AVS 52nd International Symposium
    Thin Films Thursday Sessions
       Session TF-ThM

Invited Paper TF-ThM7
Birefringent Films for Contrast Enhancement of LCoS Projection Systems

Thursday, November 3, 2005, 10:20 am, Room 306

Session: Optical Thin Films
Presenter: K.D. Hendrix, JDS Uniphase
Authors: K.D. Hendrix, JDS Uniphase
M. Duelli, JDS Uniphase
D.M. Shemo, JDS Uniphase
K.L. Tan, JDS Uniphase
Correspondent: Click to Email
High performance projection displays based on LCoS panel technology have the potential to deliver very high contrast and performance at an attractive price. These systems use polarization-based light engines that utilize wire grid polarizers (WGP) and vertical-aligned nematic (VAN) LCoS panels. To achieve high contrast, the linear polarization state created by the WGP must be maintained in the dark state to prevent light leakage to the screen. However, the LCoS panel has a residual retardance, and without compensation, this leakage degrades the system contrast. We describe the design and contrast measurement results of a birefringent contrast enhancing component that compensates this residual retardance and improves the overall system contrast to 4500:1. The component is comprised of birefringent films with individually controllable a-plate and c-plate compensation, accurate retardance targeting and excellent uniformity for both retardance magnitude and orientation. The component also has good environmental durability and low defects.