20240036516. METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PATTERNING A LIQUID CRYSTAL LAYER simplified abstract (Magic Leap, Inc.)
METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PATTERNING A LIQUID CRYSTAL LAYER
Organization Name
Inventor(s)
Ravi Kumar Komanduri of Austin TX (US)
Chulwoo Oh of Sammamish WA (US)
METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PATTERNING A LIQUID CRYSTAL LAYER - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240036516 titled 'METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PATTERNING A LIQUID CRYSTAL LAYER
Simplified Explanation
The patent application describes a method for creating an optical master using a nanoimprint alignment layer and a liquid crystal layer. The optical master is positioned above a photo-alignment layer and is illuminated, causing light to propagate through the nanoimprinted alignment layer and the liquid crystal layer. The diffracted light then strikes the photo-alignment layer, transferring the pattern from the liquid crystal layer to the photo-alignment layer. A second liquid crystal layer is deposited onto the patterned photo-alignment layer, which aligns the molecules of the second liquid crystal layer. The patterned photo-alignment layer can be used as a replica optical master or as a diffractive optical element for directing light in optical devices like augmented reality display devices.
- A nanoimprint alignment layer and a liquid crystal layer are used to create an optical master.
- The optical master is positioned above a photo-alignment layer.
- Illuminated light passes through the nanoimprinted alignment layer and the liquid crystal layer.
- The diffracted light strikes the photo-alignment layer, transferring the pattern to it.
- A second liquid crystal layer is deposited onto the patterned photo-alignment layer.
- The second liquid crystal layer aligns with the patterned photo-alignment layer.
- The patterned photo-alignment layer can be used as a replica optical master or as a diffractive optical element.
Potential Applications
- Augmented reality display devices
- Optical devices requiring light direction
Problems Solved
- Creation of an optical master using a nanoimprint alignment layer and a liquid crystal layer
- Transferring patterns from a liquid crystal layer to a photo-alignment layer
Benefits
- Simplified method for creating an optical master
- Versatile application in various optical devices
- Improved alignment of liquid crystal layers
Original Abstract Submitted
an optical master is created by using a nanoimprint alignment layer to pattern a liquid crystal layer. the nanoimprint alignment layer and the liquid crystal layer constitute the optical master. the optical master is positioned above a photo-alignment layer. the optical master is illuminated and light propagating through the nanoimprinted alignment layer and the liquid crystal layer is diffracted and subsequently strikes the photo-alignment layer. the incident diffracted light causes the pattern in the liquid crystal layer to be transferred to the photo-alignment layer. a second liquid crystal layer is deposited onto the patterned photo-alignment layer, which subsequently is used to align the molecules of the second liquid crystal layer. the second liquid crystal layer in the patterned photo-alignment layer may be utilized as a replica optical master or as a diffractive optical element for directing light in optical devices such as augmented reality display devices.