Patent ID: 6972827
Filing Date: 2005-12-06
Classification: G02B,G02F

Abstract:
1. A transflective optical film for reflecting ambient light incident on a first surface and for transmitting light having a preferred polarization state incident on a second surface opposite the first surface, the optical film comprising: (a) a substrate containing a plurality of tapered cavities extending from the first surface of said substrate toward the second surface opposite the first surface, said tapered cavities narrowing toward said second surface; (b) a filler material deposited within each said tapered cavity; and, (c) a reflective material deposited on said filler material on the surface of the filler material adjacent the first surface of said substrate; wherein at least one of said substrate and said filler material is birefringent such that: (a) for said preferred polarization state, the refractive index of said filler is substantially lower than the refractive index of said substrate and, (b) for the polarization state orthogonal to said preferred polarization state, the refractive index of said filler is substantially the same as the refractive index of said substrate.