OptoAlign^® Materials

OptoAlign^® materials are designed specifically for optical alignment (photoalignment) of liquid crystal displays (LCDs), LC polymer films and devices.  Elsicon, Inc. has formulated a family of OptoAlign^® materials based on polyimides that provide excellent thermal, optical, and electrical properties.  Non-polyimide formulations of  OptoAlign^® materials are also available for a variety of applications.

The OptoAlign^® technology is a non-contact, dust and static-free alignment process that increases yield and enables new LC display modes. OptoAlign^® materials, processes, and equipment use Elsicon’s proprietary technology to provide a turnkey non-rubbing alignment process for LCD and LC polymer film manufacturers. For example, OptoAlign^® developmental materials for TN, STN, AMLCD, Multi-Domain, VA, IPS and FLC display modes and LC polymer films have been demonstrated.

Application and printing of polyimide-based alignment layers is commonly practiced by LCD manufacturers. As a result, the physical and chemical properties of polyimide and its various solvents are well understood. Therefore, manufacturers can leverage their existing knowledge base when using OptoAlign^® materials for LCDs.  For other applications (e.g., LC polymer films), Elsicon has formulated OptoAlign^® materials to meet the requirements of the specific application (good adhesion, different solvent formulations for different substrates and coating methods, etc.).  Elsicon has successfully coated a variety of substrates including TAC, PET, glass, active matrix, metal and metallized film, and ITO. 

Elsicon is currently sampling the OptoAlign^® developmental materials to potential customers for evaluation.  If you are interested in discussing your optical alignment needs, please contact the representative listed below.

Example Specification Sheet

OptoAlign^® Alignment Materials for LCDs

RD100

RD100 is a polyimide type of optical alignment coating. RD100 solution is formulated with the appropriate co-solvents for uniform printed films. RD100 provides superior optical alignment properties when used with Elsicon’s proprietary processes and exposure equipment. It is a developmental material and should not be analyzed for content. No OptoAlign^® process license is expressed or implied with the purchase of this developmental material.

Typical Properties: Since materials are developmental these are nominal values

Curing Condition: No cure or 60 minutes at 80-180C

Coating: Standard

Printing method 3 - 5 wt% solution, thickness is approx. 500Å for 5wt%

Cure: Standard

90C for 1min

Exposure

Ultraviolet exposure, 0.1-1.5 J/cm² depending on the application.  Typical is 0.2-0.5 J/cm²

Storage:

Keep in freezer < 0^oC

Avoid exposure to moisture

Packaging:

• 250 ml, 500 ml, or 1L polyethylene bottle

Disclaimer: All statements, technical information, and recommendations contained herein are based on Elsicon’s tests which are believed to be accurate, but the accuracy or completeness thereof is not guaranteed, and the following is made in lieu of warranty expressed or implied. Neither seller nor manufacturer shall be liable for any injury, loss or damage - directly or consequential - arising from the use or inability to use the product. Before using, user shall determine the suitability of the product for its intended use, and user assumes all risk and liability whatsoever in connection therewith. No statement or recommendation not contained herein shall have any force or effect unless in an agreement signed by officers of seller and manufacturer.

 

Contact:

Wayne M. Gibbons
Tel: (302) 266-7030 ext. 11
Fax: (302) 266-7031

email: wmgibbons@elsicon.com

Last updated 9/28/06