Abstract: An emissive display comprising an OLED, a first birefringent reflective polarizer, a second birefringent reflective polarizer optically between the OLED and the first birefringent reflective polarizer, a first linear absorbing polarizer having a contrast ratio of less than 100:1 optically between the first birefringent reflective polarizer and the second birefringent reflective polarizer, a second linear absorbing polarizer having a contrast ratio of less than 100:1, where the first birefringent reflective polarizer is optically between the second linear absorbing polarizer and the first linear absorbing polarizer, and a structured optical film optically between the OLED and the second birefringent reflective polarizer.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an optical stack that includes an asymmetric diffuser. As described herein, use of an asymmetric diffuser in an optical stack reduces undesirable defects in a display while maintaining optical gain and/or contrast of the display. The asymmetric diffuser is less diffusive along a first direction that is parallel with linearly extending structures of an associated light directing film.

Abstract: Optical film stacks are described. More particularly, optical film stacks including a half-wave retardation layer are described. Achromatic half-wave retardation layers, including achromatic half-wave layers formed from a quarter-wave and a three-quarters-wave retardation layer, are described. Film stacks including reflective polarizers tuned to reduce wavelength dispersion of the half-wave retardation layer are also described.

Abstract: A backlight that includes an illumination device that has at least one light source, a circular-mode reflective polarizer, and a specular partial reflector is disclosed. The specular partial reflector is disposed between the illumination device and the circular-mode reflective polarizer. Furthermore, the specular partial reflector is in substantially direct polarization communication with the circular-mode reflective polarizer.

Abstract: Hybrid polarizers are described. More particularly, hybrid polarizers including reflective polarizer portions and hybrid polarizing portions, including embedded absorbing polarizing elements are described. The hybrid polarizers may be used in backlights or display devices.

Abstract: Thermoplastic birefringent multilayer optical films are described. More particularly, thermoplastic multilayer films having alternating first and second layers having a linear layer profile where both outer layers are thinner than 350 nm but thicker than 150 nm are described. Thermoplastic birefringent multilayer optical films with thinner outer protective boundary layers are described.

Abstract: Multilayer reflective polarizers are described. More particularly, multilayer reflective polarizers having a higher block light transmission at longer wavelengths than shorter wavelengths while having a high pass light transmission are described. The described multilayer reflective polarizers may be combined with absorbing polarizers or used in display devices.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to emissive displays and, in particular, to emissive displays that include a top surface (111) that has a diffusely reflective inactive surface (116) adjacent a diffusely reflective emissive surface (114). The emissive display further includes a polarization selective antireflection film component (120) that includes a linear absorbing polarizer (126), a reflective polarizer (124), and a quarter-wave retarder (122), and is positioned separated from the top surface. The disclosure also relates to issues arising from these antireflection film components, such as brightness efficiency loss and image degradation such as pixel blur. The enhanced antireflection stack performs well in commercial OLED displays, with a 20% or greater brightness gain, a 30% or greater ambient light reflectance gain and no visually apparent image degradation.

Abstract: A gradient optical film and an optical construction including the gradient optical film are described. The gradient optical film includes a binder, a plurality of particles, and a plurality of interconnected voids having a local volume fraction. The local volume fraction of the plurality of interconnected voids varies along a thickness direction of the gradient optical film. The refractive index of the gradient optical film can also varies along a thickness direction of the gradient optical film, as the refractive index can also depend upon the local volume fraction of the plurality of interconnected voids.

Abstract: Optical constructions are disclosed. A disclosed optical construction includes a reflective polarizer layer, and an optical film that is disposed on the reflective polarizer layer. The optical film has an optical haze that is not less than about 50%. Substantial portions of each two neighboring major surfaces in the optical construction are in physical contact with each other. The optical construction has an axial luminance gain that is not less than about 1.2.

Abstract: Polarizer stacks are described. More particularly, polarizer stacks that include an absorbing polarizer and multiple reflective polarizers, including at least one collimating reflective polarizer are described. Such polarizer stacks are capable of emitted light that is both collimated and color neutral. Backlights incorporating such polarizer stacks are also described.

Abstract: An emissive display includes an OLED, a linear polarizer, a reflective polarizer optically between the OLED and the linear polarizer, and a structured optical film optically between the OLED and the reflective polarizer.

Abstract: An emissive display comprising an OLED, a first birefringent reflective polarizer, a second birefringent reflective polarizer optically between the OLED and the first birefringent reflective polarizer, a first linear absorbing polarizer having a contrast ratio of less than 100:1 optically between the first birefringent reflective polarizer and the second birefringent reflective polarizer, a second linear absorbing polarizer having a contrast ratio of less than 100:1, where the first birefringent reflective polarizer is optically between the second linear absorbing polarizer and the first linear absorbing polarizer, and a structured optical film optically between the OLED and the second birefringent reflective polarizer.

Abstract: A textured film, a process for manufacture of the textured film, and a light management stack, a backlight, and a display using the textured film are described. Generally, the surface texture of a polymeric film, such as a polymeric optical film, is controlled by incorporation of a fracturable coating that fractures upon stretching the film.

Abstract: A voided diffuser and an optical construction incorporating the voided diffuser are provided. The voided diffuser includes a plurality of beads and a binder composition in contact with the plurality of beads. The binder composition includes a binder and a plurality of interconnected voids. The optical construction includes the voided diffuser disposed on a substrate.

Abstract: Optical constructions are disclosed. A disclosed optical construction includes first and second optical layers having first and second major surfaces that face each other and are separated by an air gap. The first and second surfaces are susceptible to physically contacting each other at a location in the air gap. The optical construction further includes an optical film that is disposed at the location to prevent the first and second major surfaces from contacting each other at the location. The optical film has an effective index of refraction that is not greater than about 1.3.

Abstract: A backlight that includes an illumination device that has at least one light source, a circular-mode reflective polarizer, and a specular partial reflector is disclosed. The specular partial reflector is disposed between the illumination device and the circular-mode reflective polarizer. Furthermore, the specular partial reflector is in substantially direct polarization communication with the circular-mode reflective polarizer.

Abstract: A textured film, a process for manufacture of the textured film, and a light management stack, a backlight, and a display using the textured film are described. The textured film and process for manufacture thereof, include processes in which the surface texture of the optical film is controlled by incorporation of a patterned coating. The surface texture of a polymeric film, such as a polymeric optical film, is controlled by incorporation of the coating, that can fracture or deform upon stretching the film.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an optical stack that includes an asymmetric diffuser. As described herein, use of an asymmetric diffuser in an optical stack reduces undesirable defects in a display while maintaining optical gain and/or contrast of the display.

Abstract: A backlight that includes an illumination device that has at least one light source, a circular-mode reflective polarizer, and a specular partial reflector is disclosed. The specular partial reflector is disposed between the illumination device and the circular-mode reflective polarizer. Furthermore, the specular partial reflector is in substantially direct polarization communication with the circular-mode reflective polarizer.