The optical performances of 15-inch edge-lit backlight were simulated by using a Monte Carlo ray-tracing technique. The backlight model was built by combining a wedge-type light guide plate, a diffuser sheet, a tubular fluorescent lamp with a lamp reflector, and two crossed prism sheets. Angular distributions of the luminance on each optical component obtained from simulation were consistent with those obtained from experiments on a real 15-inch backlight. The constructed backlight model was used to evaluate the optical performances of a micro-pyramid film. It was found that the on-axis luminance gain on the pyramid film is higher than that on one prism film but much lower than that on the two crossed prism films. These results suggest that a reliable simulation model can be used to develop new hybrid films and to optimize the optical structure of edge-lit backlight in order to reduce the developmental period.
The dependence of optical performances of collimating films such as prism films and pyramid films on the reflecting properties of reflection films were investigated by using a ray tracing technique. The angular distribution of the luminance and the on-axis luminance gain were obtained by using a simple backlight model composed of a reflection film, a virtual flat light source, and a collimating film. Three kinds of reflecting properties were used, which were a perfect Lambertian reflector, a perfect mirror reflector, and a reflector having both diffuse and specular properties. It was found that the on-axis luminance gain was the highest in the simulation where a mirror reflector was used, while the viewing angle was the widest where the Lambertian reflector was used. This result indicates that it is necessary to optimize the simulation condition such as the reflecting properties in order to predict the optical performances of collimating films accurately. Quantitative correlation between the optical characteristics of collimating films and the reflecting properties of reflection films can be used to improve simulation technique for the development and the optimization of collimating films for LCD backlight applications.
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