Patent ID: 8249409
Filing Date: 2012-08-21
Classification: B82Y,G02B,G02F,H01L

Abstract:
1. A multifunctional optical film for enhancing light extraction from a self-emissive light source having a surface that outputs light, comprising: a flexible substrate substantially transmissive to light emitted by the self-emissive light source; a structured layer of extraction elements having a first index of refraction, wherein the extraction elements comprise nanoparticles disposed in a surface layer manner on the substrate, and the extraction elements form a non-planar surface of the structured layer, and wherein the nanoparticles comprise first nanoparticles having diameters within a first range and second nanoparticles added to the first nanoparticles and having diameters in a second range less than and non-overlapping with the first range; a backfill layer comprising a material having a second index of refraction different from the first index of refraction, wherein the backfill layer forms a planarizing layer over the nanoparticles on the non-planar surface of the structured layer, forming a planar surface on a side of the backfill layer opposite the nanoparticles, wherein a substantial portion of the extraction elements are in optical communication with the light output surface of the self-emissive light source when the planar surface of the backfill layer is located against the light output surface of the self-emissive light source, wherein the structured layer and backfill layer are in sufficient proximity to the light output surface of the self-emissive light source when the planar surface of the backfill layer is located against the light output surface of the self-emissive light source in order to at least partially enhance the extraction of light from the light output surface, and wherein the first range of diameters is 60 nm to 10 microns, and the second range of diameters is 3 nm to 40 nm; and a coating applied to the substrate and having at least one of the following functions: color filtering; color shifting; polarization modification; antireflection; light redirection; diffusion; or optical rotation.