Electronically switchable privacy film and display device having same

An electronically switchable privacy film comprising:

• a pair of mutually opposing transparent electrodes;
• an optically transparent microstructured layer disposed between the transparent electrodes, the microstructured layer comprising a plurality of microstructured ribs extending across a surface thereof such that the microstructured ribs form an alternating series of ribs and channels;
• electronically switchable material disposed in the channels, the electronically switchable material being capable of modulation between high and low absorption states upon application of an electric field across the transparent electrodes;
• wherein:
• when the electric field is not applied, the film is in a privacy mode such that it has a light transmission of less than about 10% at a viewing angle of 30°;
• when the electric field is applied, the film is in the share mode such that it has an increase in light transmission and the difference in transmission between the privacy mode and share mode is at least 5% for viewing angles from about 30 to about 45°,
• the film has a light transmission of at least about 25% in share and privacy modes at viewing angles from 0 to about 15°.