IP Library Granted Patent US 7,321,464
Granted Patent B2
US 7,321,464 · App. 10/930,988 · Granted Jan 22, 2008

Electroluminescent light source and display incorporating same

Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 7,321,464
App. No.
10/930,988
Granted
Jan 22, 2008
Kind
B2
Abstract

A brightness enhanced reflective polarizer includes a reflective polarizer and a structured surface material.

Claims (11)

1. A light source, comprising:

an electroluminescent panel having a light generating layer; and

a birefringent reflective polarizer film positioned to receive the light generated by the light generating layer, wherein said birefringent reflective polarizer film comprises at least one birefringent material and wherein the birefringent reflective polarizer film transmits light of a first polarization and reflects light of a second polarization back to the light generating layer, and wherein the light generating layer diffusely reflects and randomizes the polarization state of the reflected light and recirculates the reflected light back to the birefringent reflective polarizer film.

2. A display device comprising the light source of claim 1 .

3. A light source, comprising:

an electroluminescent panel having a light generating layer; and

a birefringent reflective polarizer film positioned to receive the light generated by the light generating layer, wherein the birefringent reflective polarizer film comprising a plurality of uniaxially oriented layers and wherein the birefringent reflective polarizer film transmits light of a first polarization and reflects light of a second polarization back to the light generating layer, and wherein the light generating layer diffusely reflects and randomizes the polarization state of the reflected light and recirculates the reflected light back to the birefringent reflective polarizer film.

4. A light source, comprising:

an electroluminescent panel having a light generating layer; and

a birefringent reflective polarizer film positioned to receive the light generated by the light generating layer, wherein the birefringent reflective polarizer film comprising a plurality of biaxially oriented layers and wherein the birefringent reflective polarizer film transmits light of a first polarization and reflects light of a second polarization back to the light generating layer, and wherein the light generating layer diffusely reflects and randomizes the polarization state of the reflected light and recirculates the reflected light back to the birefringent reflective polarizer film.

5. A light source according to claim 4 wherein the plurality of biaxially oriented layers are asymmetric biaxially oriented layers.

Continuity (8)
Division 0962693800 · Jul 27, 2000
Continuation 0910327000 · Jun 23, 1998
Continuation 0840234900 · Mar 10, 1995
Continuation In Part 0836020400 · Dec 20, 1994
Continuation In Part 0835943600 · Dec 20, 1994
Continuation In Part 0817123900 · Dec 21, 1993
Continuation In Part 0817259300 · Dec 21, 1993
Related Publication 20050024726A1 · Feb 3, 2005