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WO2018150675A1 - Dispositif et système optique - Google Patents

Dispositif et système optique Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2018150675A1
WO2018150675A1 PCT/JP2017/042320 JP2017042320W WO2018150675A1 WO 2018150675 A1 WO2018150675 A1 WO 2018150675A1 JP 2017042320 W JP2017042320 W JP 2017042320W WO 2018150675 A1 WO2018150675 A1 WO 2018150675A1
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WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
electrode
layer
electrode layer
optical device
pieces
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Ceased
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PCT/JP2017/042320
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English (en)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
井出　伸弘
太田　益幸
裕子 鈴鹿
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Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co Ltd
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Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co Ltd
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Publication of WO2018150675A1 publication Critical patent/WO2018150675A1/fr
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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
    • G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
    • G02F1/01—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour 
    • G02F1/13—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour  based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
    • G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
    • G02F1/01—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour 
    • G02F1/13—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour  based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells
    • G02F1/133—Constructional arrangements; Operation of liquid crystal cells; Circuit arrangements
    • G02F1/1333—Constructional arrangements; Manufacturing methods
    • G02F1/1343—Electrodes

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an optical device and an optical system.
  • An optical device capable of changing the transmission state of external light such as sunlight incident from the outside is known.
  • Patent Document 1 discloses a liquid crystal optical element having a pair of transparent substrates, a pair of transparent electrodes formed on each of the pair of transparent substrates, and a prism layer and a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between the pair of transparent electrodes. It is disclosed.
  • the liquid crystal optical element changes the refractive index of the liquid crystal layer by a voltage applied to the pair of transparent electrodes, thereby changing the refraction angle of light passing through the interface between the inclined surface of the prism and the liquid crystal layer.
  • the conventional liquid crystal optical element has a problem that the control range in the light distribution direction is narrow.
  • an object of the present invention is to provide an optical device and an optical system capable of increasing the control range in the light distribution direction.
  • an optical device includes a first base material having translucency, and a second base having translucency, which is disposed to face the first base material.
  • a refractive index variable layer that is disposed so as to fill a space between the plurality of convex portions and has a refractive index that varies according to a voltage applied between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer, and the first electrode
  • At least one of the layer and the second electrode layer is composed of a plurality of electrode pieces, and the plurality of electrode pieces are provided with a plurality of first potentials. Including a first electrode piece and a plurality of second electrode pieces to which a second potential is applied, wherein the plurality of first electrode pieces and the plurality of second electrode pieces are alternately arranged in the first direction. Has been placed.
  • the optical system according to an aspect of the present invention is configured to selectively apply a potential to the optical device and the plurality of electrode pieces, so that a predetermined potential is provided between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer.
  • a controller for applying a voltage is configured to selectively apply a potential to the optical device and the plurality of electrode pieces, so that a predetermined potential is provided between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer.
  • control range of the light distribution direction can be increased.
  • FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the optical device according to the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the optical device according to the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 3A is a diagram for explaining an operation (light distribution state) when the optical device operates in the non-application mode when the optical device according to Embodiment 1 is installed in a window.
  • FIG. 3B is a diagram for explaining an action (transparent state) when the optical device operates in the uniform application mode when the optical device according to Embodiment 1 is installed in a window.
  • FIG. 3C is a diagram for explaining an operation (light distribution state) when the optical device operates in the partial application mode when the optical device according to Embodiment 1 is installed in a window.
  • FIG. 4A is an enlarged cross-sectional view for explaining a non-application mode (light distribution state) of the optical device according to Embodiment 1.
  • FIG. 4B is an enlarged cross-sectional view for explaining a uniform application mode (transparent state) of the optical device according to Embodiment 1.
  • FIG. 4C is an enlarged cross-sectional view for explaining an example of a partial application mode (light distribution state) of the optical device according to Embodiment 1.
  • FIG. 4D is an enlarged cross-sectional view for explaining another example of the partial application mode (light distribution state) of the optical device according to Embodiment 1.
  • FIG. FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an optical device according to a modification of the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the optical device according to the second embodiment.
  • FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the optical device according to the second embodiment.
  • FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view for explaining an operation mode of the optical device according to the second embodiment.
  • FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an optical device according to a modification of the embodiment.
  • FIG. 10A is an enlarged cross-sectional view for explaining a non-application mode (transparent state) of an optical device according to a modification of the embodiment.
  • FIG. 10B is an enlarged cross-sectional view for explaining a uniform application mode (light distribution state) of an optical device according to a modification of the embodiment.
  • FIG. 10A is an enlarged cross-sectional view for explaining a non-application mode (transparent state) of an optical device according to a modification of the embodiment.
  • FIG. 10B is an enlarged cross-sectional view for explaining a uniform application mode (light distribution state) of an optical device
  • FIG. 10C is an enlarged cross-sectional view for explaining an example of a partial application mode (light distribution state) of the optical device according to the modification of the embodiment.
  • FIG. 10D is an enlarged cross-sectional view for explaining an example of a partial application mode (light distribution state) of the optical device according to the modification of the embodiment.
  • the x axis, the y axis, and the z axis indicate the three axes of the three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system.
  • the z-axis direction is the vertical direction
  • the direction perpendicular to the z-axis is the horizontal direction.
  • the positive direction of the z-axis is vertically upward.
  • the z-axis is not limited to the vertical direction, and may be a horizontal direction or a direction that obliquely intersects the vertical direction.
  • the “thickness direction” means the thickness direction of the optical device, which is a direction perpendicular to the main surfaces of the first base material and the second base material
  • “plan view” means , When viewed from a direction perpendicular to the main surface of the first substrate or the second substrate.
  • FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an optical device 1 according to the present embodiment.
  • FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the optical device 1 according to the present embodiment, and is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a region II surrounded by a one-dot chain line in FIG.
  • the optical device 1 is a light control device that controls light incident on the optical device 1.
  • the optical device 1 is a light distribution element that can change the traveling direction of light incident on the optical device 1 (that is, distribute light) and emit the light.
  • the optical device 1 is comprised so that the incident light may be permeate
  • an adhesion layer for closely adhering the first electrode layer 40 and the uneven structure layer 31 of the light distribution layer 30 may be provided on the surface of the first electrode layer 40 on the light distribution layer 30 side.
  • the adhesion layer is, for example, a translucent adhesive sheet or a resin material generally referred to as a primer.
  • the first electrode layer 40, the light distribution layer 30, and the second electrode layer 50 are arranged in this order along the thickness direction between the paired first base material 10 and second base material 20. It is a configuration.
  • a plurality of particulate spacers may be dispersed in the plane, or a columnar structure may be formed.
  • the 1st base material 10 and the 2nd base material 20 are translucent base materials which have translucency.
  • a glass substrate or a resin substrate can be used, for example.
  • Examples of the material for the glass substrate include soda glass, alkali-free glass, and high refractive index glass.
  • Examples of the material for the resin substrate include resin materials such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polycarbonate (PC), acrylic (PMMA), and epoxy.
  • PET polyethylene terephthalate
  • PEN polyethylene naphthalate
  • PC polycarbonate
  • PMMA acrylic
  • the glass substrate has the advantages of high light transmittance and low moisture permeability. On the other hand, the resin substrate has an advantage of less scattering at the time of destruction.
  • the first base material 10 and the second base material 20 may be made of the same material, or may be made of different materials. Moreover, the 1st base material 10 and the 2nd base material 20 are not restricted to a rigid board
  • the second base material 20 is an opposing base material that opposes the first base material 10 and is disposed at a position that opposes the first base material 10.
  • the first base material 10 and the second base material 20 are arranged substantially in parallel with a predetermined distance of, for example, 10 ⁇ m to 30 ⁇ m.
  • the 1st base material 10 and the 2nd base material 20 are adhere
  • planar view shape of the 1st base material 10 and the 2nd base material 20 is rectangular shapes, such as a square or a rectangle, for example, it is not restricted to this, Even if it is a polygon other than a circle or a rectangle Well, any shape can be employed.
  • the light distribution layer 30 is disposed between the first electrode layer 40 and the second electrode layer 50.
  • the light distribution layer 30 has translucency and transmits incident light.
  • the light distribution layer 30 distributes the incident light. That is, the light distribution layer 30 changes the traveling direction of light when the light passes through the light distribution layer 30.
  • the light distribution layer 30 includes an uneven structure layer 31 and a refractive index variable layer 32.
  • the concavo-convex structure layer 31 is a finely shaped layer provided to make the surface (interface) of the refractive index variable layer 32 uneven. As shown in FIG. 2, the concavo-convex structure layer 31 has a plurality of convex portions 33 and a plurality of concave portions 34. Specifically, the concavo-convex structure layer 31 is a concavo-convex structure formed by a plurality of micro-order sized convex portions 33. Between the plurality of convex portions 33 are a plurality of concave portions 34. That is, one concave portion 34 is formed between two adjacent convex portions 33.
  • the plurality of protrusions 33 are a plurality of protrusions arranged side by side in the z-axis direction (first direction) parallel to the main surface of the first base material 10 (the surface on which the first electrode layer 40 is provided). . That is, in the present embodiment, the z-axis direction is the arrangement direction of the plurality of convex portions 33.
  • Each of the plurality of convex portions 33 has a shape that tapers from the root 33d to the tip 33c.
  • the cross-sectional shape of each of the plurality of convex portions 33 is a tapered shape tapered along a direction (thickness direction, y-axis positive direction) from the first base material 10 toward the second base material 20.
  • the cross-sectional shape (yz cross-section) of the convex portion 33 is a triangle, but is not limited thereto.
  • the cross-sectional shape of the convex portion 33 may be a trapezoid, other polygons, or a polygon including a curve.
  • the side surface 33a is, for example, a vertically upper side surface (upper side surface) among a plurality of side surfaces constituting the convex portion 33.
  • the side surface 33a is a reflection surface (total reflection surface) that reflects (total reflection) incident light.
  • the side surface 33b is, for example, a vertically lower side surface (lower side surface) among a plurality of side surfaces constituting the convex portion 33.
  • the side surface 33b is a refracting surface that refracts incident light.
  • the plurality of convex portions 33 are formed in a stripe shape extending in the x-axis direction. That is, each of the plurality of convex portions 33 is an elongated convex portion that extends linearly along the x-axis direction. Specifically, each of the plurality of convex portions 33 has a triangular cross-sectional shape and an elongated substantially triangular prism shape extending in the x-axis direction, and is arranged at substantially equal intervals along the z-axis direction. . Each of the plurality of convex portions 33 has the same shape, but may have different shapes.
  • the height (the length in the y-axis direction) of each of the plurality of convex portions 33 is, for example, 2 ⁇ m to 100 ⁇ m, but is not limited thereto.
  • the width (length in the z-axis direction) of the plurality of convex portions 33 is, for example, 1 ⁇ m to 20 ⁇ m, and preferably 10 ⁇ m or less, but is not limited thereto.
  • the distance W1 between the tips 33c of the adjacent convex portions 33 and the distance W2 between the roots 33d, that is, the width of the concave portion 34 (z-axis direction) is, for example, 0 ⁇ m to 100 ⁇ m.
  • the two adjacent convex portions 33 may be disposed at a predetermined interval without being in contact with each other, or may be disposed in contact with each other.
  • the interval between the adjacent convex portions 33 is not limited to 0 ⁇ m to 100 ⁇ m.
  • the material of the convex portion 33 for example, a resin material having optical transparency such as an acrylic resin, an epoxy resin, or a silicone resin can be used.
  • the convex portion 33 is formed of, for example, an ultraviolet curable resin material, and can be formed by molding or nanoimprinting.
  • the concavo-convex structure layer 31 can form, for example, a concavo-convex structure having a triangular cross section using an acrylic resin having a refractive index of 1.5 by mold embossing.
  • the height of the convex portion 33 is, for example, 10 ⁇ m, and the plurality of convex portions 33 are arranged in the z-axis direction at regular intervals with an interval of 2 ⁇ m.
  • the thickness of the root 33d of the convex portion 33 is, for example, 5 ⁇ m.
  • the distance W2 between the roots 33d of the adjacent convex portions 33 can take a value of 0 ⁇ m to 5 ⁇ m, for example.
  • the refractive index variable layer 32 is disposed so as to fill a space between the plurality of convex portions 33 of the concavo-convex structure layer 31 (that is, the concave portion 34).
  • the refractive index variable layer 32 is disposed so as to fill a gap formed between the first electrode layer 40 and the second electrode layer 50.
  • the refractive index variable layer 32 fills the gap between the convex portion 33 and the second electrode layer 50. Be placed.
  • the convex portion 33 and the second electrode layer 50 may be in contact with each other. In this case, the refractive index variable layer 32 may be provided separately for each concave portion 34.
  • the refractive index of the refractive index variable layer 32 changes depending on the voltage applied between the first electrode layer 40 and the second electrode layer 50.
  • the refractive index variable layer 32 functions as a refractive index adjustment layer capable of adjusting the refractive index in the visible light region when an electric field is applied.
  • the refractive index variable layer 32 is composed of a liquid crystal having liquid crystal molecules 35 having electric field responsiveness, the orientation state of the liquid crystal molecules 35 is changed by applying an electric field to the light distribution layer 30 to change the refractive index.
  • the refractive index of the variable layer 32 changes.
  • the birefringent material of the refractive index variable layer 32 is, for example, a liquid crystal including liquid crystal molecules 35 having birefringence.
  • a liquid crystal for example, a nematic liquid crystal, a smectic liquid crystal, or a cholesteric liquid crystal in which the liquid crystal molecules 35 are rod-like molecules can be used.
  • the material of the refractive index variable layer 32 has an ordinary light refractive index (no) of 1.5 and an extraordinary light refractive index (ne) of 1.7.
  • a positive type liquid crystal can be used.
  • the refractive index variable layer 32 includes, for example, end portions of the first base material 10 on which the first electrode layer 40 and the uneven structure layer 31 are formed and the second base material 20 on which the second electrode layer 50 is formed. It is formed by injecting a liquid crystal material by a vacuum injection method with the outer periphery sealed with a sealing resin. Alternatively, the refractive index variable layer 32 is formed by laminating the second base material 20 after dropping a liquid crystal material on the first electrode layer 40 and the concavo-convex structure layer 31 of the first base material 10.
  • FIG. 2 shows a state in which no voltage is applied (the same applies to FIG. 4A described later), and the liquid crystal molecules 35 are aligned so that the major axis is substantially parallel to the x-axis.
  • a voltage is applied between the first electrode layer 40 and the second electrode layer 50, the liquid crystal molecules 35 are aligned so that the major axis is substantially parallel to the y-axis (see FIG. 4B described later). .
  • an electric field may be applied to the refractive index variable layer 32 by AC power, or an electric field may be applied by DC power.
  • the voltage waveform may be a sine wave or a rectangular wave.
  • first electrode layer 40 and the second electrode layer 50 are electrically paired and configured to be able to apply an electric field to the light distribution layer 30.
  • the first electrode layer 40 and the second electrode layer 50 are paired not only electrically but also in arrangement, so that they face each other between the first base material 10 and the second base material 20. Has been placed. Specifically, the first electrode layer 40 and the second electrode layer 50 are arranged so as to sandwich the light distribution layer 30.
  • the first electrode layer 40 and the second electrode layer 50 are translucent and transmit incident light.
  • the first electrode layer 40 and the second electrode layer 50 are, for example, transparent conductive layers.
  • a conductor-containing resin made of a resin containing a conductor such as a transparent metal oxide such as ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) or IZO (Indium Zinc Oxide), silver nanowires or conductive particles, or A metal thin film such as a silver thin film can be used.
  • the 1st electrode layer 40 and the 2nd electrode layer 50 may be these single layer structures, and these laminated structures (for example, laminated structure of a transparent metal oxide and a metal thin film) may be sufficient as them.
  • each of the first electrode layer 40 and the second electrode layer 50 is ITO having a thickness of 100 nm.
  • the first electrode layer 40 is disposed between the first base material 10 and the uneven structure layer 31. Specifically, the first electrode layer 40 is formed on the surface of the first base material 10 on the light distribution layer 30 side.
  • the second electrode layer 50 is disposed between the refractive index variable layer 32 and the second substrate 20. Specifically, the second electrode layer 50 is formed on the surface of the second base material 20 on the light distribution layer 30 side.
  • the 1st electrode layer 40 and the 2nd electrode layer 50 are comprised so that electrical connection with an external power supply is attained, for example.
  • electrode pads or the like for connecting to an external power supply may be formed on the first base material 10 and the second base material 20 by being drawn from each of the first electrode layer 40 and the second electrode layer 50.
  • the second electrode layer 50 is composed of a plurality of electrode pieces including the first electrode piece 51 and the second electrode piece 52. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the second electrode layer 50 is divided into a plurality of first electrode pieces 51 and a plurality of second electrode pieces 52.
  • the plurality of first electrode pieces 51 and the plurality of second electrode pieces 52 are alternately arranged in the arrangement direction (z-axis direction) of the plurality of convex portions 33.
  • the plurality of first electrode pieces 51 and the plurality of second electrode pieces 52 are each strip-shaped electrode pieces extending in the x-axis direction.
  • the first electrode piece 51 and the second electrode piece 52 have, for example, the same shape and the same size.
  • the first potential is commonly applied to the plurality of first electrode pieces 51.
  • the plurality of first electrode pieces 51 are connected to each other at one end in the extending direction (x-axis direction), for example, and are configured such that the potential applied to each of them is equal.
  • the plurality of first electrode pieces 51 are comb-like electrodes.
  • the second potential is commonly applied to the plurality of second electrode pieces 52.
  • the plurality of second electrode pieces 52 are connected to each other at the other end in the extending direction (x-axis direction), for example, and are configured such that the potential applied to each of them is equal.
  • the plurality of second electrode pieces 52 are comb-like electrodes.
  • the plurality of first electrode pieces 51 and the plurality of second electrode pieces 52 are electrically insulated from each other.
  • the first electrode piece 51 and the second electrode piece 52 are arranged with a gap 53 or 54 therebetween. For this reason, different potentials can be applied to the plurality of first electrode pieces 51 and the plurality of second electrode pieces 52. That is, the first potential applied to the first electrode piece 51 and the second potential applied to the plurality of second electrode pieces 52 may be different or the same.
  • the adjacent first electrode piece 51 and the second electrode piece 52 are located between the tips 33c of the adjacent convex portions 33 in plan view.
  • a line parallel to the thickness direction passing through each of the tip 33c and the root 33d of the convex portion 33 is indicated by a two-dot chain line.
  • the boundary region (that is, the gap 53) between the first electrode piece 51 and the second electrode piece 52 is located between the roots 33d of the adjacent convex portions 33 in plan view. Further, another boundary region (that is, the gap 54) between the first electrode piece 51 and the second electrode piece 52 is located at a position overlapping the tip 33c of the convex portion 33 in plan view. That is, as shown in FIG. 2, the two-dot chain line passing through the tip 33 c passes through the gap 54.
  • the widths of the gaps 53 and 54 (the length in the z-axis direction) are shorter than the widths of the first electrode pieces 51 and the second electrode pieces 52, for example.
  • the first electrode piece 51 when viewed in plan, the first electrode piece 51 is located at a position overlapping the side surface 33b (refractive surface) of the convex portion 33.
  • the first electrode piece 51 does not overlap the side surface 33a (reflection surface) of the convex portion 33.
  • the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules 35 located in the vicinity of the side surface 33b can be changed.
  • the effective refracting surface which is a surface where light is substantially refracted can be changed. Details will be described later with reference to FIG. 4C.
  • the second electrode piece 52 when viewed in a plan view, is located at a position overlapping the side surface 33a (reflection surface) of the convex portion 33.
  • the second electrode piece 52 does not overlap the side surface 33 b (refractive surface) of the convex portion 33.
  • the first electrode layer 40 and the second electrode layer 50 are each formed by, for example, vapor deposition or sputtering.
  • the second electrode layer 50 may be divided into a plurality of electrode pieces by, for example, forming a conductive film such as ITO and then patterning by etching or the like, or may be formed by patterning application of a conductive material. Also good.
  • optical state of optical device Subsequently, the optical state (operation mode) of the optical device 1 will be described with reference to an example of use of the optical device 1 according to the present embodiment. Specifically, an optical system including the optical device 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3A to 3C.
  • FIGS. 3A to 3C are diagrams each showing an example in which the optical system 60 including the optical device 1 according to the present embodiment is applied to a building 90.
  • FIG. Specifically, FIGS. 3A to 3C are diagrams for explaining the operation when the optical device 1 operates in each operation mode when the optical device 1 is installed in the window 91.
  • the optical system 60 includes the optical device 1 and a control unit 61.
  • the area shaded with dots extending from the optical device 1 indicates an area through which light (specifically, S-polarized light component) that has passed through the optical device 1 passes.
  • the optical device 1 can transmit incident light.
  • the optical device 1 can be realized as a window with a light distribution function by being installed in the window 91 of the building 90.
  • the optical device 1 is bonded to the existing window 91 via an adhesive layer, for example.
  • the optical device 1 is installed in the window 91 in a posture in which the main surfaces of the first base material 10 and the second base material 20 are parallel to the vertical direction (z-axis direction).
  • the detailed structure of the optical device 1 is not shown.
  • the first base material 10 is on the outdoor side
  • the second base material 20 is on the indoor side
  • the convex portion 33 is disposed such that the side surface 33a is on the ceiling 92 side and the side surface 33b is on the floor 93 side.
  • control unit 61 is installed on the floor 93, this is schematically illustrated, and the installation location of the control unit 61 is not particularly limited.
  • the control unit 61 may be configured integrally with the optical device 1 and fixed to the window frame of the window 91 or the like.
  • the control unit 61 may be embedded in a ceiling 92, a floor 93, a wall, or the like of the building 90.
  • the control unit 61 is a control unit that drives the optical device 1. Specifically, the control unit 61 applies a predetermined voltage between the first electrode layer 40 and the second electrode layer 50. In the present embodiment, the control unit 61 selectively applies a potential to the plurality of electrode pieces constituting the second electrode layer 50, so that a predetermined amount is provided between the first electrode layer 40 and the second electrode layer 50. Apply voltage.
  • the control unit 61 has three operation modes corresponding to the voltage application state between the first electrode layer 40 and the second electrode layer 50.
  • the three operation modes are a non-application mode in which no voltage is applied (first operation mode), a uniform application mode in which voltage is applied substantially uniformly between electrode layers (second operation mode), and an electrode layer.
  • This is a partial application mode (third operation mode) in which a voltage is partially applied.
  • the magnitude and direction of the electric field applied to the light distribution layer 30 change according to each operation mode.
  • the control unit 61 performs switching between the three operation modes based on a user operation or predetermined schedule information. In the second operation mode and the third operation mode, a plurality of voltage levels to be applied may be set and switched as appropriate.
  • the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules 35 included in the refractive index variable layer 32 changes according to the electric field applied to the light distribution layer 30. Since the liquid crystal molecules 35 are rod-like liquid crystal molecules having birefringence, the refractive index received by the light varies depending on the polarization state of the incident light.
  • the refractive index of the convex portion 33 is 1.5
  • the liquid crystal molecule 35 is a positive type in which the ordinary light refractive index (no) is 1.5 and the extraordinary light refractive index (ne) is 1.7.
  • the case of the liquid crystal molecules will be described as an example.
  • Light such as sunlight incident on the optical device 1 includes P-polarized light (P-polarized component) and S-polarized light (S-polarized component).
  • the P-polarized light has a vibration direction substantially parallel to the minor axis of the liquid crystal molecules 35.
  • the refractive index of the liquid crystal molecules 35 for P-polarized light does not depend on the operation mode, and is the ordinary light refractive index (no), specifically 1.5.
  • the refractive index for P-polarized light does not depend on the operation mode and is substantially constant in the light distribution layer 30, so that the P-polarized light travels straight through the light distribution layer 30 as it is.
  • the refractive index of the liquid crystal molecules 35 for S-polarized light changes according to the operation modes shown in FIGS. 3A to 3C.
  • the optical device 1 when the optical device 1 is driven in the non-application mode, the optical device 1 enters a light distribution state in which the traveling direction of the incident light L (S-polarized light) is changed.
  • the optical device 1 When the optical device 1 is driven in the uniform application mode, the optical device 1 enters a light-transmitting (transparent) state that allows the incident light L (S-polarized light) to pass as it is (without changing the traveling direction).
  • the partial application mode is a mode that forms an intermediate optical state between the non-application mode and the uniform application mode. For this reason, when the optical device 1 is driven in the partial application mode, the optical device 1 enters a light distribution state in a direction different from the non-application mode.
  • both P-polarized light and S-polarized light travel in the same direction.
  • the traveling direction of both P-polarized light and S-polarized light can be bent by refraction and total reflection to realize a light distribution state.
  • FIGS. 4A to 4D are enlarged sectional views for explaining each operation mode of the optical device 1 according to the present embodiment.
  • the path of light L for example, sunlight
  • the light L is refracted when it enters the first base material 10 and when it exits from the second base material 20, but the path change due to these refractions is not shown.
  • FIG. 4A schematically shows the state of the optical device 1 when driven in the non-application mode and the path of the light L that passes through the optical device 1.
  • the controller 61 does not apply a voltage between the first electrode layer 40 and the second electrode layer 50 when the optical device 1 is operated in the non-application mode.
  • the plurality of first electrode pieces 51 and the plurality of second electrode pieces 52 constituting the first electrode layer 40 and the second electrode layer 50 have substantially the same potential (for example, ground potential).
  • An electric field is not applied to the optical layer 30.
  • the refractive index of the refractive index variable layer 32 can be made substantially uniform in the plane.
  • the refractive index received by the light L (S-polarized light) is 1.5 for the convex portion 33, whereas the refractive index variable layer 32 is 1.7.
  • the light L incident on the optical device 1 obliquely is refracted by the side surface 33b of the convex portion 33 and the traveling direction is changed, and then reflected by the side surface 33a of the convex portion 33 ( Total reflection).
  • the light reflected by the side surface 33a is emitted obliquely upward.
  • the optical device 1 emits the light L incident obliquely downward and obliquely upward. Therefore, as illustrated in FIG. 3A, the light L such as sunlight incident obliquely downward is bent in the traveling direction by the optical device 1 and irradiates the ceiling 92 of the building 90.
  • FIG. 4B schematically shows the state of the optical device 1 when driven in the uniform application mode and the path of the light L that passes through the optical device 1.
  • control unit 61 When the control unit 61 operates the optical device 1 in the uniform application mode, by applying an equal potential to all of the plurality of first electrode pieces 51 and the plurality of second electrode pieces 52 constituting the second electrode layer 50, A predetermined voltage (first voltage) is applied between the first electrode layer 40 and the second electrode layer 50. Thereby, the electric field applied to the light distribution layer 30 becomes substantially uniform in the plane, and the refractive index of the refractive index variable layer 32 can be made substantially uniform in the plane.
  • first voltage first voltage
  • the refractive index received by the light L is 1.5 for both the convex portion 33 and the refractive index variable layer 32.
  • the light L incident on the optical device 1 obliquely passes through the optical device 1 as it is. That is, the optical device 1 emits the light L incident obliquely downward as it is obliquely downward. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3B, light L such as sunlight incident obliquely downward passes through the optical device 1 as it is and irradiates a portion near the window 91 of the floor 93 of the building 90.
  • 4C and 4D schematically show the state of the optical device 1 when driven in the partial application mode, and the path of the light L that passes through the optical device 1.
  • 4C shows a case where a voltage is applied between the first electrode piece 51 and the first electrode layer 40 constituting the second electrode layer 50.
  • FIG. 4D the second electrode piece 52 and the first electrode piece The case where a voltage is applied between one electrode layer 40 is shown.
  • the control unit 61 applies different potentials to the first electrode pieces 51 and the plurality of second electrode pieces 52, so that the first electrode layer 40 and the second electrode piece A predetermined voltage (second voltage) is applied between the electrode layer 50 and the electrode layer 50.
  • second voltage predetermined voltage
  • the second voltage applied in the partial application mode is smaller than the first voltage applied in the uniform application mode.
  • the control unit 61 applies a potential different from that of the first electrode layer 40 to the first electrode piece 51, so that the first electrode piece 51 and the first electrode layer 40 A second voltage is applied between them.
  • the controller 61 applies a potential (for example, ground potential) equal to that of the first electrode layer 40 to the second electrode piece 52. Thereby, an electric field is not generated between the second electrode piece 52 and the first electrode layer 40.
  • the liquid crystal molecules 35 positioned between the first electrode layer 40 and the first electrode piece 51 are aligned in a direction in which the major axis is inclined to some extent in the thickness direction (y-axis direction) side.
  • the refractive index is an intermediate value between 1.5 and 1.7, which is different from the refractive index of the convex portion 33, and the voltage. This is also different from the refractive index variable layer 32 to which no voltage is applied. Therefore, in the traveling path of the light L, another refracting surface (or a refracting region) is formed before the side surface 33b.
  • the liquid crystal molecules 35 positioned between the first electrode layer 40 and the second electrode piece 52 remain in a state in which the long axis is aligned along the extending direction (x-axis direction) of the convex portion 33. is there.
  • the refractive index variable layer 32 in the part near the side surface 33a of the convex part 33, the refractive index remains 1.7, which is different from the refractive index of the convex part 33. That is, the side surface 33a functions as a reflection surface of the light L.
  • the refractive index of the variable refractive index layer 32 is not uniform, and a portion having a different refractive index is formed inside the variable refractive index layer 32. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4C, the light L incident on the optical device 1 is refracted from the initial traveling direction before reaching the side surface 33b, and then refracted by the side surface 33b. In FIG. 4C, this behavior is schematically expressed as being refracted by the effective refracting surface 33e.
  • the shape of the effective refracting surface 33e is merely an example, and is not limited to the illustrated example.
  • the light L refracted by the effective refracting surface 33e is reflected by the side surface 33a and emitted obliquely upward.
  • the control unit 61 applies a potential different from that of the first electrode layer 40 to the second electrode piece 52, so that the second electrode piece 52 and the first electrode layer 40 are provided. A predetermined voltage is applied between the two. At this time, the controller 61 applies a potential (for example, ground potential) equal to that of the first electrode layer 40 to the first electrode piece 51. Thereby, an electric field is not generated between the first electrode piece 51 and the first electrode layer 40.
  • the refractive index of the refractive index variable layer 32 is not uniform, and a portion having a different refractive index is formed inside the refractive index variable layer 32.
  • the liquid crystal molecules 35 positioned between the first electrode layer 40 and the second electrode piece 52 are aligned in a direction in which the major axis is inclined to some extent in the thickness direction (y-axis direction) side.
  • the refractive index is an intermediate value between 1.5 and 1.7, which is different from the refractive index of the convex portion 33, and the voltage. This is also different from the refractive index variable layer 32 to which no voltage is applied. Therefore, in the traveling path of the light L, another refracting surface (or refracting region) is formed in front of the side surface 33a.
  • the liquid crystal molecules 35 located between the first electrode layer 40 and the first electrode piece 51 remain in a state in which the long axis is aligned along the extending direction (x-axis direction) of the convex portion 33. is there.
  • the refractive index variable layer 32 in the part close to the side surface 33b of the convex part 33, the refractive index remains 1.7, which is different from the refractive index of the convex part 33. That is, the side surface 33b functions as a light L reflection surface.
  • the light L incident on the optical device 1 is refracted by the side surface 33b and then refracted from the initial traveling direction before reaching the side surface 33a, and then the side surface 33a. It is reflected by.
  • this behavior is schematically expressed as being reflected by the effective reflection surface 33f.
  • the shape of the effective reflecting surface 33f is merely an example, and is not limited to the illustrated example.
  • the light L reflected by the effective reflecting surface 33f is emitted obliquely upward.
  • the emission direction of the light L in the first mode is illustrated by a thick dotted arrow.
  • the light L is emitted in a direction away from the optical device 1 as compared with the non-application mode. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 3C, the light L such as sunlight incident obliquely downward is bent by the optical device 1 so that it travels farther obliquely upward, and the ceiling 92 of the building 90 Irradiate the back side.
  • 4C and 4D show examples in which the effective refracting surface 33e and the effective reflecting surface 33f are flat surfaces, respectively, but the effective refracting surface 33e and the effective reflecting surface 33f are inclined according to the alignment state of the liquid crystal molecules 35. It can be a curved surface such as a convex surface or a concave surface in addition to a flat surface and a vertical surface.
  • a voltage is applied between only one of the first electrode piece 51 and the second electrode piece 52 and the first electrode layer 40.
  • the present invention is not limited to this.
  • a voltage may be applied between the second electrode piece 52 and the first electrode layer 40. Thereby, a light distribution direction can be adjusted more finely.
  • the optical device 1 includes the first base material 10 having translucency, and the second base material having translucency disposed so as to face the first base material 10. 20, the first electrode layer 40 and the second electrode layer 50 having translucency and disposed between the first base material 10 and the second base material 20 so as to face each other, and the first electrode layer 40
  • the light distribution layer 30 is disposed between the second electrode layer 50 and distributes incident light, and the light distribution layer 30 has a plurality of protrusions 33 arranged in the first direction.
  • a refractive index variable layer 32 that is disposed so as to fill between the structural layer 31 and the plurality of convex portions 33 and has a refractive index that changes according to a voltage applied between the first electrode layer 40 and the second electrode layer 50;
  • the second electrode layer 50 includes a plurality of electrode pieces, and the plurality of electrode pieces includes a plurality of first electrode pieces 51 to which a first potential is applied. And a plurality of second electrode strips 52 second potential is applied, and the plurality of first electrodes 51 and a plurality of second electrode strips 52 are arranged side by side alternately in the first direction.
  • the 2nd electrode layer 50 is comprised from the some 1st electrode piece 51 and the some 2nd electrode piece 52, it makes the electric potential applied to the 2nd electrode layer 50 partially differ in a surface.
  • the second electrode layer 50 is configured by applying only to the first electrode piece 51, applying only to the second electrode piece 52, or applying different potentials between the first electrode piece 51 and the second electrode piece 52. Different potentials can be selectively applied and not applied to the plurality of electrode pieces. For this reason, since the magnitude
  • each of the plurality of convex portions 33 has a shape that tapers from the root 33d toward the tip 33c, and the adjacent first electrode piece 51 and second electrode piece 52 are adjacent to each other in plan view.
  • the boundary region (that is, the gap 53) between the first electrode piece 51 and the second electrode piece 52 adjacent to each other located between the tips 33c of the portions 33 is located between the roots 33d of the adjacent protrusions 33 in plan view. is doing.
  • the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules 35 located in the vicinity of the side surface 33b (refractive surface) of the convex portion 33 is adjusted. Can do.
  • the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules 35 located in the vicinity of the side surface 33a (reflection surface) of the convex portion 33 can be adjusted. it can.
  • the effective refracting surface 33e or the effective reflecting surface 33f of the light L incident on the optical device 1 can be changed, and the light distribution direction can be changed.
  • the plurality of convex portions 33 are formed in a stripe shape extending in the second direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction.
  • the refracting surface (or effective refracting surface) and the reflecting surface (or effective reflecting surface) of the light L extend along the stripe, the areas of the refracting surface and the reflecting surface in the surface of the optical device 1 are increased. For this reason, the light distribution by the optical device 1 can be increased.
  • the optical system 60 for example, provides a predetermined potential between the first electrode layer 40 and the second electrode layer 50 by selectively applying a potential to the optical device 1 and the plurality of electrode pieces.
  • the control part 61 which applies the voltage of this is provided.
  • the electric field applied to the light distribution layer 30 can be partially varied in the plane. For this reason, since the effective refracting surface 33e or the effective reflecting surface 33f of the light L incident on the optical device 1 changes, the control range of the alignment direction can be increased.
  • control unit 61 does not apply a voltage between the first electrode layer 40 and the second electrode layer 50 in the non-application mode, and applies an equal potential to all of the plurality of electrode pieces in the uniform application mode.
  • a first voltage is applied between the first electrode layer 40 and the second electrode layer 50, and different potentials are applied to the plurality of first electrode pieces 51 and the plurality of second electrode pieces 52 in the partial application mode.
  • the second voltage is applied between the first electrode layer 40 and the second electrode layer 50.
  • the optical state of the optical device 1 can be switched according to the operation mode.
  • control unit 61 applies the second voltage between only the plurality of first electrode pieces 51 or only the plurality of second electrode pieces 52 and the opposing electrode layer.
  • each of the effective refracting surface 33e and the effective reflecting surface 33f can be changed independently.
  • the second voltage applied in the partial application mode is smaller than the first voltage applied in the uniform application mode.
  • the magnitude of the electric field applied to the light distribution layer 30 in the partial application mode is smaller than the magnitude of the electric field applied to the light distribution layer 30 in the uniform application mode, so that the alignment state of the liquid crystal molecules 35 is made finer. Can be adjusted.
  • FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the optical device 1a according to the present modification.
  • the optical device 1 a according to the present modification is different from the optical device 1 according to Embodiment 1 in that a second electrode layer 50 a is provided instead of the second electrode layer 50.
  • the second electrode layer 50a includes a plurality of first electrode pieces 51a, a plurality of second electrode pieces 52a, and a plurality of third electrode pieces 53a.
  • the plurality of first electrode pieces 51a, the plurality of third electrode pieces 53a, and the plurality of second electrode pieces 52a are alternately arranged in this order in the direction in which the plurality of convex portions 33 are arranged (z-axis direction). Is arranged.
  • the plurality of first electrode pieces 51a, the plurality of third electrode pieces 53a, and the plurality of second electrode pieces 52a are each strip-like electrode pieces extending in the x-axis direction.
  • the first electrode piece 51a, the third electrode piece 53a, and the second electrode piece 52a have different widths, for example.
  • the first potential is commonly applied to the plurality of first electrode pieces 51a.
  • the plurality of first electrode pieces 51a are connected to each other at one end in the extending direction (x-axis direction), for example, and are configured such that the potential applied to each of them is equal.
  • the plurality of first electrode pieces 51a are comb-like electrodes.
  • the second potential is commonly applied to the plurality of second electrode pieces 52a.
  • the plurality of second electrode pieces 52a are connected to each other at the other end in the extending direction (x-axis direction), for example, and are configured such that the potential applied to each of them is equal.
  • the plurality of second electrode pieces 52a are comb-like electrodes.
  • the third potential is commonly applied to the plurality of third electrode pieces 53a.
  • the plurality of third electrode pieces 53a are connected to each other at one end or the other end in the extending direction (x-axis direction), for example, so that the potential applied to each of them is equal. It is configured.
  • the plurality of third electrode pieces 53a are comb-like electrodes.
  • the plurality of first electrode pieces 51a, the plurality of second electrode pieces 52a, and the plurality of third electrode pieces 53a are electrically insulated from each other.
  • an insulating layer or the like is provided between the first electrode pieces 51a or the second electrode pieces 52a.
  • the first electrode piece 51a and the second electrode piece 52a are arranged with a gap 54a therebetween.
  • the first electrode piece 51a and the third electrode piece 53a are arranged with a gap 55a therebetween.
  • the third electrode piece 53a and the second electrode piece 52a are arranged with a gap 56a therebetween.
  • first potential applied to the first electrode piece 51a, the second potential applied to the plurality of second electrode pieces 52a, and the third potential applied to the plurality of third electrode pieces 53a are different. May be the same or the same.
  • the first electrode piece 51a, the third electrode piece 53a, and the second electrode piece 52a (that is, a set of electrode pieces) arranged in sequence are arranged at the tip 33c of the adjacent convex portion 33 in plan view. Located between. In FIG. 5, a line parallel to the thickness direction passing through each of the tip 33 c and the root 33 d of the convex portion 33 is indicated by a two-dot chain line.
  • the first electrode piece 51a when viewed in plan, the first electrode piece 51a is located between the tip 33c and the root 33d of the convex portion 33 and at a position overlapping the side surface 33b (refractive surface).
  • the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules 35 located in the vicinity of the side surface 33b can be changed.
  • the effective refracting surface 33e which is a surface where light is substantially refracted can be changed. The details are as described with reference to FIG. 4C.
  • the third electrode piece 53a is located between the roots 33d of the adjacent convex portions 33. Specifically, the third electrode piece 53 a is located at a position that does not overlap the convex portion 33.
  • the boundary region (that is, the gap 54a) between the first electrode piece 51a and the second electrode piece 52a is located at a position overlapping the tip 33c of the convex portion 33 in plan view. That is, as shown in FIG. 5, the two-dot chain line passing through the tip 33c passes through the gap 54a.
  • the boundary region (that is, the gap 55a) between the first electrode piece 51a and the third electrode piece 53a is located at a position overlapping the root 33d on the side surface 33b side of the convex portion 33 in plan view. That is, as shown in FIG. 5, the two-dot chain line passing through the root 33d passes through the gap 55a.
  • the boundary region (that is, the gap 56a) between the second electrode piece 52a and the third electrode piece 53a is located at a position overlapping the root 33d on the side surface 33a side of the convex portion 33 in plan view. That is, as shown in FIG. 5, the two-dot chain line passing through the root 33d passes through the gap 56a.
  • the widths (length in the z-axis direction) of the gap 54a, the gap 55a, and the gap 56a are shorter than the widths of the first electrode piece 51a, the second electrode piece 52a, and the third electrode piece 53a, for example.
  • the plurality of electrode pieces further include the plurality of third electrode pieces 53a to which the third potential is applied, and the plurality of first electrode pieces. 51a, the plurality of third electrode pieces 53a, and the plurality of second electrode pieces 52a are alternately arranged in this order in the direction in which the convex portions 33 are arranged.
  • the magnitude and direction of the electric field applied to the light distribution layer 30 can be adjusted more finely. Therefore, the light distribution direction by the optical device 1a can be controlled more finely.
  • each of the plurality of convex portions 33 has a shape that tapers from the root 33d toward the tip 33c, and the first electrode piece 51a, the third electrode piece 53a, and the second electrode piece 52a arranged in order are:
  • the third electrode piece 53a is positioned between the roots 33d of the adjacent convex portions 33, and is positioned between the tips 33c of the adjacent convex portions 33.
  • the effective refracting surface 33e or the effective reflecting surface 33f of the light L incident on the optical device 1 can be changed between the convex portions 33, and the light distribution direction can be changed.
  • FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the optical device 101 according to the present embodiment.
  • FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the optical device 101 according to the present embodiment, and is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a region VII surrounded by an alternate long and short dash line in FIG.
  • the optical device 101 is different from the optical device 1 according to the first embodiment in that the first electrode layer 140 is provided instead of the first electrode layer 40.
  • the first electrode layer 140 is provided instead of the first electrode layer 40.
  • the first electrode layer 140 is composed of a plurality of first electrode pieces 141 and a plurality of second electrode pieces 142 as shown in FIG. That is, in the present embodiment, each of the first electrode layer 140 and the second electrode layer 50 is composed of a plurality of electrode pieces.
  • the plurality of first electrode pieces 141 and the plurality of second electrode pieces 142 are alternately arranged in the arrangement direction (z-axis direction) of the plurality of convex portions 33.
  • Each of the plurality of first electrode pieces 141 and the plurality of second electrode pieces 142 is a strip-like electrode piece extending in the x-axis direction.
  • the plurality of first electrode pieces 141 and the plurality of second electrode pieces 142 and the plurality of first electrode pieces 51 and the plurality of second electrode pieces 52 have, for example, the same shape and the same size.
  • the plurality of first electrode pieces 141 and the plurality of second electrode pieces 142 are insulated from each other.
  • the first electrode piece 141 and the second electrode piece 142 are arranged with a gap therebetween. For this reason, different potentials can be applied to the plurality of first electrode pieces 141 and the plurality of second electrode pieces 142.
  • the plurality of electrode pieces constituting the first electrode layer 140 and the plurality of electrode pieces constituting the second electrode layer 50 are arranged so as to be shifted in the arrangement direction of the convex portions 33 in plan view.
  • the first electrode piece 141 overlaps a part of each of the first electrode piece 51 and the second electrode piece 52 of the second electrode layer 50 in plan view.
  • the second electrode piece 142 overlaps a part of each of the first electrode piece 51 and the second electrode piece 52 of the second electrode layer 50 in plan view.
  • the first electrode piece 141 and the second electrode piece 142 overlap with approximately half of the first electrode piece 51 and the second electrode piece 52, respectively.
  • the amount of duplication is not limited to approximately half.
  • the first electrode piece 141 may overlap with 1/4 of the first electrode piece 51 and 3/4 of the second electrode piece 52.
  • the first electrode piece 141 or the second electrode piece 142 is It may completely overlap with one of the first electrode piece 51 and the second electrode piece 52.
  • each of the first electrode layer 140 and the second electrode layer 50 arranged to face each other is composed of a plurality of electrode pieces, and thus is applied to the light distribution layer 30.
  • the magnitude and direction of the electric field can be adjusted more finely.
  • FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view for explaining an operation mode of the optical device 101 according to the present embodiment.
  • a predetermined voltage second voltage
  • the control unit 61 gives a positive potential to the first electrode piece 51, gives a negative potential to the first electrode piece 141, and gives a ground potential to the second electrode pieces 52 and 142.
  • the strongest electric field is applied between the first electrode piece 51 of the second electrode layer 50 and the first electrode piece 141 of the first electrode layer 140.
  • the first electrode piece 51 of the second electrode layer 50 and the first electrode piece 141 of the first electrode layer 140 are arranged so as to be shifted in the z-axis direction.
  • the electric field applied between the first electrode piece 51 and the first electrode piece 141 is not parallel to the thickness direction (y-axis direction) but is applied obliquely to the y-axis direction.
  • the liquid crystal molecules 35 located between the first electrode piece 51 and the first electrode piece 141 are oriented in an oblique direction as shown in FIG.
  • the electric field is hardly applied to the liquid crystal molecules 35 positioned between the second electrode piece 52 and the second electrode piece 142, the alignment state does not change.
  • a refractive index difference is generated in the refractive index variable layer 32, and an effective refractive surface 133e is formed.
  • the light L incident on the optical device 101 is refracted by the effective refracting surface 133e, then reflected by the side surface 33a of the convex portion 33, and emitted obliquely upward.
  • the shape of the effective refracting surface 133e is changed depending on the combination of electrode pieces to which a voltage is applied and the magnitude of the voltage to be applied. For this reason, the light distribution direction can be adjusted by adjusting the combination of the electrode pieces and the magnitude of the voltage.
  • the first electrode layer 140 and the second electrode layer 50 are each composed of a plurality of electrode pieces.
  • the magnitude and direction of the electric field applied to the light distribution layer 30 can be adjusted more finely. Therefore, the light distribution direction by the optical device 101 can be controlled more finely.
  • the plurality of electrode pieces constituting the first electrode layer 140 and the plurality of electrode pieces constituting the second electrode layer 50 are shifted in the arrangement direction (z-axis direction) of the convex portions 33 in plan view. Has been placed.
  • the magnitude and direction of the electric field applied to the light distribution layer 30 can be adjusted more finely. Therefore, the light distribution direction by the optical device 101 can be controlled more finely.
  • the refractive index variable material is not limited to the liquid crystal material.
  • an electrophoretic material is used as the refractive index variable material.
  • FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an optical device 201 according to this modification.
  • the overall configuration of the optical device 201 according to this modification is the same as that of the optical device 1 shown in FIG.
  • FIG. 9 shows a cross section corresponding to a region II surrounded by a one-dot chain line in FIG.
  • the light distribution layer 230 is disposed between the first electrode layer 40 and the second electrode layer 50.
  • the light distribution layer 230 has translucency and transmits incident light. Further, the light distribution layer 230 changes the traveling direction of light when the light passes through the light distribution layer 230.
  • the light distribution layer 230 includes an uneven structure layer 31 and a refractive index variable layer 232.
  • the uneven structure layer 31 has the same configuration as the uneven structure layer 31 of the optical device 1 according to the embodiment.
  • the refractive index variable layer 232 has an insulating liquid 235 and nanoparticles 236 included in the insulating liquid 235.
  • the refractive index variable layer 232 is a nanoparticle dispersion layer in which countless nanoparticles 236 are dispersed in the insulating liquid 235.
  • the insulating liquid 235 is a transparent liquid having insulating properties and is a solvent serving as a dispersion medium in which the nanoparticles 236 are dispersed as a dispersoid.
  • a material having a refractive index (solvent refractive index) of about 1.3 to about 1.6 can be used.
  • an insulating liquid 235 having a refractive index of about 1.4 is used.
  • the kinematic viscosity of the insulating liquid 235 is preferably about 100 mm 2 / s.
  • the insulating liquid 235 has a low dielectric constant (for example, less than the dielectric constant of the concavo-convex structure layer 31), non-flammability (for example, a high flash point having a flash point of 250 ° C. or higher), and low volatility. Also good.
  • the insulating liquid 235 is a hydrocarbon such as an aliphatic hydrocarbon, naphtha, and other petroleum solvents, a low molecular weight halogen-containing polymer, or a mixture thereof.
  • the insulating liquid 235 is a halogenated hydrocarbon such as a fluorinated hydrocarbon. Note that silicone oil or the like can be used as the insulating liquid 235.
  • a plurality of nanoparticles 236 are dispersed in the insulating liquid 235.
  • the nanoparticles 236 are fine particles having a particle size of nano-order size. Specifically, when the wavelength of incident light is ⁇ , the particle size of the nanoparticles 236 is preferably ⁇ / 4 or less. By setting the particle size of the nanoparticles 236 to ⁇ / 4 or less, light scattering by the nanoparticles 236 can be reduced, and an average refractive index of the nanoparticles 236 and the insulating liquid 235 can be obtained.
  • the particle size of the nanoparticles 236 is preferably as small as possible, preferably 100 nm or less, more preferably several nm to several tens nm.
  • the nanoparticles 236 are made of, for example, a high refractive index material. Specifically, the refractive index of the nanoparticles 236 is higher than the refractive index of the insulating liquid 235. In this modification, the refractive index of the nanoparticles 236 is higher than the refractive index of the uneven structure layer 31.
  • the nanoparticles 236 may be made of a material with high transmittance.
  • transparent zirconia particles having a refractive index of 2.1 made of zirconium oxide (ZrO 2 ) are used as the nanoparticles 236.
  • the nanoparticles 236 are not limited to zirconium oxide, and may be composed of titanium oxide (TiO 2 : refractive index 2.5) or the like.
  • the nanoparticles 236 are charged particles that are charged.
  • the nanoparticle 236 can be charged positively (plus) or negatively (minus). In this modification, the nanoparticles 236 are positively (plus) charged.
  • the refractive index variable layer 232 configured in this way, charged nanoparticles 236 are dispersed throughout the insulating liquid 235.
  • zirconia particles having a refractive index of 2.1 are used as the nanoparticles 236 and the nanoparticles 236 are dispersed in an insulating liquid 235 having a solvent refractive index of about 1.4. It is said.
  • the overall refractive index (average refractive index) of the refractive index variable layer 232 is set to be approximately the same as the refractive index of the concavo-convex structure layer 31 in a state where the nanoparticles 236 are uniformly dispersed in the insulating liquid 235. In this variation, it is about 1.5.
  • the overall refractive index of the refractive index variable layer 232 can be changed by adjusting the concentration (amount) of the nanoparticles 236 dispersed in the insulating liquid 235.
  • the amount of the nanoparticles 236 is, for example, such that it is buried in the recess 34 of the concavo-convex structure layer 31. In this case, the concentration of the nanoparticles 236 with respect to the insulating liquid 235 is about 10% to about 30%.
  • the refractive index variable layer 232 is disposed between the uneven structure layer 31 and the second electrode layer 50. Specifically, the refractive index variable layer 232 is in contact with the uneven structure layer 31. That is, the contact surface of the variable refractive index layer 232 with the concave / convex surface of the concave / convex structure layer 31 is an interface between the refractive index variable layer 232 and the concave / convex surface of the concave / convex structure layer 31. Although the refractive index variable layer 232 is also in contact with the second electrode layer 50, another layer (film) may be interposed between the refractive index variable layer 232 and the second electrode layer 50.
  • the refractive index of the refractive index variable layer 232 changes depending on the applied electric field.
  • the electric field changes according to the voltage applied between the first electrode layer 40 and the second electrode layer 50.
  • the refractive index variable layer 232 functions as a refractive index adjustment layer capable of adjusting the refractive index in the visible light region when an electric field is applied. For example, a DC voltage is applied between the first electrode layer 40 and the second electrode layer 50.
  • the nanoparticles 236 dispersed in the insulating liquid 235 are charged, when an electric field is applied to the refractive index variable layer 232, the nanoparticles 236 migrate in the insulating liquid 235 in accordance with the electric field distribution, and the insulating liquid 235 is unevenly distributed.
  • the particle distribution of the nanoparticles 236 in the refractive index variable layer 232 can be changed to have the concentration distribution of the nanoparticles 236 in the refractive index variable layer 232, so that the refractive index in the refractive index variable layer 232 can be obtained. Distribution changes. That is, the refractive index of the refractive index variable layer 232 changes partially.
  • the refractive index variable layer 232 mainly functions as a refractive index adjustment layer that can adjust the refractive index for light in the visible light region.
  • each second electrode layer 50 is composed of a plurality of electrode pieces.
  • different electric fields can be applied to the electrode pieces, and the concentration distribution of the nanoparticles 236 can be made different for each region.
  • a refractive index can be varied for every area
  • each of the first electrode layers 40 may be composed of a plurality of electrode pieces.
  • the refractive index variable layer 232 is disposed between the first base material 10 and the second base material 20. Specifically, the insulating liquid 235 in which the nanoparticles 236 are dispersed is sealed between the first base material 10 and the second base material 20.
  • the method for forming the refractive index variable layer 232 is the same as in the embodiment.
  • the thickness of the refractive index variable layer 232 is, for example, 1 ⁇ m to 100 ⁇ m, but is not limited thereto. As an example, when the height of the convex portion 33 of the concavo-convex structure layer 31 is 10 ⁇ m, the thickness of the refractive index variable layer 232 is, for example, 40 ⁇ m.
  • optical state Next, an optical state of the optical device 201 according to this modification and an operation mode for forming the optical state will be described.
  • FIG. 10A is an enlarged cross-sectional view for explaining a non-application mode (transparent state) of the optical device 201 according to this modification.
  • no voltage is applied between the first electrode layer 40 and the second electrode layer 50.
  • the first electrode layer 40 and the second electrode layer 50 are equipotential with each other.
  • All of the plurality of first electrode pieces 51 and the plurality of second electrode pieces 52 included in the second electrode layer 50 are equipotential to each other.
  • the nanoparticles 236 are dispersed throughout the insulating liquid 235.
  • the refractive index of the refractive index variable layer 232 in a state where the nanoparticles 236 are dispersed throughout the insulating liquid 235 is about 1.5.
  • the refractive index of the convex part 33 of the concavo-convex structure layer 31 is about 1.5. That is, the entire refractive index of the refractive index variable layer 232 is equal to the refractive index of the convex portion 33 of the concavo-convex structure layer 131. Therefore, the refractive index is uniform throughout the light distribution layer 230.
  • FIG. 10B is an enlarged cross-sectional view for explaining a voltage application mode (light distribution state) of the optical device 201 according to this modification.
  • a voltage is applied between the first electrode layer 40 and the second electrode layer 50.
  • a potential difference of about several tens of volts is applied to the first electrode layer 40 and the second electrode layer 50.
  • all of the plurality of first electrode pieces 51 and the plurality of second electrode pieces 52 included in the second electrode layer 50 are at the same potential.
  • a predetermined electric field is applied to the refractive index variable layer 232, and therefore, in the refractive index variable layer 232, the charged nanoparticles 236 migrate in the insulating liquid 235 according to the electric field distribution. That is, the nanoparticles 236 perform electrophoresis in the insulating liquid 235.
  • the second electrode layer 50 has a higher potential than the first electrode layer 40. For this reason, the positively charged nanoparticles 236 migrate toward the first electrode layer 40, enter the concave portion 34 of the concave-convex structure layer 31, and accumulate.
  • the nanoparticles 236 are unevenly distributed on the uneven structure layer 31 side in the refractive index variable layer 232, whereby the particle distribution of the nanoparticles 236 changes, and the refractive index distribution in the refractive index variable layer 232 is not uniform. Disappear. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10B, a concentration distribution of the nanoparticles 236 is formed in the refractive index variable layer 232.
  • the concentration of the nanoparticles 236 is high, and in the second region 232b on the second electrode layer 50 side, the concentration of the nanoparticles 236 is low. Accordingly, a difference in refractive index occurs between the first region 232a and the second region 232b.
  • the refractive index of the nanoparticles 236 is higher than the refractive index of the insulating liquid 235.
  • the refractive index of the first region 232a in which the concentration of the nanoparticles 236 is high is higher than the refractive index of the second region 232b in which the concentration of the nanoparticles 236 is low, that is, the proportion of the insulating liquid 235 is large.
  • the refractive index of the first region 232a is greater than about 1.5 to about 1.8 depending on the concentration of the nanoparticles 236.
  • the refractive index of the second region 232b is a value less than about 1.4 to less than about 1.5 depending on the concentration of the nanoparticles 236.
  • the refractive index of the plurality of convex portions 33 is about 1.5, when a voltage is applied between the first electrode layer 40 and the second electrode layer 50, the convex portion 33 and the first region 232a There is a difference in refractive index between them. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 10B, when the light L is incident from an oblique direction, the light L is refracted by the side surface 33b of the convex portion 33 and then totally reflected by the side surface 33a. As a result, the light L incident obliquely downward is bent in the traveling direction by the optical device 201 and is irradiated onto an indoor ceiling surface or the like.
  • FIG. 10C and 10D are enlarged cross-sectional views for explaining a partial application mode (light distribution state) of the optical device 201 according to this modification.
  • FIG. 10C shows a case where a voltage is applied between the first electrode piece 51 and the first electrode layer 40 included in the second electrode layer 50.
  • FIG. 10D shows a case where a voltage is applied between the second electrode piece 52 and the first electrode layer 40 included in the second electrode layer 50.
  • the nanoparticles 236 are contained in the first electrode layer in the region. Run to 40. For this reason, the density
  • the refractive index of the first region 232c is, for example, a value greater than about 1.5 to about 1.8.
  • the nanoparticles 236 remain dispersed in the region.
  • the concentration of the nanoparticles 236 is kept low. Accordingly, the refractive index of the second region 232d becomes a value smaller than about 1.4 to about 1.5, for example.
  • an effective refractive surface 233e is formed below the first region 232c.
  • the effective refracting surface 233e corresponds to the interface with the second region 232d below the first region 232c.
  • the light L when the light L is incident from an oblique direction, the light L can be refracted not only by the side surface 33b of the convex portion 33 but also by the effective refracting surface 233e. At this time, there is almost no difference in refractive index on the side surface 33a of the convex portion 33, and the light L is not totally reflected. Thereby, the light L incident obliquely downward is bent in the traveling direction by the optical device 201 and illuminates a portion closer to the optical device 201 on the indoor floor surface.
  • the nanoparticles 236 in the region Electrophoresis toward the electrode layer 40 since an electric field is mainly applied in a region sandwiched between the second electrode piece 52 and the first electrode layer 40, the nanoparticles 236 in the region Electrophoresis toward the electrode layer 40. For this reason, the density
  • the refractive index of the first region 232e is, for example, a value greater than about 1.5 to about 1.8.
  • the nanoparticles 236 remain dispersed in the region. Therefore, in the second region 232f excluding the first region 232e in the refractive index variable layer 232, the concentration of the nanoparticles 236 is kept low. Accordingly, the refractive index of the second region 232f is, for example, a value smaller than about 1.4 to about 1.5.
  • an effective refracting surface 233f is formed above the first region 232e.
  • the effective refracting surface 233f corresponds to an interface with the second region 232f above the first region 232e.
  • each member such as an interface between the first base material 10 and the first electrode layer 40 or an interface between the refractive index variable layer 232 and the second electrode layer 50 is shown.
  • the light L is refracted in accordance with the refractive index difference at the interface where there is a refractive index difference.
  • the light distribution state and the transparent state of the optical device 201 can be changed by changing the refractive index in the same manner as in the embodiment.
  • a plurality of regions having different refractive indexes in the refractive index variable layer 232 can be obtained by selectively applying a potential to the first electrode piece 51 and the second electrode piece 52. Can be formed in the arrangement direction of electrode pieces (z-axis direction).
  • the control range of the light distribution direction by the optical device 201 can be enlarged.
  • the first electrode layer 40 and the second electrode layer 50 is divided into two types or three types of electrode pieces, but it is divided into four or more types of electrode pieces. May be.
  • segmentation number may differ.
  • the plurality of first electrode pieces 51 and the plurality of second electrode pieces 52 are alternately arranged one by one.
  • a plurality of first electrode pieces 51 and a plurality of second electrode pieces 52 may be alternately arranged. The same applies to the other electrode pieces.
  • a positive liquid crystal material is used as the liquid crystal material constituting the refractive index variable layer 32, but a negative liquid crystal material may be used.
  • the optical device is arranged in the window so that the longitudinal direction of the convex portion 33 is the x-axis direction, but the present invention is not limited to this.
  • the optical device may be arranged in the window such that the longitudinal direction of the convex portion 33 is the z-axis direction.
  • each of the plurality of convex portions 33 constituting the concavo-convex structure layer 31 has a long shape, but is not limited thereto.
  • the plurality of convex portions 33 may be arranged so as to be scattered in a matrix or the like. That is, you may arrange
  • each of the plurality of convex portions 33 has the same shape, but is not limited thereto, and may have different shapes within the plane, for example.
  • the inclination angles of the side surfaces 33a or 33b of the plurality of convex portions 33 may be different between the upper half and the lower half in the z-axis direction of the optical device 1.
  • the height of the plurality of convex portions 33 is constant, but is not limited thereto.
  • the height of the plurality of convex portions 33 may be different at random. By doing in this way, it can suppress that the light which permeate
  • the refractive index of the nanoparticles 236 may be lower than the refractive index of the insulating liquid 235.
  • a transparent state and a light distribution state can be realized by appropriately adjusting the voltage to be applied according to the refractive index of the nanoparticles 236 and the like.
  • the nanoparticles 236 are positively charged, but the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, the nanoparticles 236 may be negatively charged.
  • a direct voltage is applied between the first electrode layer 40 and the second electrode layer 50 by applying a positive potential to the first electrode layer 40 and applying a negative potential to the second electrode layer 50. Good.
  • the plurality of nanoparticles 236 may include a plurality of types of nanoparticles having different optical characteristics.
  • a transparent first nanoparticle charged positively and an opaque (black or the like) second nanoparticle charged negatively may be included.
  • the optical device 201 may have a light shielding function by aggregating and unevenly distributing the second nanoparticles.
  • the sunlight is exemplified as the light incident on the optical device 1, but the present invention is not limited to this.
  • the light incident on the optical device 1 may be light emitted from a light emitting device such as a lighting device.
  • the embodiment can be realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions in each embodiment without departing from the scope of the present invention, or a form obtained by subjecting each embodiment to various modifications conceived by those skilled in the art. Forms are also included in the present invention.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Nonlinear Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Crystallography & Structural Chemistry (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Liquid Crystal (AREA)
  • Mathematical Physics (AREA)

Abstract

Le dispositif optique (1) de l'invention est équipé : d'une première ainsi que d'une seconde couche d'électrode (40, 50) dotées de propriétés translucides, et disposées en opposition l'une par rapport à l'autre ; et d'une couche de répartition lumineuse (30) qui est disposée entre la première et la seconde couche d'électrode (40, 50), et qui répartit une lumière incidente. La couche de répartition lumineuse (30) contient : une couche de structure en creux et reliefs (31) possédant une pluralité de parties relief (33) disposée en rang dans une première direction ; et une couche à indice de réfraction variable (32) qui est disposée de manière à remplir l'espace entre les parties relief (33), et dont l'indice de réfraction varie selon la tension appliquée entre la première et la seconde couche d'électrode (40, 50). La première et/ou la seconde couche d'électrode (40, 50) est configurée à partir d'une pluralité de pièces d'électrode. Cette pluralité de pièces d'électrode contient une pluralité de premières pièces d'électrode (51) à laquelle est appliquée une première tension, et une pluralité de secondes pièces d'électrode (52) à laquelle est appliquée une seconde tension. La pluralité de premières pièces d'électrode (51) et la pluralité de secondes pièces d'électrode (52), sont disposées en rang en alternance dans la première direction.
PCT/JP2017/042320 2017-02-16 2017-11-27 Dispositif et système optique Ceased WO2018150675A1 (fr)

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JP2017027264A JP2020064080A (ja) 2017-02-16 2017-02-16 光学デバイス及び光学システム
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Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS6186724A (ja) * 1984-10-04 1986-05-02 Canon Inc グレ−テイング型光制御素子
US4850682A (en) * 1986-07-14 1989-07-25 Advanced Environmental Research Group Diffraction grating structures
JP2009198814A (ja) * 2008-02-21 2009-09-03 Sharp Corp 遮光制御装置
WO2016163079A1 (fr) * 2015-04-07 2016-10-13 パナソニックＩｐマネジメント株式会社 Dispositif de commande de la lumière
WO2016185692A1 (fr) * 2015-05-21 2016-11-24 パナソニックＩｐマネジメント株式会社 Dispositif optique

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS6186724A (ja) * 1984-10-04 1986-05-02 Canon Inc グレ−テイング型光制御素子
US4850682A (en) * 1986-07-14 1989-07-25 Advanced Environmental Research Group Diffraction grating structures
JP2009198814A (ja) * 2008-02-21 2009-09-03 Sharp Corp 遮光制御装置
WO2016163079A1 (fr) * 2015-04-07 2016-10-13 パナソニックＩｐマネジメント株式会社 Dispositif de commande de la lumière
WO2016185692A1 (fr) * 2015-05-21 2016-11-24 パナソニックＩｐマネジメント株式会社 Dispositif optique

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