Sharp: UV2A LC alignment for improvement of LCD TV panels
New photo alignment technology enables ultra high static contrast of 5000:1 and an improvement of light transmission by more than 20 percent
Hamburg, 12 November 2009 – The alignment of the liquid crystal molecules in a predetermined direction is key for the image performance of any LCD; the better the alignment of the molecules the greater the static contrast and the light transmission of the panel. Controlling the alignment and movement of the liquid crystals is also essential for wide viewing angles. The Sharp proprietary ASV (Advanced Super View) process already set a technological benchmark for aligning and controlling LC molecules for a superior picture performance of LCDs. Now, Sharp again raises the bar substantially introducing the newly developed UV2A technology for an ultraviolet-induced multi-domain vertical alignment of liquid crystal molecules. This innovative technology is based on combining proprietary materials developed by Sharp with UV exposure equipment and processing technologies.
Both, the ASV and the UV2A technology resemble a complex structure on the panel glass provoking the alignment of the LC molecules. The main difference is that with the UV2A technology the micro structure comes from a special polymer film, the so called alignment layer, the panel glass is coated with. The polymer chains standing out of the film surface are aligned by a photometric method to form micro ribs, whereas the predefined tilt angle of the ribs corresponds with the direction of the UV light inducing the alignment of the polymer chains. This ribbed microstructure provides a very precise control over the align-ment of liquid crystal molecules. Thereby the tilt angle of liquid crystal molecules, which are only around two nanometres in size, can be determined with accuracy in the range of picometers.
This high precision alignment of the liquid crystals by applying the UV2A technology has two effects substantially contributing to further improvement of the image performance of LCD TV panels. First of all, it eliminates the light leakage from the backlight almost completely raising the static contrast ratio to 5000:1, making it possible to display extremely deep blacks. Secondly, the UV2A technology enables higher aperture ratios in the LCD panel increasing the light transmission by more than 20 percent for a more efficient use of light from the backlight, thereby saving energy while displaying bright, vivid colours. These quantum leaps in image performance and power saving are of particular significance for next generations full HD LCD television sets. Therefore, Sharp will fully incorporate the UV2A process as a core technology for the production of a new type of LCD panels in the new 10th generation LCD plant at Sakai and at the 8th generation Kameyama Plant No. 2
Note:
The availability of the products and components mentioned in this press release is restricted to the European markets. For availability of these products and components outside Europe, please check with the Sharp Device Sales Offices in the respective markets.
About Sharp Microelectronics Europe
Sharp Microelectronics Europe, Hamburg, Germany, is a divisional company of Sharp Electronics (Europe) GmbH, which is a subsidiary of Sharp Corporation, Osaka, Japan. Sharp is a worldwide developer of core digital technologies shaping the next generation of electronic ap-plications and products. With a portfolio of more than 2,000 components in the ranges of TFT LCDs in screen sizes up to 108 inches, high brightness white and colour LEDs, optoelectronics, CCD and CMOS camera sensors, photovoltaic components, RF-, IC- und LSI-components as well as advanced packaging and integration skills Sharp Microelectronics Europe offers groundbreaking solutions in particular for appli-cations in automotive electronics, mobile / communications technology, industrial automation, TV- and consumer electronics, e-signage and LED based lighting technology. Sharp is dedicated to the improvement of people’s lives and environmental protection through the use of ad-vanced technologies. Technology and product development at Sharp is strongly determined by innovation, quality, usability and saving of re-sources.
Reprint free of charge / Specimen copy requested.
For further information and illustration material see: www.sharpsme.com
responsible:
Sharp Microelectronics Europe
Ralf Schäfer
Sonninstraße 3
20097 Hamburg
Phone: +49 (040)/2376-2487
Fax: +49 (0)40/2376-15-2487
E-mail: press.sme@sharp.eu
|