Polarizers coated with optically functional layers

• US 7,251,075 B2
• Filed: 09/18/2006
• Issued: 07/31/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 07/02/2001
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation (Seiko Group)
• Original Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company (3M Company)
• Inventors: Nagarkar, Pradnya V., Smyth, William K., Trapani, Giorgio
• Primary Examiner(s): Boutsikaris; Leonidas
• Application Number:
  US11/532,672
• Publication Number:
  US 20070013818A1
• Time in Patent Office: 316 Days
• Field of Search: 359/490, 359/492, 359/502, 359/485, 349/96
• US Class Current: 359/487.02
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 5/3033 in the form of a thin sheet or foil, e.g. Polaroid

Abstract

An optical stack includes an intrinsic polarizer, such as a K-type or thin KE polarizer sheet. Optically functional coatings are disposed on one or both of the surfaces of the intrinsic polarizer. The optically functional coatings include a hardcoat, a transflector coating, a reflector coating, an antireflection film, a liquid crystal polymer retarder coating, a diffusion coating, an antiglare film, a wide view film, and an electrode. An optical stack including an intrinsic polarizer and an optically functional coating may have a thickness of less than 25 microns.

Claims

1. An optical stack, comprising:

an intrinsic polarizer having a first surface and a second surface;

an optically functional layer secured to the first surface; and

wherein the intrinsic polarizer is not directly protected or supported in the optical stack.

2. The optical stack of claim 1 wherein the optically functional layer is effective over the visible electromagnetic spectrum.

3. The optical stack of claim 1 wherein the optically functional layer is effective over the non-visible electromagnetic spectrum.

4. The optical stack of claim 1 wherein the optical stack does not include cellulose triacetate.

5. The optical stack of claims 2 or 3 and further comprising:

a layer of adhesive disposed on the second surface of the intrinsic polarizer.