Abstract: An optical element which can be utilized in various versions and implementations of switchable light filters having, in addition, polarization filters and/or other means for varying the polarization characteristics of light, for example, liquid crystal layers. A combination of switchable light filter and imaging display device makes possible a private viewing effect that can be switched on and off. The optical element comprises a first layer or a first layer and a plurality of further layers, each layer including a material with a plurality of light-absorbing transition dipole moments. At least in a first state, each transition dipole moment is oriented, with a tolerance of 10° at the maximum, parallel to a selectable preferential direction or fluctuates around it so that light which is incident in the optical element is transmitted or at least partially absorbed depending on its incident direction.

Abstract: A method for influencing light propagation directions of a light-emitting surface emitting light of a first wavelength range in a first direction and light of a second and wavelength range in a second direction. The wavelength ranges have a wavelength-dependent spectral radiance and differ in a peak wavelength. A switchable color converter is arranged in front of the light-emitting surface. The method includes the steps of a) deactivating the color converter for a first mode so that the second-wavelength range is transmitted and the first-wavelength range is absorbed, such that light from the light-emitting surface is only perceptible from the second direction, or b) activating the color converter for a second mode so that light of the first-wavelength range is converted into light of the second-wavelength range and light of the second-wavelength range is transmitted, such that light from the light-emitting surface is perceptible from both directions.

Abstract: A two-dimensionally extensive optical element having a light entry side and a light exit side. The optical element includes alternating transparent first regions and second regions having materials with different first refractive indices and second refractive indices. The first refractive index is higher than the second refractive index. First layers and second layers which are opaque or are switchable to be opaque are arranged at the light entry surfaces and light exit surfaces of the second regions. When the layers are opaque, the propagation directions of light passing through the optical element are limited compared to layers which are switched to be transparent.

Abstract: A method for influencing light propagation directions of a light-emitting surface emitting light of a first wavelength range in a first direction and light of a second and wavelength range in a second direction. The wavelength ranges have a wavelength-dependent spectral radiance and differ in a peak wavelength. A switchable color converter is arranged in front of the light-emitting surface. The method includes the steps of a) deactivating the color converter for a first mode so that the second-wavelength range is transmitted and the first-wavelength range is absorbed, such that light from the light-emitting surface is only perceptible from the second direction, or b) activating the color converter for a second mode so that light of the first-wavelength range is converted into light of the second-wavelength range and light of the second-wavelength range is transmitted, such that light from the light-emitting surface is perceptible from both directions.

Abstract: An optical element which can be utilized in various versions and implementations of switchable light filters having, in addition, polarization filters and/or other means for varying the polarization characteristics of light, for example, liquid crystal layers. A combination of switchable light filter and imaging display device makes possible a private viewing effect that can be switched on and off. The optical element comprises a first layer or a first layer and a plurality of further layers, each layer including a material with a plurality of light-absorbing transition dipole moments. At least in a first state, each transition dipole moment is oriented, with a tolerance of 10° at the maximum, parallel to a selectable preferential direction or fluctuates around it so that light which is incident in the optical element is transmitted or at least partially absorbed depending on its incident direction.

Abstract: A method for influencing light propagation directions of a plurality of illuminated surfaces, comprising: arranging switchable absorbers on the light-exit side of the surfaces, such that light only exits through portions of the surfaces which are in front of the surfaces; switching on the absorbers for a first operating state so that a portion of the light emanating from the surfaces is absorbed, while the rest of the light exits at the surface portions of the light-exit side of the surface substrates at which no switchable absorbers are applied, resulting in light only being visible from a limited viewing angle which is defined by the shape of the switchable absorber, the shape of the surface, refractive index conditions in, and thickness of, the substrates of the surfaces; and switching off the absorbers for a second operating state so that light from the surfaces is visible from an unrestricted viewing angle.

Abstract: An optical element comprising a planar substrate with a first large surface functioning as a light-entrance surface, and a second large surface functioning as a light-exit surface. The optical element further comprises a liquid or skeleton matrix arranged between the first and second large surface, and electrophoretically or magnetophoretically movable particles that interact with light of one or several wavelengths or wavelength ranges.