Backlight units for display devices

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-9658489-B1
Application number	US-201615061115-A
Country	US
Kind code	B1
Filing date	Mar 4, 2016
Priority date	Dec 31, 2015
Publication date	May 23, 2017
Grant date	May 23, 2017

Abstract

Embodiments of a device and a method of forming the same are described. The device includes a backlight unit and an image generating unit. The backlight unit includes an optical cavity having a top side, a bottom side, and side walls. The backlight unit further includes an array of light sources coupled to the optical cavity and a quantum dot film positioned within the optical cavity. The quantum dot film is configured to process light received from the array of light sources and the backlight unit is configured to transit the processed light to the image generating unit. The method includes providing an optical cavity having a top side, a bottom side, and side walls. The method further includes coupling an array of light sources to the optical cavity and supporting a quantum dot film within the optical cavity.

First claim

What is claimed is:

1. A display device comprising:
a backlight unit (BLU) comprising:
an optical cavity having a top side, a bottom side, and side walls,
an array of light sources coupled to the optical cavity, and
a quantum dot (QD) film, positioned within the optical cavity, configured to process light received from the array of light sources,
wherein the QD film comprises an array of QD films; and

an image generating unit (IGU) coupled to the backlight unit,
wherein the backlight unit is configured to transmit the processed light to the IGU.

2. The display device of claim 1 , wherein the QD film is coupled to a bottom surface of the top side.

3. The display device of claim 1 , wherein the BLU further comprises a first plate that is optically transmissive and is configured to support the QD film within the optical cavity.

4. The display device of claim 3 , wherein the BLU further comprises support posts configured to support the first plate.

5. The display device of claim 1 , wherein:
the BLU further comprises a first plate and a second plate;
the QD film is interposed between the first and second plates; and
the first plate is configured to support the QD film.

6. The display device of claim 5 , wherein the second plate includes an optically diffusive material.

7. The display device of claim 5 , wherein the second plate includes an optically transparent material and an optically translucent material.

8. The display device of claim 5 , wherein the second plate includes an optically translucent material and pores having different sizes in diameter.

9. The display device of claim 1 , wherein each QD film of the array of QD films is configured to cover a corresponding row of the array of light sources.

10. The display device of claim 1 , wherein:
each QD film of the array of QD films, coupled to a top surface of the bottom side, is configured to enclose a corresponding row of the array of light sources.

11. The display device of claim 10 , wherein the each QD film is configured to form a volume surrounding the corresponding row of the array of light sources.

12. The display device of claim 11 , wherein the volume comprises a cross-sectional shape of an arch, a semi-circle, a rectangle, a trapezoid, a triangle, or a combination thereof.

13. The display device of claim 1 , wherein the top side of the optical cavity includes an optically diffusive material.

14. The display device of claim 1 , wherein the top side of the optical cavity includes an optically transparent material and an optically translucent material.

15. The display device of claim 1 , wherein the top side of the optical cavity includes an optically translucent material and pores having different sizes in diameter.

16. The display device of claim 1 , wherein the QD film comprises a plurality of quantum dots configured to emit red light.

17. The display device of claim 1 , wherein the QD film comprises a plurality of quantum dots configured to emit green light.

18. The display device of claim 1 , wherein the QD film comprises:
a first plurality of QDs configured to emit red light; and
a second plurality of QDs configured to emit green light.

19. The display device of claim 1 , wherein the array of light sources is coupled to a top surface of the bottom side of the optical cavity.

20. The display device of claim 1 , wherein the array of light sources comprises an array of emitting diodes (LEDs).

21. The display device of claim 1 , wherein the IOU comprises:
a liquid crystal module; and
a touch screen display coupled to the liquid crystal module.

22. The display device of claim 1 , wherein the display device comprises at least one of a liquid crystal display device, a computer, a tablet, a hand-held device, a phone, a wearable device, and a TV.

23. A light source unit comprising:
an optical cavity having a top side, a bottom side, and side walls;
an array of light sources coupled to a top surface of the bottom side; and
a quantum dot (QD) film, positioned between the top side and the array of light sources, configured to process light received from the array of light sources,
wherein the QD film comprises an array of QD films.

24. The light source unit of claim 23 , further comprising a first plate and a second plate, wherein:
the QD film is interposed between the first and second plates; and
the first plate is configured to support the QD film.

25. The light source unit of claim 23 , wherein each QD film of the array of QD films is configured to cover a corresponding row of the array of light sources.

26. The light source unit of claim 23 , wherein:
each QD film of the array of QD films, coupled to a top surface of the bottom side, configured to enclose a corresponding row of the array of light sources.

27. The light source unit of claim 26 , wherein the each QD film is configured to form a volume surrounding the corresponding row of the array of light sources.

28. The light source unit of claim 27 , wherein the volume comprises a cross-sectional shape of an arch, a semi-circle, a rectangle, a trapezoid, a triangle, or a combination thereof.

Assignees

• Nanosys Inc

Inventors

• Lee Ernest
• Wilson Robert E
• Gensler Steven

Classifications

• G02F2202/36

  Micro- or nanomaterials · CPC title

• G02F1/133603

  with LEDs · CPC title

• G02F2202/28

  Adhesive materials or arrangements · CPC title

• G02F1/133609 Primary

  including means for improving the color mixing, e.g. white · CPC title

• G02F1/133606

  including a specially adapted diffusing, scattering or light controlling members · CPC title