Abstract:
Optical devices according to the present invention include a multilayer optical film in which at least one of the layers comprises an oriented birefringent polymer. The multilayer optical film exhibits low absorptivity and can reflect light approaching at shallow angles as well as normal to the film.
Abstract:
Highly efficient diffusely reflecting multilayer mirrors (23) diffusely reflect light incident upon them. Highly efficient diffusely reflecting multilayer polarizers (13) diffusely reflect light (12, 14, 15) of one polarization while diffusely transmitting the other polarization. The diffusely reflecting mirror (23) includes a light diffusing element (26) and a multilayer mirror element (23). The diffusely reflecting polarizer (13) includes a light diffusing element (6) and a multilayer reflective polarizing element (8).
Abstract:
A light directing film (50) including a first surface and a second structured surface (52). The structured surface (52) includes a repeating pattern of prism zones including at least a first zone having a plurality of prism elements (56) with peaks disposed at a first distance from a reference plane and a second zone having a plurality of prism elements (54) with peaks disposed less than the first distance from a reference plane. The width of the first zone preferably measures less than about 300 microns.
Abstract:
The present invention includes a structured optical film with variable pitch peaks and/or grooves to reduce the visibility of moiré interference patterns and optical displays incorporating one or more layers of the film. The pitch variations can be over groups of adjacent peaks and/or valleys or between adjacent pairs of peaks and/or valleys.
Abstract:
A backlight display includes a case having an optical window through which displayed information may be viewed. In addition it includes an electroluminescent panel for providing the backlight. It further includes a structured surface material between the electroluminescent panel and the optical window. The structured surface material has the property of reflecting light entering it while making an angle in a first predetermined group of angles with the axis of the display back to the electroluminescent panel. It further has the property of refracting light entering it while making an angle in a second predetermined group of angles to the axis of the display such that a majority of the light in the second group will exit it an output wedge that is smaller than the input wedge.
Abstract:
When two hollow tubular light conduits (12, 14) are interconnected at a miter joint, beamed light can be redirected from one of the conduits to the other by a thin transparent prismatic element (22) that is mounted to extend along the plane (21) of the miter joint. When the interconnected conduits (12, 14) are acting as a luminaire, the miter joint can be fully illuminated by the transported light. A luminaire of unlimited length can be obtained by mounting a plurality of lamps and parabolic reflectors along a transparent hollow tubular light conduit and redirecting light from each lamp to be transported along the axis of the conduit in both directions.
Abstract:
A brightness enhancement film (40) has a plurality of linear prisms (46, 48, 50). The prisms are disposed in pairs, each pair having first and second prisms and each prism has a prism angle and a valley angle. Either the prism angles or the valley angles, but not both, are equal.
Abstract:
The present invention includes a backlight system incorporating a back reflector and/or a lamp cavity reflector constructed of a multilayer optical film.
Abstract:
A multiple layer reflective polarizer (12) is described. This element is placed between an optical cavity (24) and an LCD module (16) to form an optical display. The reflective polarizer reflects some light into the optical cavity (24) where it is randomized and may ultimately emerge with the correct polarization to be transmitted out of the display.
Abstract:
A transflector is described which increases efficiency and brightness under both ambient and supplemental lighting conditions in visual display applications. In one embodiment, the transflector includes a reflective polarizing element that reflects one polarization of light and transmits the other. In an alternate embodiment, the transflector includes a reflective polarizing element and a diffusing element such that the transflector diffusely reflects light of one polarization and transmits the other. The transflector is useful for both reflective and transflective liquid crystal displays.