Abstract: An optical device has a first film (200) that has a first side and a second side. When illuminated by light (204) at the first side, the first film is characterized by a first fraction of broadly diffused transmitted light (206) and a second fraction of narrowly diffused transmitted light (208). A second film (202) is disposed to the second side of the first film. The second film has at least one free surface that diverts light. In some embodiments, the first film has a diffuse scattering optical density between 0.5 and 3. The device finds use in spreading and making light uniform in a backlight in a display such as a liquid crystal display.

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: An optical assembly includes a light diffusing layer attached to a reflective polarizing layer. An intermediate region between the light diffusing layer and the reflective polarizing layer includes an intermediate structure that defines voids between the light diffusing layer and the reflective polarizing layer.

Abstract: The present application describes light management assemblies comprising a light transmissive plate, optical film, and a cover film which covers at least one major surface of the light transmissive plate. Optical film(s) may be adjacent or attached to the outside of the cover film or contained within the cover film between the light transmissive plate and the cover film. The present application also describes a method of making a liquid crystal display device using the light management assemblies described in this application.

Abstract: The invention provides optical articles (11) having a microstructured surface wherein the microstructured surface has randomly distributed recesses (14) thereon and wherein the microstructured surface and the recesses are unitary, that is, the recesses are formed directly in microstructures. Optical displays utilizing the optical articles described herein are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present application describes light management assemblies comprising a light transmissive plate, optical film, and a cover film which covers at least one major surface of the light transmissive plate. Optical film(s) may be adjacent or attached to the outside of the cover film or contained within the cover film between the light transmissive plate and the cover film. The present application also describes a method of making a liquid crystal display device using the light management assemblies described in this application.

Abstract: An optical article has a substrate including a reflective polarizing element preferentially reflecting light having a first polarization state and preferentially transmitting light having a second polarization state and a beaded layer disposed on the substrate. The beaded layer includes transparent binder and a plurality of transparent beads dispersed therein. A normal angle gain of the optical article with the beaded layer is increased when compared to a normal angle gain of the same optical article but without the beaded layer.