Polarizers for use with liquid crystal displays

US6630970B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY · US

Inventors

• Giorgio Trapani · Cambridge, US
• William K. Smyth · Sudbury, US
• Philip J. Ralli · Sudbury, US
• James N. Gordon · Newton, US
• John J. Cael · Upton, US
• John C. Branca · Franklin, US
• David Foresyth · Plainville, US
• Atsushi Suzuki · Westborough, US
• William Pugh · Naperville, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 2, 2001
• Grant date: Oct 7, 2003
• Expiry date: Jul 2, 2021

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G02F1/133528
• WIPO field: Optics
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A liquid crystal display structure includes a liquid crystal display cell having a front surface and a back surface. One or more intrinsic polarizers lacking protective coatings thereon, such as K-type polarizers and thin KE polarizer sheets, are disposed adjacent to the front and back surfaces of the liquid crystal display cell. Alternatively, thinly cladded or encased iodine polarizers are disposed adjacent to the front and back surfaces of the liquid crystal display cell. The liquid crystal display structure may be used in conjunction with other optical display elements to enhance the brightness and contrast of the liquid crystal display.