Switchable liquid crystal lenticular microlens arrays based on photopolymerization-induced phase separation for 2D/3D autostereoscopic displays

Conventionally, the fabrication of liquid crystal lenticular microlens arrays (LCLMLAs) is complicated and costly. Here, we demonstrate a one-step fabrication technique for LCLMLAs, which is prepared through the photopolymerization-induced phase separation in the LC/polymer composite. The LCLMLAs possess both polarization-dependent and electrically tunable focusing properties. Furthermore, we construct a 14-view 2D/3D switchable autostereoscopic display prototype based on a 2D LCD panel and the prepared LCLMLA, which has a viewing angle of 14° and a crosstalk of 46.2% at the optimal viewing zone. The proposed LCLMLAs have the merits of simple fabrication, large-scale production, and low cost.

Hexagonal liquid crystal lens array for 3D endoscopy

A liquid crystal lens array with a hexagonal arrangement is investigated experimentally. The uniqueness of this study exists in the fact that using convex-ring electrode provides a smooth and controllable applied potential profile across the aperture to manage the phase profile. We observed considerable differences between flat electrode and convex-ring electrode; in particular the lens focal length is variable in a wider range from 2.5cm to infinity. This study presents several noteworthy characteristics such as low driving voltage; 30 μm cell gap and the lens is electrically switchable between 2D/3D modes. We demonstrate a hexagonal LC-lens array for capturing 3D images by using single sensor using integral imaging.