Liquid crystal based ND filter with continuous gray level adjustment for professional camera applications

Purpose and goal

The goal of the project was to develop a new type of LC-based ND filter with a continuous, analog gray scale for professional camera applications. Such a product has a number of customer benefits when compared to existing filters with fixed gray levels as used in the market today, and the aim of the project was to make LC-Tec a competitive force in this market. By having fulfilled all aims LC-Tec is now ready to commence the planned market introduction of the new product.

Results and expected effects

Addition of the fully developed LC-based ND filter to LC-Tec´s product portfolio has been facilitated by the project, thus making LC-Tec the first company in the world to offer this product. This is wholly consistent with our strategy to compete in niche markets offering high quality products with unique functionality. The LC-based ND filter is still judged to have the potential to become LC-Tec´s new `main product´, which would stimulate growth in the company and generate employment opportunities in Borlänge.

Approach and implementation

The development work had four main work packages, all with their own milestones and goals: WP1. Angular dependency and color neutrality, WP2. Optical quality, WP3. Drive electronics, WP4. Prototype manufacturing. The three first work packages were mainly carried out in parallel, and newly generated knowledge was utilized for the prototype manufacturing carried out. In those cases when internal competence was missing has research and development been carried out together with external partners.