U.S. patent application number 11/567939 was filed with the patent office on 2007-04-19 for polarizing beam splitter.
This patent application is currently assigned to 3M Innovative Properties Company. Invention is credited to Patrick R. Destain, John E. Duncan, Jiaying Ma, Michael W. O'Keefe, William E. Phillips.
Application Number | 20070085973 11/567939 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37694007 |
Filed Date | 2007-04-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070085973 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Duncan; John E. ; et
al. |
April 19, 2007 |
POLARIZING BEAM SPLITTER
Abstract
A polarizing beam splitter is disclosed that includes a first
prism, a second prism, and a reflective polarizing film disposed
between the first prism and the second prism. The first prism
comprises a first polymeric material, and has a first outer curved
surface and an additional outer surface. The second prism comprises
a second polymeric material, which in some embodiments may be the
same as the first polymeric material, and has a second outer curved
surface.
Inventors: |
Duncan; John E.; (Amelia,
OH) ; O'Keefe; Michael W.; (Cincinnati, OH) ;
Phillips; William E.; (Cincinnati, OH) ; Ma;
Jiaying; (Maplewood, MN) ; Destain; Patrick R.;
(Loveland, OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
PO BOX 33427
ST. PAUL
MN
55133-3427
US
|
Assignee: |
3M Innovative Properties
Company
|
Family ID: |
37694007 |
Appl. No.: |
11/567939 |
Filed: |
December 7, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11192655 |
Jul 29, 2005 |
|
|
|
11567939 |
Dec 7, 2006 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
353/20 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G02B 7/1805 20130101;
G02B 17/086 20130101; G02B 27/283 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
353/020 |
International
Class: |
G03B 21/14 20060101
G03B021/14 |
Claims
1. An image display system comprising: at least one illumination
source; a polarizing beam splitter comprising: an input prism
comprising a first polymeric material, the input prism having a
first outer curved surface and a second outer surface, wherein the
polarizing beam splitter is disposed such that the second outer
surface receives light from the illumination source; an output
prism comprising a second polymeric material, the output prism
having a third outer curved surface; and a reflective polarizing
film disposed between the input prism and the output prism; and an
image-forming device disposed to receive light from the first outer
curved surface of the input prism.
2. The image display system of claim 1, wherein the illumination
source comprises a light source of a first color, a light source of
a second color, and a color combiner.
3. The image display system of claim 2, wherein the color combiner
has an x-cube configuration.
4. The image display system of claim 1, wherein the image-forming
device is an LCoS device.
5. The image display system of claim 1, further comprising a
projection lens disposed to receive light from the third outer
curved surface of the output prism.
6. The image display system of claim 1, wherein the image display
system exhibits volumetric dimensions of about 16 cubic centimeters
or less.
7. The image display system of claim 1, wherein the image display
system is characterized by a footprint having an area of about 9
square centimeters or less.
8. The polarizing beam splitter of claim 1, wherein the first
polymeric material is the same as the second polymeric
material.
9. The image display system of claim 1, wherein the reflective
polarizing film comprises a first polymeric material and a second
polymeric material different from the first polymeric material.
10. The image display system of claim 1, wherein the second outer
surface is a curved surface.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser.
No. 11/192,655, filed Jul. 29, 2005, allowed, the disclosure of
which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present disclosure relates to polarization separation
devices, which may be used in image display systems. In particular,
the present disclosure relates to reflective and transmissive
polarizing beam splitters (PBSs), which may be used in image
display systems that incorporate polarization-rotating,
image-forming devices.
[0003] Image display systems incorporating PBSs are used to form
images on viewing screens, such as projection displays. A typical
image display system incorporates an illumination source that is
arranged so that light rays from the illumination source reflect
off of an image-forming device or imager that contains the desired
image to be projected. The system folds the light rays such that
the light rays from the illumination source and the light rays of
the projected image share the same physical space between a PBS and
the imager.
[0004] The imager of the image display system is typically a
polarization-rotating, image-forming device, such as a liquid
crystal on silicon (LCoS) device, which operates by rotating the
polarization of the light rays. LCoS imagers are polarization
rotating, which means that polarized light rays are either
transmitted with their polarizations substantially unmodified for
the darkest state or transmitted with their polarizations rotated
to provide a desired gray scale. Thus, an input beam comprising
polarized light rays is generally used for illuminating an LCoS
imager.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present disclosure relates to a PBS that includes a
first prism, a second prism, and a reflective polarizing film
disposed between the first prism and the second prism. The first
prism comprises a first polymeric material, and has a first outer
curved surface and an additional outer surface. The first prism is
configured to transmit light through at least the first outer
curved surface and the additional outer surface. The second prism
comprises a second polymeric material, and has a second outer
curved surface. In some exemplary embodiments, the first polymeric
material is the same as the second polymeric material. The PBS is
suitable for folding light rays and may be used in compact image
display systems. The present disclosure is further related to an
image display system that includes a PBS of the present
disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an image display
system, which includes an exemplary reflective PBS of the present
disclosure.
[0007] FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of an image display
system, which includes another exemplary embodiment of the
reflective PBS of the present disclosure.
[0008] FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of an image display
system, which includes an exemplary transmissive PBS of the present
disclosure.
[0009] FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of an image display
system, which includes another exemplary embodiment of the
transmissive PBS of the present disclosure.
[0010] FIG. 5A-5D are exploded perspective views of additional
exemplary embodiments of the reflective PBS according to the
present disclosure, having general configurations similar to the
PBS of FIG. 1.
[0011] While the above-identified drawing figures set forth several
exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, other embodiments are also
contemplated, as noted in the discussion. In all cases, this
disclosure presents the invention by way of representation and not
limitation. It should be understood that numerous other
modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in
the art, which fall within the scope and spirit of the principles
of the disclosure. The figures may not be drawn to scale. Like
reference numbers have been used throughout the figures to denote
like parts.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0012] Use of a PBS according to the present disclosure offers an
attractive design because it can function to both polarize and fold
light rays. FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an optical system
10, such as an image display system, which may be used in a variety
of display devices, such as mini-projection displays, head-mounted
displays, virtual viewers, electronic viewfinders, heads-up
displays, optical computing, optical correlation, and other optical
viewing systems. System 10 includes illumination source 12, PBS 14
of the present disclosure, imager 16, and projection lens 18, which
may include one or more optical elements. The exemplary PBS 14 is a
reflective PBS capable of reducing the number of imaging optics
required to direct light to a viewing screen or a viewer (not
shown). This correspondingly allows system 10 to display images in
compact devices, such as wireless phones.
[0013] Illumination source 12 is exemplified as a three-component
light source for providing red, green, and blue or other color
components of the projected image. However, one- or two-component
light sources may be used as well. Illumination source 12 may
include light source of a first color 20, such as one or more red
light-emitting diodes (LEDs), light source of a second color 22,
such as one or more blue LEDs, light source of a third color 24,
such as one or more green LEDs, and color combiner 26. Light
sources of the first 20, second 22, and third 24 colors
respectively emit first, second, and third wavelength light toward
color combiner 26. Illumination source 12 may also include ball
lenses (not shown) disposed around each of red LED, green LED, and
blue LED for further capturing and directing colored light toward
color combiner 26. Color combiner 26 can be an X-cube configuration
color combiner or another suitable color combiner that combines the
received differently colored light and directs light beam 28 toward
PBS 14. Light beam 28 from illumination source 12 contains light of
the first, second and third wavelengths, (e.g., red, green, and
blue wavelengths) and includes both s-polarized and p-polarized
components.
[0014] PBS 14 includes a first prism, here, input prism 30, a
second prism, here, output prism 32, and reflective polarizing film
34. Input prism 30 and output prism 32 can be low-birefringence,
polymeric prisms disposed adjacent each other on opposing sides of
reflective polarizing film 34. Input prism 30 includes an outer
surface 36, first curved outer surface 38, and incident surface 40.
Similarly, output prism 32 includes second curved outer surface 42,
outer surface 44, and incident surface 46. As shown in FIG. 1,
first curved outer surface 38 is a convex surface and second curved
outer surface 42 is a concave surface. Curved outer surfaces 38 and
42 can be generally characterized as refractive surfaces having
optical power and function as lenses that are integrated into PBS
14, which redirect the rays of light beam 28 that transmit through
them. This reduces the need for additional imaging optics. Those of
ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that the
curvatures and placements of curved outer surfaces 38 and 42
relative to illumination source 12, polarizing film 34, projection
lens 18, and the viewing screen or a viewer may be predetermined
for directing the rays of light beam 28.
[0015] Reflective polarizing film 34 can be a polymeric reflective
polarizing film that is secured between incident surfaces 40 and 46
of input prism 30 and output prism 32, respectively. Polarizing
film 34 splits light beam 28 received from illumination source 12
into reflected polarization components (s-polarized light rays) and
transmitted polarization components (p-polarized light rays).
Examples of reflective polarizing films suitable for use in the
embodiments of the present disclosure include birefringent, polymer
films, e.g., multi-layer optical films (MOF) manufactured by 3M
Corporation, St. Paul, Minn., such as those described in Jonza et
al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,882,774; Weber et al., U.S. Pat. No.
6,609,795; and Magarill et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,719,426, the
disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference
herein.
[0016] Suitable reflective polarizing films for reflective
polarizing film 34 also include polymeric reflective polarizing
films including different polymeric materials, e.g., first and
second polymeric materials. For example, reflective polarizing film
34 may include a first layer and a second layer, where the
polymeric materials of the first and second layer are different and
at least one of the first and second layers being birefringent. In
one embodiment of the present disclosure, reflective polarizing
film 34 may include a multi-layer stack of first and second
alternating layers of different polymer materials, as disclosed in
Weber et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,609,795. In another embodiment of the
present disclosure, multiple reflective polarizing films may be
used.
[0017] Suitable reflective polarizing films are typically
characterized by a large refractive index difference between first
and second polymeric materials along a first direction in the plane
of the film and a small refractive index difference between first
and second polymeric materials along a second direction in the
plane of the film, orthogonal to the first direction. In some
exemplary embodiments, reflective polarizing films are also
characterized by a small refractive index difference between first
and second polymeric materials along the thickness direction of the
film (e.g., between the first and second layers of different
polymeric materials). Examples of suitable refractive index
differences between the first and second different polymeric
materials in the stretched direction (i.e., x-direction) range from
about 0.15 to about 0.20. The refractive indices in the
non-stretched directions (i.e., the y-direction and the
z-direction) are desirably within about 5% of one another for a
given layer, and within about 5% of the corresponding non-stretched
directions of an adjacent layer.
[0018] The polymeric materials selected for the layers of an
exemplary multilayer reflective polarizing film 34 may include
materials that exhibit low levels of light absorption. For example,
polyethylene terephthalate (PET) exhibits an absorption coefficient
of less than 1.0.times.10.sup.-5 centimeter.sup.-1. Accordingly,
for reflective polarizer film 34 that includes PET and has a
thickness of about 125 micrometers, the calculated absorption is
about 0.000023%, which is about 1/200,000 of an absorption of a
comparable wire-grid polarizer.
[0019] Low absorptions are desirable because polarizers used in
PBSs are exposed to very high light density, which can lead to the
failure of the polarizers. For example, absorptive-type polarizer
films absorb all the light with unwanted polarization. This
generates significant heat. Substrates with high thermal
conductivity, such as sapphire, are therefore needed to conduct the
heat away from the polarizer films. Moreover, the substrates are
exposed to high heat loads, which correspondingly generate thermal
birefringence in the substrates. Thermal birefringence in the
substrates degrade the contrast and contrast uniformity of the
optical system, such as an image display system. As a result, only
few materials can be qualified for the substrates with traditional
PBSs (e.g., sapphire, quartz, leads content glass, and
ceramics).
[0020] Similarly, wire-grid polarizers, which use thin metal
stripes (e.g., aluminum stripes) coated on transparent substrates,
absorb small portions of the received light. This also generates
heat in the substrates. For example, 5-10% of the light is absorbed
by aluminum stripes in the same manner as an aluminum mirror
surface. Since the performance of the wire-grid polarizer is
sensitive to the geometric stability of the metal stripes, a small
change in the substrates due to thermal expansion can degrade the
polarizer's performance.
[0021] In contrast, the use of polymeric materials with low
absorption coefficients (e.g., PET) allows reflective polarizer
film 34 to be used without the need of high-thermal conductivity
substrates to conduct heat way from reflective polarizing film 34.
As such, reflective polarizer film 34 may be used for extended
periods of time with input prism 30 and output prism 32.
[0022] Referring further to FIG. 1, imager 16 is a
polarization-rotating component, such as an LCoS, which is disposed
to receive light from curved outer surface 38 of input prism 30.
Imager 16 reflects and rotates the polarization of the rays of
light beam 28 based on the whether the pixels of imager 16 are "on"
or "off". The individual rays of light beam 28 that contact the
"off" pixels of imager 16 reflect off imager 16 with their
polarizations unchanged (i.e., retain s-polarization). In contrast,
the individual rays of light beam 28 that contact the "on" pixels
of imager 16 reflect off imager 16 with their polarizations rotated
(i.e., rotated from s-polarization to p-polarization). As a result,
imager 16 may rotate the polarization of the individual rays of
light beam 28 based on pixel settings, which are controlled to
create a desired projected image.
[0023] Projection lens 18 can be disposed to receive light from
curved outer surface 42 of output prism 32, such that it collects
the rays of light beam 28 received from PBS 14 for transmission to
a viewing screen or a viewer as output light beam 28'. While only
illustrated with a single projection lens, system 10 may include
additional imaging optics as needed. However, curved outer surfaces
38 and 42 each function as a lens integrated in PBS 14. This
reduces the number of additional imaging optics that may be needed
to direct the rays of light beam 28, which correspondingly
decreases the required size of system 10.
[0024] During use of system 10, illumination source 12 emits light
beam 28 toward PBS 14. As discussed above, prior to entering PBS
14, light beam 28 is typically unpolarized and contains both
s-polarized light rays (light rays 28.sub.S) and p-polarized light
rays (light rays 28.sub.P1). Light beam 28 enters PBS 14 by passing
through outer surface 36, and travels toward polarizing film
34.
[0025] Prior to contacting polarizing film 34, light beam 28 passes
through incident surface 40 of input prism 30. Polarizing film 34
then reflects light rays 28.sub.S toward curved outer surface 38 of
input prism 30, and transmits light rays 28.sub.P1 into output
prism 32. Light rays 28.sub.P1 enter output prism 32 through
incident surface 46 and travel toward base outer surface 42. Light
rays 28.sub.P1 then exit output prism 32 through the additional
outer surface 44 of output prism 32 and may be discarded or
recycled.
[0026] Light rays 28.sub.S exit PBS 14 by passing through curved
outer surface 38. As discussed above, curved outer surface 38 can
be a convex refractive surface that has optical power and functions
as a lens. Therefore, light rays 28.sub.S are redirected when
passing through curved outer surface 38. After exiting input prism
30, light rays 28.sub.S contact and reflect off imager 16. The
individual light rays 28.sub.S that contact pixels of imager 16 in
the "off" state retain their s-polarization upon reflection.
However, the individual light rays 28.sub.S that contact pixels of
imager 16 in the "on" state have their polarizations rotated from
s-polarization to p-polarization upon reflection. As a result, the
reflected light beam 28 includes light rays 28.sub.S and
p-polarized light rays (light rays 28.sub.P2).
[0027] Light rays 28.sub.S and 28.sub.P2 reflected from imager 16
are directed back toward input prism 30, and re-enter input prism
30 through curved outer surface 38. Curved outer surface 38
redirects light rays 28.sub.S and 28.sub.P2 as they travel toward
polarizing film 34. Light rays 28.sub.S and 28.sub.P2 then pass
through incident surface 40 of input prism 30 and contact
polarizing film 34. Polarizing film 34 then reflects light rays
28.sub.S toward the outer surface 36 of input prism 30, and
transmits light rays 28.sub.P2 into output prism 32. Light rays
28.sub.S then exit input prism 30 through the outer surface 36 and
travel toward illumination source 12. In one embodiment of the
present disclosure, light rays 28.sub.S that are directed back
toward illumination source 12 may be reflected back into input
prism 30 to be reused. Because light rays 28.sub.S are s-polarized,
substantially all of light rays 28.sub.S that are reused will be
reflected from polarizing film 34 toward imager 16. This conserves
power required to operate system 10.
[0028] After transmitting through polarizing film 34, light rays
28.sub.P2 enter output prism 44 through incident surface 46. Light
rays 28.sub.P2 then exit output prism 32 through curved outer
surface 42. Curved outer surface 42, shown as a concave refractive
surface in FIG. 1, also functions as a lens and redirects light
rays 28.sub.P2 as they travel toward projection lens 18. Projection
lens 18 then collects light rays 28.sub.P2 and can direct the
output light beam 28' toward the viewing screen with the desired
projected image. As discussed above, additional imaging optics may
be used to redirect light rays 28.sub.P2, as needed. However,
curved outer surfaces 38 and 42 of PBS 14 function as lenses (or,
generally, as refractive surfaces having optical power) to reduce
the number of additional imaging optics required.
[0029] FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of an optical system 47,
which is an image display system similar to system 10, discussed
above. System 47 includes illumination source 12, imager 16,
projection lens 18, and PBS 48, where PBS 48 interacts with
illumination source 12, imager 16, and projection lens 18 in a
similar manner to PBS 14 shown in FIG. 1. PBS 48 is a reflective
PBS that includes a first prism, here, an input prism 49 having a
second curved outer surface 50 in place of (planar) additional
outer surface 36 and a second prism, here output prism 32. In that
configuration, the outer curved surface 42 may be referred to as a
third curved outer surface of output prism 32.
[0030] Curved outer surface 50 is also a refractive surface having
optical power, exemplified in FIG. 2 as a concave surface that
functions as a lens in a similar manner to curved outer surfaces 38
and 42. Accordingly, the second curved outer surface 50 of input
prism 49 redirects the rays of light beam 28 that transmit through
curved outer surface 50 from illumination source 12. The redirected
rays of light beam 28 at curved outer surface 50 correspondingly
adjust the directions of the rays of light beam 28 through system
10. This is illustrated by a comparison of the rays of light beam
28 in FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0031] The curvatures and placements of curved outer surface 50
relative to illumination source 12 and polarizing film 34 may also
be predetermined for redirecting the rays of light beam 28. The use
of curved outer surface 50 having optical power provides additional
control over the directions of the rays of light beam 28, and may
further reduce the number of additional imaging optics, which may
be needed to focus light 28, thereby reducing the size of system
47.
[0032] FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of an optical system 52,
which is also an image display system similar to systems 10 and 47,
discussed above. System 52 includes illumination source 12, imager
16, projection lens 18, and another exemplary PBS 54 of the present
disclosure. PBS 54 of the present disclosure is a transmissive PBS
that also is capable of reducing the number of imaging optics
required to direct light to a viewing screen (not shown).
[0033] PBS 54 includes a first prism, here, output prism 58, a
second prism, here, input prism 56, and reflective polarizing film
60. Input prism 56 and output prism 58 can be low-birefringence,
polymeric prisms disposed adjacent each other on opposing sides of
reflective polarizing film 60. Because the exemplary PBS 54 is a
transmissive PBS, the rays of light beam 28 used to form the
projected image are shown transmitting through an outer surface 62
of input prism 56 and through two outer surfaces 68, 70 of output
prism 58. This is in contrast to the exemplary PBS 14 discussed
above in FIG. 1, which is a reflective PBS, and is shown with the
rays of light beam 28 used to form the projected image passing
through two outer surfaces of input prism 30 and through one outer
surface of output prism 32.
[0034] Input prism 56 includes a second curved outer surface 62,
additional outer surface 64, and incident surface 66. Similarly,
output prism 58 includes a first curved outer surface 68,
additional outer surface 70, and incident surface 72. As shown in
FIG. 3, curved outer surface 62 can be a concave surface and curved
outer surface 68 can be a convex surface. Curved outer surfaces 62
and 68 function as lenses (and, generally, as refractive surfaces
having optical power) that are integrated into PBS 54, and redirect
the rays of light beam 28 that are transmitted through them,
thereby reducing the need for additional imaging optics. The
curvatures and placements of curved outer surfaces 62 and 68
relative to illumination source 12, polarizing film 60, projection
lens 18, and the viewing screen may be predetermined for directing
light beam 28 in a desired way.
[0035] Reflective polarizing film 60 is a polymeric reflective
polarizing film that is secured between incident surfaces 66 and 72
of input prism 56 and output prism 58, respectively. Examples of
suitable films for polarizing film 60 include the films discussed
above for polarizing film 34. Polarizing film 60 also splits light
beam 28 received from illumination source 12 into reflected
polarization components (s-polarized light rays) and transmitted
polarization components (p-polarized light rays).
[0036] During use of system 52, illumination source 12 emits light
beam 28 toward PBS 54. Prior to entering PBS 54, light beam 28 is
unpolarized and contains both s-polarized light rays (light rays
28.sub.S1) and p-polarized light rays (light rays 28.sub.P). Light
beam 28 enters PBS 54 by passing through curved outer surface 62,
which redirects light rays 28.sub.S1 and 28.sub.P due to the
surface curvature. Light beam 28 then passes through incident
surface 66 of input prism 56 and contacts polarizing film 60.
Polarizing film 60 then reflects light rays 28.sub.S1 toward
additional outer surface 64 of input prism 56, and transmits light
rays 28.sub.P into output prism 68. Light rays 28.sub.S1 pass back
into input prism 56 through incident surface 66 and travel toward
additional outer surface 64. Light rays 28.sub.S1 then exit input
prism 56 through additional outer surface 64 and may be discarded
or recycled.
[0037] After transmitting through polarizing film 60, light rays
28.sub.P enter output prism 58 through incident surface 72, and
travel toward curved outer surface 68. Light rays 28.sub.P exit PBS
54 by passing through curved outer surface 68, which redirects
light rays 28.sub.P. After exiting output prism 58, light rays
28.sub.P contact and reflect off imager 16. The individual light
rays 28.sub.P that contact pixels of imager 16 in the "off" state
retain their p-polarization upon reflection. However, the
individual light rays 28.sub.P that contact pixels of imager 16 in
the "on" state have their polarizations rotated from p-polarization
to s-polarization upon reflection. As a result, the reflected light
includes light rays 28.sub.P and s-polarized light rays (light rays
28.sub.S2).
[0038] Light rays 28.sub.P and 28.sub.S2 reflected from imager 16
are directed back toward output prism 58, and re-enter output prism
58 through curved outer surface 68. Curved outer surface 68
redirects light rays 28.sub.P and 28.sub.S2 as they travel toward
polarizing film 60. Light rays 28.sub.P and 28.sub.S2 then pass
through incident surface 72 of output prism 58 and contact
polarizing film 60. Polarizing film 60 then reflects light rays
28.sub.S2 toward additional outer surface 70 of output prism 58,
and transmits light rays 28.sub.P into input prism 56.
[0039] Light rays 28.sub.P pass back into input prism 56 through
incident surface 66 and travel toward curved outer surface 62.
Light rays 28.sub.P then exit input prism 56 through curved outer
surface 62 (which again redirects light rays 28.sub.P) and travel
toward illumination source 12. In one embodiment of the present
disclosure, light rays 28.sub.P that are directed back toward
illumination source 12 may be reflected back into input prism 56 to
be reused. Because light rays 28.sub.P are p-polarized,
substantially all of light rays 28.sub.P reused will transmit
through polarizing film 60 toward imager 16. This conserves power
required to operate system 52.
[0040] Light rays 28.sub.S2 that reflect off of polarizing film 60
re-enter output prism 58 through incident surface 72 and travel
toward additional outer surface 70. Light rays 28.sub.S2 then exit
output prism 58 through additional outer surface 70, and travel
toward projection lens 18. Projection lens 18 then collects and
directs light rays 28.sub.S2 so that output light beam 28'
propagates toward a viewing screen or a viewer with the desired
projected image. Accordingly, curved outer surfaces 62 and 68 of
PBS 54 function as integrated lenses that reduce the number of
additional imaging optics required for system 52.
[0041] FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of an optical system 74,
which is an image display system similar to system 52, discussed
above in connection with FIG. 3. System 74 includes illumination
source 12, imager 16, projection lens 18, and PBS 76, where PBS 76
interacts with illumination source 12, imager 16, and projection
lens 18 in a manner similar to PBS 54 of system 52. PBS 76 is a
transmissive PBS that includes a first prism, here, output prism
78, having a second curved outer surface 80 in place of (planar)
additional surface 70 and a first curved outer surface 68. The PBS
76 further includes a second prism, here, the input prism 56. In
that configuration, the outer curved surface 62 may be referred to
as a third curved outer surface of input prism 56.
[0042] Curved outer surface 80 is exemplified as a concave surface
that functions as a lens in a similar manner to curved outer
surfaces 62 and 68. Accordingly, curved outer surface 80 redirects
the light rays 28.sub.S2 that transmit through curved outer surface
80. This redirects where light rays 28.sub.S2 contact projection
lens 18, as is illustrated by a comparison of light rays 28.sub.S2
in FIGS. 3 and 4.
[0043] The curvatures and placements of curved outer surface 80
relative to projection lens 18 and polarizing film 60 may also be
predetermined to accurately redirect light beam 28. The use of
curved outer surface 80 provides additional control over the
directions of the rays of light beam 28, and may further reduce the
number of additional imaging optics required to direct light beam
28, thereby reducing the size of system 74.
[0044] While PBSs 14, 48, 54, and 76 discussed above in FIGS. 1-4
are shown with particular curved outer surfaces being either convex
or concave, alternative PBSs of the present disclosure may include
different combinations of convex and concave curvatures.
Additionally, each of the curved outer surfaces of the PBSs of the
present disclosure may exhibit curvature across the entire surface
(e.g., curved outer surface 38 in FIG. 1) or only along the
portions of the surface where light beam 28 transmits through
(e.g., curved outer surface 42 in FIG. 1). In some exemplary
embodiments of the present disclosure, one or more of the curved
surfaces may be spherical or aspherical.
[0045] As discussed above, the first and second prisms, such as the
input prisms (e.g., input prisms 30, 49, and 56) and the output
prisms (e.g., output prisms 32, 58, and 78) of the PBSs of the
present disclosure can be each manufactured from polymeric
materials. In some exemplary embodiments, the first prism is
manufactured from the first polymeric material and the second prism
is manufactured from the second polymeric material. The first and
second polymeric materials may be the same or different, depending
on a particular application. Due to their polymeric nature, the
first and second prisms may be readily manufactured in a variety of
manners, such as injection molding. After the first prism and the
second prism are molded, a reflective polarizing film (e.g.,
reflective polarizing films 34 and 60) may be adhered or otherwise
disposed between the respective incident surfaces of the first
prism and the second prism, which also secures the first prism
relative to the second prism. Examples of suitable adhesives for
the adhesion include ultraviolet-curable optical adhesives.
Alternatively, at least one of the prisms may be molded against a
reflective polarizing film. Examples of suitable techniques for
manufacturing PBSs of the present disclosure are disclosed in the
co-pending and commonly-owned application, entitled "Method for
Making Polarizing Beam Splitters" (attorney docket no. 61014US002),
and which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.
[0046] After manufacturing, the PBSs of the present disclosure may
be incorporated into image display systems (e.g., systems 10, 47,
52, and 74). Because the PBSs of the present disclosure fold the
rays of light beam 28 and reduce the number of required imaging
optics, the image display systems may be compact for use in small
imaging devices. Examples of suitable volumetric dimensions of the
image display systems include volumes of about 16 cubic centimeters
or less. Examples of suitable footprint areas of the image display
systems include areas of about 9 square centimeters or less, where
the footprint areas are taken in a plane that is parallel to views
shown in FIGS. 1-4.
[0047] Examples of suitable polymers for the first prisms and the
second prisms of the PBSs of the present disclosure include
transparent polymers such as acrylic polymers (e.g.,
polymethylmethacrylates), cyclic-olefin copolymers, polycarbonates,
and combinations thereof. Examples of particularly suitable
polymers include acrylic polymers commercially available under the
trade designation "OPTOREZ OZ-1330" Series polymers from Hitachi
Chemical Company, Ltd, Tokyo, Japan.
[0048] FIGS. 5A-5D are exploded perspective views of exemplary PBSs
114, 214, 314, and 414, which depict exemplary engagement
mechanisms for securing a first prism to a second prism. PBS's 114,
214, 314, and 414 have general configurations similar to the PBS
14, where the respective reference labels are increased by 100,
200, 300, and 400. The embodiments disclosed in FIGS. 5A-5D are
also suitable for use with any of the above-mentioned embodiments
of the present disclosure.
[0049] As shown in FIG. 5A, first prism 130 of PBS 114 further
includes left surface 182, right surface 184, and projections, such
one or more male members 186a and 186b. Left surface 182 and right
surface 184 are the lateral surfaces of first prism 130, and are
spaced apart by an outer surface 136, a curved outer surface 138,
and an incident surface 140. Male members 186a and 186b can extend
respectively from left surface 182 and right surface 184 at the
peripheral edges of incident surface 140, in a direction beyond
incident surface 140. First prism 130 may be molded with the one or
more male members 186a and 186b integrally formed with left surface
182 and/or right surface 184.
[0050] Second prism 132 includes a left surface 188 and a right
surface 190. Left surface 188 and right surface 190 are the lateral
surfaces of the second prism 132 and are spaced apart by a curved
outer surface 142, an outer surface 144, and an incident surface
146. One or more female portions 192a and 192b, each capable of
receiving one of the at least one male members 186a and 186b
therein, can extend respectively within left surface 188 and right
surface 190, and extend up to the peripheral edges of incident
surface 146. The one or more female portions 192a and 192b may be
formed during the molding of the second prism 132, or subsequently
cut out of left surface 188 and/or right surface 190.
[0051] While PBS 114 is shown with male members 186a and 186b
extending from the first prism 130 and with the female portions
192a and 192b disposed in the second prism 132, an opposite
orientation may alternatively be used. In this alternative design,
male members 186a and 186b extend from the second prism 132 and
female portions 192a and 192b are disposed in the first prism 130.
In another alternative design, first prism 130 may include a first
male member and a first female portion that correspond to a second
male member and a second female portion of second prism 132.
[0052] FIG. 5B depicts PBS 214, which is similar to PBS 114 and
includes first prism 230 and second prism 232, where first prism
230 includes male member 286a and female portion 292a, and second
prism 232 includes male member 286b and female portion 292b. Male
members 286a and 286b are pegs respectively disposed on incident
surfaces 240 and 246 (i.e., the surfaces adjacent to the reflective
polarizing film), and project therefrom. Similarly, female portions
292a and 292b are depressions respectively disposed in incident
surfaces 240 and 246.
[0053] FIG. 5C depicts PBS 314, which is also similar to PBS 114
and includes first prism 330 and second prism 332, where first
prism 330 includes male members 386a and 386b, and second prism 332
includes female portions 392a and 392b. Male members 386a and 386b
are "L"-shaped members disposed on incident surface 340, and
project therefrom. Similarly, female portions 392a and 392b are
"L"-shaped members disposed in incident surface 246, and are
configured as depressions or slots formed therein.
[0054] FIG. 5D depicts PBS 414, which is also similar to PBS 114
and includes first prism 430 and second prism 432, where first
prism 430 includes male member 486, and second prism 432 includes
female portion 492. Male member 486 is a rectangular surface that
encompasses the majority of incident surface 440, and which
projects therefrom. Similarly, female portion 492 is a rectangular
depression that is disposed within the majority of incident surface
446. Reflective polarizing film 434 may then be disposed between
male member 486 and female portion 492 when first prism 430 is
secured to second prism 432.
[0055] During the manufacturing of each of PBSs 114, 214, 314, and
414, the reflective polarizing film may be placed between the first
prism and the second prism. The first prism may then be oriented
relative to the second prism such that the male member (e.g., male
members 186a and 186b) are aligned with the corresponding female
portions (e.g., female portions 192a and 192b). This alignment is
beneficial for ensuring that the first prism is accurately
positioned relative to the second prism. The first prism may then
engage second prism by concurrently inserting male members into the
corresponding female portions. This compresses the reflective
polarizing film between the incident surfaces of the first prism
and the second prism to provide a smooth, planar interface. The
male members may be secured to the corresponding female portions
with an adhesive. Additionally, the first prism may be secured to
the second prism by fitting and/or welding the male members to the
corresponding female portions (e.g., ultrasonic, infrared, heat
staking, snap fits, press fits, and chemical welding).
[0056] The male members and female portions illustrated in FIGS.
5A-5D may be substituted with other engagement mechanisms such that
one prism includes at least one male member that is configured to
engage with a respective female portion located in the opposing
prism. As discussed above, while the male members and female
portions are shown in use with PBS 114, the alternative engagement
mechanisms are suitable for any PBS of the present disclosure
(e.g., PBSs 48, 54, and 76). Those of ordinary skill in the art
will also readily appreciate that different numbers of the male
members and the female portions than those exemplified herein may
be used in accordance with the present disclosure. For example, an
exemplary PBS may include three or more male members received
within three or more female portions.
[0057] Although the present invention has been described with
reference to exemplary embodiments, workers skilled in the art will
recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without
departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.
* * * * *