Random-dot pattern design of a light guide in an edge-lit backlight: integration of optical design and dot generation scheme by the molecular-dynamics method

We present the methodology of an integration of a dot generation scheme by a molecular-dynamics (MD) method and the subsequent software optical design phase by software. The MD dot generation scheme proposed has great advantages when integrated into the optical design phase. These advantages include the variable r-cut and reflective boundary condition techniques, both of which could achieve a high-density variation of dot distribution. In addition, we use a cell technique where the domain is divided into a number of smaller cells, allowing for flexibility in adjusting the dot density within each cell, as well as for using the add-on or remove-from technique of the dots in one cell to achieve an equal-luminance condition. In addition, a simple proportional rule of luminance to dot density is also proposed to perform dot optimization. Finally, an illustration is shown for the optimal dot distribution of a LED backlight. The result that a two-dimensional dot density distribution near the light source changes gradually to a one-dimensional dot density distribution with increasing distance from the light source shows the validity of the present integration of the MD dot generation scheme into the optical design phase. (c) 2007 Optical Society of America.