EP0917665A1 - Dispositifs de modulation de la lumiere - Google Patents

Dispositifs de modulation de la lumiere

Info

Publication number
EP0917665A1
EP0917665A1 EP97935695A EP97935695A EP0917665A1 EP 0917665 A1 EP0917665 A1 EP 0917665A1 EP 97935695 A EP97935695 A EP 97935695A EP 97935695 A EP97935695 A EP 97935695A EP 0917665 A1 EP0917665 A1 EP 0917665A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
liquid crystal
substrates
mixture
substrate
glass
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP97935695A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Shirley Anne Sergeant
Paul Arthur Holmes
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Pilkington Group Ltd
Original Assignee
Pilkington PLC
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Pilkington PLC filed Critical Pilkington PLC
Publication of EP0917665A1 publication Critical patent/EP0917665A1/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
    • G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
    • G02F1/01—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour 
    • G02F1/13—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour  based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells
    • G02F1/133—Constructional arrangements; Operation of liquid crystal cells; Circuit arrangements
    • G02F1/1333—Constructional arrangements; Manufacturing methods
    • G02F1/1341—Filling or closing of cells
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
    • G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
    • G02F1/01—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour 
    • G02F1/13—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour  based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells
    • G02F1/133—Constructional arrangements; Operation of liquid crystal cells; Circuit arrangements
    • G02F1/1333—Constructional arrangements; Manufacturing methods
    • G02F1/1334—Constructional arrangements; Manufacturing methods based on polymer dispersed liquid crystals, e.g. microencapsulated liquid crystals
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
    • G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
    • G02F1/01—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour 
    • G02F1/13—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour  based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells
    • G02F1/133—Constructional arrangements; Operation of liquid crystal cells; Circuit arrangements
    • G02F1/1333—Constructional arrangements; Manufacturing methods
    • G02F1/1341—Filling or closing of cells
    • G02F1/13415—Drop filling process
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
    • G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
    • G02F1/01—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour 
    • G02F1/13—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour  based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells
    • G02F1/137—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour  based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells characterised by the electro-optical or magneto-optical effect, e.g. field-induced phase transition, orientation effect, guest-host interaction or dynamic scattering
    • G02F1/13718—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour  based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells characterised by the electro-optical or magneto-optical effect, e.g. field-induced phase transition, orientation effect, guest-host interaction or dynamic scattering based on a change of the texture state of a cholesteric liquid crystal

Definitions

  • the invention relates generally to a method of making liquid crystal light modulating devices (sometimes known as optical shutters), and particularly to a method of making large area liquid crystal light modulating devices of the type used, for instance, as switchable privacy glazings.
  • Liquid crystal light modulating devices for glazings which comprise a thin layer (of the order of 25 ⁇ m) of liquid crystal material sandwiched between transparent plastics materials substrates, further laminated between sheets of glass.
  • the substrates have an electrically conductive coating on the surface against the liquid crystal material, and the state of the liquid crystal material i.e. clear or scattering, is determined by a voltage applied across the material via the coatings.
  • PSCT devices have clear advantages over the original nematic technology, PSCT devices have proven rather difficult to manufacture and scale-up.
  • Conventional PDLC devices are produced by pumping a relatively viscous 50/50 liquid crystal/polymer solution through a slot die onto a moving sheet of ITO coated polyester sheet. After allowing the solvent to evaporate, a second ITO coated polyester sheet is roll-laminated on top of the first, with the liquid crystal polymer mixture therebetween.
  • the desired uniform spacing of, for example, 25 ⁇ 1 ⁇ m is achieved either by adding 25 ⁇ m polymer spheres to the coating solution or, more usually, the dry film is itself sufficiently uniform and hard that spacers are not required.
  • PDLC liquid crystal mixtures are usually 50% liquid crystal whereas PSCT mixtures are usually at least 90% (and more typically about 95%) liquid crystal, and therefore of low viscosity and complex rheology.
  • the resulting gel is mechanically weak and easily compressed.
  • the PSCT systems currently require rigid substrates, such as glass, and may not be coated directly onto polyester sheets or the like without risking short circuits when compressed against a second sheet
  • This cell is then suspended, with the open side down, over a small bath of the liquid crystal/monomer mixture, which is itself contained within a bell jar vacuum chamber. Evacuation of the chamber, lowering the open side of the cell into the liquid crystal mixture and re-pressurising the bell jar then results in the cell being uniformly filled. Sealing the fourth side, UN-curing the monomer for a few minutes under a UV source as is commonly used in the art, and applying copper tape conductive tracks to the ITO surfaces completes the cell assembly.
  • the invention offers a simple and low cost method suitable for producing large scale devices (typically with one dimension greater than 300mm) of the type used in architectural glazings and other applications.
  • large scale devices typically with one dimension greater than 300mm
  • the fact that at least one of the substrates in the sandwich is glass means that it is readily suitable for use as an architectural pane in, for example, a window or internal partition, without the need for further laminating to another more suitable architectural sheet material.
  • the method according to the invention enables the production of large scale devices without the need for relatively complex and expensive equipment or techniques, such as the use of vacuum apparatus.
  • the second substrate is preferably glass but may be plastics sheet material, such as polyester.
  • the edges of the sandwich may be sealed with a UV-curable or epoxy or equivalent or alternative adhesive. If the liquid crystal containing mixture is roller coated onto the first substrate, the edges of the sandwich may be sealed prior to applying pressure. Roller coating involves applying little if any excess liquid crystal containing mixture, so there is no need to leave the edges unblocked to allow excess material to escape during the pressure applying stage. On the other hand, if the material is, for instance, poured onto the first substrate, an excess is required to ensure that the whole surface of the substrate is covered. In this case, the edges need to left unblocked and so are not sealed until after pressure is applied or may be only partially sealed. However, it has been found that a seal made prior to the pressure applying step works better and more effectively resists delaminating than one made later.
  • conductive tracks sometimes called busbars
  • Adhesive copper strips are easy to apply as busbars, but there are many other known types which may be used.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the stations involved in making a light modulating liquid crystal device in accordance with the invention
  • Figure 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the sandwiching stage in the process of making a liquid crystal device in accordance with the invention.
  • FIG 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of the pressure applying stage in the process of making a liquid crystal device in accordance with the invention.
  • Best Mode Schematically illustrated in figure 1 is a production line for making large area liquid crystal light modulating devices.
  • the line indicated generally at 10, comprises a sandwiching station 20, a pressing station 30 and a polymerisation station 40.
  • liquid crystal containing mixture for normal mode devices is: 94.75 wt% E48 (Merck designation) nematic liquid crystal material; 2.1 wt% 4,4'-bis[6- (acryloyloxy)-hexyloxy]-l,r-biphenylene liquid crystalline monomer; 3 wt% R1011 (Merck designation) chiral agent and 0.15 wt% benzoin methyl ether photoinitiator.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Nonlinear Science (AREA)
  • Liquid Crystal (AREA)
  • Mathematical Physics (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Crystallography & Structural Chemistry (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Liquid Crystal Substances (AREA)

Abstract

Cette invention se rapporte à un procédé adapté à la fabrication à grande échelle de dispositifs à cristaux liquides modulateurs de lumière, dotés d'une très fine couche, de l'ordre de 15 νm d'épaisseur, d'une matière (6) contenant des cristaux liquides et constituée de préférence d'un mélange susceptible de former un matériau à cristaux liquides stabilisé par un polymère ('PSCT'), pris en sandwich entre deux substrats (2, 4), l'un au moins de ces substrats étant constitué de verre. On applique ladite matière (6) contenant les cristaux liquides sur le premier substrat (2) avant d'amener le second substrat (4) en contact puis on comprime les deux substrats (2, 4), par exemple entre deux cylindres (18, 22), jusqu'à l'obtention de l'épaisseur requise de la matière à cristaux liquides. On maintient les deux substrats (2, 4) à une distance respective requise au moyen de séparateurs. Il est également nécessaire de polymériser ladite matière (6) contenant les cristaux liquides et susceptible de former le matériau PSCT en exposant la structure en sandwich comprimée à un rayonnement ultraviolet.
EP97935695A 1996-08-07 1997-08-07 Dispositifs de modulation de la lumiere Withdrawn EP0917665A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US2412496P 1996-08-07 1996-08-07
US24124P 1996-08-07
PCT/GB1997/002202 WO1998005998A1 (fr) 1996-08-07 1997-08-07 Dispositifs de modulation de la lumiere

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0917665A1 true EP0917665A1 (fr) 1999-05-26

Family

ID=21818993

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP97935695A Withdrawn EP0917665A1 (fr) 1996-08-07 1997-08-07 Dispositifs de modulation de la lumiere

Country Status (5)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0917665A1 (fr)
JP (1) JP2000515648A (fr)
AU (1) AU719372B2 (fr)
CA (1) CA2261863A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO1998005998A1 (fr)

Families Citing this family (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2779839B1 (fr) * 1998-06-10 2003-06-06 Saint Gobain Vitrage Systeme electrocommandable a proprietes optiques variables
CN1201181C (zh) * 1999-04-06 2005-05-11 里维奥公司 具有散射式及穿透式操作模式的电光窗玻璃结构
US6275277B1 (en) 1999-05-17 2001-08-14 Colorado Microdisplay, Inc. Micro liquid crystal displays having a circular cover glass and a viewing area free of spacers
US7349059B2 (en) * 2003-10-02 2008-03-25 Reveo, Inc. Liquid crystal cell assembly method and system
JP2006234885A (ja) * 2005-02-22 2006-09-07 Nippon Hoso Kyokai <Nhk> 液晶光変調器の製造方法、液晶光変調器および液晶表示装置
FR2964473B1 (fr) 2010-09-03 2012-08-17 Saint Gobain Vitrage multiple a diffusion variable par cristaux liquides, son procede de fabrication
FR2965641B1 (fr) 2010-10-04 2013-10-11 Saint Gobain Vitrage multiple a diffusion variable par cristaux liquides, son procede de fabrication
FR2985328B1 (fr) * 2011-12-29 2013-12-20 Saint Gobain Vitrage multiple a diffusion variable par cristaux liquides
FR2985327B1 (fr) 2011-12-29 2013-12-20 Saint Gobain Vitrage multiple a diffusion variable par cristaux liquides, son procede de fabrication
KR101684012B1 (ko) * 2014-12-03 2016-12-07 현대자동차주식회사 글래스비드와 액정을 이용한 스마트 윈도우 및 이의 제조방법
GB201614208D0 (en) 2016-08-19 2016-10-05 Pilkington Group Ltd Switchable glazing unit

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4691995A (en) * 1985-07-15 1987-09-08 Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd. Liquid crystal filling device
JPS62267721A (ja) * 1986-05-15 1987-11-20 Nec Corp 液晶素子の製造方法
US5474629A (en) * 1990-12-15 1995-12-12 Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd. Method for manufacturing a liquid crystal device
CA2102199A1 (fr) * 1991-05-02 1992-11-03 William J. Doane Dispositif et matiere cristallisee, modulateurs de lumiere
EP0881525A3 (fr) * 1994-09-26 1999-03-10 Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. Dispositif d'affichage à cristal liquide et sa méthode de fabrication

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See references of WO9805998A1 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU3858997A (en) 1998-02-25
JP2000515648A (ja) 2000-11-21
AU719372B2 (en) 2000-05-11
WO1998005998A1 (fr) 1998-02-12
CA2261863A1 (fr) 1998-02-12

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