Wire grid polarizers with optical features

#A wire grid polarizer in combination with other optical components is described for use in enhancing light efficiency. A process of making a low fill factor wire grid polarizer is described.

#Light-valves are implemented in a wide variety of display technologies. For example, display and microdisplay panels are gaining in popularity in many applications such as televisions, computer monitors, point of sale displays, personal digital assistants and electronic cinema to mention a few applications.

#Many light valves are based on liquid crystal (LC) technologies. In some LC technologies light is transmitted through an LC device (panel), while in others the light traverses the panel twice, after being reflected at a far surface of the panel.

#The invention is best understood from the following detailed description when read with the accompanying drawing figures. It is emphasized that the various features are not necessarily drawn to scale. In fact, the dimensions may be arbitrarily increased or decreased for clarity of discussion.

#FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view of a liquid crystal display device in accordance with an example embodiment.

#FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of a liquid crystal display device in accordance with an example embodiment.

#In the following detailed description, for purposes of explanation and not limitation, example embodiments disclosing specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art having had the benefit of the present disclosure, that the present invention may be practiced in other embodiments that depart from the specific details disclosed herein. Moreover, descriptions of well-known apparati and methods may be omitted so as to not obscure the description of the example embodiments. Such methods and apparati are clearly within the contemplation of the inventors in carrying out the example embodiments. Wherever possible, like numerals refer to like features throughout.

#Briefly, and as described in detail in conjunction with example embodiments, a wire grid polarizer and a display system including a wire grid polarizer are disclosed. The wire grid polarizer includes a plurality of conductors having a width, a height and a pitch. In an example embodiment, the wire grid polarizer has a duty cycle chosen to substantially optimize the total light throughput, which is a function of the transmittance of light of a first polarization state through and the reflectance of light of a second polarization state from the wire grid polarizer.

#In one example embodiment, the ratio of the height to the pitch of the wire grid polarizer is chosen to substantially optimize total light throughput. In this manner, a greater percentage of the light may be reflected and then transmitted through the wire grid polarizer and the absorptive polarizer, and thereby improve the brightness and contrast of an image provided through the display system.