US6018378A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Liquid crystal/polymer composite with high optical anisotropy and low dielectric anisotropy to lower hysteresis exhibiting transparent and light scattering states
Assignee: AGC Inc
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Filing: 1997-12-18
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Granted: 2000-01-25
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Expires: 2017-12-18
Abstract
Abstract A composition for use in a liquid crystal optical element, such as a liquid crystal display or laser shutter device, comprised of a liquid crystal material and a solidified polymer material. The liquid crystal is such that its refractive index is changed depending on states of applying a voltage. In one state, the refractive index of the liquid crystal substantially coincides with the refractive index of the solidified matrix to thereby pass light. While in the other state, the refractive index of the liquid crystal does not coincide with the refractive index of the solidified matrix to thereby cause the scattering of light. Specifically, the liquid crystal material used in the composition has a refractive index anisotropy (Δn) is greater than 0.18 and the dielectric anisotropy (Δε) satisfies the relation of 5<Δε<11.6.
Inventors
- 👤 Yoshinori Hirai
- 👤 Satoshi Niiyama
- 👤 Tomoki Gunjima
- 👤 Masanori Yuki
- 👤 Masaya Kunigita
- 👤 Yukio Yoshikawa
- 👤 Eiji Shidoji
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 22:35
CPC Classifications
G; G09; G09F; G09F19/00; G09F19/12; G09F19/18; G02; G02F; G02F1/00; G02F1/01; G02F1/13; G02F1/133; G02F1/1333; G02F1/1334; H; H04; H04N; H04N9/00; H04N9/12; H04N9/31; H04N9/3102; H04N9/3105; H04N9/3141; H04N9/3144; G02F2202/00; G02F2202/40
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
44 words
A composition comprising a liquid crystal and a photocurable acrylate monomer, said composition being useful for preparing a liquid crystal/polymer composite capable of exhibiting transparent and light scattering states, wherein Δn and Δε of said liquid crystal satisfy the following relationships: Δn≧0.18; 5<Δε<11.6. 2.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
44 words
A composition comprising a liquid crystal and a photocurable acrylate monomer, said composition being useful for preparing a liquid crystal/polymer composite capable of exhibiting transparent and light scattering states, wherein Δn and Δε of said liquid crystal satisfy the following relationships: Δn≧0.18; 5<Δε<11.6. 2.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
8 words
The composition according to claim 1, wherein Δn≧0.20.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
8 words
The composition according to claim 1, wherein Δn<0.25.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
The composition of claim 1, wherein said photocurable acrylate is a urethane acrylate oligomer.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
9 words
The composition of claim 1, further comprising a photoinitiator.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
The composition of claim 1, wherein Δn 2 /η>0.0014 wherein η(cSt) is the viscosity of said liquid crystal.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
20 words
The composition according to claim 1, wherein the volume fraction of liquid crystal in said composition is greater than 45%.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
53 words
A liquid crystal optical element comprising: a pair of substrates provides with electrodes, and a liquid crystal and solidified matrix composite material, disposed between the pair of substrates, said composite material being capable of exhibiting transparent and scattering states, wherein Δn and Δε of said liquid crystal satisfy the following relationships: Δn≧0.18; 5<Δε<11.6.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
53 words
A liquid crystal optical element comprising: a pair of substrates provides with electrodes, and a liquid crystal and solidified matrix composite material, disposed between the pair of substrates, said composite material being capable of exhibiting transparent and scattering states, wherein Δn and Δε of said liquid crystal satisfy the following relationships: Δn≧0.18; 5<Δε<11.6.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
24 words
A liquid crystal optical element according to claim 8, further comprising multiplex driving means for driving for said liquid crystal and solidified matrix composite.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
14 words
A laser shutter device comprising a liquid crystal optical element according to claim 9.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
23 words
A liquid crystal optical element according to claim 8, further comprising a static driver for driving said liquid crystal and solidified matrix composite.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
14 words
A laser shutter device comprising a liquid crystal optical element according to claim 11.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
14 words
A laser shutter device comprising a liquid crystal optical element according to claim 8.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2003-01-24 | 2003-07-26 | 2004-01-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-01-24 | 2007-07-26 | 2008-01-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-01-24 | 2011-07-26 | 2012-01-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |