Optimizing performance parameters for switchable polymer dispersed liquid crystal optical elements
First Claim
1. A method for forming a holographically polymerized polymer dispersed liquid crystal optical element with reduced haze comprising:
- adding a pre-polymerized polymer dispersed liquid crystal material to a pre-existing loosely gelled network;
placing the pre-existing loosely gelled network containing the pre-polymerized polymer dispersed liquid crystal material between first and second transparent substrates; and
interfering a first beam and a second beam within the pre-existing loosely gelled network containing the pre-polymerized polymer dispersed liquid crystal material to form the holographically polymerized polymer dispersed liquid crystal optical element with reduced 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
16 Claims
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1. A method for forming a holographically polymerized polymer dispersed liquid crystal optical element with reduced haze comprising:
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adding a pre-polymerized polymer dispersed liquid crystal material to a pre-existing loosely gelled network; placing the pre-existing loosely gelled network containing the pre-polymerized polymer dispersed liquid crystal material between first and second transparent substrates; and interfering a first beam and a second beam within the pre-existing loosely gelled network containing the pre-polymerized polymer dispersed liquid crystal material to form the holographically polymerized polymer dispersed liquid crystal optical element with reduced haze. - View Dependent Claims (2)
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3. A method for forming a holographically polymerized polymer dispersed liquid crystal optical element with reduced haze comprising:
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forming a loosely gelled network within a pre-polymerized polymer dispersed liquid crystal material; placing the loosely gelled network containing the pre-polymerized polymer dispersed liquid crystal material between first and second transparent substrates; and directing a first beam and a second beam at the pre-existing loosely gelled network containing the 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 (4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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Specification