Microoptics for flat display backlighting

Abstract:
Displays are the basis elemnt for data visualisation in many applications. Often classical mechanical driven instrument clusters are replaced by displays, especially in automotive dashboards. Ambient illumination is more and more included to reach a homogeneous industrial design appearance. To be able to realise those applications very flat backlighting systems are required with the potential to fit into 3D shaped base geometries. Direct backlighting adds the possibility to address specific regions of the display individually, leading to energy saving and improved efficiency and contrast. Optical concepts for backlighting units are directly linked to the target thickness of the setup. With adapted optical concepts and introduction of microoptical elements very low thicknesses <3mm are possible.