Optically anisotropic microlens array film directly formed on a single substrate

Opt Express. 2013 Dec 2;21(24):29304-12. doi: 10.1364/OE.21.029304.

Abstract

An optically anisotropic microlens array film directly formed on a single substrate is demonstrated. UV curable diacrylate monomers are coated as a film on the substrate. Under the action of fringing field, not only the film surface is flattened by the generated dielectric force but also the monomers are reoriented to form a gradient refractive index (GRIN) distribution in the film. Via UV exposure, the GRIN distribution is fixed and the polymeric film behaves as a microlens array. The fabrication process is simple and the film offers a switchable focus through controlling the polarization direction of the incident light. Integrating with a 90° twisted-nematic liquid crystal cell, our polymeric microlens array film shows great potential for switchable 2D/3D autostereoscopic displays.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Anisotropy
  • Equipment Design
  • Equipment Failure Analysis
  • Lenses*
  • Liquid Crystals / chemistry*
  • Materials Testing
  • Membranes, Artificial*
  • Refractometry / instrumentation*

Substances

  • Membranes, Artificial