EMD Electronics Liquid Crystal Polymer Materials for AR/VR

Posted by – June 15, 2023

Join us as we delve into the fascinating realm of advanced materials with Dr. James Allen, a leading expert at EMD Electronics. In this interview, Dr. Allen introduces himself and discusses the revolutionary technology of liquid crystal and polymer-based materials developed by his team.

Dr. Allen demonstrates a full-color waveguide utilizing polarization volume holographic technology. He explains the intricate layers involved, starting with a glass substrate, followed by a photosensitive alignment layer and a liquid crystal layer that is polymerized to form a solid film. These materials can be used to create diffraction gratings and lenses, enabling ultra-thin and lightweight solutions for augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) applications.

While EMD Electronics focuses on material production rather than waveguide manufacturing, their materials offer significant advantages. Unlike other grading technologies, their solution-processable materials are customizable and allow for precise control over the focal length and reduction of chromaticity in lenses. Dr. Allen discusses ongoing industry efforts to address challenges such as reflections and limited field of view, emphasizing the potential for field expansion beyond 50 degrees.

The interview continues with a demonstration of a polarization volume hologram known as a Pantratnum Berry grating. Dr. Allen showcases the fascinating capability of magnifying and demagnifying images using circular polarizers. The ultra-thin nature of the grating, measuring around one micrometer in thickness, allows for the creation of lightweight lenses with various focal lengths.

Dr. Allen highlights that EMD Electronics is a leading provider of liquid crystal and OLED materials to the display industry. Their reactive mesogen technologies, derived from their material portfolio, have been widely used in corrective films for anti-reflection and OLED viewing angle enhancement in LCD displays. Their primary focus is to enable technology companies to realize their ambitions by providing the necessary materials.

The interview concludes with a discussion on the significance of materials in display technology and the role EMD Electronics plays in this field. Dr. Allen emphasizes the chemistry and materials as fundamental components in displays, enabling captivating visuals and technological advancements.

Don’t miss out on this insightful interview with Dr. James Allen, where we unravel the wonders of advanced materials and their transformative impact on the display industry. Thank you for watching!

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