JP2003270636A - Liquid crystal panel, liquid crystal device, and projector using liquid crystal device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enhance contrast while luminance distribution caused by temperature change is suppressed. <P>SOLUTION: The liquid crystal display panel having two substrate parts 301 and 302 and a liquid crystal layer 303 interposed between the two substrate parts has optical compensation films 318 and 328 on at least one glass surface contained in each substrate part. Each optical compensation film contains a double refraction layer formed by depositing or sputtering a prescribed inorganic oxide on the glass surface from an oblique direction and showing a prescribed double refractivity. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a liquid crystal panel, a liquid crystal device including the liquid crystal panel, and a projector using the liquid crystal device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a projector for projecting an image, light emitted from an illumination optical system is modulated according to an image signal by using a liquid crystal device including a liquid crystal panel called a liquid crystal light valve, and the modulated image is displayed. Image display is realized by projecting light (image light) on a screen using a projection lens (projection optical system).

Here, the liquid crystal device has a property that the contrast changes depending on the incident angle of light due to the birefringence (refractive index anisotropy) of liquid crystal molecules. Therefore, in the conventional projector, the contrast of the image projected and displayed on the screen may be lowered as a whole depending on the angle of the incident light of the liquid crystal light valve (hereinafter, this phenomenon is referred to as “contrast Incident angle dependence "
That). This phenomenon can be solved by adjusting the incident angle of light to the direction in which the contrast becomes highest when the incident angle of light is one direction. However, it is almost impossible to obtain light in one direction from the light source device, and in the projector, various optical elements such as lenses and mirrors are arranged between the light source device and the liquid crystal light valve. Therefore, it is extremely difficult to make the incident angle of light on the liquid crystal light valve unidirectional. Further, in recent projectors, a so-called integrator optical system is used to irradiate a liquid crystal light valve with light having a uniform illuminance distribution. This integrator optical system divides the light beam emitted from the light source device into a plurality of partial light beams to form a plurality of spatially separated pseudo light sources, which are superposed on the light incident surface of the liquid crystal light valve. Since it is an optical system that illuminates the light valve by
The liquid crystal light valve is irradiated with light from various directions. Generally, the illuminance distribution of the illumination light becomes more uniform as the number of pseudo light source images increases, but the direction of light incident on the liquid crystal light valve increases as the number of pseudo light source images increases. Therefore, in the projector using the integrator optical system, it is difficult to improve the contrast of the entire projection screen in particular.

The incident angle dependence of the contrast can be improved by using an optical compensation film having an optical characteristic that cancels the influence of the birefringence of liquid crystal molecules. As an optical compensation film,
For example, "Fuji WV Film" sold by Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
Wide view A "can be used.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a schematic structure of a conventional liquid crystal device having an optical compensation film. In this liquid crystal device 800, the first and second polarizing plates 802 i, 8 are provided on the light incident surface side and the light emitting surface side of the liquid crystal panel 801.
02o is disposed, a first optical compensation film 805 is disposed between the liquid crystal panel 801 and the first polarizing plate 802i, and the liquid crystal panel 801 and the second polarizing plate 80 are disposed.
The second optical compensation film 806 is disposed between the second optical compensation film 806 and the second optical compensation film 806.

The first and second optical compensation films 805 and 806 are the light incident surface and the light exit surface of the liquid crystal panel 801, or the first and second polarizing plates 802.
i and 802o are attached respectively. It is also conceivable that the first and second optical compensation films 305 and 306 are provided separately from both the liquid crystal panel 801 and the polarizing plates 802i and 802o. In this case, each of the optical compensation films 805 and 806 may be attached to a thin light transmitting plate material.

FIG. 10 shows a first optical compensation film 805.
It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the structure of. The first optical compensation film 805 is composed of an optical compensation layer 814 obtained by uniformly applying a discotic compound on a sheet-shaped (film-shaped) support 812. As the discotic compound, a compound exhibiting so-called discotic liquid crystallinity is used. A TAC (triacetyl cellulose) film is used as the support. The support 812 formed of the TAC film has not only a function as a support but also a part of a function of optical compensation.
Therefore, the optical compensation film 805 has an optical compensation layer 814 so as to cancel the influence of the birefringence of the liquid crystal molecules.
It is configured by optimizing the optical characteristics (birefringence) of both the and support 812.

The second optical compensation film 806 is similar to the first optical compensation film 805.

[0009]

FIG. 11 is an explanatory view showing a problem of the optical compensation film. LCD panel 801
The polarizing plates 802i and 802o generate heat due to unused light of incident light. Therefore, the temperatures of the first and second optical compensation films 805 and 806 close to them also rise, and a temperature distribution is generated in the film plane. Due to such a temperature change, the support 812 of the first and second optical compensation films 805 and 806, that is,
Stress due to thermal expansion occurs in the film surface of the TAC film. This stress is particularly large at the peripheral edge in the film plane, for example, if it is a rectangular film,
It is remarkable near the four corners. Then, due to such stress, the direction of the optical axis of the molecule in the TAC film is changed, and the birefringence (optical characteristics) of the TAC film is changed. When the birefringence of the optical compensation film changes due to the temperature change, even if a uniform screen is displayed, the screen becomes brighter in the vicinity of the four corners where the stress is remarkable as compared with other areas, as shown in FIG. Therefore, the brightness distribution may occur. Also, in a projector that displays a color image, normally,
Since three liquid crystal devices corresponding to red, green, and blue are used, if the above-described brightness distribution occurs independently in each liquid crystal device, color unevenness will occur.

The problem of such a brightness distribution is that liquid crystal panel 801 and polarizing plates 802i, 8 are formed by attaching optical compensation films 805, 806 to thin optical glass.
It is possible to solve the problem by arranging it separately from both of 02o. However, this is not preferable because it involves an increase in the number of parts and an increase in the size of the device.

The above-mentioned problems are not only caused by a liquid crystal device called a liquid crystal light valve used in a projector but also in a liquid crystal device used in a direct-view type liquid crystal display using an optical compensation film. It is a common problem.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems in the prior art, and provides a technique capable of improving the contrast while suppressing the brightness distribution generated due to the temperature change. The purpose is to

[0013]

In order to solve at least a part of the above-mentioned problems, the first liquid crystal panel of the present invention is sandwiched between two substrate parts and the two substrate parts. A liquid crystal panel having a liquid crystal layer, and an optical compensation film is provided on at least one glass surface included in the two substrate portions, and the optical compensation film has a predetermined inorganic oxide on the glass surface. And a birefringent layer having a predetermined birefringence, which is formed by vapor deposition or sputtering from an oblique direction.

It is possible to form a birefringent layer exhibiting birefringence by vapor-depositing or sputtering a predetermined inorganic oxide from an oblique direction. Therefore, if this birefringent layer is formed so as to exhibit birefringence that suppresses the birefringence of liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer, the above-mentioned dependency of the incident angle on the contrast is reduced and the contrast is improved. It becomes possible.

Further, since the optical compensation film is formed by vapor-depositing or sputtering a predetermined inorganic oxide on the glass surface from an oblique direction, the brightness distribution generated by the temperature change described above is obtained. It is possible to suppress.

The birefringent layer of the optical compensation film is
Liquid crystal molecules arranged along the thickness direction of the liquid crystal layer, which are formed so as to suppress birefringence of the liquid crystal molecules whose optical axis is inclined with respect to the thickness direction of the liquid crystal layer. Good.

By doing so, it is possible to reduce the incident angle dependence of the contrast due to the birefringence of the liquid crystal molecules whose optical axis is inclined with respect to the thickness direction of the liquid crystal layer.

Further, the birefringent layer of the optical compensation film is
The layers having different birefringence may be formed in multiple layers.

In this way, when a plurality of liquid crystal molecules having different birefringences are arranged in the thickness direction of the liquid crystal layer, the incident angle dependence of the contrast due to the plurality of birefringences is reduced. It is possible to

The birefringent layer of the optical compensation film is
A plurality of liquid crystal molecules arranged along the thickness direction of the liquid crystal layer, the liquid crystal molecules having different tilt angles of the optical axis with respect to the thickness direction of the liquid crystal layer are different from each other so as to suppress birefringence. It is possible that a layer having birefringence is formed in multiple layers.

With this configuration, when liquid crystal molecules having different optical axis tilt angles with respect to the thickness direction of the liquid crystal layer are arranged in the thickness direction of the liquid crystal layer, the plurality of birefringences cause the birefringence. It is possible to reduce the incident angle dependence of the contrast.

In the first liquid crystal panel, an electrode for controlling the liquid crystal layer is formed on the glass surface, and the birefringent layer of the optical compensation film is the predetermined inorganic oxide. It is also possible to vapor-deposit or sputter an object on the electrode from an oblique direction so that it is formed on the glass surface through the electrode.

A second liquid crystal panel of the present invention is a liquid crystal panel having an incident side substrate section and an emission side substrate section, and a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between the incident side substrate section and the emission side substrate section, The incident side optical compensation film is provided on the first glass surface included in the incident side substrate portion, and the exit side optical compensation film is provided on the second glass surface included in the emission side substrate portion. The optical compensation film includes a birefringent layer having a first birefringence formed by obliquely depositing or sputtering a first inorganic oxide on the first glass surface, The optical compensation film includes a birefringent layer having a second birefringence, which is formed by vapor-depositing or sputtering a second inorganic oxide on the second glass surface from an oblique direction. To do.

In the second liquid crystal panel, the incident side optical compensation film having the first birefringent layer exhibiting the first birefringence is provided on the first glass surface included in the incident side substrate section. The exit side optical compensation film having the second birefringent layer exhibiting the second birefringence is provided on the second glass surface included in the exit side substrate portion. Also in this case, the dependency of the contrast on the incident angle described above is reduced, and the contrast can be improved. Further, the incident side optical compensation film is formed by vapor-depositing or sputtering the first inorganic oxide on the first glass surface from an oblique direction, and the emission side optical compensation film is formed by forming the second inorganic oxide by the second inorganic oxide.
Since they are respectively formed on the glass surface by vapor deposition or sputtering from the oblique direction, it is possible to suppress the brightness distribution generated by the temperature change described above.

Here, the first and second inorganic oxides are
The same inorganic oxide may be used.

It is also preferable that the first and second birefringences are equal to each other.

The birefringent layer of the incident side optical compensation film is composed of liquid crystal molecules arranged along the thickness direction of the liquid crystal layer near the incident side substrate portion, and the birefringent layer with respect to the thickness direction of the liquid crystal layer. Is formed so as to suppress the birefringence of liquid crystal molecules whose optical axis is tilted, and the birefringent layer of the exit side optical compensation film is formed along the thickness direction of the liquid crystal layer near the exit side substrate portion. The aligned liquid crystal molecules may be formed so as to suppress the birefringence of the liquid crystal molecules whose optical axis is inclined with respect to the thickness direction of the liquid crystal layer.

With this configuration, in the liquid crystal layer near the incident side substrate section and the liquid crystal layer near the exit side substrate section, the birefringence of liquid crystal molecules whose optical axis is inclined with respect to the thickness direction of the liquid crystal layer. It is possible to reduce the dependency of the contrast on the incident angle.

Further, the birefringent layer of the incident side optical compensation film may be formed as a multi-layered layer having different birefringence.

In this way, when a plurality of liquid crystal molecules exhibiting different birefringence are arranged in the liquid crystal layer near the incident side substrate portion in the thickness direction of the liquid crystal layer, these different birefringences are different. It is possible to reduce the dependency of the contrast on the incident angle.

Here, the birefringent layer of the incident side optical compensation film is a plurality of liquid crystal molecules arranged along the thickness direction in the liquid crystal layer near the incident side substrate portion, and the thickness of the liquid crystal layer. It is possible to form a plurality of layers having different birefringence so as to suppress the birefringence of each of the liquid crystal molecules having different optic axis tilt angles with respect to the direction. is there.

In this way, in the liquid crystal layer close to the incident side substrate portion, when liquid crystal molecules having different optical axis tilt angles with respect to the thickness direction of the liquid crystal layer are arranged in the thickness direction of the liquid crystal layer, It is possible to reduce the incident angle dependence of the contrast due to these different birefringences.

The birefringent layer of the exit side optical compensation film may be formed of a plurality of layers having different birefringence.

With this configuration, when a plurality of liquid crystal molecules having different birefringences are arranged in the liquid crystal layer near the emission side substrate portion in the thickness direction of the liquid crystal layer, these different birefringences are different. It is possible to reduce the dependency of the contrast on the incident angle.

Here, the birefringent layer of the exit side optical compensation film is a plurality of liquid crystal molecules arranged along the thickness direction in the liquid crystal layer near the exit side substrate portion, and the thickness of the liquid crystal layer. It is possible to form a plurality of layers having different birefringence so as to suppress the birefringence of liquid crystal molecules having different inclination angles of the optical axis with respect to the direction.

With this arrangement, in the case where the liquid crystal layer close to the exit side substrate portion has liquid crystal molecules having different optical axis tilt angles with respect to the thickness direction of the liquid crystal layer arranged in the thickness direction of the liquid crystal layer, It is possible to reduce the incident angle dependence of the contrast due to these different birefringences.

In the second liquid crystal panel, an incident side electrode for controlling the liquid crystal layer is formed on the first glass surface, and the birefringent layer of the incident side optical compensation film is The first inorganic oxide may be formed on the first glass surface through the incident side electrode by vapor-depositing or sputtering the first inorganic oxide on the incident side electrode from an oblique direction. Is.

In the second liquid crystal panel, an emission side electrode for controlling the liquid crystal layer is formed on the second glass surface, and the birefringent layer of the emission side optical compensation film is It is also possible that the second inorganic oxide is formed on the second glass surface via the emission side electrode by vapor-depositing or sputtering the second inorganic oxide on the emission side electrode from an oblique direction. Is.

The first and second liquid crystal panels are T
The liquid crystal panel can be operated in N (twisted nematic) mode.

In the TN mode liquid crystal panel, the contrast tends to depend on the incident angle. Therefore, T
In the case of the liquid crystal panel operating in the N mode, the effect of reducing the incident angle dependency of contrast is particularly large.

A first liquid crystal device of the present invention is a liquid crystal device that modulates light in accordance with a given image signal, and includes the above-mentioned first liquid crystal panel or second liquid crystal panel,
An incident-side polarization plate disposed on the light-incidence surface side of the liquid crystal panel and an emission-side polarization plate disposed on the light-emission surface side of the liquid crystal panel are provided.

The first liquid crystal device of the present invention is the above-mentioned first liquid crystal device.
Alternatively, since the second liquid crystal panel is provided, similarly, the incident angle dependence of the contrast described above is reduced, and the contrast can be improved. It is possible to suppress the brightness distribution generated by the temperature change described above.

A second liquid crystal device of the present invention is a liquid crystal device that modulates light in accordance with a given image signal, and comprises two substrate parts and a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between the two substrate parts. A liquid crystal panel having the same, an incident side polarization plate arranged on the light incidence plane side of the liquid crystal panel, an emission side polarization plate arranged on the light emission plane side of the liquid crystal panel, the liquid crystal panel and the incidence side polarization plate And between the liquid crystal panel and the exit-side polarizing plate, and an optical compensation element disposed on at least one of, the optical compensation element, a glass plate, on the glass plate, And an optical compensation film including a birefringent layer having a predetermined birefringence, which is formed by vapor-depositing or sputtering a predetermined inorganic oxide from an oblique direction.

The optical compensating element of the second liquid crystal device of the present invention is a birefringent element having a predetermined birefringence, which is formed by obliquely depositing or sputtering a predetermined inorganic oxide on a glass plate. An optical compensation film including layers is provided. Therefore, it is possible to improve the contrast by reducing the incident angle dependence of the contrast described above, and it is possible to suppress the brightness distribution generated by the temperature change described above. .

A first projector of the present invention is a projector for projecting and displaying an image, which comprises an illumination optical system for emitting illumination light and a liquid crystal for modulating the light from the illumination optical system according to an image signal. A liquid crystal light valve; and a projection optical system for projecting image light formed on a light exit surface of the liquid crystal light valve, wherein the liquid crystal light valve is the first or second liquid crystal device. To do.

Since the first projector of the present invention uses the above liquid crystal device as a liquid crystal light valve, similarly, the incident angle dependence of the contrast described above is reduced, and the contrast of the image projected and displayed is reduced. It is possible to improve. In addition, it is possible to suppress the brightness distribution of the image that has occurred due to the temperature change described above.

A second projector of the present invention is a projector for projecting and displaying a color image, and comprises an illumination optical system for emitting illumination light and three illumination lights emitted from the illumination optical system. A color light separating optical system for separating into first to third color lights each having a color component, and first to third color light separated by the color light separating optical system,
First to third liquid crystal light valves that modulate according to an image signal, a color combining unit that combines the image lights formed on the light exit surfaces of the first to third liquid crystal light valves, and the color combining unit A projection optical system for projecting combined light emitted from the first to third liquid crystal light valves, each of which is the first or second liquid crystal device.

Since the first projector of the present invention uses the above liquid crystal device as a liquid crystal light valve, similarly, the incident angle dependence of the contrast described above is reduced, and the contrast of the color image projected and displayed is similarly reduced. It becomes possible to improve. Further, it is possible to suppress the color unevenness of the color image by suppressing the brightness distribution generated by the temperature change described above.

In the above first and second projectors,
The illumination optical system includes a light source device that emits a substantially parallel light flux, a split optical element that splits the light flux emitted from the light source device into a plurality of partial light fluxes, and a split optical element that emits the split light flux. Further, a superimposing lens for superimposing and irradiating the plurality of partial light fluxes on the light incident surface of the liquid crystal light valve may be provided.

A so-called integrator optical system that splits a light beam emitted from a light source device into a plurality of partial light beams and superposes them on a light incident surface of a liquid crystal light valve is a so-called integrator optical system. Since the optical system irradiates the liquid crystal light, the liquid crystal light valve is irradiated with light from a plurality of directions. In the first and second projectors of the present invention, since the liquid crystal device of the above invention is used as a liquid crystal light valve, even when there is light incident on the liquid crystal light valve from a plurality of directions, the contrast The incident angle dependence of can be reduced. As a result, it is possible to improve the contrast of the image projected and displayed by the projection optical system. When an integrator optical system is used, there is light incident from various directions, and it is not possible to improve the contrast by the conventional method of adjusting the incident angle of the light to the direction in which the contrast becomes the highest. The effect used is particularly great.

A display device of the present invention comprises the liquid crystal device according to claim 17. Since the display device of the present invention includes the above liquid crystal device, similarly, the dependency of the contrast on the incident angle described above is reduced, and the contrast of the displayed image can be improved. In addition, it is possible to suppress the brightness distribution of the image that has occurred due to the temperature change described above.

[0052]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in the following procedure based on an example. A. First Example: A1. Configuration of liquid crystal device: A2. Structure of Optical Compensation Film: B. Second Embodiment: C.I. Third Example: D. Projector Configuration: E. Modification:

A. First Embodiment: FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a liquid crystal device as a first embodiment. Figure 1
1A is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the liquid crystal device 300, and FIG. 1B is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of part of the liquid crystal device 300. This liquid crystal device 300
Is a liquid crystal panel 300a, an incident side polarization plate 300i provided on the incidence side, and an emission side polarization plate 3 provided on the emission side.
It is composed of 00o.

The liquid crystal panel 300a is provided with an incident side substrate 311 and an emission side substrate 321 having transparent electrodes with a liquid crystal layer 303 interposed therebetween. These substrates 311, 32
1, transparent optical glass, for example, quartz glass or neocerum (trademark of Nippon Electric Glass Co., Ltd.) is used.

A transparent common electrode 312 is provided on the surface of the incident side substrate 311 on the liquid crystal layer 303 side. A thin film transistor 323 and a transparent pixel electrode 322 are provided on the surface of the emission side substrate 321 on the liquid crystal layer 303 side. The thin film transistor 323 is provided around the plurality of pixel electrodes 322 arranged in a matrix and electrically connected to the pixel electrode 322.

Each pixel is composed of one pixel electrode 322, a common electrode 312, and a liquid crystal layer 303 sandwiched between them. A light blocking portion (BM) 316 is provided between the incident side substrate 311 and the common electrode 312 so as to divide each pixel. The BM 316 has a function of blocking light from entering the thin film transistors and wirings.

The liquid crystal panel and liquid crystal device having the above structure are called an active matrix type liquid crystal panel and an active matrix type liquid crystal device.

The incident side alignment film 3 for aligning the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer 303 is further provided on the surfaces of the incident side substrate 311 and the emission side substrate 321 on which the electrodes are formed.
17 and the exit side alignment film 327 are formed. The liquid crystal panel 300a is a TN (twisted nematic) mode liquid crystal panel, and the incident side alignment film 317 and the emission side alignment film 327 are composed of liquid crystal molecules on the incident side substrate 311 side and liquid crystal on the emission side substrate 321 side. The rubbing treatment is performed so that the orientation direction of the molecules forms an angle of about 90 degrees.

A microlens array 313 is provided with an optical adhesive 3 on the surface of the incident side substrate 311 opposite to the liquid crystal layer 303.
It is attached by 14. The microlens array 313 has a plurality of microlenses 313a, and each microlens 313a is arranged so as to collect light on each pixel. The microlens array 313 may be omitted.
However, since each microlens 313a has a function of condensing light into each corresponding pixel and improving the light utilization efficiency, it is preferable to have the microlens array 313.

An incident side cover 315 is attached to the surface of the microlens array 313 opposite to the incident side substrate 311 with an optical adhesive. Ejection side substrate 321
On the surface opposite to the liquid crystal layer 303 of the
5 is attached by an optical adhesive. Transparent optical glass, such as quartz glass or neocerum, is also used for these covers 315 and 325.

Micro lens 31 of incident side cover 315
On the surface (light incident surface) opposite to 3, the incident side optical compensation film 3
18 is formed. Similarly, an exit side optical compensation film 328 is formed on the surface (light exit surface) of the exit side cover opposite to the exit side substrate 321.

The incident side alignment film 317 provided on the incident side of the liquid crystal layer 303, the common electrode 312, the incident side substrate 311, the microlens array 313, and the incident side cover 3 are provided.
Each element such as 15 and the incident side optical compensation film 318 corresponds to the incident side substrate portion 301. Further, the exit side alignment film 327 and the pixel electrode 32, which are provided on the exit side of the liquid crystal layer 303.
2, each element such as the emission side substrate 321, the emission side cover 325, and the emission side optical compensation film 328 corresponds to the emission side substrate portion 302.

Incident side cover 315 and exit side cover 3
On the outside of 25, an incident side polarization plate 300i and an emission side polarization plate 300o are provided as polarization means for selectively transmitting only one type of linearly polarized light component. Liquid crystal device 3
00 is a normally white mode in which a bright state is obtained when no voltage is applied, these polarizing plates 300i, 3
00o is set so that the transmission axes thereof are orthogonal to each other.
When the liquid crystal device 300 is in the normally black mode in which the liquid crystal device 300 is in the dark state when no voltage is applied, the polarizing plates 300i and 300o are set so that their transmission axes are parallel to each other. Incident-side polarization plate 30 in this example
0i and the exit side polarization plate 300o are set so that their transmission axes are orthogonal to each other, and the liquid crystal device 300 operates in the normally white mode.

Incidentally, these polarizing plates 300i and 300o
Means that the heat generated in the polarizing plates 300i and 300o may adversely affect the liquid crystal panel 300a.
Although it is preferable to dispose them separately, the liquid crystal panel 300
If the effect of heat on a is acceptable,
It may be attached on the entrance side cover 315 and the exit side cover 325, specifically, on the entrance side optical compensation film 318 and the exit side optical compensation film 328. In addition, the polarizing plate 300
Incident side cover 3 corresponding to only one of i and 300o
15 or the injection side cover 325 may be attached, and the other may be arranged separately. Although only the liquid crystal panel 300a may be referred to as a liquid crystal device, in the present embodiment, a combination of the liquid crystal panel 300a and the polarizing plates 300i and 300o is referred to as a liquid crystal device.

A2. Structure of Optical Compensation Film: FIG. 2 shows the states of the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer 303 near the incident side alignment film 317 and the exit side alignment film 327 and the molecules of the incident side optical compensation film 318 and the exit side optical compensation film 328. FIG.

Liquid crystal device 3 in normally white mode
In 00, in the bright state where light is transmitted, that is, in the state where no voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer 303, the optical axis of the liquid crystal molecule as a positive uniaxial substance is theoretically determined to be the above-mentioned incident side alignment film 317 and According to the rubbing direction of the emission side alignment film 327, the light incident side substrate 311 and the emission side substrate 321 are arranged in a continuously twisted state by about 90 degrees, and in the vicinity of the light incident side alignment film 317, they are parallel to the rubbing direction 317d. In the vicinity of the exit side alignment film 327, the rubbing direction 327d
Will be parallel to. Liquid crystal layer 303 having such an arrangement
Indicates “optical activity” in which the polarization direction of incident polarized light is rotated. In the dark state where light is shielded, that is, when a voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer 303, in principle,
The optical activity of the liquid crystal molecules disappears, and the optical axis of the liquid crystal molecules is normal to the substrate surface of the substrates 311 and 312 (substrate normal line).
They are arranged in a raised state in parallel with the Pn direction (also referred to as the “liquid crystal layer thickness direction”).

However, as shown in FIG. 2, the optical axes of the liquid crystal molecules in the vicinity of the actual incident side alignment film 317 and the exit side alignment film 327 are the rubbing directions 317d, 32.
7d and the substrate normal Pn.
The tilt of the optical axis of the liquid crystal molecules near the alignment film is called “pretilt”.

Such an inclination of the optical axis of the liquid crystal molecule causes a change in the birefringence (refractive index anisotropy) of the liquid crystal molecule, so that the incident angle dependence of the contrast of the liquid crystal device is biased, for example, The incident angle dependency of the contrast is not symmetrical in the left-right direction or the vertical direction with respect to the substrate normal Pn, and the characteristic is biased to either one. Such a biased incident angle dependence of contrast causes a decrease in contrast depending on the incident angle of light.

Therefore, in order to suppress the bias of the incident angle dependence of the contrast that occurs in the liquid crystal device as described above, the incident side optical compensation film 318 in the liquid crystal device 300 of this embodiment has an incident side alignment film 317. A birefringent layer having a birefringence that cancels the birefringence of liquid crystal molecules (hereinafter also referred to as “tilted liquid crystal molecules”) whose optical axis (long axis) is inclined is formed in the vicinity. Further, the exit side optical compensation film 328 is formed with a birefringent layer exhibiting birefringence so as to cancel the birefringence of the tilted liquid crystal molecules in the vicinity of the exit side alignment film 327. These birefringent layers are formed as follows.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the principle of canceling the birefringence of tilted liquid crystal molecules. In order to cancel the birefringence of the positive uniaxial substance Ma whose optical axis is inclined, it is realized by combining the positive uniaxial substance Mb having the plane-symmetrical optical axis as shown in FIG. It is possible. Further, as shown in FIG. 3B, a negative uniaxial substance Mc having an optical axis equal to that of the positive uniaxial substance Ma.
It can also be realized by combining.

Therefore, the birefringent layer of the incident side optical compensation film 318 and the birefringent layer of the exit side optical compensation film 328 of FIG.
Applying the principle of FIG. 3A, the optical axes of the tilted liquid crystal molecules and the incident side substrate 311 and the emission side substrate 321 corresponding to each other are applied.
Of positive uniaxial molecules having an optical axis that is plane-symmetric with respect to the substrate surface.

The birefringent layer in which the positive uniaxial molecules having the tilted optical axis are arranged has a predetermined inorganic oxide such as Ta ₂ O ₅ in a predetermined direction with respect to the substrate normal Pn. It can be formed by obliquely vapor-depositing or sputtering on the incident side surface of the incident side cover 315 and the emitting side surface of the emitting side cover 325 at a vapor deposition angle.
Further, as the predetermined inorganic oxide, other than Ta ₂ O ₅ ,
Bi ₂ O ₃ , WO ₃ , HfO ₂ , CeO ₂ , SnO ₂ , ZrO
₂ , TiO ₂ , SiO ₂ , MoO _{3 and the} like can be used. Further, the incident side optical compensation film 318 and the exit side optical compensation film 328
Therefore, it is not always necessary to vapor-deposit or sputter the same inorganic oxide in an oblique direction, and different inorganic oxides may be vapor-deposited or sputtered in an oblique direction.

As described above, in the liquid crystal device 300 of this embodiment, the incident side optical compensation film 318 and the emission side optical compensation film 328 are used to suppress the liquid crystal molecules in the vicinity of the incident side alignment film 317 and the emission side alignment film 327. Since it is possible to suppress the deviation of the incident angle dependency of the contrast caused by the pretilt, it is possible to improve the contrast.

The birefringent layer of the incident-side optical compensation film 318 and the birefringent layer of the exit-side optical compensation film 328 are the entrance-side cover 315 and the exit-side cover 32 made of optical glass.
Since it is formed by depositing an inorganic oxide on the surface of No. 5, as in the conventional optical compensation film (see FIG. 10), the optical characteristics ( It is possible to suppress the occurrence of a brightness distribution due to a change in birefringence).

In the vicinity of the incident side alignment film 317 and the exit side alignment film 327, the tilt angles of the optical axes of the liquid crystal molecules arranged along the direction of the substrate normal Pn (the thickness direction of the liquid crystal layer) are the same. Not really, it's changing. Therefore, the tilt angles of the optic axes of the molecules in the birefringent layer of the incident side optical compensation film 318 and the birefringent layer of the exit side optical compensation film 328 are the same as those of the liquid crystal molecules on the corresponding side. Is assumed to be set. However, in order to realize more accurate optical compensation, the birefringent layer of the incident side optical compensation film 318 and the birefringent layer of the exit side optical compensation film 328 are provided with optical axes of different liquid crystal molecules on the corresponding sides. According to the tilt angle of, the multilayer may be formed so that the molecules having the optical axes of different tilt angles are arranged along the direction of the substrate normal Pn. In addition, making the birefringent layer of the optical compensation film multi-layered is the same in the following examples.

B. Second Example: FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the structure of a liquid crystal device as a second example. First
In the liquid crystal device 300 of the embodiment, the incident side optical compensation film 318 is formed on the light incident surface of the incident side cover 315, and the output side optical compensation film 328 is formed on the light emitting surface of the emission side cover 325. In the liquid crystal device 300X of the second embodiment, the incident side optical compensation film 318 is provided between the common electrode 312 (incident side electrode) formed on the incident side substrate 311 and the incident side alignment film 317. Forming and emitting side substrate 321
This shows a case where the emission side optical compensation film 328 is formed between the pixel electrode 322 (emission side electrode) formed above and the emission side alignment film 327.

As in the liquid crystal device 300X of this embodiment, the incident side optical compensation film 318 and the emission side optical compensation film 328 are used.
However, even if formed, the liquid crystal device 3 of the first embodiment is optically formed.
It can be regarded as equivalent to 00. Therefore, since it is possible to suppress the deviation of the incident angle dependence of the contrast caused by the pretilt of the liquid crystal molecules in the vicinity of the incident side alignment film 317 and the emitting side alignment film 327, it is possible to improve the contrast. . Further, unlike the conventional optical compensation film, it is also suppressed that the optical characteristic (birefringence) is changed by the temperature change due to the heat generated in the TAC film which is the support, and the brightness distribution is generated. be able to.

The incident side optical compensation film 318 and the emission side optical compensation film 328 may be formed on the surfaces of the incident side substrate 311 and the emission side substrate 321 opposite to the liquid crystal layer 303. Further, either one of the incident side optical compensation film 318 and the emission side optical compensation film 328 is formed on the light incident surface of the incident side cover 315 and the light emitting surface of the emission side cover 325 corresponding to the first embodiment. You may do it. That is, the incident side optical compensation film can be formed on any glass surface in the incident side substrate portion, and the emission side optical compensation film can be formed on any glass surface in the emission side substrate portion.

C. Third Example: FIG. 5 is a schematic sectional view showing the structure of a liquid crystal device as a third example. First
In the liquid crystal devices 300 and 300X of the second embodiment, the incident side optical compensation film is formed on any glass surface in the incident side substrate section, and the exit side optical compensation film is formed on any glass surface in the emission side substrate section. Although the case where the film is formed is shown, the liquid crystal device 300Y of the third embodiment is similar to the emission side cover 32.
5 shows a case where the incident side optical compensation film 318 and the emission side optical compensation film 328 are formed in multiple layers on the light emission surface of No. 5.

As in the liquid crystal device 300Y of this embodiment, the incident side optical compensation film 318 and the emission side optical compensation film 328 are provided.
Even if a plurality of layers are formed on the same glass surface, it can be optically regarded as equivalent to the liquid crystal devices 300 and 300A of the first and second embodiments. Therefore, since it is possible to suppress the deviation of the incident angle dependence of the contrast caused by the pretilt of the liquid crystal molecules in the vicinity of the incident side alignment film 317 and the emitting side alignment film 327, it is possible to improve the contrast. . Also, like a conventional optical compensator,
The optical characteristics (birefringence) change due to the temperature change due to the heat generated in the TAC film that is the support,
It is also possible to suppress the occurrence of the brightness distribution.

In the liquid crystal device 300Y of this embodiment, the exit surface side optical compensation film 328 and the entrance surface side optical compensation film 3 are provided.
Although the case where the multilayer is formed in the order of 18 is shown as an example, the multilayer may be formed in the reverse order. In addition, the incident surface side optical compensation film 3
When the 28 birefringent layers and the exit surface side optical compensation film 328 are bilayered, it is not necessary to distinguish the plurality of layers from each other, and the number of layers required as a whole is required. A plurality of layers may be formed.

Further, in this embodiment, the exit surface side cover 32 is provided.
5 shows an example in which an incident surface side optical compensation film 318 and an emission surface side optical compensation film 328 are formed on the light emission surface of No. 5 as an example, but on the surface of the emission side cover 325 opposite to the light emission surface. , One surface of the exit side substrate 321, the surface of the exit side alignment film 327, one surface of the entrance side substrate 311, the surface of the entrance side alignment film 317, the entrance side cover 315.
You may make it form a multi-layer on either of these surfaces. Further, the incident side optical compensation film 318 and the exit side optical compensation film 328 may be formed on different glass surfaces in the incident side substrate portion or the exit side substrate portion on different glass surfaces in the incident side substrate portion. Good. That is, at least one optical compensation film may be formed on at least one glass surface included in the two substrate portions.

D. Configuration of Projector: FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a projector to which the liquid crystal device of the present invention is applied as a liquid crystal light valve. In the following examples, three directions orthogonal to each other are referred to as an x-direction (horizontal direction), a y-direction (longitudinal direction), and a z-direction (direction parallel to the optical axis) for convenience.

The projector 1000 includes the illumination optical system 10
0, a color light separation optical system 200, three liquid crystal light valves 300R, 300G and 300B, a cross dichroic prism (color light combining optical system) 400, and a projection lens (projection optical system) 500.

The light emitted from the illumination optical system 100 is separated into three color lights of red (R), green (G) and blue (B) in the color light separation optical system 200. The separated color lights are modulated in the liquid crystal light valves 300R, 300G, and 300B according to the image signal (image information). The modulated color lights (image lights) are combined by the cross dichroic prism 400, and a color image is projected and displayed on the screen by the projection lens 500.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the illumination optical system 100 shown in FIG. The illumination optical system 100 includes a light source device 120 and first and second lens arrays 140, 1
50, a polarization generating optical system 160, and a superimposing lens 170. Light source device 120, first and second lens arrays 140 and 150, and polarization generation optical system 160
And the superimposing lens 170 are arranged such that their optical axes coincide with the system optical axis 100ax. The illumination area LA illuminated by the illumination optical system 100 in FIG. 7 is the liquid crystal light valves 300R, 300G,
Corresponds to 300B.

The light source device 120 has a function of emitting a substantially parallel light flux. The light source device 120 includes a light source lamp 122, and a reflector 124 that reflects the radiated light emitted from the light source lamp 122 and forms a bundle of rays substantially parallel to the light source optical axis (system optical axis 100ax). As the light source lamp 122, a high pressure discharge lamp such as a metal halide lamp or a high pressure mercury discharge lamp is used. Reflector 124
A concave mirror having a rotating paraboloidal reflecting surface is used as the. A concave mirror having a spheroidal reflecting surface can be used as the reflector. However, in this case, it is necessary to provide a collimating lens for converting the condensed light emitted from the light source device into parallel light in the vicinity of the opening surface of the reflector.

The first lens array 140 has a plurality of small lenses 142 arranged in a matrix. Each small lens 142 is a plano-convex lens, and the outer shape when viewed from the z direction is set to be similar to the illumination area LA (liquid crystal light valve). The first lens array 140 splits a substantially parallel light flux emitted from the light source device 120 into a plurality of partial light fluxes and emits the partial light fluxes. The first lens array 140 corresponds to the split optical element of the invention.

The second lens array 150 has a plurality of small lenses 152 arranged in a matrix, and the same lens as the first lens array 150 is used. The second lens array 150 has a function of aligning the central axes of the partial light beam bundles emitted from the first lens array 140 so as to be substantially parallel to the system optical axis 100ax, and Lens array 140
It has a function of forming an image of each small lens 142 on the illumination area LA. The second lens array 150
Can be omitted.

Each small lens 1 of the first lens array 140
As shown in the drawing, the partial light beam bundle emitted from 42 is condensed via the second lens array 150 at a position in the vicinity thereof, that is, in the polarization generation optical system 160.

The polarization generating optical system 160 is composed of two polarization generating element arrays 160A and 160B.
First and second polarization generating element arrays 160A and 160
B is arranged symmetrically with respect to the system optical axis 100ax.

FIG. 8 shows the polarization generating element array 160 of FIG.
It is explanatory drawing which expands and shows A. FIG. 8 (A) shows a perspective view of the first polarization generating element array 160A, and FIG. 8 (B) shows a plan view as seen from the + y direction. The polarization generation element array 160A includes a light blocking plate 62, a polarization beam splitter array 64, and a selective retardation plate 66. The second polarization generating element array 160
The same applies to B.

The polarization beam splitter array 64 is shown in FIG.
As shown in (A), a plurality of columnar translucent plate members 64c having a cross section of a substantially parallelogram are bonded together. A polarization separation film 64a is formed at the interface of each translucent plate material 64c.
And reflection films 64b are formed alternately. A dielectric multilayer film is used as the polarization separation film 64a, and a dielectric multilayer film or a metal film is used as the reflection film 64b.

The light blocking plate 62 includes a light blocking surface 62b and an opening surface 62.
and a are arranged in stripes. The light blocking plate 62 has a function of blocking a light ray bundle incident on the light shielding surface 62b and allowing a light ray bundle incident on the opening surface 62a to pass therethrough. With respect to the light shielding surface 62b and the opening surface 62a, the partial light flux emitted from the first lens array 140 (FIG. 7) is incident only on the polarization separation film 64a of the polarization beam splitter array 64 and is not incident on the reflection film 64b. Are arranged as follows. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8B, the light blocking plate 62
The center of the opening surface 62 a of the polarization beam splitter array 64 is substantially aligned with the center of the polarization separation film 64 a of the polarization beam splitter array 64. In addition, the opening width W of the opening surface 62a in the x direction
p is set to be substantially equal to the size of the polarization separation film 64a in the x direction. At this time, the opening surface 62a of the light shielding plate 62
Almost all of the light flux that has passed through is the polarization separation film 6
4a is incident, and the reflective film 64b is not incident. As the light-shielding plate 62, a plate-shaped transparent body (for example, a glass plate) on which a light-shielding film (for example, a chrome film, an aluminum film, a dielectric multilayer film, etc.) is partially formed can be used. . Alternatively, a light-shielding flat plate such as an aluminum plate having an opening may be used.

Each partial ray bundle emitted from the first lens array 140 (FIG. 7) has its principal ray (center axis) substantially parallel to the system optical axis 100ax, as shown by the solid line in FIG. 8 (B). The light enters the opening surface 62a of the light shielding plate 62. The partial light beam bundle that has passed through the opening surface 62a enters the polarization separation film 64a. The polarization separation film 64a separates the incident partial light flux into an s-polarized partial light flux and a p-polarized partial light flux. At this time, the partial light flux of p-polarized light is the polarization separation film 64a.
And the partial light flux of s-polarized light is reflected by the polarization separation film 64a. The s-polarized partial light beam bundle reflected by the polarization separation film 64a is directed to the reflection film 64b and further reflected by the reflection film 64b. At this time, the p-polarized partial light flux transmitted through the polarization separation film 64a and the s-polarized partial light flux reflected by the reflection film 64b are substantially parallel to each other.

The selective retardation plate 66 has the opening layer 66a and λ /
2 retardation layer 66b. The opening layer 66a is a portion where the λ / 2 retardation layer 66b is not formed. The opening layer 66a has a function of directly transmitting the incident linearly polarized light. On the other hand, the λ / 2 retardation layer 66b has a function as a polarization conversion element that converts incident linearly polarized light into linearly polarized light whose polarization directions are orthogonal to each other. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8B, the p-polarized partial light flux transmitted through the polarization separation film 64a is incident on the λ / 2 retardation layer 66b. Therefore, p
The polarized partial ray bundle is generated by the λ / 2 retardation layer 66b.
It is converted into an s-polarized partial ray bundle and emitted. On the other hand, the s-polarized partial light beam bundle reflected by the reflection film 64b is incident on the aperture layer 66a, and thus is emitted as it is as the s-polarized partial light beam bundle. That is, the unpolarized partial light beam bundle that has entered the polarization generation optical system 160 is converted into the s-polarized partial light beam bundle and emitted. The λ / 2 retardation layer 6 is formed only on the exit surface of the s-polarized partial light beam bundle reflected by the reflective film 64b.
By arranging 6b, it is also possible to convert the partial light beam bundle incident on the polarization generating optical system 160 into a p-polarized partial light beam bundle for emission. As the selective retardation plate 66, nothing is provided in the opening layer 66a, and the λ / 2 retardation layer 66 is simply used.
b may be attached to the exit surface of the p-polarized partial light bundle or the s-polarized partial light bundle.

Although the polarization generating optical system 160 is shown to include two polarization generating element arrays symmetrically arranged with respect to the system optical axis 100ax, one polarization converting element array should be provided. May be.

The plurality of partial ray bundles emitted from the first lens array 140 are, as described above, the polarization generation optical system 1.
Each of the partial light ray bundles is separated into two partial light ray bundles by 60, and is converted into almost one type of linearly polarized light having the same polarization direction. A plurality of partial ray bundles having the same polarization direction are superimposed on the illumination area LA by the superimposing lens 170 shown in FIG. 7. At this time, the intensity distribution of the light illuminating the illumination area LA is substantially uniform.

The illumination optical system 100 (FIG. 6) emits illumination light (s-polarized light) having a uniform polarization direction, and the color light separation optical system 2
00 through the liquid crystal light valves 300R, 300G,
Illuminate 300B. That is, 2 of the illumination optical system 100
Two lens arrays 140, 150 and superimposing lens 170
Is the illumination area LA (the liquid crystal light valves 300R, 30R
The integrator optical system is configured to illuminate (0G, 300B) almost uniformly.

The color light separation optical system 200 includes two dichroic mirrors 220 and 240 and a relay optical system 250. The light emitted from the illumination optical system 100B is reflected by the reflection mirror 210 toward the first dichroic mirror 220. This reflection mirror 210
Is not always necessary, and can be omitted depending on the arrangement of the illumination optical system 100B.

The first dichroic mirror 220 reflects the red light component and transmits the green light component and the blue light component. The red light reflected by the first dichroic mirror 220 is further reflected by the reflection mirror 230, and is irradiated onto the light incident surface of the liquid crystal light valve 300R for red light via the field lens 260. The field lens 262 has a function of converting each partial ray bundle emitted from the illumination optical system 100B into a ray bundle substantially parallel to the central ray (chief ray) thereof. The field lenses 264 and 260 provided in front of the other liquid crystal light valves 300G and 300B are also the same.

Of the green light and the blue light transmitted through the first dichroic mirror 220, the green light is reflected by the second dichroic mirror 240 and passes through the field lens 264 to the liquid crystal light valve 300G for green light.
Is irradiated to the light incident surface of. On the other hand, the blue light is transmitted through the second dichroic mirror 240, and the incident side lens 25
The light is incident on the light incident surface of the liquid crystal light valve 300B for blue light via the relay optical system 250 including the relay lens 256, the exit lens (field lens) 260, and the reflection mirrors 254 and 258. The relay optical system 250 is used for blue light because the path of blue light is longer than the paths of other colored lights, and therefore the use efficiency of light is prevented from lowering. That is, this is because the image of the light incident on the incident side lens 252 is directly transmitted to the exit side lens 260. Two dichroic mirrors 22
0 and 240 are each formed by coating a dielectric multilayer film corresponding to a transparent plate such as a glass plate.

The respective color lights separated by the color light separation optical system 200 are the corresponding liquid crystal light valves 300R, 3R for the respective color lights.
Irradiation is performed on the light incident surface of 00G, 300B. Liquid crystal light valves 300R, 300G, 300 for each color light
The light incident surface of B corresponds to the illumination area LA illuminated by the illumination optical system 100.

Liquid crystal light valves 300R, 300G, 3
As 00B, any of the liquid crystal devices 300, 300X, and 300Y described in the first to third embodiments can be applied. In this example, the liquid crystal device 30 of the first example.
0 is applied as the liquid crystal light valves 300R, 300G, and 300B. The polarization direction of the polarized light emitted from the illumination optical system 100 is a direction that can be transmitted by the polarizing plate 300i arranged on the light incident surface side of the liquid crystal light valve (transmission axis direction).
Is set to.

Each liquid crystal light valve 300R, 300G,
The light incident on the light incident surface of 300B is modulated according to the image signal. Each liquid crystal light valve 300R, 300G,
A drive unit (not shown) for supplying and driving an image signal to the liquid crystal panel is connected to 300B. The modulated light beam bundles modulated according to the image signal in each of the liquid crystal light valves 300R, 300G, and 300B are emitted as image light representing an image of each color.

Each liquid crystal light valve 300R, 300G,
The image light of each color emitted from 300B is incident on the cross dichroic prism 400. The cross dichroic prism 400 has a function as a color light combining optical system that combines image lights of three colors. The cross dichroic prism 400 includes a dielectric multilayer film 4 that reflects red light.
10 and a dielectric multilayer film 420 that reflects blue light are formed in a substantially X shape at the interface of the four rectangular prisms. Three
The color image light is combined by these dielectric multilayer films and emitted toward the projection lens 500.

The combined light generated by the cross dichroic prism 400 is emitted toward the projection lens 500. The projection lens 500 projects the combined light emitted from the cross dichroic prism 400 to display a color image on the screen. A telecentric lens can be used as the projection lens 500.

In the above projector 1000,
The liquid crystal device 300 of the present invention is used as liquid crystal light valves 300R, 300G, and 300B for red, green, and blue light. As described above, the liquid crystal device 300 of the present invention can reduce the incident angle dependency of the contrast of the image light emitted from the liquid crystal light valve.
Further, in the conventional liquid crystal device, it is possible to suppress the distribution of brightness that has occurred due to a change in optical characteristics (birefringence) due to a temperature rise of the optical compensation film. , 300B
By suppressing the brightness distribution that occurs independently,
It is possible to reduce color unevenness that occurs in the color image projected and displayed.

In the projector 1000, a so-called integrator optical system is used as the illumination optical system 100 as shown in FIG. 6, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a light source device 1 that emits a substantially parallel light flux.
The illumination optical system may be configured by only 20. In this case, light does not enter one point on the light valve from various directions as in the case of using the integrator optical system. However, it is almost impossible to obtain light in one direction from the light source device, and in the projector, various optical elements such as lenses and mirrors are arranged between the light source device and the liquid crystal light valve. Therefore, it is extremely difficult to make the incident angle of light on the liquid crystal light valve unidirectional. Therefore, even in a projector that does not use an integrator optical system, by using the liquid crystal device of the present invention as a liquid crystal light valve, the incident angle dependence of the contrast can be reduced and the contrast of the projected image can be improved.

Further, in the projector 1000, the lens array 140 is used as the light beam splitting optical element for splitting the light flux emitted from the light source device 120 into a plurality of partial light fluxes, but instead of the lens array 140. In addition, it is also possible to use a rod-shaped light guide called a rod integrator. As the rod integrator, for example, a glass rod having a quadrangular cross section, a hollow rod made by combining four mirrors, or the like can be used. Even when using such a rod integrator, as in the case of using the lens array 140,
Since a plurality of pseudo light sources are generated, the effect of using the liquid crystal device of the present invention as a liquid crystal light valve is great.

Although the illumination optical system 100 includes the polarization generating optical system 160, it may be omitted.

E. Modifications: The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and embodiments, and can be implemented in various modes without departing from the gist thereof. For example, the following modifications are also possible. is there.

(1) In the liquid crystal device of the above-mentioned embodiment, the case where the optical compensation film is formed on at least one glass surface in the incident side substrate section or the emission side substrate section in the liquid crystal panel is described as an example. However, it was formed by obliquely vapor-depositing or sputtering an inorganic oxide on a glass plate on at least one of the space between the incident side polarizing plate and the liquid crystal panel and the space between the emitting side polarizing plate and the liquid crystal panel. You may arrange | position the optical compensation element which has an optical compensation film. Even in this case, although the number of parts is increased, it is possible to obtain the same effect as that of the above embodiment.

(2) The above-mentioned configuration of the projector is shown by taking a projector for displaying a color image as an example, but the present invention can be similarly applied to a projector for displaying a monochrome image.

(3) In the above embodiments, a projector is used as an example of a display device to which the liquid crystal device of the present invention is applied, but the liquid crystal device of the present invention can also be applied to a direct-view type display device. is there.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a liquid crystal device as a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an incident side alignment film 317 and an emission side alignment film 327.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing states of liquid crystal molecules of a liquid crystal layer 303 in the vicinity and molecules of an incident side optical compensation film 318 and an emission side optical compensation film 328.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the principle of canceling the birefringence of tilted liquid crystal molecules.

FIG. 4 is a schematic sectional view showing a configuration of a liquid crystal device as a second embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a schematic sectional view showing a configuration of a liquid crystal device as a third embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a projector to which the liquid crystal device of the present invention is applied as a liquid crystal light valve.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the illumination optical system 100 in FIG. 6 in an enlarged manner.

8 is an explanatory diagram showing an enlarged view of the polarization generating element array 160A of FIG. 7. FIG.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a conventional liquid crystal device having an optical compensation film.

FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the structure of a first optical compensation film 805.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a problem of the optical compensation film.

[Explanation of symbols]

300 ... Liquid crystal device 300X ... Liquid crystal device 300Y ... Liquid crystal device 300a ... Liquid crystal panel 300Xa ... Liquid crystal panel 300Y ... Liquid crystal panel 300i ... Incident side polarizing plate 300o ... Ejection side polarizing plate 301 ... Incident side substrate section 301X ... Incident side substrate section 301Y ... Incident side substrate 302 ... Ejection side substrate 302X ... Ejection side substrate 302Y ... Ejection side substrate 303 ... Liquid crystal layer 311, Incident side substrate 312 ... Common electrode 313 ... Microlens array 313a ... Microlens 314 ... Optical adhesive 315 ... Incident side cover 316 ... Light blocking part (BM) 317 ... Incident side alignment film 318 ... Incident side optical compensation film 321 ... Ejection side substrate 322 ... Pixel electrode 323 ... Thin film transistor 325 ... Ejection side cover 327 ... Ejection side alignment film 328 ... Ejection Side optical compensation film 317d ... Rubbing direction 327d ... Rubbing Direction 1000 ... Projector 100 ... Illumination optical system 100B ... Illumination optical system 100ax ... System optical axis 120 ... Light source device 122 ... Light source lamp 124 ... Reflector 140, 150 ... Lens array 142 ... Small lens 152 ... Small lens 160 ... Polarization generation optical system 160A, 160B ... Polarization generating element array 62 ... Shading plate 62a ... Opening surface 62b ... Shading surface 64 ... Polarization beam splitter array 64a ... Polarization separating film 64b ... Reflecting film 64c ... Translucent plate material 66 ... Selective phase difference plate 66a ... Opening Layer 66b ... λ / 2 retardation layer 170 ... Superimposing lens 200 ... Color light separation optical system 210, 230 ... Reflecting mirror 220, 240 ... Dichroic mirror 240 ... Second dichroic mirror 250 ... Relay optical system 252 ... Incident side lens 256 ... Relay lenses 254, 258 ... Reflective mirror 260 ... Field lens (exit side lens) 262 ... Field lens 264 ... Field lens 300R, 300G, 300B ... Liquid crystal light valve 400 ... Cross dichroic prism (color light combining optical system) 410 ... Dielectric multilayer film 420 ... Dielectric multilayer film 500 ... Projection Lens (projection optical system) 800 ... Liquid crystal device 801 ... Liquid crystal panel 802i ... First polarizing plate 802o ... Second polarizing plate 805 ... First optical compensation film 806 ... Second optical compensation film 812 ... Support 814 ... Optical compensation layer LA ... Illumination area Ma ... Positive uniaxial substance Mb ... Positive uniaxial substance Mc ... Negative uniaxial substance Pn ... Substrate normal line Wp ... Opening width

Continued front page    F term (reference) 2H049 BA02 BA06 BA42 BB03 BC01                       BC22                 2H091 FA07X FA07Z FA11X FA11Z                       FA12X FA12Z FA29Z FA35Z                       FA41Z FB06 FC04 GA01                       GA13 HA07 LA04 LA17 LA20                       LA30                 2K103 AA01 AA05 AA11 AB01 AB05                       BB02 BC16 BC17 BC51                 5C058 AA08 AB06 BA06 BA08 DA06                       EA01 EA02 EA03 EA26

Claims (22)

[Claims] 1. A liquid crystal panel having two substrate portions and a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between the two substrate portions, wherein an optical compensation film is provided on at least one glass surface included in the two substrate portions. The optical compensation film has a birefringent layer having predetermined birefringence, which is formed by obliquely depositing or sputtering a predetermined inorganic oxide on the glass surface. LCD panel. 2. The liquid crystal panel according to claim 1, wherein the birefringent layer of the optical compensation film is liquid crystal molecules arranged along a thickness direction of the liquid crystal layer, and the thickness of the liquid crystal layer is A liquid crystal panel, which is formed so as to suppress birefringence of liquid crystal molecules whose optical axis is inclined with respect to a direction. 3. The liquid crystal panel according to claim 1, wherein the birefringent layer of the optical compensation film is formed of a plurality of layers having different birefringence. 4. The liquid crystal panel according to claim 3, wherein the birefringent layer of the optical compensation film is a plurality of liquid crystal molecules arranged along a thickness direction of the liquid crystal layer,
A liquid crystal comprising a plurality of layers having different birefringence so as to suppress the birefringence of liquid crystal molecules having different optical axis tilt angles with respect to the thickness direction of the liquid crystal layer. panel. 5. The liquid crystal panel according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein an electrode for controlling the liquid crystal layer is formed on the glass surface, The liquid crystal panel, wherein the birefringent layer is formed on the glass surface via the electrode by vapor-depositing or sputtering the predetermined inorganic oxide on the electrode from an oblique direction. 6. A liquid crystal panel having an incident side substrate section and an emitting side substrate section, and a liquid crystal layer sandwiched by the incident side substrate section and the emitting side substrate section, the liquid crystal panel being included in the incident side substrate section. 1 has an incident side optical compensation film on the glass surface, and has an emission side optical compensation film on a second glass surface included in the emission side substrate portion, the incident side optical compensation film is the first Inorganic oxide is the first
A birefringent layer exhibiting a first birefringence, which is formed by obliquely vapor-depositing or sputtering on the glass surface of, and the emission-side optical compensation film includes a second inorganic oxide and a second inorganic oxide.
A liquid crystal panel comprising a second birefringent layer having a second birefringence, which is formed by obliquely vapor-depositing or sputtering on the glass surface of. 7. The liquid crystal panel according to claim 6, wherein the first and second inorganic oxides are the same inorganic oxide. 8. The liquid crystal panel according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the first and second birefringence properties are equal to each other. 9. The liquid crystal panel according to claim 6, wherein the birefringent layer of the incident side optical compensation film is in a thickness direction of the liquid crystal layer near the incident side substrate section. Liquid crystal molecules aligned along the liquid crystal layer, the liquid crystal molecules having an optical axis inclined with respect to the thickness direction of the liquid crystal layer are formed so as to suppress birefringence, and The refraction layer is a liquid crystal molecule arranged along the thickness direction of the liquid crystal layer near the emission side substrate part, and suppresses birefringence of the liquid crystal molecule whose optical axis is inclined with respect to the thickness direction of the liquid crystal layer. A liquid crystal panel characterized by being formed as follows. 10. The liquid crystal panel according to claim 6, wherein the birefringent layer of the incident-side optical compensation film is formed of a plurality of layers having different birefringence. Liquid crystal panel characterized by having. 11. The liquid crystal panel according to claim 10, wherein the birefringent layer of the incident side optical compensation film is a plurality of liquid crystals arranged along a thickness direction of the liquid crystal layer near the incident side substrate section. A plurality of layers having different birefringence so as to suppress the birefringence of each of the liquid crystal molecules having different tilt angles of the optical axis with respect to the thickness direction of the liquid crystal layer. Liquid crystal panel characterized by being. 12. Claims 6 to 8, claim 1
0. The liquid crystal panel according to claim 11, wherein the birefringent layer of the exit side optical compensation film is formed of a plurality of layers having different birefringence. LCD panel. 13. The liquid crystal panel according to claim 12, wherein the birefringent layer of the exit side optical compensation film is a plurality of liquid crystals arranged along a thickness direction of the liquid crystal layer near the exit side substrate portion. Molecules, the layers exhibiting different birefringence are formed in multiple layers so as to suppress the respective birefringence of the liquid crystal molecules having different optic axis tilt angles with respect to the thickness direction of the liquid crystal layer. Liquid crystal panel characterized by having. 14. The liquid crystal panel according to claim 6, wherein an incident side electrode for controlling the liquid crystal layer is formed on the first glass surface, The birefringent layer of the incident-side optical compensation film is formed by vapor-depositing or sputtering the first inorganic oxide on the incident-side electrode from an oblique direction, thereby forming the first inorganic oxide through the incident-side electrode.
A liquid crystal panel, which is formed on the glass surface of. 15. The liquid crystal panel according to claim 6, wherein an emission-side electrode for controlling the liquid crystal layer is formed on the second glass surface, The birefringent layer of the emission-side optical compensation film is formed such that the second inorganic oxide is vapor-deposited or sputtered on the emission-side electrode from an oblique direction, and thus the second inorganic oxide is formed on the emission-side electrode through the emission-side electrode.
A liquid crystal panel, which is formed on the glass surface of. 16. The liquid crystal panel according to claim 1, which operates in a TN (twisted nematic) mode. 17. A liquid crystal device that modulates light according to a given image signal, wherein the liquid crystal panel according to any one of claims 1 to 16 is disposed on a light incident surface side of the liquid crystal panel. And a light-exiting-side polarization plate disposed on the light-exiting surface side of the liquid crystal panel. 18. A liquid crystal device that modulates light according to a given image signal, the liquid crystal panel having two substrate parts and a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between the two substrate parts, and the liquid crystal panel. An incident side polarization plate disposed on the light incidence side of the liquid crystal panel, an emission side polarization plate disposed on the light emission side of the liquid crystal panel, between the liquid crystal panel and the incidence side polarization plate, the liquid crystal panel And an optical compensation element disposed on at least one of the emission side polarizing plate, and the optical compensation element is a glass plate, and a predetermined inorganic oxide is obliquely formed on the glass plate. And an optical compensation film including a birefringent layer exhibiting a predetermined birefringence, which is formed by vapor deposition or sputtering from the liquid crystal device. 19. A projector for projecting and displaying an image, comprising: an illumination optical system that emits illumination light; a liquid crystal light valve that modulates light from the illumination optical system according to an image signal; and the liquid crystal light. 19. A projection optical system for projecting image light formed on a light exit surface of a valve, wherein the liquid crystal light valve comprises:
A projector comprising the liquid crystal device described. 20. A projector for projecting and displaying a color image, comprising: an illumination optical system that emits illumination light; and the illumination light that is emitted from the illumination optical system, each having three color components. To a third color light separating optical system, first to third liquid crystal light valves for modulating the first to third color lights separated by the color light separating optical system according to an image signal, A color synthesizing unit for synthesizing image light formed on the light exit surfaces of the first to third liquid crystal light valves; and a projection optical system for projecting the synthetic light emitted from the color synthesizing unit. Each of the first to third liquid crystal light valves,
A projector comprising the liquid crystal device according to claim 17 or 18. 21. The projector according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the illumination optical system includes a light source device that emits a substantially parallel light beam bundle, and a plurality of light beam bundles that are emitted from the light source device. A splitting optical element for splitting into a light ray bundle, and the plurality of partial light ray bundles emitted from the splitting optical element, a superimposing lens for superimposing and irradiating the light incident surface of the liquid crystal light valve, A projector equipped. 22. A display device for displaying an image, comprising the liquid crystal device according to claim 17 or 18.