Technology update: UV polymer optical bonding process enhances LCDs

By Control Engineering Staff October 12, 2006

A new UV polymer optical bonding process from CI Lumen is said to enhance visual properties of flat panel LCDs.

A new UV polymer optical bonding process that improves contrast, enables brighter graphics, and boosts ruggedness of LCDs has been developed by CI Lumen . The patent-pending method permanently affixes performance-enhancing substrates to panels, including acrylic or glass, up to 46 in. Benefits reportedly include sunlight readability and exceptional clarity of details and graphics.

Substrate thickness is typically 1 to 10 mm. Bonding options include anti-reflective- and anti-glare-coated glass for sunlight readability, ITO (indium tin oxide) glass for reduced EMI emissions, and touchscreens and acrylic vandal shields. The process is said to offer permanent, defect-free adhesion to the LCD.

The bonding process alleviates the air gap between the cover glass and the LCD. Bonding creates an index-matched light path (index of refraction of air and of the anti-reflective coating are both 1). The bonding agent allows the light to be transmitted seamlessly from the LCD to the viewer, minimizing internal reflections.

The process is intended for those designing products that include LCD panels or wanting to add value to stand-alone products, including the digital signage industry and OEMs in industrial, commercial, military, and medical markets.