Apparatus and method for making flexible waveguide substrates for use with light based touch screens
US7412119B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 20, 2004 |
| Grant date | Aug 12, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 18, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/4206
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Flexible optical waveguide substrates that can be used with touch screen displays. The waveguide substrates include a flexible base material. A first optical layer having a first index of refraction value is formed on the flexible base material. A second optical layer is then formed on the first optical layer, the second optical layer being patterned to form a plurality of optical elements and waveguides respectively. The second optical layer also has a second index of refraction value higher than the first index of refraction value. Lastly, a third optical layer is formed on the second optical layer. The third optical layer has a third index of refraction value lower than the second index of refraction value. The high N second layer is therefore sandwiched between the lower N first and third layers, creating an internally reflective surface wherever the high N and low N materials are in contact. The base material and first, second and third optical layers thus form a flexible waveguide substrate.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.