liquid crystal optical element with decreased haze. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A method for controlling the haze in a holographically polymerized polymer dispersed liquid crystal optical element comprising:
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forming a loosely gelled network within a pre-polymerized polymer dispersed liquid crystal material wherein forming the loosely gelled network within the pre-polymerized polymer dispersed liquid crystal material comprises; directing a first beam and a second beam at the pre-polymer liquid crystal material; and blocking the first beam and allowing the second beam to interact with the pre-polymer liquid crystal material for a predetermined amount of time, wherein the interaction converts the pre-polymer liquid crystal material into the loosely gelled network; and holographically polymerizing the polymer dispersed liquid crystal material, including the loosely gelled network, to form the polymer dispersed liquid crystal optical element with decreased haze. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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Specification