JP2001330844A - Liquid crystal device, projection display device and electronic equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [PROBLEMS] To prevent display defects due to disclination from occurring in a high-definition liquid crystal display device in which the distance between pixels is narrow, and to realize high-contrast and bright display. A reflective liquid crystal device, a projection display device, and an electronic device are provided. SOLUTION: A liquid crystal layer sandwiched between a first substrate and a second substrate, and a first liquid crystal layer formed on a surface of the second substrate on the liquid crystal layer side.
A liquid crystal device comprising an electrode and a second electrode, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are configured such that an electric field substantially parallel to a substrate surface can be applied to the liquid crystal layer. A linear shape having a predetermined line width is formed on the second electrode via a second insulating film, the second electrode is formed in a rectangular shape, and at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode is formed. Is a reflective electrode for reflecting light incident from the first substrate side.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a liquid crystal device, and more particularly to a structure of a liquid crystal device utilizing a lateral electric field, and a projection type display device and an electronic apparatus using the liquid crystal device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, demand for a liquid crystal display device has been increasing not only as a direct-viewing type but also as a projection type display element such as a projection television. When this liquid crystal display device is used as a projection type, if the enlargement ratio is increased with the conventional number of pixels, the roughness of the screen becomes conspicuous. Therefore, in order to obtain a fine image even at a high magnification, it is necessary to increase the number of pixels. However, when the number of pixels of the liquid crystal display device is increased, especially in an active matrix type liquid crystal display device,
The area occupied by portions other than the pixels, for example, the wiring portion and the thin film transistor (active element) portion is relatively large, and the area of the black matrix that covers these portions is increased. There is a problem that the area is reduced and the aperture ratio of the display device is reduced. When the aperture ratio decreases, the screen becomes darker, and the image quality as a liquid crystal display device deteriorates.

In order to prevent the aperture ratio from decreasing as much as possible due to the increase in the number of pixels, some projection display devices are shifting from transmissive liquid crystal panels to reflective liquid crystal panels. When the liquid crystal panel is of a reflective type, wiring portions such as scanning lines and signal lines can be formed below the reflective electrode, and the aperture ratio of a pixel can be improved.

[0004]

However, even with the emergence of various types of projection display devices, when a high-resolution liquid crystal panel is used, the distance between pixels, that is, the distance between the pixel electrodes and the pixel electrodes is reduced. Because the distance of becomes small,
Liquid crystal disclination (tilting) occurs due to the influence of a lateral electric field received from the periphery of another adjacent pixel electrode,
There is a problem that a defect occurs in the display area. The defect in the display area will be described in detail below.

In a liquid crystal panel for a current projector having a high definition structure, the width of a rectangular pixel electrode is reduced to about 20 μm square, and a plurality of such pixel electrodes are arranged in a matrix in a display area. are doing. In such a high-definition liquid crystal panel, which adopts a reflection type structure, a switching element formed on a substrate is covered with an insulating film, and a pixel electrode is arranged without a gap. By adopting, the distance between the pixel electrodes is 1 μm
It is becoming possible to narrow down to the following.

In a high-definition liquid crystal panel having a structure in which the distance between the pixel electrodes is narrow, a strong horizontal electric field acts on the liquid crystal present at the boundary between adjacent pixel electrodes. . The liquid crystal, which should be controlled between the common electrode and the pixel electrode formed on the inner surface of the opposing substrate, is likely to be oriented in different directions under the influence of the horizontal electric field. That is, in the liquid crystal in the region where the alignment is to be controlled by the pixel electrode, some of the liquid crystal is directed in a slightly different direction from the other liquid crystal. There is a problem that a linear display defect is generated. Further, when the width of the linear display defect was actually measured with this type of liquid crystal display device, it was found that the width was about 3 μm on average.

The problem of display defects due to the lateral electric field is occurring not only in the projection type display device but also in a high-definition direct-view type liquid crystal device.

For the purpose of eliminating such display defects, a liquid crystal device proposed in claims 50 to 65 of JP-A-11-202356 was studied. The conventional liquid crystal device controls the liquid crystal by a so-called vertical electric field generated by a pixel electrode and a common electrode formed on a pair of substrate inner surfaces, whereas a horizontal electric field generated when the distance between the pixels becomes narrower. This is an attempt to realize a liquid crystal device free from display defects by actively using it. However, JP-A-11-
The liquid crystal device proposed in JP 202356 relates to a transmission type liquid crystal device, and the respective conditions and configurations can be applied only to the transmission type liquid crystal device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and is intended to prevent a display defect caused by disclination from occurring in a high-definition liquid crystal display device in which the distance between pixels is narrow. It is an object of the present invention to provide a liquid crystal device, a projection display device, and an electronic device capable of performing bright display with contrast.

[0010]

Means taken by the present invention to solve the above problems are as follows.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a liquid crystal device comprising: a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between a first substrate and a second substrate; and a first electrode and a second electrode formed on a surface of the second substrate on the liquid crystal layer side. A first electrode and a second electrode, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are configured such that an electric field substantially parallel to a substrate surface can be applied to the liquid crystal layer. 2 formed in a linear shape having a predetermined line width via an insulating film, the second electrode is formed in a rectangular shape, and at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode is on the first substrate side. Characterized in that it is a reflective electrode that reflects light incident from the light source.

According to this means, it is possible to eliminate a display defect such as discnation caused by a lateral electric field caused by an adjacent pixel, and to realize a bright and high-contrast reflective liquid crystal display. If the first electrode is a reflective electrode, light incident on the first electrode from the first substrate side can be reflected back to the first substrate side. In this case, a larger line width of the first electrode can reflect more incident light. Also,
Many thin linear first electrodes may be formed. If the second electrode is a reflective electrode, light that has entered the second electrode from the first substrate can be reflected back to the first substrate. In this case, the first electrode may be a transparent electrode such as ITO. Furthermore, if both the first electrode and the second electrode are reflective electrodes, light incident on the pixel from the first substrate side can be reflected back to the first substrate side. In this case, if the first electrode is also formed between the adjacent pixels, it is possible to effectively use the display between the pixels.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a liquid crystal device comprising: a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between a first substrate and a second substrate; and a scanning signal line, an image signal line, and the like formed on a surface of the second substrate on the liquid crystal layer side. A liquid crystal device comprising a first electrode, a second electrode, and an active element, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are configured such that an electric field substantially parallel to a substrate surface can be applied to the liquid crystal layer; The second electrode is the scanning signal line, the image signal line,
It is formed over substantially the entire display area of the liquid crystal device with a first insulating film interposed therebetween so as to cover the active element, and has an opening. The first electrode is formed on the second electrode with a second insulating film interposed therebetween. Is formed in a line shape having a predetermined line width in each pixel,
The first electrode and the active element are connected through an opening of the second electrode, and at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode is a reflection that reflects light incident from the first substrate side. It is an electrode.

According to this means, it is possible to eliminate a display defect such as discnation due to a horizontal electric field caused by an adjacent pixel, and to realize a bright and high-contrast reflective liquid crystal display. Since a scanning signal line, an image signal line, and an active element can be arranged below the first electrode and the second electrode, a reflective liquid crystal with a high aperture ratio can be realized. If the first electrode is a reflective electrode, light incident on the first electrode from the first substrate side can be reflected back to the first substrate side. In this case, a larger line width of the first electrode can reflect more incident light. Also, a large number of thin linear first electrodes may be formed. If the second electrode is a reflective electrode, light that has entered the second electrode from the first substrate can be reflected back to the first substrate. In this case, the first electrode may be a transparent electrode such as ITO. Since the second electrode is formed over substantially the entire display area, it also serves as a light-shielding film of the active element. Further, since it is formed between adjacent pixels, a reflection type liquid crystal device having a very high aperture ratio can be realized.

Further, if the first electrode and the second electrode are both reflective electrodes, light incident on the pixels from the first substrate can be reflected again to the first substrate. The active element is a TFT (Thin Film Trans).
istor) element or MIM (Metal Insula)
to Metal) element, TFD (Thin Fil)
m Diode) element or the like can be used.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, when the line width of the first electrode is W1 and the electrode interval is L1, 4 <L1 / W.
It is characterized in that 1 ≦ 40.

According to this means, since the electrode interval of the first electrode is formed sufficiently wider than the line width of the first electrode, a liquid crystal region which is located on the first electrode and does not sufficiently respond to an electric field can be provided. As much as possible, a brighter and higher-contrast reflective liquid crystal display can be realized.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, when the line width of the first electrode is W1 and the distance between the electrodes is L1, 0.005 ≦
L1 / W1 <0.2.

According to this means, since the electrode interval between the first electrodes is formed sufficiently smaller than the line width of the first electrodes, most of the light incident from the first substrate side is reflected by the first electrodes. This makes it possible to suppress the phenomenon that the incident light enters the active element portion as much as possible. This is to eliminate malfunction of the active element due to light leakage.
Further, if the electrode interval between the first electrodes is too narrow, it becomes difficult to generate a lateral electric field between the first electrode and the second electrode, and thus the scope of the present invention is preferable.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, when the electrode interval between the first electrodes is L1, 0.1 μm ≦ L1 <1 μm
It is characterized by being.

According to this means, most of the light incident from the first substrate side can be reflected by the first electrode since the electrode interval of the first electrode is formed narrow, and the incident light is incident on the active element portion. Can be suppressed as much as possible. This is to eliminate malfunction of the active element due to light leakage. Further, if the electrode interval between the first electrodes is too narrow, it becomes difficult to generate a lateral electric field between the first electrode and the second electrode, and thus the scope of the present invention is preferable.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, when the distance between the first electrodes is L1, 8 μm <L1 ≦ 25 μm.

According to this means, since the electrode interval of the first electrode is formed sufficiently wide, the area of the liquid crystal located on the first electrode and not sufficiently responding to the electric field can be reduced as much as possible.
A brighter and higher-contrast reflective liquid crystal display can be realized.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the liquid crystal device, a plurality of openings in the second electrode exist in one pixel, and a plurality of the linear first electrodes are connected to one and the same active element through each of the openings. Features.

According to this means, a plurality of linear first electrodes can be connected from one active element in one pixel. As another method of forming a plurality of linear first electrodes in one pixel and connecting to one active element, linear electrodes are provided in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the linear first electrodes to form respective linear electrodes. A method of short-circuiting the first electrode is conceivable. If this method is adopted, a horizontal electric field generated between the first electrode and the second electrode is generated unevenly, and a bright and high-contrast reflective liquid crystal display is realized. You will not be able to do it. Therefore, a configuration like the present invention is very effective.

The liquid crystal device according to the present invention is characterized in that the first electrode also serves as a light shielding film.

According to this means, of the light incident from the first substrate side, the light incident on the active element can be reflected by the first electrode, and the phenomenon that the incident light goes around the active element can be achieved. It can be suppressed as long as possible. This is to eliminate malfunction of the active element due to light leakage. Further, in the conventional liquid crystal device, by using the light-shielding film formed between the pixels as the first electrode, it is possible to effectively use the reflection type liquid crystal display even between the pixels which conventionally do not contribute to the display. A high-contrast reflective liquid crystal display can be realized.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the liquid crystal device, the second electrode also serves as a light shielding film.

According to this means, of the light incident from the first substrate side, the light incident on the active element can be reflected by the second electrode, and the phenomenon that the incident light goes around the active element can be achieved. It can be suppressed as long as possible. This is to eliminate malfunction of the active element due to light leakage. Further, by using the light-shielding film formed in the inter-pixel portion in the conventional liquid crystal device as the second electrode, it is possible to effectively use the reflection type liquid crystal display even between pixels which do not conventionally contribute to display. A high-contrast reflective liquid crystal display can be realized.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the liquid crystal device, the longitudinal direction of the first linear electrode is non-parallel and non-perpendicular to any of the four sides of the liquid crystal panel.

According to this means, the liquid crystal is formed between the first substrate and the second substrate.
Orientation (initial orientation when no voltage is applied) can be performed in the longitudinal direction of the substrate or in a direction perpendicular thereto.
With this configuration, polarized light having a transmission axis can be incident on the liquid crystal device in the longitudinal direction of the first substrate and the second substrate or in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. For example, a polarizing beam splitter (PBS) used in a projection display device has a structure in which the direction of polarization of output polarized light is limited, and thus the liquid crystal device of the present invention is very convenient.

The liquid crystal device according to the eleventh aspect is characterized in that each pixel has a parallelogram shape and each corner is not a right angle.

According to this means, the liquid crystal is formed between the first substrate and the second substrate.
Orientation (initial orientation when no voltage is applied) can be performed in the longitudinal direction of the substrate or in a direction perpendicular thereto.
With this configuration, polarized light having a transmission axis can be incident on the liquid crystal device in the longitudinal direction of the first substrate and the second substrate or in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. For example, a polarizing beam splitter (PBS) used in a projection display device has a structure in which the direction of polarization of output polarized light is limited, and thus the liquid crystal device of the present invention is very convenient.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the liquid crystal device, the angle between the longitudinal direction of the linear first electrode and the longitudinal direction of the liquid crystal panel is β.
Then, 3 degrees ≦ β ≦ 87 degrees.

According to this means, the liquid crystal is formed between the first substrate and the second substrate.
Orientation (initial orientation when no voltage is applied) can be performed in the longitudinal direction of the substrate or in a direction perpendicular thereto.
With this configuration, polarized light having a transmission axis can be incident on the liquid crystal device in the longitudinal direction of the first substrate and the second substrate or in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. For example, a polarizing beam splitter (PBS) used in a projection display device has a structure in which the direction of polarization of output polarized light is limited, and thus the liquid crystal device of the present invention is very convenient.
Note that 5 degrees ≦ β ≦ 25 degrees or 65 degrees ≦ β ≦ 85 degrees is a more preferable range.

In a liquid crystal device according to a thirteenth aspect, among the adjacent pixels, the longitudinal direction of at least one linear first electrode is not parallel to the longitudinal direction of the linear first electrode of the adjacent pixel. And

According to this means, it is possible to realize a liquid crystal device in which a change in viewing angle due to the liquid crystal is small. For example, when white display is performed on the entire screen of the liquid crystal device, the liquid crystal has almost the same orientation in any part due to the lateral electric field. When this substantially uniform liquid crystal alignment state is observed through a polarizing plate, a viewing angle characteristic exists as in a conventional liquid crystal device. Therefore, when the longitudinal direction of the electrode is non-parallel between adjacent pixels as in the present invention, the alignment state (alignment direction) of the liquid crystal is different between each pixel, so that a liquid crystal device with a small change in viewing angle can be realized. it can.

A liquid crystal device according to a fourteenth aspect is characterized in that the shape of the linear first electrode is a letter "".

According to this means, it is possible to realize a liquid crystal device with a small change in viewing angle due to the liquid crystal. By making the shape of the electrode in one pixel into a "-" shape, the direction of the horizontal electric field exists in two directions in one pixel, thereby changing the alignment state of the liquid crystal to one.
A liquid crystal device which can be moved two times within a pixel and has a small change in viewing angle can be realized. In addition, the liquid crystal can be aligned (initial alignment when no voltage is applied) in the longitudinal direction of the first substrate and the second substrate or in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. With this configuration, polarized light having a transmission axis can be incident on the liquid crystal device in the longitudinal direction of the first substrate and the second substrate or in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. For example, a polarization beam splitter (PB) used in a projection display device
In S), the polarization direction of the output polarized light is limited due to its structure, so that the liquid crystal device of the present invention is very convenient.

A liquid crystal device according to a fifteenth aspect is characterized in that the first insulating film has a flattening function so that the second electrode has a mirror surface.

According to this means, it is possible to flatten the steps caused by the scanning signal lines, the image signal lines, and the active elements disposed below the second electrode, and to make the second electrode a mirror surface. . Thereby, the incident light from the first substrate side can be efficiently reflected again to the first substrate side with a high reflectance. In addition, a step due to a scanning signal line, an image signal line, or an active element adversely affects the liquid crystal. This can be suppressed.

In a liquid crystal device according to a sixteenth aspect, the first electrode is a pixel electrode, and the second electrode is a common electrode.

According to this means, the first electrode is a pixel electrode,
Since the second electrode can be a common electrode, a reflection-type liquid crystal display that is bright and has high contrast can be realized by inputting substantially the same liquid crystal drive signal as in the related art.

In the liquid crystal device according to the present invention, when the thickness of the first insulating film is D1, 0.01 μm ≦ D1 ≦ 5 μm.
m.

According to this means, it is possible to prevent a short circuit between the scanning signal line, the image signal line, the active element and the second electrode. In addition, scanning signal lines, image signal lines,
The step caused by the active element can be flattened. If the thickness of the first insulating film is 0.01 μm or more,
The potentials of the scanning signal lines, image signal lines, and active elements are
The effect on the electrode (common electrode) can be largely ignored. In addition,
1 μm ≦ D1 ≦ 3 μm is a more preferable range.

In the liquid crystal device according to the present invention, when the thickness of the second insulating film is D2, 0.01 μm ≦ D2 ≦ 5 μm.
m.

According to this means, a short circuit between the first electrode and the second electrode can be prevented. Also, the first
A horizontal electric field generated between the electrode and the second electrode can be efficiently applied to the liquid crystal layer. Note that 0.1 μm ≦ D2 ≦ 2μ
m is a more preferred range.

In the liquid crystal device according to the nineteenth aspect, one of the first insulating film and the second insulating film is made of SiOx or Si.
Nx.

According to this means, the first insulating film and the second insulating film can be formed relatively easily and inexpensively. In addition, high insulation can be realized. Since SiOx and SiNx have a relatively high transmittance, they are preferably used as the first insulating film formed on the second electrode. By doing so, the second
High reflectivity can be obtained with the electrode.

A liquid crystal device according to a twentieth aspect is characterized in that the transmittance of the second insulating film in the visible light range is 80% or more.

According to this means, a high reflectance can be realized by the second electrode. Of the light incident from the first substrate side, the light that reaches the second electrode passes through the second insulating film twice. If the transmittance of the second insulating film is less than 80%, approximately 40% to about half of the light is absorbed by the second insulating film, making it impossible to realize a bright reflective liquid crystal display.

According to a twenty-first aspect, in the liquid crystal device, the second insulating film is a color filter.

According to this means, the light reflected by the second electrode is colored, and a reflective color display can be performed.

According to a twenty-second aspect of the present invention, when the thickness of the liquid crystal layer is d and the anisotropy of the refractive index of the liquid crystal is.
It is characterized in that 1 μm ≦ Δn × d <0.2 μm.

According to this means, a bright and high-contrast reflective liquid crystal display can be realized. The incident light from the first substrate side passes through the liquid crystal layer, is reflected by the first electrode or the second electrode, and transmits through the liquid crystal layer again. That is, since the light passes through the liquid crystal layer twice, the retardation represented by the product of the thickness of the liquid crystal layer and the refractive index anisotropy is about half that of the transmission type liquid crystal display device.

According to a twenty-third aspect of the present invention, in the liquid crystal device, an alignment film is formed on a surface of the first substrate and the second substrate that is in contact with the liquid crystal layer, and an angle (pretilt) formed by liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer with the substrate surface. The angle is θp, and 10 degrees <θp ≦ 90 degrees.

According to this means, of the electric field generated between the first electrode and the second electrode, a display defect due to an unnecessary electric field component generated in the normal direction of the first substrate and the second substrate can be eliminated.

According to a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, when the angle between the alignment axis of the alignment film formed on the inner surface of the first substrate and the alignment axis of the alignment film formed on the inner surface of the second substrate is α, ≦ α <180 degrees.

According to this means, the liquid crystal in the liquid crystal layer is converted into the first liquid crystal.
Twist (twist) orientation can be performed between the substrate and the second substrate. By doing so, the liquid crystal can be efficiently controlled by a horizontal electric field generated between the first electrode and the second electrode. Also, by setting approximately α = 0 degrees, the inclination angle of the liquid crystal molecules positioned at the center of the liquid crystal layer with respect to the substrate surface can be approximately 0 degrees.

A liquid crystal device according to a twenty-fifth aspect is characterized in that the liquid crystal layer contains a liquid crystal material having a negative dielectric anisotropy and having a cyano group.

According to this means, since the liquid crystal material having a negative dielectric anisotropy is used, of the electric field generated between the first electrode and the second electrode, the normal line of the first substrate and the second substrate is included. A display defect due to an unnecessary electric field component generated in the direction can be suppressed. In addition, since a liquid crystal material having a cyano group is included, the liquid crystal has a large dielectric anisotropy and can drive the liquid crystal at a low voltage. Thus, a liquid crystal device with low power consumption can be realized.

A liquid crystal device according to a twenty-sixth aspect is characterized in that the liquid crystal layer contains a chiral liquid crystal material.

According to this means, the liquid crystal can be efficiently moved (driven) by the lateral electric field generated between the first electrode and the second electrode. In addition, a high-speed response becomes possible. When chiral is mixed into the liquid crystal, the liquid crystal has a high elastic energy level related to twist. Since the liquid crystal device of the present invention controls the liquid crystal to be twisted between the first substrate and the second substrate by the lateral electric field, it is very effective to initially apply a twist power to the liquid crystal material. .

A liquid crystal device according to claim 27, wherein the alignment film is made of SiOx.

According to this means, a uniform alignment of the liquid crystal can be obtained without rubbing the first substrate and the second substrate. Since it is rubbing free, there is no generation of static electricity or dust. The alignment film of SiOx can be realized by oblique oblique deposition in a vacuum. It is preferable to deposit SiOx at an angle of approximately 60 to 85 degrees from the normal direction of the substrate surface.

The liquid crystal device according to claim 28, wherein the second substrate is a silicon (Si) substrate.

According to this means, an active element having high mobility can be manufactured, and a high-speed and high-contrast reflective liquid crystal display can be realized.

A liquid crystal device according to a twenty-ninth aspect is characterized in that a transparent electrode having a constant potential is provided on a surface of the first substrate different from the liquid crystal layer.

According to this means, it is possible to realize a liquid crystal device in which the influence of static electricity is suppressed. Since the first substrate has no electrode on the surface in contact with the liquid crystal layer, it is vulnerable to static electricity. Therefore, by forming a transparent electrode having a constant potential on a surface of the first substrate different from the liquid crystal layer, the influence of static electricity can be suppressed.

A liquid crystal device according to claim 30 is characterized in that the transparent electrode has a zero potential.

According to this means, since an existing potential can be used, it is possible to relatively easily take a countermeasure against static electricity.

A liquid crystal device according to a thirty-first aspect is characterized in that the transparent electrode is made of ITO.

According to this means, it is possible to take measures against static electricity without deteriorating the reflection type liquid crystal display. ITO has high transmittance and is easy to manufacture.

A liquid crystal device according to a thirty-second aspect is characterized in that the pixel pitch is 30 μm or less.

According to this means, the pixel pitch is 30 μm
A bright and high-contrast reflective liquid crystal display can be realized with the following high-definition liquid crystal device. In addition, 20μ
The present invention is more effective for a liquid crystal device having a pixel pitch of m or less.

A liquid crystal device according to a thirty-third aspect is characterized in that 5 ≦ L1 / D2 ≦ 30, where L1 is the distance between the first electrodes and D2 is the thickness of the second insulating film.

According to this means, a lateral electric field can be efficiently generated between the first electrode and the second electrode. Thus, the liquid crystal can be driven at a low voltage.

A projection type display device according to a thirty-fourth aspect is characterized by including the liquid crystal device according to any one of the first to thirty-third aspects.

According to this means, a bright and high-contrast projection display device can be realized.

A projection display device according to claim 35, comprising a light source, a light modulator for modulating light from the light source, and a projection lens for projecting light modulated by the light modulator. 4. An optical modulator as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2.
3. A liquid crystal device according to any one of 3.

According to this means, a bright and high-contrast projection display device can be realized.

A liquid crystal device according to claim 36, wherein a polarizing plate is disposed on a side of said first substrate different from said liquid crystal layer, said liquid crystal layer is uniaxially oriented, and said uniaxially oriented direction and said polarizing plate The transmission axis has an angle of about 45 degrees, and the phase difference of the liquid crystal layer is about 1/4 wavelength.

According to this means, it is possible to realize a direct-view reflective liquid crystal device which is bright and has high contrast.

The liquid crystal device according to claim 37, wherein at least one retardation plate and a polarizing plate are sequentially disposed on a side of the first substrate different from the liquid crystal layer, and the liquid crystal layer and the retardation plate are combined. The phase difference is approximately 1/4 wavelength with respect to light in the visible light range.

According to this means, it is possible to realize a direct-view reflective liquid crystal device which is bright and has high contrast.

A liquid crystal device according to claim 38, wherein at least one retardation plate and a polarizing plate are sequentially disposed on a side of the first substrate different from the liquid crystal layer, and the retardation plate is substantially in a visible light region. It is a quarter wavelength.

According to this means, it is possible to realize a direct-view reflective liquid crystal device which is bright and has high contrast.

A liquid crystal device according to a thirty-ninth aspect is characterized in that a color filter corresponding to each pixel is formed on a surface of the first substrate on the liquid crystal layer side.

According to this means, it is possible to realize a direct-view reflective color liquid crystal device which is bright and has high contrast.

The electronic device according to claim 40 is the electronic device according to claim 36.
A liquid crystal device according to any one of claims 39 to 39 is mounted.

According to this means, it is possible to realize a highly visible electronic device equipped with a direct-view reflective color liquid crystal device which is bright and has high contrast.

[0092]

Next, an embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing the structure of a liquid crystal device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
(A) is a front view of one pixel, and (b) is a cross-sectional view. It has a structure in which a liquid crystal layer 103 is sandwiched between two substrates 101 and 102. The upper substrate 101 has an alignment film 10 on the inner surface.
4 are formed. The lower substrate 102 has a second electrode 107, an insulating film 108 made of SiOx, and a first electrode 1 inside.
06 and an alignment film 105 are formed.

The first electrode 106 is a linear transparent electrode.
The second electrode 107 is a rectangular reflective electrode. Second electrode 1
Reference numeral 07 has a function of reflecting the light 109 incident from the upper substrate 101 side. The liquid crystal 103 is controlled by an external driving circuit by an electric field generated by a potential difference between the first electrode 106 and the second electrode 107. This reflective liquid crystal device actively generates a horizontal electric field, which has conventionally caused display defects, and controls the liquid crystal. No display defects such as discnation caused. Therefore, a bright and high-contrast reflective liquid crystal display can be realized.

In the present embodiment, the second electrode 107 is a reflective electrode and the first electrode 106 is a transparent electrode made of ITO. However, the first electrode 106 may be a reflective electrode. Al (aluminum), Ag
An alloy mainly containing (silver), Cr (chromium), Ta (tantalum), Ni (nickel), Au (gold), Cu (copper), Pt (platinum), or the like can be used. By using these metal alloys, a reflective liquid crystal device having high reflectance can be realized.

In this embodiment, SiOx is used for the insulating film 108, but a transparent resin such as SiNx or acrylic may be used. These materials can realize high insulating properties.

It is preferable to use a material having a transmittance of 80% or more for the insulating film 108 of this embodiment. SiOx and S
iNx and acrylic resin are also excellent materials in this respect. Further, when the insulating film 108 was a color filter, the light reflected by the second electrode was colored, and a reflective color display could be performed. To perform full-color display, it is preferable to form red (R), green (G), and blue (B) color filters corresponding to each pixel.

In the present embodiment, a nematic liquid crystal material exhibiting negative dielectric anisotropy was used. Thereby, the first electrode 1
A display defect due to an unnecessary vertical electric field component generated in the normal direction of the upper substrate 101 and the lower substrate 102 in the electric field generated between the second substrate 107 and the second electrode 107 could be eliminated. Also,
Since a liquid crystal material containing a liquid crystal having a cyano group was used,
The dielectric anisotropy was large, and the liquid crystal could be controlled at a low voltage. Thus, a liquid crystal device with low power consumption can be realized. Furthermore, by mixing chiral into the liquid crystal material, a high-speed response became possible.

In this embodiment, the alignment films 104 and 105 obtained by rubbing a polyimide organic film are used.
An orientation film obtained by obliquely depositing iOx in a vacuum may be used.

By doing so, static electricity and dust were not generated, and the production yield was dramatically improved.

As shown in FIG. 1, when the line width of the first electrode 106 is W1 and the interval between the first electrodes 106 is L1, W1
When one and L1 are plural in one pixel, W1 and L1 need not be all the same in one pixel.

(Second Embodiment) FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing the structure of a liquid crystal device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
(A) is a front view of one pixel, and (b) is a cross-sectional view. It has a structure in which a liquid crystal layer 203 is sandwiched between two substrates 201 and 202. The upper substrate 201 has an alignment film 20 on its inner surface.
4 are formed. On the lower substrate 202, a scanning signal line, an image signal line, and a TFT element 210 are formed on the inner side, and a first insulating film 209, a common electrode 207, a second insulating film 208, a pixel electrode 206, and an alignment film 205 are further formed thereon. Are sequentially formed. An opening (contact hole) 212 is provided in the common electrode 207, and the TFT element 210 and the pixel electrode 206 are in contact with each other. The pixel electrode 206 is a linear transparent electrode, and the common electrode 207 is a reflective electrode formed substantially over the entire display area of the liquid crystal panel (formed over adjacent pixels). The common electrode 207 has a function of reflecting light 211 incident from the upper substrate 201 side. The liquid crystal 203 is controlled by an external drive circuit with an electric field generated by a potential difference between the pixel electrode 206 and the common electrode 207. This reflective liquid crystal device actively generates a horizontal electric field, which has conventionally caused display defects, and controls the liquid crystal. No display defects such as discnation caused. Therefore, a bright and high-contrast reflective liquid crystal display can be realized.

In this embodiment, the common electrode 207 is a reflective electrode and the pixel electrode 206 is a transparent electrode made of ITO. However, the pixel electrode 206 may be a reflective electrode. Since the common electrode 207 is formed over substantially the entire display area, it also serves as a light shielding film of the TFT element 210. Thereby, the TFT element 21 due to light leakage
0 malfunctions could be eliminated. Further, in the conventional liquid crystal device, a light-shielding film formed between pixels is replaced with a common electrode 20.
By setting the number to 7, it is possible to effectively use the reflection type liquid crystal display even between pixels that do not contribute to display conventionally, and thus a bright and high-contrast reflection type liquid crystal display can be realized.

By forming the first insulating film 209 with a predetermined thickness, it is possible to flatten the steps caused by the scanning signal lines, image signal lines, and TFT elements 210 disposed below the common electrode 207, The common electrode 207 was able to be in a mirror state. As a result, the incident light from the upper substrate 201 side could be efficiently reflected to the upper substrate 201 side again with a high reflectance. In addition, the steps caused by the scanning signal lines, the image signal lines, and the TFT elements 210 often have an adverse effect on the alignment of the liquid crystal 203. However, since the first insulating film 209 has a function of a flattening film, it can be suppressed. did it.

In this embodiment, a silicon (Si) substrate is used as the lower substrate 202. As a result, the TFT element 210 having high mobility can be manufactured, and a high-speed and high-contrast reflective liquid crystal display can be realized.

(Third Embodiment) In the reflection type liquid crystal device of FIG. 2, the width of the pixel electrode 206 is W1, the width of the pixel electrode 20 is
The interval of 6 is defined as L1. Here, the relationship between the ratio (L1 / W1) of the distance L1 between the pixel electrodes 206 to the electrode width W1 of the pixel electrodes 206 and the reflectance of the reflective liquid crystal device was examined. The upper part of Table 1 is a case where the pixel electrode 206 is a reflective electrode, and the lower part is a case where the common electrode 207 is a reflective electrode.

[0107]

[Table 1] According to the upper row of Table 1, L1 / W1 is not less than 0.005 and not less than 0.5.
When it is less than 2, a liquid crystal device having a reflectance of 60% or more can be realized. Since the electrode interval L1 of the pixel electrode 206 is formed sufficiently smaller than the line width W1 of the pixel electrode 206, most of the light incident from the upper substrate 201 side can be reflected by the pixel electrode 206, and the TFT element portion 210
The phenomenon in which the incident light is circulated to the surface was suppressed. If the electrode interval L1 of the pixel electrode 206 is too narrower than the line width W1 of the pixel electrode 206, the pixel electrode 206 and the common electrode 207
It is difficult to generate a horizontal electric field between
It was found that when W1 was less than 0.005, the reflectance of the reflective liquid crystal device was reduced. Further, when L1 / W1 is increased to some extent, the horizontal electric field generated between the pixel electrode 206 and the common electrode 207 is disturbed by the potential of the adjacent pixel.
It was found that the reflectance of the reflection type liquid crystal device was reduced when the ratio was 2 or more.

The electrode interval L1 between the pixel electrodes 206 is 0.1
It is desirably at least μm and less than 1 μm. Since the electrode interval L1 of the pixel electrode 206 is formed to be narrow, most of the light incident from the upper substrate 201 side can be reflected by the pixel electrode 206, and the phenomenon that the incident light enters the TFT element portion 210 is minimized. Could be suppressed. Also, the pixel electrode 20
If the electrode interval L1 of No. 6 is too small, it is difficult to generate a horizontal electric field between the pixel electrode 206 and the common electrode 207. Therefore, the range of 0.1 μm or more and less than 1 μm is preferable.

According to the lower part of Table 1, when L1 / W1 is more than 4 and 40 or less, a liquid crystal device having a reflectance of 60% or more can be realized. Electrode spacing L of pixel electrode 206
Since 1 is formed sufficiently wider than the line width W1 of the pixel electrode 206, most of the light incident from the upper substrate 201 side can be reflected by the common electrode 207, and the incident light enters the TFT element portion 210. The phenomenon could be suppressed. If the electrode interval L1 of the pixel electrode 206 is smaller than four times the line width W1 of the pixel electrode 206, the influence of the non-uniform electric field generated at the edge portion of the pixel electrode 206 increases and the liquid crystal alignment is disturbed. It was found that when the ratio was less than 1, the reflectance of the reflection type liquid crystal device was lowered. Also, L1 / W1
When is increased to some extent, the horizontal electric field generated between the pixel electrode 206 and the common electrode 207 is disturbed by the potential of the adjacent pixel, and it has been found that the reflectivity of the reflective liquid crystal device is reduced at 40 or more.

In the reflection type liquid crystal device shown in FIG. 2, the line width W1 of the pixel electrode 206 was fixed at 1 μm, and the reflectance L of the reflection type liquid crystal device was examined by changing the electrode interval L1 between the pixel electrodes 206. At this time, the pixel electrode 206 is a transparent electrode,
The common electrode 207 is a reflective electrode.

[0111]

[Table 2] According to Table 2, a reflection type liquid crystal device realizing a reflectance of 60% or more could be manufactured if L1 was greater than 8 μm and 25 μm or less. When L1 is 8 μm or less, the influence of the non-uniform electric field generated at the edge portion of the pixel electrode 206 becomes large and disturbs the liquid crystal alignment, so that the reflectance of the reflective liquid crystal device is reduced. Conversely, when L1 is larger than 25 μm, it has been found that the horizontal electric field generated between the pixel electrode 206 and the common electrode 207 is disturbed by the potential of the adjacent pixel, and the reflectance of the reflective liquid crystal device is reduced.

It is preferable that the distance between the pixels is smaller than the electrode distance L1 between the pixel electrodes. By doing so, the horizontal electric field generated between the pixel electrode and the common electrode due to the adjacent pixel potential is less likely to be disturbed.

(Fourth Embodiment) FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing the structure of a liquid crystal device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
(A) is a front view of one pixel, and (b) is a cross-sectional view. It has a structure in which a liquid crystal layer 303 is sandwiched between two substrates 301 and 302. The upper substrate 301 has an alignment film 30 on the inner surface.
4 are formed. On the lower substrate 302, a scanning signal line, an image signal line, and a TFT element 312 are formed on the inner side, and a first insulating film 309, a common electrode 307, a second insulating film 308, a pixel electrode 306, and an alignment film 305 are further formed thereon. Are sequentially formed. The common electrode 307 is provided with three openings (contact holes) 310, and the TFT element 312 and the pixel electrode 306 are in contact with each other through the openings 310. The pixel electrode 306 is a rectangular reflective electrode having a width W1, and the common electrode 307 is a reflective electrode formed generally in a portion between the pixel electrodes 306, that is, in a lower layer of the pixel electrode interval L1. The pixel electrode 306 and the common electrode 307 are the light 31 incident from the upper substrate 301 side.
It has a function of reflecting 1. The liquid crystal 303 is controlled by an external drive circuit with an electric field generated by a potential difference between the pixel electrode 306 and the common electrode 307. This reflective liquid crystal device actively generates a horizontal electric field, which has conventionally caused display defects, and controls the liquid crystal. No display defects such as discnation caused. Therefore, a bright and high-contrast reflective liquid crystal display can be realized.

In the present embodiment, the pixel electrode 306 is replaced by a TFT
The element 312 was formed so as to also serve as a light-shielding film. As a result, malfunction of the TFT element 312 due to light leakage could be eliminated.

In this embodiment, the ITO transparent electrode 31 of the ground potential is provided on a surface different from the upper substrate 301 and the liquid crystal layer 303.
3 were provided. As a result, a liquid crystal device free from the influence of static electricity was realized.

(Fifth Embodiment) In a liquid crystal device having the same configuration as in the first to fourth embodiments, the shape of the pixel is changed as shown in FIG.
As shown in (a), each corner was a parallelogram that was not a right angle. A pixel electrode 401 is formed on the common electrode 402 with an insulating film interposed therebetween.
Connected to FT element. One area 409 separated by a dotted line in FIG. 4A represents one pixel (the pitch of this one pixel is P). Linear pixel electrode 4
01 is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the short axis direction 407 and long axis direction 406 of the liquid crystal panel 405 shown in FIG. 4B. By doing so, the liquid crystal can be initially aligned in the short axis direction 407 or the long axis direction 406 of the liquid crystal panel 405 (alignment when no electric field is applied). In order to incline the liquid crystal with respect to the direction of the horizontal electric field generated between the pixel electrode 401 and the common electrode 402, the liquid crystal is not initially oriented in a direction parallel or perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 404 of the pixel electrode 401, but in the longitudinal direction 404. The initial orientation must be performed at a predetermined angle with respect to the initial orientation.

The reason for this is to uniformly control the liquid crystal with respect to the lateral electric field. This reflection type liquid crystal device has a short axis direction 407 or a long axis direction 40 of the liquid crystal panel 405.
6 can be polarized with a transmission axis. For example, in a polarizing beam splitter (PBS) used for a projection display device, the polarization direction of output polarized light is limited due to its structure, and is usually the short axis direction 407 or the long axis direction 406 of the liquid crystal panel 405. The liquid crystal device of the present invention is very convenient. The symbol 4 in FIG.
Reference numeral 08 denotes a connector tape for inputting a signal to the liquid crystal panel.

When the angle between the longitudinal direction of the linear pixel electrode and the longitudinal direction of the liquid crystal panel is β, 3 degrees ≦ β ≦ 87
Degree is preferred. This is because, as described above, the liquid crystal is applied to the liquid crystal panel 405 in the short axis direction 407 or the long axis direction 4.
This is because the initial alignment can be performed at 06. In addition,
5 degrees ≦ β ≦ 25 degrees or 65 degrees ≦ β ≦ 85 degrees is a more preferable range. With this range, the liquid crystal can be controlled with a lower voltage.

(Sixth Embodiment) In a liquid crystal device having the same structure as in the first to fourth embodiments, the shape of each pixel is a parallelogram whose angles are not right angles as shown in FIG. Are formed such that the longitudinal direction of the pixel electrode 501 is not parallel to the longitudinal direction of the pixel electrode 501 adjacent thereto. A pixel electrode 501 is formed on the common electrode 502 via an insulating film, and the pixel electrode 501 is
Connected to T element. 1 separated by a dotted line in FIG.
One area 506 represents one pixel. Since the longitudinal directions 504 and 505 of the pixel electrode 501 in FIG. 5 are not parallel, a liquid crystal device with a small change in viewing angle can be realized, because the alignment state when an electric field is applied differs between the two pixels. For example, when white display is performed on the entire screen of the liquid crystal device, the liquid crystal has almost the same orientation in any part due to the lateral electric field. When this substantially uniform liquid crystal alignment state is observed through a polarizing plate, a viewing angle characteristic exists as in a conventional liquid crystal device. Therefore, when the longitudinal direction of the electrode is non-parallel between adjacent pixels as in the present invention, the alignment state (alignment direction) of the liquid crystal is different between each pixel, so that a liquid crystal device with a small change in viewing angle can be realized. it can.

Further, even if the shape of the pixel electrode 601 in one pixel as shown in FIG. 6 is formed in a "-" shape, a liquid crystal device with a small change in viewing angle due to the liquid crystal could be realized.

On the common electrode 602 via an insulating film,
A pixel electrode 601 having a U-shape is formed.
Is connected to a lower TFT element at a contact portion 603.

One area 60 separated by a dotted line in FIG.
4 represents one pixel. Pixel electrode 60 in one pixel
By forming one shape into a “C” shape, the direction of the lateral electric field exists in two directions within one pixel, thereby changing the alignment state of the liquid crystal to one.
A liquid crystal device which can be moved two times within a pixel and has a small change in viewing angle can be realized.

(Seventh Embodiment) In the reflection type liquid crystal device shown in FIG. 2, the thickness D1 of the first insulating film 209 is 0.01 μm.
m ≦ D1 ≦ 5 μm is preferred. By selecting D1 in this range, a short circuit between the scanning signal line, the image signal line, the TFT element 210 and the common electrode 207 can be prevented. Also, scanning signal lines, image signal lines, TFTs
The step caused by the element 210 can be flattened. When the thickness D1 of the first insulating film 209 is 0.01 μm or more, the influence of the potential of the scanning signal line, the image signal line, and the TFT element 210 on the common electrode 207 can be substantially ignored. D
If 1 exceeds 5 μm, on the contrary, the thickness becomes too large, and it becomes difficult to secure flatness. In addition, 1 μm ≦ D1 ≦ 3 μm is a more preferable range.

Next, in the reflection type liquid crystal device shown in FIG. 2, the reflectivity of the liquid crystal device was examined by changing the thickness D2 of the second insulating film 208. Table 3 summarizes the results.

[0125]

[Table 3] The thickness D2 of the second insulating film 208 is 0.01 μm ≦ D2 ≦ 5
If it is μm, a reflectance of 60% or more can be secured. Further, in this range, a short circuit between the pixel electrode 206 and the common electrode 207 can be prevented.
Further, a lateral electric field generated between the pixel electrode 206 and the common electrode 207 can be efficiently applied to the liquid crystal layer 203.
Further, when the range is 0.1 μm ≦ D2 ≦ 2 μm, a reflective liquid crystal device having a reflectance of 80% or more can be realized.

The distance between adjacent pixels is preferably not more than three times the thickness D2 of the second insulating film 208. More preferably, it is good to be twice or less. By doing so, it is possible to realize a reflective liquid crystal device that is less affected by the potential of the adjacent pixel electrode.

(Eighth Embodiment) The thickness d of the liquid crystal layer 103 and the refractive index anisotropy Δn of the liquid crystal in the reflective liquid crystal device of FIG.
The relationship between the product Δn × d and the reflectance of the liquid crystal device was examined. Δnxd was changed from 0.05 to 0.41. Table 4 summarizes the results.

[0128]

[Table 4] As is clear from Table 4, the product Δn × d of the thickness d of the liquid crystal layer 103 and the refractive index anisotropy Δn of the liquid crystal is 0.1 or more and 0.2
When it is less than 3, a reflective liquid crystal device having a reflectance of 60% or more was realized.

(Ninth Embodiment) In the reflection type liquid crystal device shown in FIG. 1, if the angle (pretilt angle) between the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 103 and the substrate surface is θp, 10 degrees <θp
It is desirable that ≦ 90 degrees. When the pretilt angle θp is in this range, display defects due to unnecessary vertical electric field components generated in the normal direction of the upper substrate 101 and the lower substrate 102 in the electric field generated between the first electrode 106 and the second electrode 107 are eliminated. be able to. This is because even if a vertical electric field occurs, it is previously tilted in one direction by the pretilt angle θp,
This is because the orientation is not disturbed.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a liquid crystal panel having the pixel configuration of FIG. Arrow 701 in FIG. 7 indicates the orientation direction of the liquid crystal on the upper substrate, and arrow 702 indicates the orientation direction of the liquid crystal on the lower substrate. The angle between the orientation directions of the upper and lower substrates is defined as α.
α is preferably in a range of 0 degree or more and less than 180 degrees. By setting α in this manner, the liquid crystal in the liquid crystal layer can be twisted (twisted) between the upper substrate and the lower substrate. Thereby, the liquid crystal can be efficiently controlled by the horizontal electric field generated between the first electrode and the second electrode. By setting α to approximately 0 °, it is possible to realize a splay alignment in which the tilt angle of the liquid crystal molecules located at the center of the liquid crystal layer with respect to the substrate surface is approximately 0 °.

(Tenth Embodiment) In a conventional TN (twisted nematic) liquid crystal device, the pixel pitch P, the area of a disclination display defect due to a lateral electric field, and the effective aperture ratio in the pixel area excluding the display defect portion Was examined. The results are summarized in Table 5.

[0132]

[Table 5] From the results shown in Table 5, when the disclination line is generated, the effective aperture ratio, which is expressed as the ratio of the effective area where the display is not affected by the disclination line in the display area, is 85 when the pixel pitch is 30 μm or less. %, It seems to be effective in the case of a smaller pixel pitch even within a range of a pixel pitch of 30 μm or less. Specifically, when the pixel pitch is 20 μm, the effective aperture ratio is 80% or less, and when the pixel pitch is 10 μm or less, the effective aperture ratio is 60% or less. Thus, 30
It has been found that a liquid crystal device having a pixel pitch of not more than μm preferably uses a liquid crystal mode of a lateral electric field as in the present invention. In the liquid crystal device of the present invention, the effective aperture ratio does not decrease even if the pixel pitch P becomes 30 μm or less.
A bright reflective display can be realized.

(Eleventh Embodiment) In the reflection type liquid crystal device shown in FIG. 2, the distance between the pixel electrodes 206 is defined as L1, and the thickness of the second insulating film is defined as D2. Here, the pixel electrode 206 interval L
Ratio of thickness D2 of second insulating film to 1 (L1 / D2)
And the relationship between the reflectance and the contrast ratio of the reflective liquid crystal device. The experiment was performed with the line width W1 of the pixel electrode 206 fixed at 1 μm and the interval L1 between the pixel electrodes 206 fixed at 4 μm. The reflectance is 5 V between the pixel electrode 206 and the common electrode 207.
And the contrast ratio is the ratio of the brightness (reflectance) between when no voltage is applied and when 5 V is applied.

[0134]

[Table 6] According to Table 6, when L1 / D2 is 5 or more and 30 or less, 8
A liquid crystal device having a reflectance of 0% or more can be realized.
Further, a contrast ratio of 400 or more can be obtained. From the above, by setting 5 ≦ L1 / D2 ≦ 30, a bright and high-contrast reflective display can be realized.

(Twelfth Embodiment) The configuration of a projection display device (liquid crystal projector) as an application example using the liquid crystal device of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal projector on an XY plane passing through the center of the optical element 850.

The liquid crystal projector of the present embodiment is a polarized light illuminating device 800 which is composed of a light source section 810, an integrator lens 820, and a polarization converting element 830 arranged along the system optical axis L. The polarizing beam splitter 840 that reflects the S-polarized light beam reflected by the S-polarized light beam reflecting surface 841, and a dichroic that separates the blue light (B) component from the light reflected from the S-polarized light beam reflecting surface 841 of the polarizing beam splitter 840. A mirror 842, a reflective liquid crystal light valve 845B that modulates the separated blue light (B), and a dichroic mirror 843 that reflects and separates the red light (R) component of the light beam after the blue light is separated. The reflection type liquid crystal light valve 845R for modulating the separated red light (R) and the dichroic mirror 843. The reflection type liquid crystal light valve 845G for modulating the green light (G) of the remaining light passing therethrough, the light modulated by the three reflection type liquid crystal light valves 845R, 845G, and 845B are used as dichroic mirrors 843 and 842, and a polarization beam splitter. The projection optical system 850 is composed of a projection lens that combines the lights at 840 and projects the combined light onto the screen 860. Each of the three reflective liquid crystal light valves 845R, 845G, and 845B has the liquid crystal display device (liquid crystal panel) described in the above embodiment.
Is used.

The randomly polarized light beam emitted from the light source section 810 is divided into a plurality of intermediate light beams by an integrator lens 820, and then the polarized light beam is substantially converted by a polarization conversion element 820 having a second integrator lens on the light incident side. The light is converted into one kind of polarized light beam (S-polarized light beam), and then reaches the polarization beam splitter 840. The S-polarized light emitted from the polarization conversion element 830 is reflected by the S-polarized light reflecting surface 8 of the polarizing beam splitter 840.
Among the light beams reflected and reflected by 41, the light beam of blue light (B) is reflected by the blue light reflecting layer of the dichroic mirror 842, and is modulated by the reflective liquid crystal light valve 845B. Further, among the light beams transmitted through the blue light reflecting layer of the dichroic mirror 842, the light beam of red light (R) is reflected by the red light reflecting layer of the dichroic mirror 843 and is modulated by the reflective liquid crystal light valve 845R. . On the other hand, the light flux of the green light (G) transmitted through the red light reflecting layer of the dichroic mirror 843 is modulated by the reflective liquid crystal light valve 845G.

As described above, the color light is modulated by the reflection type liquid crystal light valves 845R, 845G, 845B.

In the color light reflected from the pixels of the liquid crystal panel, the S-polarized light component does not pass through the polarization beam splitter 840 that reflects the S-polarized light, but the P-polarized light component does. An image is formed by the light transmitted through the polarizing beam splitter 840.

The reflection type liquid crystal panel has a glass substrate with a TFT.
Compared to an active matrix type liquid crystal panel with an array, the pixels are formed using semiconductor technology, so the number of pixels can be increased and the panel size can be reduced, so that a high-definition image can be projected and the projector itself Contributes to downsizing. Further, the reflective liquid crystal panel of the present invention hardly causes display defects due to a lateral electric field even when the resolution is increased, and has a high reflectance, so that a bright projection display can be obtained.

(Thirteenth Embodiment) FIG. 9 is a schematic sectional view showing the structure of a twelfth embodiment of the liquid crystal device according to the present invention. A structure in which a liquid crystal layer 903 is sandwiched between two substrates 901 and 902 is employed.

A color filter 907 and an alignment film 908 are sequentially formed on the inner surface of the upper substrate 901. Two retardation plates 906 and 905 are provided on the outer surface of the upper substrate 901.
And a polarizing plate 904 are sequentially formed. Lower substrate 902
Is an insulating film 9 made of a second electrode 912 and SiOx inside.
10, a first electrode 911 and an alignment film 909 are formed. The first electrode 911 is a linear transparent electrode, and the second electrode 912 is a rectangular reflective electrode. The second electrode 912 has a function of reflecting light incident from the upper substrate 901 side. The liquid crystal 903 is controlled by an external driving circuit with an electric field generated by a potential difference between the first electrode 911 and the second electrode 912. This reflective liquid crystal device actively generates a horizontal electric field, which has conventionally caused display defects, and controls the liquid crystal. No display defects such as discnation caused. Therefore, a bright and high-contrast reflective color liquid crystal display can be realized.

Next, a specific example of an electronic apparatus provided with the above-mentioned reflective color liquid crystal display device will be described.

FIG. 10A is a perspective view showing an example of a portable telephone.

FIG. 10B is a perspective view showing an example of a wristwatch-type electronic device.

FIG. 10C is a perspective view showing an example of a portable information processing device such as a word processor or a personal computer.

Each of the electronic devices shown in FIGS. 10A to 10C is provided with the above-mentioned reflection type color liquid crystal display device, and is characterized by any one of the liquid crystal display devices of the above-described embodiments. Therefore, a high-definition display with a high contrast ratio can be obtained using any of the liquid crystal display devices.

[0148]

According to the present invention, a reflection-type liquid crystal device which can prevent a display defect due to disclination from occurring in a high-definition liquid crystal display device in which the distance between pixels is narrow, and can provide a high contrast and bright display. In addition, a projection display device and an electronic device can be realized.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a structure of a first embodiment of a liquid crystal device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view illustrating a structure of a liquid crystal device according to a second embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing a structure of a fourth embodiment of the liquid crystal device according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a shape of a pixel and a liquid crystal panel according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a shape of a pixel according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a shape of a pixel according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a liquid crystal panel showing an orientation direction of liquid crystal.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a projection display device (liquid crystal projector) as an application example using the liquid crystal device according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a schematic sectional view showing a structure of a thirteenth embodiment of the liquid crystal device according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a schematic view of an electronic apparatus equipped with the liquid crystal device according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

101, 201, 301, 901 Upper substrate 102, 202, 302, 902 Lower substrate 103, 203, 303, 903 Liquid crystal layer 104, 105, 204, 205, 304, 305, 9
08,909 Orientation film 106,206,306,401,501,601,9
11 First electrode (pixel electrode) 107, 207, 307, 402, 502, 602, 9
12 Second electrode (common electrode) 108, 910 Insulating film 109, 211 Incident light 208, 308 Second insulating film 209, 309 First insulating film 210, 312 TFT element portion 212, 310, 403, 503, 603 Opening ( 313 Transparent electrode 404, 504, 505 Longitudinal direction of linear pixel electrode 405 Liquid crystal panel 406 Long axis direction of liquid crystal panel 407 Short axis direction of liquid crystal panel 408 Connector tape 409, 506, 604 1 pixel 701 Alignment direction of liquid crystal 702 Alignment direction of liquid crystal on lower substrate 913 Liquid crystal molecule 904 Polarizing plate 905, 906 Retardation plate 907 Color filter

Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat II (Reference) G02F 1/1335 505 G02F 1/1335 505 520 520 1/13363 1/13363 1/1337 1/1337 1/1368 1/1368 1/139 1/139 G03B 21/00 G03B 21/00 E (72) Inventor Osamu Okumura 3-3-5 Yamato, Suwa City, Nagano Prefecture Inside Seiko Epson Corporation (72) Inventor Eiji Okamoto Yamato Suwa City, Nagano Prefecture 3-3-5 Seiko Epson Corporation (72) Inventor Hirotaka Kawada 3-3-5 Yamato Suwa City, Nagano Prefecture Seiko Epson Corporation Inside (72) Inventor Toshiharu Matsushima 3-3 Yamato Suwa City, Nagano Prefecture No. 5 Seiko Epson Corporation (72) Inventor Seki ▲ Takumi 3-5-3 Yamato, Suwa City, Nagano Prefecture Seiko Epson Corporation (72) Inventor Kimitaka Kamijo 3-3-3 Yamato Suwa City, Nagano Prefecture No. 5 Seiko Epson Corporation

Claims (40)

[Claims] 1. A liquid crystal layer sandwiched between a first substrate and a second substrate, and a first liquid crystal layer formed on a surface of the second substrate on the liquid crystal layer side.
A liquid crystal device comprising an electrode and a second electrode, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are configured such that an electric field substantially parallel to a substrate surface can be applied to the liquid crystal layer. A linear shape having a predetermined line width is formed on the second electrode via a second insulating film, the second electrode is formed in a rectangular shape, and at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode is formed. Is a reflective electrode for reflecting light incident from the first substrate side. 2. A liquid crystal layer sandwiched between a first substrate and a second substrate, and a scanning signal line, an image signal line, a first electrode, and a second electrode formed on a surface of the second substrate on the liquid crystal layer side. And an active element, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are configured such that an electric field substantially parallel to the substrate surface can be applied to the liquid crystal layer. A first insulating film formed on a substantially entire area of the display area of the liquid crystal device via the first insulating film so as to cover the line, the image signal line, and the active element; The first electrode and the active element are formed in a line shape having a predetermined line width in each pixel via a second insulating film, and the first electrode and the active element are connected through an opening of the second electrode. And at least one of the second electrodes is incident from the first substrate side. A liquid crystal device, which is a reflective electrode for reflecting the reflected light. 3. The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, wherein 4 <L1 / W1 ≦ 40, where W1 is a line width of the first electrode and L1 is an electrode interval. 4. The liquid crystal according to claim 1, wherein 0.001 ≦ L1 / W1 <0.2, where W1 is the line width of the first electrode and L1 is the distance between the electrodes. apparatus. 5. The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, wherein, when an electrode interval between the first electrodes is L1, 0.1 μm ≦ L1 <1 μm. 6. The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, wherein, when an electrode interval between the first electrodes is L1, 8 μm <L1 ≦ 25 μm. 7. The device according to claim 2, wherein a plurality of openings in the second electrode exist in one pixel, and a plurality of the linear first electrodes are connected to one and the same active element through each of the openings. Liquid crystal device. 8. The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, wherein the first electrode also serves as a light shielding film. 9. The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, wherein the second electrode also serves as a light shielding film. 10. The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, wherein a longitudinal direction of the first linear electrode is non-parallel and non-perpendicular to all four sides of the liquid crystal panel. . 11. The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, wherein the shape of each pixel is a parallelogram and each corner is not a right angle. 12. Assuming that the angle between the longitudinal direction of the linear first electrode and the longitudinal direction of the liquid crystal panel is β, 3 degrees ≦ β ≦ 87.
The liquid crystal device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the temperature is in degrees. 13. The device according to claim 1, wherein the longitudinal direction of at least one linear first electrode of the adjacent pixels is non-parallel to the longitudinal direction of the linear first electrode of the adjacent pixel.
The liquid crystal device according to claim 1. 14. The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, wherein the shape of the first linear electrode is a letter “C”. 15. The liquid crystal device according to claim 2, wherein the first insulating film has a flattening function so that the second electrode has a mirror surface. 16. The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, wherein the first electrode is a pixel electrode, and the second electrode is a common electrode. 17. The liquid crystal device according to claim 2, wherein 0.01 μm ≦ D1 ≦ 5 μm, where D1 is the thickness of the first insulating film. 18. The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, wherein 0.01 μm ≦ D2 ≦ 5 μm, where D2 is the thickness of the second insulating film. 19. The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, wherein one of the first insulating film and the second insulating film is made of SiOx or SiNx. 20. The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, wherein the transmittance of the second insulating film in a visible light region is 80% or more. 21. The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, wherein the second insulating film is a color filter. 22. When the thickness of the liquid crystal layer is d and the refractive index anisotropy of the liquid crystal is Δn, 0.1 μm ≦ Δn × d <0.2
The liquid crystal device according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the thickness is μm. 23. An alignment film is formed on a surface of the first substrate and the second substrate that is in contact with the liquid crystal layer, and an angle (pretilt angle) between liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer and the substrate surface is defined as θp. 23. The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, wherein 10 degrees <.theta.p.ltoreq.90 degrees. 24. When the angle between the alignment axis of the alignment film formed on the inner surface of the first substrate and the alignment axis of the alignment film formed on the inner surface of the second substrate is α, 0 ° ≦ α <180 °. The liquid crystal device according to any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein: 25. The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, wherein the liquid crystal layer includes a liquid crystal material having a negative dielectric anisotropy and having a cyano group. 26. The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, wherein the liquid crystal layer includes a chiral liquid crystal material. 27. The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, wherein the alignment film is made of SiOx. 28. The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, wherein the second substrate is a silicon (Si) substrate. 29. The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, wherein a transparent electrode having a constant potential is provided on a surface of the first substrate different from the liquid crystal layer. 30. The liquid crystal device according to claim 29, wherein the transparent electrode has a zero potential. 31. The liquid crystal device according to claim 29, wherein the transparent electrode is made of ITO. 32. The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, wherein a pixel pitch is 30 μm or less. 33. Assuming that a distance between the first electrodes is L1 and a thickness of the second insulating film is D2, 5 ≦ L1 / D2 ≦ 3.
33. The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, wherein the value is 0. 34. A projection display device comprising the liquid crystal device according to claim 1. Description: 35. A light source comprising: a light source; a light modulation device for modulating light from the light source; and a projection lens for projecting light modulated by the light modulation device. Item 34. A projection display device using the liquid crystal device according to any one of Items 33 to 33. 36. A polarizing plate is disposed on a side of the first substrate different from the liquid crystal layer, the liquid crystal layer forms a uniaxial orientation, and the uniaxial orientation direction and a transmission axis of the polarizing plate are approximately 45 degrees. The liquid crystal device according to any one of claims 1 to 33, wherein the liquid crystal layer forms an angle, and a phase difference of the liquid crystal layer is approximately 1/4 wavelength. 37. At least one retardation plate and a polarizing plate are sequentially disposed on a side of the first substrate different from the liquid crystal layer;
The liquid crystal device according to any one of claims 1 to 33, wherein a combined phase difference between the liquid crystal layer and the phase difference plate is approximately ４ wavelength with respect to light in a visible light region. 38. At least one retardation plate and a polarizing plate are sequentially arranged on a side of the first substrate different from the liquid crystal layer,
The liquid crystal device according to any one of claims 1 to 33, wherein the retardation plate has a wavelength of about 1/4 in a visible light region. 39. The liquid crystal device according to claim 36, wherein a color filter corresponding to each pixel is formed on the surface of the first substrate on the liquid crystal layer side. 40. An electronic apparatus comprising the liquid crystal device according to claim 36.