Abstract: An optical element is provided. The optical element is a light-dividing element, for example an element that can divide incident light into at least two kinds of light having different polarized states. The optical element can be used to realize a stereoscopic image.

Abstract: Embodiments of a grey-scale holographic structure and system for generating a collimated wavefront in a compact range are generally described herein. In some embodiments, the grey-scale holographic structure comprising millimeter-wave transmissive material having a surface arranged to provide differing amounts of phase-delay to an incident millimeter-wave wavefront as the incident wavefront passes through the material. The grey-scale holographic structure may comprises a plurality of layers (N) to provide a phase total delay of lambda which results from a series tuned layers, each having a thickness of a wavelength/N. Each layer provides a predetermined amount of phase delay allowing the structure to operate as a phase-delay hologram.

Abstract: An optical element and a stereoscopic image display device are provided. The optical element is a light-dividing element, for example an element that can divide incident light into at least two kinds of light having different polarized states. Therefore, the optical element can be used to realize a stereoscopic image.

Abstract: A discrimination medium, which can have much information, can be produced on a small scale at low cost, and enables change of a sticker design at low cost, is provided. The discrimination medium includes an optically transparent first substrate on which a cholesteric liquid crystal layer is formed, the cholesteric liquid crystal layer being formed with a fine asperity used for displaying a hologram, an optically transparent second substrate on which a print layer is formed, the print layer having a predetermined pattern made of ink and having a transparent portion without the ink of the pattern around the pattern, the pattern reflecting or absorbing a light of a predetermined wavelength, and a transparent adhesive layer, wherein the optically transparent first substrate, the optically transparent second substrate, and the transparent adhesive layer, are disposed in turn from a side checked visually.

Abstract: A mirror system, comprising a spectrally selective liquid crystal reflective assembly, designed and constructed to substantially absorb or transmit light at wavelengths corresponding to mesopic conditions, while reflecting light at other wavelengths. In one embodiment, the reflectance level of the mirror system is altered in response to a voltage applied across the selective liquid crystal reflective assembly.

Abstract: An optical element is provided. The optical element shows excellent durability, hardness property and reworkability. Therefore, the optical element can have a stable light division property since the phase retardation property of the phase retardation layer in the optical element can be stably maintained for a long period of time under severe conditions. Also, it is possible to prevent side effects such as light leakage in an optical instrument to which the optical element is applicable. Also, the optical element can show excellent resistance to external pressure or scratches.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polymerisable compounds, to processes and intermediates for the preparation thereof, to liquid-crystal (LC) media comprising them, and to the use of the polymerisable compounds and LC media for optical, electro-optical and electronic purposes, in particular in LC displays, especially in LC displays of the PSA (“polymer sustained alignment”) type.

Abstract: A stereoscopic optical device includes a substrate, an alignment film and a liquid crystal layer. The alignment film includes at least one first region and at least one second region. The liquid crystal layer, disposed on the alignment film, includes first liquid crystal molecules and second liquid crystal molecules. The first liquid crystal molecules correspond to the first region of the alignment film and have a first pre-tilt angle, the second liquid crystal molecules correspond to the second region of the alignment film and have a second pre-tilt angle. The fast axis of the first liquid crystal molecules and the fast axis of the second crystal molecules substantially face the same direction, and the slow axis of the first liquid crystal molecules and the slow axis of the second liquid crystal molecules substantially face in the same direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical filter comprising: at least one optically transparent liquid-crystal shutter, the shutter having a polarization voltage ULCD that marks a threshold between two polarization states, and being designed to switch between at least two opacities OP1 and OP2, OP2 being strictly higher than OP1, when it receives a voltage that is above or below, respectively, the polarization voltage ULCD; and an electronic system comprising: an electronic module for controlling the liquid-crystal shutter, designed to control the voltage applied to the liquid crystal shutter; a photosensitive sensor, designed to deliver, to the electronic control module, a continuous voltage Ucs that varies depending on the luminous intensity that it receives, the photosensitive sensor being the only power supply of the electronic control module and the liquid-crystal shutter, the optical filter being characterized in that, if the photosensitive sensor receives a luminous intensity below a dazzle threshold le, the

Abstract: The invention relates to novel calamitic mesogenic compounds which are especially suitable for use in birefringent films with negative optical dispersion, to novel liquid crystal (LC) formulations and polymer films comprising them, and to the use of the compounds, formulations and films in optical, electrooptical, electronic, semiconducting or luminescent components or devices.

Abstract: An imaging system for imaging an object onto an image sensor, and which has a front side facing the object and a rear side facing away from the object, the rear side being arranged behind the front side as viewed from the object. Furthermore, the imaging system has a light entrance device at the front side through which light coming from the object can enter into the imaging system. In this case, the light traverses the beam path between object and image sensor. At least one first and one second optical element are likewise present and are arranged at the rear side in such a way that they can influence the beam path. The light entrance device has an electrically switchable liquid crystal element which deflects the beam path at at least one first angle and a second angle which is different from the first angle depending on the electrical switching state. A discretely switchable focal length change is realized by this electrically effected change in the beam path.

Abstract: To realize a memory effect in an optical device using the electro wetting effect. An optical device includes: first and second substrates placed opposite each other; a partition provided therebetween; a first electrode provided on one side of the first substrate, at least a part thereof overlapping with a region surrounded by the partition in a plan view; second and third electrodes provided on one side of the second substrate and which are respectively placed opposite the first electrode across the region surrounded by the partition; a smoothing layer provided on one side of the second substrate and which covers the second and third electrodes; and first and second fluid, which are incompatible, disposed in the region surrounded by the partition. The first fluid is made of a liquid body possessing polarity or conductivity, and the second fluid is made of a liquid body containing a liquid-crystalline material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a filter for selective transmission of visible rays and infrared rays using an electrical signal. The filter comprises: a first filter for controlling the degree of absorption of visible rays by changing the molecular arrangement in accordance with the control of the electrical signal; and a second filter for controlling the degree of reflection of infrared rays by changing reflectivity in accordance with the control of the electrical signal.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to mesogenic media exhibiting a blue phase, comprising two or more components selected from the following components, components A to C, component A comprising one or more compounds selected from the group of compounds of formula I-T component B consisting of one or more compounds selected from the group of compounds of formula I-N component C consisting of one or more compounds selected from the group of compounds of formula I-E wherein the parameters are as specified in the text, preferably stabilized by a polymer, and their use in electro-optical light modulation elements and their respective use in displays, as well as to such displays.

Abstract: A discrimination medium on which printing can be freely performed, which cannot be easily falsified, in which the authenticity can be easily discriminated by unique appearance, and which can be produced at low cost, is provided. A cholesteric liquid crystal layer 10, and a breakable print recording layer are laminated in the discrimination medium. The cholesteric liquid crystal layer 10 has plural light transparent films, which are laminated and are different from each other in refraction index. Therefore, the discrimination medium has unique optical characteristics such that a character, a symbol, a pattern, a figure formed by printing by a thermal printer or the like changes in color depending on the viewing angle. A discrimination method using the above optical characteristics of the discrimination medium is provided.

Abstract: An optical element and a stereoscopic image display device are provided. The optical element is a light-dividing element, for example, an element that can divide incident light into at least two kinds of light having different polarized states. Therefore, the optical element can be used to realize a stereoscopic image.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds represented by the following Formula I, In Formula I, R1 and R2 are each independently selected from hydrogen, and optionally substituted hydrocarbyl, provided that at least one of R1 and R2 is selected from optionally substituted hydrocarbyl (e.g., tertiary butyl); n is 0, 1 or 2, and each R3 is independently selected from optionally substituted hydrocarbyl; L1 is a divalent linking group, such as a bond or —C(O)O—; each L2 independently represents a flexible segment, such as divalent linear or branched C1-C25 alkyl; each L3 independently represents a rigid segment including, for example, optionally substituted phenylen-1,4-diyl groups; t is from 1 to 4; m and p are each independently from 0 to 4 for each t, provided that the sum of m and p is at least 1 for each t; and E can be, for example, C5-C18 aryl.

Abstract: In a method of fabricating an optical element, an alignment surface is photolithographically patterned using a birefringent mask having a holographic pattern therein to create an alignment condition in the alignment surface based on the holographic pattern. A layer is formed on the alignment surface such that local optical axes of the layer are oriented according to the alignment condition in the alignment surface. For example, the layer may be a liquid crystal layer having respective molecular axes aligned according to the alignment condition. Related fabrication methods and polarization gratings are also discussed.

Abstract: An optical wavelength selective device includes a waveguide grating unit to separate input beam signals with different wavelengths into a plurality of output beam signals, each of which has a different wavelength span and is output from a different channel region of the waveguide grating unit; a polarization splitting unit to split each of the output beam signals into a first polarized beam with a first polarization and a second polarized beam with a second polarization different from the first polarization; a birefringence control member to control the first polarized beam to undergo a different refractive effect than the second polarized beam when the first and second polarized beams pass through the birefringence control member under a first voltage applied thereto; and a reflection member configured to reflect the first and second polarized beams output from the birefringence control member back to the birefringence control member.

Abstract: According to the present invention, provided is a birefringent transfer foil, comprising a temporary support, an orientation layer, a birefringent layer (preferably a patterned optically anisotropic layer) formed from a composition comprising a liquid-crystal compound having at least one reactive group, said orientation layer being in contact with the temporary support or a releasing layer, wherein the releasing layer being in contact with the temporary support, and said orientation layer being a layer comprising a cellulose alkyl ether or a hydroxyalkyl derivative of cellulose alkyl ether. In the birefringent transfer foil of the present invention, the above orientation layer also functions as a protective layer and a detachment layer, enabling to reduce the manufacturing cost.

Abstract: A display unit includes: a display section displaying an image; and a barrier section including a plurality of liquid crystal barriers, the light crystal barriers allowing light to pass therethrough and blocking the light, and extending in a first direction and being arranged side by side in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The barrier section includes a liquid crystal layer, first electrodes disposed in regions corresponding to the respective liquid crystal barriers, and a second electrode disposed between the first electrodes and the liquid crystal layer and disposed to face and be common to the first electrodes. The second electrode includes a plurality of slit array regions arranged side by side in the second direction, and each of the slit array regions includes a plurality of slits provided side by side, the slits in any one of the slit array regions extending in a same direction.

Abstract: A liquid crystal prism element includes: a first prism array; a second prism array arranged so as to face the first prism array; and a liquid crystal layer provided between the first and second prism arrays. The first prism array is composed of a plurality of first prisms that have ridge lines extending in a Y axis direction and are arranged so as to be spaced apart from each other at predetermined intervals in an X axis direction The second prism array is composed of second prisms that have ridge lines extending in the Y axis direction and are arranged so as to be spaced apart from each other at predetermined intervals in the X axis direction. Each first prism has an inclined surface facing a center side of the liquid crystal layer. Each second prism has an inclined surface facing the center side of the liquid crystal layer.

Abstract: A tunable liquid crystal optical device defining an optical aperture and having a layered structure. The device includes a film electrode formed on a surface of a first substrate and covered by a second substrate, and a contact structure filling a volume within the layered structure and contacting the film electrode. The contact structure is located outside of the optical aperture and provides an electrical connection surface much larger than a thickness of the film electrode, such that reliable electrical connections may be made to the electrode, particularly in the context of wafer scale manufacturing of such a device.

Abstract: A component has a substrate (1) made of a transparent material, for example glass. On this layer (1), there is a linear polarizer (2) on which there is a layer (3) of a photo-oriented polymer network (PPN)(-LPP) which is oriented in locally varying fashion via its surface which covers the substrate. The layer (3) is adjoined by an anisotropic layer (4) of cross-linked liquid-crystal monomers. This layer (4) then has a molecular arrangement whose orientation is defined by the underlying orientation layer (3). The layer (4) will have been photocross-linked by exposure to a suitable wavelength of light, with the result that the molecular orientation defined by the PPN layer (3) is fixed. The clement, denoted as a whole by 7, can then be used as an optical component which is protected against forgery, it being possible for the orientation pattern of the liquid-crystal layer or the optical information stored therein to be made visible by means of an external polarizer (5), for example.

Abstract: A wholly aromatic thermotropic liquid-crystal polyester resin composition, comprising 5 to 40 parts by volume of titanium oxide (B) and 5 to 40 parts by volume of barium sulfate (C) with respect to 100 parts by volume of a wholly aromatic thermotropic liquid-crystal polyester (A); wherein the total of the (B) component and the (C) component with respect to 100 parts by volume of the (A) component is 15 to 45 parts by volume.

Abstract: A liquid crystal shutter includes a first support substrate having a first electrode and a second support substrate having a second electrode opposite to the first electrode. A liquid crystal layer is sandwiched between the first and second electrodes so as to have a switching region. The switching region becomes a bend alignment state from a splay alignment state when a voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer. A nucleus region formation portion is arranged on the first support substrate to form a nucleus region in the switching region corresponding to the nucleus region formation portion in the liquid crystal layer, in which the splay alignment is more stable than in the switching region.

Abstract: A color filter for use in a light-emitting display element which emits at least white light, the color filter including a circularly polarizing layer which includes a polarizing layer, the polarizing layer having an orientation layer and a liquid crystal compound layer, wherein the circularly polarizing layer is formed only in an optical path of the white light.

Abstract: An electro-optic device includes: an electro-optic panel; a first flexible printed circuit; a second flexible printed circuit; and a conductive section. Each of the first flexible printed circuit and the second flexible printed circuit has a structure in which a reference potential layer and a signal potential layer are laminated after being insulated from each other, the reference potential layer applying a reference potential to the electro-optic panel, the signal potential layer applying a signal potential to the electro-optic panel, and the first flexible printed circuit and the second flexible printed circuit each having an opening in which a part of the reference potential layer is exposed. The conductive section electrically connects the part exposed in the opening of the reference potential layer in the first flexible printed circuit and the part exposed in the opening of the reference potential layer in the second flexible printed circuit to each other.

Abstract: Optical identification and/or authentication of a document or item with the help of a marking comprising a random distribution of circular polarized light reflecting particles, the marking being applied to the document or item through an ink, and the reading device exploiting circular polarization to discriminate the flakes from the background.

Abstract: A multiple glazing with variable scattering by liquid crystals includes first and second flat float glass sheets sealed on the edge of their internal faces by a sealing joint, in particular made of a given sealing material, in particular essentially organic, first and second electrodes, and a layer of liquid crystals with an average thickness E between 15 and 60 ?m inclusive of these values and incorporating spacers. The thickness A of each of the first and second glass sheets is less than or equal to 5.5 mm, and each of the internal faces coated with the first and second electrodes has a dioptric defect score, expressed in millidioptres, of less than 12E/15 where the thickness E of the liquid crystals is in ?m.

Abstract: A varifocal lens including a first liquid crystal layer; a second liquid crystal layer disposed below the first liquid crystal layer; a common electrode disposed between the first liquid crystal layer and the second liquid crystal layer; a first electrode disposed above the first liquid crystal layer and having a curved shape; and a second electrode disposed below the second liquid crystal layer and having a curved shape.

Abstract: An electronic device may have a display such as a liquid crystal display. The display may have an array of display pixels. The array of display pixels may display images for a user in an active area of the display. An inactive area of the display may surround the active area. An opaque masking layer may be provided in the inactive area to block internal components in the electronic device from view. An optical component such as a light-based proximity sensor, ambient light sensor, image sensor, or light-emitting status indicator may be aligned with an opening in the opaque masking layer. A liquid crystal shutter may be provided in the display. The liquid crystal shutter may be controlled by control circuitry in the electronic device. The liquid crystal shutter may be aligned with the opening in the opaque masking layer in the inactive area and with the optical component.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an optical film exhibiting a preferable wavelength dispersion and capable of being formed comparatively thinly. The present invention is an optical film containing the repeating unit represented by the following general formula (II). In the formula (II), A, A?, B, and B? each denote a substituent, a, a?, b, and b? denote the number of substituents of the corresponding A, A?, B, and B?. A, A?, B and B? each independently denote a halogen or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms. R1 and R2 denote a halogen, an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, and the like. X denotes —CO—, —SO2—, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polarizing plate including: a layer of polarizer for polarizing incident light and emitting the polarized light; and a coating type optically anisotropic layer disposed on the side to which the polarized light is emitted from the polarizer layer.

Abstract: A method of preparing a composite optical retarder is provided. A first and a second liquid crystal coating materials are respectively disposed on opposite surfaces of a photoalignment film to respectively form a first and a second optical retarders. The composite optical retarder having the photoalignment film sandwiched by the first and the second optical retarders is thus obtained.

Abstract: Method for producing an electromagnetic wave reflective film by a first selective reflection layer forming process of using a transparent substrate; applying a first selective reflection layer forming coating solution on the transparent substrate to form a first selective reflection layer forming layer; irradiating the first selective reflection layer forming layer with ultraviolet rays at a dose in the range of 25 mJ/cm2 to 800 mJ/cm2; and thereby forming a first selective reflection layer; and a second selective reflection layer forming process of: using a second selective reflection layer forming coating solution; applying the second selective reflection layer forming coating solution on the first selective reflection layer so as to be in direct contact therewith to form a second selective reflection layer forming layer; irradiating the second selective reflection layer forming layer with ultraviolet rays; and thereby forming a second selective reflection layer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a heat-insulating film (window solar film) including an absorbing layer and a cholesteric liquid crystal layer. The absorbing layer is used to absorb ultraviolet light and infrared light. The pitch of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer is configured in a way such that the cholesteric liquid crystal layer reflects the infrared light.

Abstract: Disclosed is a patterned retarder film which comprises a substrate, a patterned configuration layer and a liquid crystal layer. The patterned configuration layer includes a plurality of first regions and a plurality of second regions A liquid crystal layer is disposed on the patterned configuration layer, wherein liquid crystal molecules above the first regions is arranged irregularly because of the protrusions, the liquid crystal molecules above the second regions are aligned with the aligning micro-structures. The liquid crystal layer in above the first regions provides a first phase retardation, the liquid crystal layer above the second regions provides a second phase retardation, and the difference between the first phase retardation and the second phase retardation is 180°. The method for manufacturing the same is disclosed.

Abstract: A light deflector capable of deflecting light in a predetermined deflection direction and modulating the angle of deflection of light includes a plurality of liquid crystal deflection elements arranged in the predetermined deflection direction. In at least one pair of adjacent liquid crystal deflection elements, the dimension of one of the liquid crystal deflection elements in the predetermined deflection direction is different from the dimension of the other liquid crystal deflection element in the predetermined deflection direction.

Abstract: A discrimination medium, which can have much information, can be produced on a small scale at low cost, and enables change of a sticker design at low cost, is provided. A cholesteric liquid crystal layer, having a fine asperity for forming a hologram, is formed on a transparent first substrate. A print layer composed of a black ink is formed on a transparent second substrate. The substrates are affixed to each other via a bond layer, so that a discrimination medium is obtained. In the discrimination medium, the display content obtained by the print layer is changed, so that the display content for discrimination can be changed at low cost.

Abstract: There is provided an optical film to be used as a surface film for image display device, which comprises an optically anisotropic layer and a hard coat layer in this order on one surface of a transparent support, the optically anisotropic layer and the hard coat layer being brought into direct contact with each other, wherein the optically anisotropic layer is formed of an optically anisotropic layer forming composition containing a liquid crystalline compound having an unsaturated double bond; the hard coat layer is formed of a hard coat layer forming composition containing a compound having an unsaturated double bond and has a film thickness of from 3 to 30 ?m; and the optical film has an in-plane retardation of from 80 to 200 nm at a wavelength of 550 nm.

Abstract: An optical film, a circular polarizing plate, and a display device are provided. The optical film may exhibit a desired phase retardation property in a wide wavelength range even when it is relatively thin. The optical film may exhibit the 1/4 wavelength phase retardation property. The optical film may be manufactured by a simple process. The optical film may be used in LCDs such as a reflective LCD, or OLEDs.

Abstract: A transparent display device and a driving method thereof. The transparent display device includes a light guide plate transmitting incident light impinging from its exterior or its back surface and reflecting backlight light impinging from its side surface to its front surface; and an active reflector disposed on the back surface of the light guide plate. The active reflector includes a cholesteric liquid crystal layer transmitting the incident light in a planar phase in a transparent mode.

Abstract: Optical shutter (50), e.g. fort-stereoscopic shutter glasses, is disclosed. The optical shutter includes a light source, e.g. LCD, CRT or plasma display, that emits polarized light (12) that has a first polarization state, a first polymeric substrate (100) that receives the polarized light and transmits the polarized light without substantially changing the first polarization state of the polarized light, a second polymeric substrate (107) that faces the first polymeric substrate, and an optical stack (60) that is disposed between the first and second polymeric substrates. The optical stack includes first and second electrically conductive layers (101, 102), first and second oriented chromonics alignment layer (103, 106), and an oriented liquid crystal layer (105).

Abstract: A micro-array of optical vortex retarders is provided by forming an alignment layer having a plurality of discrete alignment patches with different orientations. A layer of birefringent material, including one of a liquid crystal and a liquid crystal polymer precursor material, is provided adjacent to the alignment layer. The aligning orientation and position of each discrete alignment patch in the plurality of discrete alignment patches is selected to induce the layer of birefringent material to form at least one optical vortex retarder adjacent to a substantially non-oriented region of the alignment layer.

Abstract: An optical element includes at least two stacked birefringent layers having respective local optical axes that are rotated by respective twist angles over respective thicknesses of the at least two layers, and are aligned along respective interfaces between the at least two layers. The respective twist angles and/or the respective thicknesses are different. The at least two stacked birefringent layers may be liquid crystal polymer optical retarder layers. Related devices and fabrication methods are also discussed.

Abstract: An electro-active optical cell is described including a layer of electro-active material, a front glass substrate member, and a back glass substrate member. The optical cell is capable of independently providing changeable optical power with the application of an electrical potential. The cell is also configured to be affixed to an external surface of a plastic substrate and to provide the changeable optical power, with at least one of the front substrate or the back substrate of the optical cell being an outermost optical layer. The layer of electro-active material may have a thickness less than 10 ?m, and the glass substrate members may each have a thickness approximately between 20 ?m and 500 ?m.

Abstract: An optical element is provided. The optical element is a light-dividing element, for example an element that can divide incident light into at least two kinds of light having different polarized states. The optical element can be used to realize a stereoscopic image.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a switchable liquid crystal polarization grating includes creating a degenerate planar anchoring condition on a surface of a reflective substrate. An alignment layer may be formed on a transmissive substrate and may be patterned to create a periodic alignment condition therein. The transmissive substrate including the patterned alignment layer thereon may be assembled adjacent to the surface of the reflective substrate including the degenerate planar anchoring condition thereon to define a gap therebetween. A liquid crystal layer is formed on the surface of the reflective substrate including the degenerate planar alignment condition. The liquid crystal layer may be formed in the gap directly on the alignment layer such that molecules of the liquid crystal layer are aligned based on the periodic alignment condition in the alignment layer. Related fabrication methods and polarization gratings are also discussed.

Abstract: An optical device is configured to perform both switching and attenuation of an optical beam in response to a single control signal. The optical device includes a liquid-crystal-based beam-polarizing element having polarization-conditioning regions that are controlled using a common electrode. The first polarization-conditioning region conditions the polarization of the input beam in order to separate the input beam into a primary component and a residual component. The second and third polarization-conditioning regions change the polarization of the primary component and the residual component, respectively. The primary component is directed to an output port after it has been attenuated based on its polarization state. The residual component, after passing through the third polarization-conditioning region, has its intensity further reduced based on its polarization state.