Four-mode 2D/3D switchable display with a 1D/2D convertible liquid crystal lens array

A four-mode 2D/3D switchable display using a 1D/2D convertible liquid crystal (LC) lens array is proposed in this paper. The LC lens array is composed of two orthogonal LC lens arrays, with a λ/2 film in the middle to rotate the polarization by 90°. Based on the LC lens array, a four-mode 2D/3D switchable display is realized, which is switchable between the turn-off and turn-on states: when the operating voltage V₁ = 0, V₂ = 0, the display operates in mode I, which is 2D display; when the operating voltage V₁ = 0, V₂ = 0, the display operates in mode II, and the 3D display effect is in x direction; when the operating voltage V₁ = 0, V₂ = 0, the display operates in mode III, and the 3D display effect is in y direction; when the operating voltage V₁ = 0, V₂ = 0, the display operates in mode IV, the 3D display effect is in x-y plane. Experimental results indicate that the LC lens array has simple fabrication process, low operating voltage (∼5.4V), and short focal length. Moreover, based on the designed LC lens array, the 2D/3D switchable display shows no moiré pattern.