55.1: Edge‐Lit Hollow Backlight Using Tunable Reflective Polarizer for Liquid Crystal Displays

A low-cost solution for using light-emitting-diodes (LEDs) to illuminate large liquid crystal displays (LCDs) is developed. Following this approach, a 32″ single-Side illuminated thin edge-lit hollow backlight is demonstrated using high power LEDs as the light source. One of the key optical components is a new class of reflective polarizer that provides polarization, viewing angle, and recycling controls simultaneously over the system output. Uniformity and efficiency were realized as well as strong robustness to LED variations or failures. Benefits of hollow cavity light mixing to LED systems are discussed.