LCDs with internal polarizers were designed and fabricated as production prototype TN-LCDs. Optiva™ Thin Crystalline Films (TCFs) were used as the polarizers for these displays. The design and processes for fabrication of a TN-LCD with Optiva internal polarizers will be discussed.

E-type polarizers are now available for industrial applications. New polarizers are produced as submicron thin film polarizing coating. Glass and plastic (PET) TN LCDs were manufactured with Thin Film Polarizers replacing conventional polarizers. Another design uses new polarizers to replace the alignment layer and performs both functions: polarization and LC alignment. Optical characteristics of new LCD design are comparable (Contrast Ratio =60) or better (Viewing Angle Cone) than conventional technology.

A new concept of a production line for fabrication of LC displays with Optiva polarizers is discussed. Depending on LCD design the polarizer may be formed at diverse stages of the LCD process. A common approach and basic features of incorporation of new polarizer in LCD mass production are considered. Prototype equipment was fabricated and sample TN LC displays were produced to demonstrate the viability of this new technology.

No abstract

We have developed new polarizing coating materials and processes which enable the fabrication of polarizers for large-area liquid-crystal displays. The polarizing materials are novel discotic surfactants which self-assemble in aqueous solutions to provide a stable liquid-crystalline phase within a wide range of concentrations and temperatures. These lyotropic liquid crystals in an aqueous medium can be spread on a substrate surface by a variety of techniques including a knife-like doctor blade, a rolling cylinder, or a roll-to-roll method. Under the shearing force applied during deposition, the liquid crystals align on the substrate forming a dichroic polarizer. This alignment process allows continuous production of large-area polarizing films at low cost compared with the current technology that requires stretching of the films. Thin coatings can be applied to flexible plastic films, glass, or rigid plastic substrates. Direct coating of the polarizing material on glass eliminates several process steps in liquid-crystal display production since lamination of the polarizing film is no longer required. These new polarizing films have a high optical performance including a polarizing efficiency of above 98% and a dichroic ratio as high as 7.7.