Abstract: A polarized light-emitting waveguide for use in an edge-lit lighting arrangement has polarization-selective outcoupling means including at least a volume hologram for selectively diffracting waveguided light towards the exit surface of the waveguide with high contrast and efficiency. The light emitted by the waveguide is selectively emitted to one side thereof, highly polarized, highly collimated and may be homogeneously distributed across the exit surface. Also, light emission may be normal or near-normal to the exit surface. If combined with light recycling means the contrast, brightness and/or efficiency of the edge-lit illumination arrangement may be further increased.

Abstract: Transflective display device provided with an optical waveguide which splits light coming in from aside into two light beams having a mutually opposite circular polarization. Polarization splitting is achieved at the interface of areas in the optical waveguide having a chiral nematic structure.

Abstract: A multi-layered arrangement according to the invention provide emission of polarized light. At least one of the interfacing surfaces between the layers is provided with a microstructure. In one embodiment, a first layer in the form of a lightguide substrate (401) receives unpolarized light from a lamp (420). A birefringent second layer (402) is provided with a microstructure (410) in the form of parallel grooves. On top of the birefringent layer a third layer (403), i.e. a coating layer, is located. Light is outcoupled by way of selective Total Internal Reflection, TIR, at the micro-structured surface of the birefringent layer, yielding a highly linearly polarized emission at near normal angles. The polarized light may be emitted out through the coating or in an opposite direction through the lightguide, which in an advantageous manner allow any configuration of transmissive (backlight), transflective (backlight) or reflective (frontlight) display arrangement.

Abstract: The invention relates to a switching device having shorter switching times. The device comprises a switchable layer (3), which is switched between a reflecting and an absorbing state by changing a hydrogen content of the switchable layer (3). Applying a DC voltage on electroconductive layers (11, 13) changes the hydrogen content. These electroconductive layers (11, 13) sandwich a stack of layers comprising the switchable layer (3) and a hydrogen storage layer (9). The hydrogen storage layer comprises essentially the same compounds as the switchable layer (3), viz. LMgHx and preferably GdMgHx. The storage layer may be made thin, leading to relatively short hydrogen transportation times and a relatively fast display. The device may be further improved by applying a scattering foil.

Abstract: In an illumination (or front light) system based on an optical waveguide for e.g. LCD devices, Moiré artefacts due to internal reflections in the optical waveguide are minimized by using microstructures (grooves) which have a curved shape or are pre-arranged at an angle.

Abstract: A back lighting system for illuminating a display device comprises a light-emitting panel (1) and a light source (6) for coupling light into the light-emitting panel (1). The light source comprises a low-pressure discharge lamp (6; 7). According to the invention, the light source additionally comprises a plurality of LEDs (8, 8′, . . . ; 9, 9′, . . . ) for selectively setting the color temperature of the light emitted by the light source. Preferably, the LEDs (8, 8′, . . . ; 9, 9′, . . . ) increase the color temperature of the light emitted by the light source. Preferably, the light emitted by the back lighting system ranges from 6,000 to 10,500 K. Preferably, the LEDs (8, 8′, . . . ; 9, 9′, . . . ) are blue light emitting LEDs, each preferably having a luminous flux of at least 5 lm.

Abstract: The invention relates to a display operating either in a reflective mode or a transmissive mode and having a high brightness. The display comprises pixel elements (20) having a switchable layer (3), which is switched between a reflecting, a transmissive and an absorbing state by changing a hydrogen content of the switchable layer. Applying a DC voltage on electroconductive layers (11, 13) changes the hydrogen content. These electroconductive layers sandwich a stack of layers comprising the switchable layer (3), which stack has been deposited on a transparent substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a switching device having shorter switching times. The device comprises a switchable layer (3), which is switched between a reflecting and an absorbing state by changing a hydrogen content of the switchable layer (3). Applying a DC voltage on electroconductive layers (11, 13) changes the hydrogen content. These electroconductive layers (11, 13) sandwich a stack of layers comprising the switchable layer (3) and a hydrogen storage layer (9). The hydrogen storage layer comprises essentially the same compounds as the switchable layer (3), viz. LMgHx and preferably GdMgHx. The storage layer may be made thin, leading to relatively short hydrogen transportation times and a relatively fast display. The device may be further improved by applying a scattering foil.

Abstract: The invention relates to a switching mirror display having an increased aperture. The display comprises pixel elements (20) having a switchable layer (3), which is switched between a reflecting and an absorbing state by changing a hydrogen content of the switchable layer (3). Applying a DC voltage on electroconductive layers (11, 13) changes the hydrogen content. These electroconductive layers (11, 13) sandwich a stack of layers comprising the switchable layer (3), which stack has been deposited on a transparent substrate (1). The display is being viewed from a side (24) of the substrate on which the stack is deposited. The pixel element (20) is driven by an active matrix element (22). The switchable layer (3) extends across the active matrix element (22) and conceals this element. This increases the aperture of the display.

Abstract: Display device based on the scanning window principle in which uniform light segments (30) are obtained via light sources, or backlights, (12, 40) which introduce light into a side (10) of a waveguide (15). Segments are defined via liquid crystal switches, or shutters, (21) or parts of a row of LEDs (40).

Abstract: Transflective display device provided with an optical waveguide which splits light coming in from aside into two light beams having a mutually opposite circular polarization. Polarization splitting is achieved at the interface of areas in the optical waveguide having a chiral nematic structure.

Abstract: In an illumination (or front light) system based on an optical waveguide for e.g. LCD devices, Moiré artefacts due to internal reflections in the optical waveguide are minimized by using microstructures (grooves) which have a curved shape or are pre-arranged at an angle.