JPH03290616A - Space optical modulator - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To efficiently use read light to reproduce a picture of high contract by arranging a birefringence electric field controlled liquid crystal element and a polarizer in the optical path of read light of a space optical modulating element operated in the birefringence mode. CONSTITUTION:A transmission type birefringence electric field controlled liquid crystal element ECBt and polarizers PL1 and PL2 are arranged in the optical path of read light RLi in a space optical modulating element SLMr operated in the birefringence mode. These liquid crystal element ECBt and polarizers PL1 and PL2 constitute a wavelength selecting filter, and the read light PLi to a space modulator is made incident on a reflection type space modulating element SL-Mr as read light having a narrow wavelength band by this filter to obtain a reproduced picture of high contrast. Consequently, it is unnecessary for a light source to emit the light of large output, and the light use efficiency is improved.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

[Industrial Application Field 1] The present invention relates to a spatial light modulation device. 2. Description of the Related Art A spatial light modulation device configured using a spatial light modulation element operating in a birefringence mode is used, for example, as a component of a display device.

Problem 1 to be Solved by the Invention As a spatial light modulation element that operates in a birefringence mode and is used as a component of a spatial light modulation device, for example, a configuration as illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15 may be used. A reflective spatial light modulator S L M r (in the following description, a reflective spatial light modulator S L M r that operates in a birefringent mode)
L M r is simply a reflective spatial light modulator S L M
r) and, for example, a transmissive spatial light modulator SLMt having a configuration as illustrated in FIG. The element SLMt may be simply referred to as a transmissive spatial light modulator SLMt). In the reflective spatial light modulator S L M r shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, Etl and Et2 are electrodes,
PCL is a photoconductive layer member, DML is a dielectric mirror that reflects the readout light RL, and PML is a light modulating material layer member that changes the state of light according to the intensity distribution of the electric field (for example, a lithium niobate single crystal). light modulating material layer or liquid crystal layer,
polymer-liquid crystal composite film + PLZT, etc.), E is the power supply, and. WL is a writing light for writing an optical image as a charge image on the reflective spatial light modulator S L M r, and RL is used to read out the charge image formed on the reflective spatial light modulator S L M r This is the readout light. Further, SM in FIG. 14 is a light-shielding film, and this light-shielding film SM prevents the writing light WL from reaching the reading side and prevents the reading light RL from reaching the writing side. The above-mentioned IE pole Etl is configured to be transparent to the writing light WL, and the electrode Et2 is configured to be transparent to the readout light RL. The reflective spatial light modulator SLMr shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 having the above-mentioned configuration has an electric current connected to its electrodes Etl and Et2 to connect both ends of the photoconductive layer member PCL. When the writing light WL is incident on the electrode Etl side of the reflective spatial light modulator S L M r so that an electric field is applied to the reflective spatial light modulator S L
The writing light WL incident on Mr. r passes through the electrode Etl and reaches the photoconductive layer member PCL. Since the electrical resistance value of the photoconductive layer member PCL changes corresponding to the intensity distribution of the writing light WL that reaches it, the 14th
In the reflective spatial light modulator S L M r of the illustrated configuration example, an intensity corresponding to the intensity distribution of the writing light WL that has reached the photoconductive layer member PCL at the interface between the photoconductive layer member PCL and the light-shielding film SM. A charge image with a distribution is produced. Further, the reflective spatial light modulator SL of the configuration example shown in FIG.
In Mr, the photoconductive layer member PCL and the dielectric mirror D
A charge image having an intensity distribution corresponding to the intensity distribution of the writing light WL reaching the photoconductive layer member PCL is generated at the interface with the photoconductive layer member PCL. Reflective spatial light quality 7A element S L M in which a charge image corresponding to the intensity distribution of the writing light WL is formed as described above.
Readout light RL of constant intensity from the electrode Et2 side at r
When the readout light RL is incident on the light modulating material layer member P
After passing through ML, the light is reflected by dielectric mirror DML, passes through light modulating material layer member PML again, and is emitted from electrode Et2 in reflective spatial light modulator S L M r. Then, the readout light RLr whose polarization plane of the readout light (linearly polarized light) is changed corresponding to the charge image described above is transmitted to the reflective spatial light modulator S L M
The light is emitted from the electrode Et2 side at r. Therefore, as described above, the reflective spatial light modulator S L
Readout light R emitted from the electrode Et2 side in Mr.
Lr is the interface between the photoconductive layer member PCL and the light shielding film SM;
Alternatively, the state of the readout light changes in accordance with the charge amount distribution of the charge image generated at the interface between the photoconductive layer member PCL and the XX body mirror DML. Next, the transmissive spatial light modulator SLMt operating in the birefringence mode illustrated in FIG.
It is sensitive to at least light in the wavelength range of the writing light WL,
and a photoconductive layer member that is insensitive to light in the wavelength range of the readout light RL (a photoconductive layer member that is practically insensitive to the readout light RL...for example, BS○(Bi12 Si○20
), those constructed using organic photoreceptors (PVK, azo photoreceptors, phthalocyanine, etc.); (2) those constructed using organic photoreceptors (PVK, azo photoreceptors, phthalocyanine, etc.); , PLZT) can be used. First, when the transmissive spatial light modulator SLMt operating in the birefringence mode illustrated in FIG. It is sensitive to light in the wavelength range of the writing light WL, and. A photoconductive layer member that is insensitive to light in the wavelength range of the readout light RL (a photoconductive layer member that is practically insensitive to the readout light RL...for example, B S 0 (BilZ 5iO20)
), an organic photoreceptor (PVK, azo photoreceptor, phthalocyanine, etc.)) and a light modulating material (e.g. A light modulating material layer member PML configured using ferroelectric liquid crystal (PLZT), an electrode Et2, and a substrate BP.
2 are stacked to form a structure. The electrode Etl described above is configured to be transparent to at least the writing light WL, and the electrode Et2 is transparent to at least the writing light WL.
is configured to be transparent to at least the readout light RL. Therefore, in the transmissive spatial light modulator S L M t having the configuration (1) described above, its electrode Etl. When a power source E is connected to Et2 and writing light WL in a wavelength range to which the photoconductive layer member PCL is sensitive is incident from the electrode Etl side, the writing light WL passes through the electrode Etl and reaches the photoconductive layer member PCL. do. Since the electrical resistance value of the photoconductive layer member PCL changes corresponding to the intensity distribution of the writing light WL that reaches it, a photoconductive layer is provided at the interface between the photoconductive layer member PCL and the light modulating material layer member PML. A charge image is generated having an intensity distribution corresponding to the intensity distribution of the writing light WL that has reached the member PCL. From the electrode Etl side of the transmissive spatial light modulator SLMt in which a charge image corresponding to the intensity distribution of the writing light WL is formed as described above, a readout light RL of a constant intensity in a wavelength range to which the photoconductive layer member PCL is insensitive is emitted. When the readout light R
L passes through the electrode Etl → photoconductive layer member PCL → light modulating light material PML → electrode Et2, but the refractive index of the light modulating material layer member PML changes according to the electric field due to the electro-optic effect. Therefore, the readout light RL contains information according to the intensity distribution of the electric field applied to the light modulating material layer member PML due to the electro-optic effect of the PML.
Emits from the 2nd side. Also, in the transmissive spatial light modulator SLMt. Since the photoconductive layer member PCL is insensitive to the readout light RL, even if the readout light RL passes through the photoconductive layer member PCL, no photoconductive effect is produced on the photoconductive layer member PCL. The charge image existing at the boundary between the photoconductive layer member PCL and the light modulating material layer member PML is not disturbed by RL. Next, as shown in (2) above, the light modulating material layer member PML used in the component part of the transmissive spatial light modulator SLMt operating in the birefringence mode illustrated in FIG.
In the case of using a material having memory properties, the electrode Etl and the photoconductive layer member PC are provided on the substrate BPI.
L, a light modulating material layer member PML (e.g., birefringent liquid crystal, birefringent PLZT) capable of storing the intensity distribution of the applied electric field as a form of change in birefringence, and an electrode Et2;
It is configured by laminating it with the substrate BP2. Transmissive spatial light modulator S having a configuration like this (2)
In LMt, a writing period using a writing light and a reading period using a reading light are made to be serial on the time axis, and a writing operation and a reading operation are performed. Transmissive spatial light modulator S having the configuration (2) described above
In LMt, power supply E is applied to its electrodes Etl and Et2.
When the writing light WL is made incident from the electrode Etl side, the writing light WL passes through the electrode Etl and reaches the photoconductive layer member PCL. Since the electrical resistance value of the photoconductive layer member PCL changes corresponding to the intensity distribution of the writing light WL that reaches it, a photoconductive layer is provided at the interface between the photoconductive layer member PCL and the light modulating material layer member PML. A charge image is generated having an intensity distribution corresponding to the intensity distribution of the writing light WL that has reached the member PCL. When the electric field due to the charge image described above is applied to the light modulating material layer member PML having memory properties, the light modulating material layer member PML memorizes the intensity distribution of the applied electric field as a form of change in birefringence. The above-mentioned memory contents are retained even if the above-mentioned writing light is no longer used. Next, the electrode Et of the transmission type spatial light 11LjlJI child SLMt
When reading light RL of a constant intensity is made incident from the l side. The readout light RL is transmitted from the electrode Etl→photoconductive layer member PCL→
The light modulating material layer member PML, which stores the charge image corresponding to the intensity distribution of the writing light WL as a change in the state of birefringence, passes through the electrode Et2. The read light RL includes the information stored in the light modulating material layer member PML and is emitted from the electrode Et2 side. A light modulating material layer member used in the reflective spatial light modulator SLMr operating in birefringence mode and the transmissive spatial light modulator SLMt operating in birefringence mode explained with reference to FIGS. 14 to 16. Since the magnitude of modulation given to the readout light by PML differs depending on the wavelength of the readout light RL, if the readout light RL is not light in a narrow wavelength range, it is a reflective spatial light that operates in a birefringence mode. The reproduced image formed by the readout light output from the modulation element S L M r or the transmissive spatial light modulation element S L M t operating in the birefringence mode has a reduced contrast ratio. In order to solve the above problem, it is sufficient to use a single wavelength light such as a laser beam as the readout light RL, but in order to obtain a bright reproduced image, a high output laser is used as the readout light RL. Since light is required, such solutions are difficult to adopt. Therefore, in image display devices, light emitted from a high-output general light source is applied to an optical filter such as a dichroic filter or an absorption filter such as colored glass to obtain readout light in a narrow wavelength range. In conventionally used optical filters such as those described above, when configured with a narrow passband, the reflectance and transmittance at the center wavelength of the passband are lower than those with a wide passband. In order to generate readout light that can be made small and display high-brightness reproduced images, a light source that can emit light with a very large optical output is required, so the use of light is difficult. This will reduce efficiency. [1 [Means for solving the problem] The present invention comprises a birefringence electric field controlled liquid crystal element and a polarizer arranged in the optical path of readout light in a spatial light x, ii+ element operating in a birefringence mode. A spatial light modulator is provided. (Action 1: In the optical path of the readout light, a narrowband wavelength selection filter composed of a birefringence electric field controlled liquid crystal element and a polarizer supplies readout light in a narrow wavelength band to the spatial light modulation element operating in birefringence mode. In addition, a narrow wavelength selection filter composed of a refraction electric field controlled liquid crystal element, a polarizer, and a spatial light modulation element operating in birefringence mode allows the spatial light modulation element to have a narrow wavelength band. The readout light is supplied. Thereby, a reproduced image with a large contrast ratio can be obtained using the readout light obtained in a state where the use efficiency of the light source is high. [Example] See the attached drawings below. The specific contents of the spatial light modulation device of the present invention will be explained in detail. Fig. 1 shows the sky single light modulation device of the present invention, which includes a reflective spatial light modulation element that operates in a birefringence mode. A block diagram for explaining the configuration principle and operation principle of the device, FIG. 2 shows the configuration principle and operation principle of the spatial light modulation device of the present invention, which is configured including a transmission type spatial light modulation element that operates in a birefringence mode. Figures 3 and 4 and Figures 6 to 13 are block diagrams of different embodiments of the spatial light modulator, and Figure 5 is a reflective birefringence electric field controlled liquid crystal. 14 and 15 are side sectional views showing an example of the structure of a reflective spatial light modulator, and FIG. 16 is a side sectional view showing an example of a structure of a transmissive spatial light modulator. Figure 17 is a side sectional view showing an example of the configuration of a transmission type birefringence electric field controlled liquid crystal element. It is a block diagram for explaining the configuration principle and the operating principle. In each figure, S L M r is a reflective spatial light modulation element (reflective light-light conversion element) S L that operates in birefringence mode.
M r (In the following description, a reflective spatial light modulator S L M r that operates in birefringence mode may be referred to as a reflective spatial light modulator S L M r in QL), and this reflection As the spatial light modulator SLMr, for example, one having the configuration described above with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15Wi can be used. As a drawing code for a reflective spatial light modulator used in each figure, a subscript r is added to the above-mentioned drawing code S L M r indicating 1 reflective spatial light modulator. Those marked with K and b indicate that the optical image written to the reflective spatial light modulator S L M r by the writing light WL is obtained by separating the optical image to be displayed into three colors. For a reflective spatial light modulator for a red image, SLMr
Add a subscript r, such as r. In addition, the writing light WL causes the reflective spatial light modulator S to
For reflective spatial light modulators in the case where the optical image written in L M r is a green image obtained by separating the optical image targeted for one display into three colors, a subscript such as S L M r g is used. g and the optical image written into the reflective spatial light modulator S L M r by the writing light WL is a blue image obtained by separating the optical image to be displayed into three colors. For reflective spatial light modulators, a subscript such as SLMrb is added to indicate each reflective spatial light modulator SLMr. In addition, in the following description, reflection type spatial light change, light quality 1/4 child S L M r r
, S.L., M.r.g. When a reflective spatial light modulator is described without distinguishing S L M r b, it is described as 1 reflective spatial light modulator S L M r. In each figure, SLMt is a transmissive spatial light modulator (transmissive light-to-light converter) S L that operates in birefringence mode.
M t (in the following description, a transmissive spatial light modulator SLMt that operates in birefringence mode may be simply referred to as a transmissive spatial light modulator SLMt), and this transmissive spatial light modulator SLMr For example, the 16th
The configurations described above with reference to the figures can be used. As the drawing code for the transmissive spatial light modulator used in each figure, 1 indicates a reflective spatial light modulator with the suffix "g" and "b" added to the drawing code SLMt, which indicates a reflective spatial light modulator. Regarding the transmissive spatial light modulator in the case where the optical image written to the transmissive spatial light modulator SLMt by the writing light WL is a red image obtained by separating the optical image into three colors for one display, A subscript r is added such as SLMtr, and the optical image written to the transmissive spatial light modulator SLMt by the writing light WL is a green image obtained by separating the optical image to be displayed into three colors. For the transmissive spatial light modulator in this case, a subscript g is added such as SLMtg, and the optical image written to the transmissive spatial light modulator SLMt by the writing light WL is
Regarding the transmissive spatial light modulator for the blue image obtained by separating the optical image into three colors to be displayed, please refer to SLMtb.
This is to indicate each transmissive spatial light modulator SLMt by adding a subscript like this. In the following description, the transmissive spatial light modulator S L M t r e
When a transmissive spatial light modulator is described without distinguishing S L M t g *SLMtb, it is described as a transmissive spatial light modulator SLMt. Next, ECBr in each figure is a reflective birefringence electric field controlled liquid crystal element, and this reflective birefringence electric field controlled liquid crystal element ECBr is 1, for example, as illustrated in FIG. A structured layer in which a transparent electrode 7, a liquid crystal layer LCb operating in a birefringence mode, a reflective layer 11110, and a substrate 9 are laminated on the substrate 6 can be used. In FIG. 5, Ee is a power source connected to the transparent electrode 7 and the reflective film 10. The reflective film 10 described above may be made of, for example, a vapor-deposited film of aluminum, and the reflective film 1o also serves as an electrode. As the drawing code of the reflective birefringence electric field controlled liquid crystal element used in each figure, in addition to the drawing code ECBr indicating the reflective birefringence electric field controlled liquid crystal element, the subscript rv g+ b is added. In the case of a reflective birefringence electric field controlled liquid crystal element to which readout light for the red optical image to be displayed is supplied, a subscript r is added, such as ECBrr, and A reflective birefringence electric field controlled liquid crystal element to which readout light for the green optical image that is being displayed is supplied with the suffix g, such as ECBrg. Regarding the reflective birefringence electric field controlled liquid crystal element to which optical image readout light is supplied, a subscript such as ECB rb is added, and each reflective birefringent electric field controlled liquid crystal element E
This is to indicate CB r. In the following description, reflective birefringence electric field controlled liquid crystal elements ECB r r, EC
B rg. When a reflective birefringence electric field controlled liquid crystal element is described without distinguishing between ECBrb, it is described as a reflective birefringence electric field controlled liquid crystal element ECBr. Further, ECB t in each figure is a transmission type birefringence electric field control type liquid crystal element, and as this transmission type birefringence electric field control type liquid crystal element ECBt, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 17, A structured layer structure in which a transparent electrode 7, a liquid crystal layer LCb operating in a birefringence mode, a transparent electrode 8, and a substrate 9 are laminated on the substrate 6 can be used. In Figure 17, Ee
is an electric lamp connected to transparent electrodes 7 and 8. The drawing code of the transmission type birefringence electric field controlled liquid crystal element ECBt shown in each figure is further indicated by a subscript r. Items with gvb are affixed with a subscript r, such as ECBtr, for transmissive birefringence electric field controlled liquid crystal elements that are supplied with readout light for the red optical image that is being displayed. , the transmissive birefringence electric field controlled liquid crystal element to which the readout light of the green optical image that is the object of display is supplied is given a subscript g, such as ECBt g, and is also the object of display. Regarding the transmission type birefringence electric field controlled liquid crystal element to which the readout light of the blue optical image is supplied, a subscript such as ECBt b is added, and each transmission type birefringence electric field controlled liquid crystal element ECB t
This is to show that. In the following description, transmission type birefringence electric field controlled liquid crystal elements ECBt r, ECBt g,
When a spatial light modulator is described without distinguishing between ECBt and b, it is described as a transmissive birefringence electric field controlled liquid crystal element ECBt. Figure 1 shows a reflective spatial light quality 1jl operating in birefringence mode.
A second block diagram for explaining the configuration principle and operating principle of a spatial light modulator including an I-element SLMr.
The figure shows a transmissive spatial light modulator S operating in birefringence mode.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration principle and operation principle of a spatial light modulation device configured including LMt. First, in FIG. 1, information is read from the reflective spatial light modulator S L M r into which information has been written by the write WL: polarizer PL2 → transmissive layer folded electric field control type liquid crystal element ECB t → polarized light The readout light RLi is incident on the reflective spatial light modulator S L M r through the optical path of the child PLI, so that the reflective spatial light modulator S L M
At r, the operation as already described with reference to FIGS.
From r, read light RL is modulated by the information written therein. is emitted, and the emitted light is output via an optical path of polarizer PL2→transmissive layer-folded electric field control type liquid crystal element ECBt→polarizer PL1. In FIG. 1, a polarizer PL2, a transmissive birefringence electric field control liquid crystal element ECBt, a polarizer PLI, and a reflective spatial light modulator S L are provided in the optical path through which the readout light passes.
The light modulating material layer member that operates in the birefringence mode in Mr constitutes a wavelength selection filter, so that the readout light RLi for the spatial light modulator is reflected by the wavelength selection filter as readout light in a narrow wavelength band. The light is made incident on the spatial light modulator S L M r. In addition, in FIG. 2, the readout light RL i supplied to the spatial light modulator is 5 polarizers PLI→transmissive birefringence electric field controlled liquid crystal element ECBt→polarizer PL2→transmissive spatial light modulator light quality LMt→ It is output as readout light RLo through the optical path of polarizer PL3. The above-mentioned transmissive spatial light modulator SLMt performs the write operation and read operation as already described with reference to FIG. The reading light RLo modulated according to the information written therein is emitted. In FIG. 2, a polarizer PLI, a transmissive birefringence electric field control liquid crystal element ECBt, a polarizer PL2, and a transmissive spatial light modulator SLM are provided in the optical path through which the readout light passes.
The light modulating material layer member operating in the birefringence mode at t and the polarizer PL3 constitute a wavelength selection filter, so that the readout light RLi for the spatial light modulator is converted into readout light in a narrow wavelength band by the wavelength selection filter described above. The light is made incident on the transmissive spatial light modulator SLMt. Regarding the wavelength selection filter composed of a transmissive birefringence electric field controlled liquid crystal element and a polarizer, Messrs. Sato, Kato, Kano, Hanazawa, and Uchida of Tohoku University published a paper in 1989.
At the 9th International Labeling Research Conference, jointly sponsored by SID of the United States and the Television Society of Japan, held at the Kyoto Park Hotel in Kyoto Nuno from October 16th to 18th, the outline shown in Figure 18 was held. We are presenting the characteristics of a wavelength selection filter constructed by sequentially arranging a large number of elements consisting of a polarizer PLa, a transparent birefringence electric field controlled liquid crystal element ECBt, and a polarizer PLb. Minutes of the 9th International Conference on Display Research mentioned above, pp. 392-3
It is described on page 95. In the spatial light modulator of the present invention, as already described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, in addition to the polarizer PL and the transparent birefringence electric field controlled liquid crystal element ECB t, the wavelength selection filter includes a polarizer PL and a transparent birefringence electric field controlled liquid crystal element ECB. , a reflective spatial light modulator S L M r operating in birefringence mode, or a transmissive spatial light modulator SLMt operating in birefringence mode, or as shown in the embodiments described below. The wavelength selection filter is constructed by using a polarizer PL and a reflective birefringence electric field control liquid crystal element ECBr as constituent members of the wavelength selection filter. In one embodiment of the spatial light modulator of the present invention shown in FIG. 3, (,) in FIG. 3 is a perspective view, (b) in FIG. 3 is a plan view, and in FIG. 3, PBS is a polarizing beam splitter. When the readout light RLi of undefined polarization input to the spatial light modulator is incident on the polarization beam splitter PBS, the P-polarized light in the readout light RLi passes through the polarizer in the polarization beam splitter PBS. The light is emitted from the polarizing beam splitter PBS and enters a single reflection type birefringence electric field control type liquid crystal element ECBr. Further, the S-polarized light in the readout light RLi described above is reflected by a polarizer in the polarizing beam splitter PBS, and then exits from the polarizing beam splitter PBS and enters the polarizer PL. The P-polarized light incident on the above-described reflective birefringence electric field-controlled liquid crystal element ECBr is output from the reflective birefringence electric-field-controlled liquid crystal element ECBr as S-polarized light, and the S-polarized light enters the polarizing beam splitter PBS. A reflective spatial light modulator S L M that operates in birefringence mode by being reflected by a polarizer.
is incident on r. Writing light WL is applied to the reflective spatial light modulator S L M r.
Since the information is written by The light is output from the light modulation element SLMr and enters the polarization beam splitter PBS. Then, the P-polarized light component of the light emitted from the reflective spatial light modulator S L M r that enters the polarizing beam splitter PBS is transmitted through the polarizer in the polarizing beam splitter PBS and output from the polarizing beam splitter PBS. The light then enters the polarizer PL, and also passes through the polarizer PL to become the output readout light RLo. In the spatial light modulator shown in FIG. 3, the polarizer in the polarizing beam splitter PBS and the reflective birefringence electric field controlled liquid crystal element ECB r constitute a wavelength selection filter, so that the spatial light modulator is The readout light RLi incident on the modulation device is converted into readout light in a narrow wavelength range by a wavelength selection filter constituted by a polarizer in the polarization beam splitter PBS and a reflective birefringence electric field control type liquid crystal element ECBr. The light is supplied to the reflective spatial light modulator S L M r. Next, in the spatial light modulator of the present invention shown in FIG.
SI and PBS2 are polarization beam splitters, and readout light RLi of undefined polarization light input to the spatial light modulator is input to the polarization beam splitter PBSI. The P-polarized light in the readout light RL i incident on the polarizing beam splitter PBSI passes through the polarizer in the polarizing beam splitter PBSI, exits from the polarizing beam splitter PBSI, and enters the reflective birefringence electric field controlled liquid crystal element ECBr1. Further, the S-polarized light in the readout light RL i described above is reflected by a polarizer in the polarizing beam splitter PBSI, and then exits from the polarizing beam splitter PBSI and enters the reflective birefringence electric field controlled liquid crystal element ECBr2. The above-described reflective birefringence electric field control liquid crystal element ECBr1
The P-polarized light that has entered is output as S-polarized light from the reflective birefringence electric field control liquid crystal element ECBr1, and the S-polarized light is reflected by the polarizer in the polarizing beam splitter PBSI and exits from the polarizing beam splitter PBSI. and enters the polarizing beam splitter PBS2. The S@front light incident on the polarizing beam splitter PBS2 as described above is reflected by the polarizer in the polarizing beam splitter PBS2, and is emitted from the polarizing beam splitter PBS2. 1 [The light is incident on the reflective spatial light modulator SLMrl that operates in refractive mode. In addition, the above-mentioned reflective birefringence electric field controlled liquid crystal element EC
The S-polarized light incident on Br2 is output as P-polarized light from the single-reflection birefringence electric field-controlled liquid crystal element ECBr2, and the P-polarized light passes through the polarizer in the polarizing beam splitter PBSI and exits from the polarizing beam splitter PBSL. The light exits and enters the polarizing beam splitter PBS2. The P-polarized light incident on the polarizing beam splitter PBS2 as described above passes through the polarizer in the polarizing beam splitter PBSZ and exits from the polarizing beam splitter PBS2, where it passes through the reflective spatial light modulator SL which operates in a birefringence mode.
Since information is written into the 6-reflection type intermediate light modulation element SLMrl that enters Mr2 by the writing light WL1,
The S-polarized light that has entered the reflective spatial light modulator SLMrl as described above is modulated by the written information and passes through the reflective spatial light modulator SLMr1.
and enters the polarizing beam splitter PBS2. Then, the P-polarized light component of the light emitted from the reflective spatial light element SLMrl that has entered the polarizing beam splitter PBS2 is transmitted through the polarizer in the polarizing beam splitter PBSZ and output from the polarizing beam splitter PBS2. This becomes the output read light RLo. On the other hand, the writing light W is applied to the reflective spatial light modulator SLMr2.
Since information is written by L2, the P incident on the reflective spatial light modulator element SLMr2 as described above
The polarized light is modulated by the written information and exits from the reflective spatial light modulator SLMr2 and enters the polarizing beam splitter PBS2. Then, the S-polarized light component of the light emitted from the reflective spatial light modulator SLMr2 that enters the polarizing beam splitter PBS2 is reflected by the polarizer in the polarizing beam splitter PBSZ, and output from the polarizing beam splitter PBS2. This becomes the readout light RLo. In this way, in the spatial light modulator shown in FIG.
Information is read out by the readout light from the reflective spatial light modulator SLMr2 into which information is written by the write light WLI, and information is read out by the readout light from the reflective spatial light modulator SLMrl into which information is written by the write light WLI. The resulting information is combined and output from the polarization beam splitter PBS2 as output readout light RLo. In the spatial light modulator shown in FIG.
S2 and reflective spatial light modulator S operating in birefringence mode
The center wavelength of the wavelength pass band of the wavelength selection filter constituted by the LMI and the polarizing beam splitter PBS.
I and the center wavelength of the wavelength pass band of the wavelength selection filter constituted by the reflective birefringent electric field controlled liquid crystal element ECBr2, the polarizing beam splitter PBS2, and the reflective spatial light modulator SLM2 operating in birefringent mode. By widening the synthesized wavelength pass band by slightly shifting the wavelength, it is possible to obtain a reproduced image with a high contrast ratio of 1 and a high degree of contrast, with a high utilization efficiency of the light source. Next, in the spatial light modulator shown in FIG. 6, PBS is a polarizing beam splitter, and when the readout light RLi of undefined polarized light input to the spatial light modulator is incident on the polarization beam splitter PBS, the readout light RLi is input to the spatial light modulator. The P-polarized light in RLi passes through the polarizer in the polarizing beam splitter PBS, exits from the polarizing beam splitter PBS, and enters the reflective birefringence electric field control liquid crystal element ECBr. Further, the S-polarized light in the readout light RLi described above is reflected by a polarizer in the polarizing beam splitter PBS, and then exits from the polarizing beam splitter PBS and is discarded. The P polarized light incident on the reflective birefringence electric field controlled liquid crystal element ECBr is output as S polarized light from the reflective birefringence electric field controlled liquid crystal element ECBr, and the S polarized light is sent to the polarizing beam splitter PBS. Reflected by the inner polarizer,
``Transmissive spatial light modulator S operating in I11 refractive mode
The light is input to LMt. Since information is written in the transmissive spatial light modulator SLMr by the writing light, the S-polarized light incident on the transmissive spatial light modulator SLMt as described above is The light is output from the transmission type spatial light intensity SS element S L M t in a state modulated by the information contained in the light, and enters the polarization beam splitter PBS. Then, the P-polarized light component of the light emitted from the transmissive spatial light modulator SLMt that enters the polarizing beam splitter PBS is transmitted through the polarizer in the polarizing beam splitter PBS, and output from the polarizing beam splitter PBS. This becomes the readout light RLo. In the spatial light modulator shown in FIG. 6, the polarizer in the polarizing beam splitter PBS and the reflective birefringence electric field controlled liquid crystal element ECB r constitute a wavelength selection filter, so that the spatial light modulator is The readout light RLi incident on the modulation device is converted into readout light in a narrow wavelength range by a wavelength selection filter constituted by a polarizer in the polarization beam splitter PBS and a reflective birefringence electric field control type liquid crystal element ECBr. The light is supplied to the transmissive spatial light modulator SLMt. Next, the spatial light quality adjustment shown in Figure 7! , SCA is a three-color separation optical system, and the three-color separation optical system SCA used in FIG. 7 is provided at the interface between three prisms 1 to 3 and prism 1 and prism 2. This is a well-known three-color separation prism in which a dichroic filter 4 and a dichroic filter 5 provided at the interface between prisms 2 and 3 are integrally configured, and the prism 1 in this three-color separation prism is equipped with a polarizing beam splitter. Readout light RLi is incident through the PBS. Of the readout light RLi incident on the polarization beam splitter PBS described above, linearly polarized light (S wave) with a specific plane of polarization is reflected toward prism 1 in the three-color separation prism, and is reflected to prism 1 in the three-color separation prism. incident. Readout light R incident on prism 1 in the three-color separation prism
The linearly polarized readout light in the wavelength range of green light in L i passes through both dichroic filters 4.5 and exits from the prism 3 in the three-color separation prism, and is sent to a transmissive birefringence electric field controlled liquid crystal element ECB t g. incident on . The above-mentioned transmission type birefringence electric field control type liquid crystal element ECBtg
The linearly polarized light emitted from the reflection type spatial light modulator S L M r g operates in a birefringence mode. Since information is written into the reflective spatial light modulator S L M r g by the writing light WLg, the linearly polarized light incident on the reflective spatial light modulator S L M r g as described above is The reflective spatial light modulator S L M r is modulated by the written information.
Transmissive birefringence electric field controlled liquid crystal element E emitted from g
CBt g. The linearly polarized light in the wavelength range of green light in the readout light emitted from the transmissive birefringence electric field controlled liquid crystal element ECB t g passes through both dichroic filters 5 and 4 in the three-color separation prism that functions as a three-color synthesis prism. The P wave component of the light that is transmitted and incident on the polarizing beam splitter PBS passes through the polarizing beam splitter PBS and is incident on the projection lens PJL. Further, the readout light RL incident from the polarization beam splitter PBS to the prism 1 in the three-color separation prism described above
The linearly polarized readout light in the wavelength range of red light at i passes through a dichroic filter 4, is reflected by a dichroic filter 5, and is emitted from a prism 2 in a three-color separation prism to a transmissive birefringence electric field controlled liquid crystal element EC.
input to Btr. The above-mentioned transmission type birefringence electric field control type liquid crystal element ECBtr
The linearly polarized light emitted from the reflection type spatial light modulator SLMrr operates in a birefringence mode. Since information is written in the reflective spatial light modulator SLMrr by the writing light WLr, the linearly polarized light incident on the reflective spatial light modulator SLMrr as described above is The light is output from the reflective spatial light modulator SLMrr in a state modulated by the contained information and enters the transmissive birefringence electric field control liquid crystal element ECBtr. The linearly polarized light in the wavelength range of red light in the readout light emitted from the transmissive birefringence electric field controlled liquid crystal element ECBtr is as follows:
After being reflected by the dichroic filter 5 in the three-color separation prism that functions as a three-color synthesis prism, the beam is transmitted through the dichroic filter 4 and is then transmitted to the polarizing beam splitter PB.
A P-wave component of the light incident on the polarizing beam splitter PBS passes through the polarizing beam splitter PBS and is incident on the projection lens PJL. Furthermore, prism 1 in the three-color separation prism described above
The readout light R incident from the polarizing beam splitter PBS
The linearly polarized readout light in the wavelength range of blue light in Li is reflected by the dichroic filter 4, exits from the prism 1 of the three-color separation prism, and enters the transmissive birefringence electric field controlled liquid crystal element ECBtb. The above-mentioned transmission type birefringence electric field control type liquid crystal element ECBtb
The linearly polarized light emitted from the reflection type spatial light modulator S L M r b operates in a birefringence mode. Since information is written into the reflective spatial light modulator S L M r b by the writing light WLb, the linearly polarized light incident on the reflective spatial light modulator S L M r b as described above is The reflective spatial light modulator S L M r is modulated by the written information.
A transmissive birefringent electric field controlled liquid crystal element E emits from b.
CB t b. The linearly polarized light in the wavelength range of blue light in the readout light emitted from the transmissive birefringence electric field control liquid crystal element ECB t b is reflected by the dichroic filter 5 in the three-color separation prism that functions as a three-color synthesis prism, and then converted into a dichroic filter. The light passes through the filter 4 and enters the polarizing beam splitter PBS, and the P wave component of the light incident on the polarizing beam splitter PBS passes through the polarizing beam splitter PBS and enters the projection lens PJL. The readout light RLi that has passed through the polarization beam splitter PBS and entered the projection lens PJL in this way is transmitted to each of the above-mentioned reflective spatial light modulation elements SLM r r , S
The readout lights emitted from L M r g and S L M r b are combined by a three-color separation prism, and then converted into a color image corresponding to the color image to be displayed by a polarizing beam splitter PBS using light of varying intensity. Therefore, the optical image projected onto the screen by the projection lens PJL is obtained as a color image that exhibits a good contrast ratio. The spatial light modulator shown in FIG. 7 includes a polarizer in the polarizing beam splitter PBS, a transmissive birefringence electric field control liquid crystal element ECB t g, and a reflective spatial light modulator S L M r operating in a birefringence mode. Since g constitutes a wavelength selection filter, the readout light RLi incident on the spatial light modulator is divided between the polarizer in the polarizing beam splitter PBS, the transmissive birefringence electric field controlled liquid crystal element ECBt, and the reflective spatial light g. A wavelength selection filter constituted by a modulation element S L M r g converts the reading light into a narrow wavelength range readout light, which is supplied to one reflective spatial light modulation element S L M r g. In addition, since the polarizer in the polarizing beam splitter PBS, the transmissive birefringence electric field control type liquid crystal element ECBtr, and the reflective spatial light modulator SLMrr operating in birefringence mode constitute a wavelength selection filter, spatial light The readout light RLi incident on the modulation device is transmitted through a polarizer in a polarizing beam splitter PBS and a transmissive birefringence electric field controlled liquid crystal element ECBtr.
and a reflective spatial light modulator S L M r r , which converts the light into readout light in a narrow wavelength range by a wavelength selection filter composed of a reflective spatial light modulator S L M r
Similarly, the polarizer in the polarizing beam splitter PBS and the transmissive birefringence electric field controlled liquid crystal element ECBtb
and a reflective spatial light modulator S L that operates in birefringence mode.
Since M r b constitutes a wavelength selection filter, the readout light RLi incident on the spatial light modulator is divided between the polarizer in the polarizing beam splitter PBS, the transmissive birefringence electric field control liquid crystal element ECB tb, and the reflective type liquid crystal element ECB tb. Spatial light modulator S
The light is converted into readout light in a narrow wavelength range by a wavelength selection filter constituted by L M r b and is supplied to a single reflective spatial light modulator SLM r b. Next, the spatial light modulator shown in FIG. 8 includes a color separation optical system SC.
The configuration of the three-color separation prism used as A is the configuration of the three-color separation prism used as the color separation optical system SCA in the optical system of the spatial light modulator already described with reference to FIG. The only difference is that the other configuration aspects and operation aspects are substantially the same as the spatial light modulation device shown in FIG. 7 described above. The three-color separation prism used as the color separation optical system SCA in the spatial light modulation device shown in FIG. is separated into three color lights by the dichroic prism DP, and the green light among the three color separated lights enters the reflection type spatial light modulator SLMrg via the transmission type birefringence electric field control type liquid crystal element ECBtg. The red light among the three colors of light separated by the dichroic prism DP is transmitted through a transmission type birefringent electric field controlled liquid crystal element EC.
The blue light among the three colors of light that is incident on the reflective spatial light quality ML element SLMrr via the Btr and further separated by the dichroic prism DP is reflected via the transmissive birefringence electric field controlled liquid crystal element ECBtb. The light is input to the spatial light modulator S L M r b. Therefore, in the spatial light modulator shown in FIG. 8, the polarizer in the polarizing beam splitter PBS, the transmissive birefringence electric field control liquid crystal element ECBtg, and the reflective spatial light modulator SLMrg operating in the birefringence mode are used. constitute a wavelength selection filter, and a polarizer in the polarizing beam splitter PBS and a transmissive birefringence electric field controlled liquid crystal element ECBtr
Reflective spatial light modulator SLM operating in birefringence mode
rr constitutes a wavelength selection filter, and further includes a polarizer in the polarizing beam splitter PBS, a transmissive birefringence electric field control liquid crystal element ECBt b, and a reflective spatial light modulator S L M r operating in birefringence mode. b constitutes a wavelength selection filter, so the readout light RLi incident on the spatial light modulator is converted into readout light in a narrow wavelength range by the individually configured wavelength selection filters, and is converted into readout light in a narrow wavelength range by each individually configured wavelength selection filter. Spatial light modulation element S L M r g v
It is supplied to S L M r + S L M b. Then, each of the above-mentioned reflective spatial light quality ll1ii quadruple SL
The readout lights emitted from Mr r, SLMrg, and SLMrb are combined by a three-color separation prism that functions as a three-color composition system, and then converted into a color image that is displayed by a polarizing beam splitter PBS with varying intensity light. The projection lens PJL is designed to
The optical image projected onto the screen by this method is obtained in such a manner that the color image to be displayed has a good contrast ratio. Next, the three-color separation optical system SCA used in the spatial light modulator shown in FIG. 9 includes a dichroic prism DP, a prism Pr for optical path length correction, b, and Mr and M)+ in the figure 's9 are total reflection surfaces. light! The undefined @salesperson emitted from the LS is converted into linearly polarized light with a specific plane of polarization by the polarizing beam splitter PBS, and the linearly polarized light is incident on the dichroic prism DP. The dichroic prism DP separates the linearly polarized light incident thereon into three colors of light, and the green light of the three color-separated lights is passed through a transmissive birefringence electric field controlled liquid crystal element ECBt.
The red light among the three colors of light that is input to the reflective spatial light modulator SLMrg via the dichroic prism DP is transmitted via the prism Pr and the transmissive birefringence electric field controlled liquid crystal element ECBtr. The blue light among the three colors of light that is input to the reflective spatial light modulator S L M r r and further decomposed by the dichroic prism DP is transmitted to the prism pb and the transmissive birefringence electric field controlled liquid crystal element ECB t b. The light is incident on the reflective spatial light modulator S L M r b via the . Also in the spatial light modulator shown in FIG.
The polarizer in the polarizing beam splitter PBS, the transmission type birefringence electric field controlled liquid crystal element ECBtg, and the reflection type spatial light modulation element SLMrg operating in birefringence mode constitute a wavelength selection filter, and . The polarizer in the polarizing beam splitter PBS, the transmissive birefringent electric field controlled liquid crystal element ECBtr, and the reflective spatial light modulator S L M rr operating in birefringent mode constitute a wavelength selection filter, and furthermore, the polarized beam Splitter P
Polarizer in BS and transmission type birefringence electric field controlled liquid crystal element E
Since CBt b and the reflective spatial light modulator S L M r b operating in birefringence mode constitute a wavelength selection filter, the readout light RLi incident on the spatial light modulator
are converted into readout light in a narrow wavelength range by individually constructed wavelength selection filters, and then read out in the respective reflective spatial light modulators S L M r g , S L M r
, S L M b , and each of the above-mentioned reflective spatial light modulators S L M r r , S
The readout lights emitted from L M r g and S L M r b are combined by a three-color separation optical system SCA that functions as a three-color combining system, and then sent to a polarizing beam splitter PB.
The optical image projected onto the screen by the projection lens PJL is 2.
A color image to be displayed is obtained that exhibits a good contrast ratio. Next, the spatial light modulator shown in FIG.
The undefined polarized light emitted from S is converted into linearly polarized light by a polarizer PL1, and then provided to a three-color separation system 11. The linearly polarized red light emitted from the three-color separation optical system 11 described above is transmitted through a transmissive birefringence electric field controlled liquid crystal element ECBt.
The linearly polarized green light that is incident on r and is emitted from the three-color separation optical system 11 is incident on a transmission type birefringence electric field control type liquid crystal element ECBtg, and is further emitted from the three-color separation optical system 11.
The linearly polarized blue light emitted from is incident on the transmissive birefringence electric field controlled liquid crystal element ECBtb. Each of the above-mentioned transmission type birefringence electric field controlled liquid crystal elements ECB
The light emitted from t r, ECB t g, and ECB t b is polarized by a polarizer PL2r provided as necessary. Transmissive spatial light modulators SLMt r, SLMt g, and SLMt b are transmitted through PL2g, PI, and 2b, respectively.
supplied to Each of the above-mentioned transmissive spatial light modulators SLMtr. Since information is written in SLMtgv SLMtb by the writing light WL, each transmissive spatial light modulator SLMtr, SLM
tg. The linearly polarized light of each color incident on SLMtb is transmitted to each transmissive spatial light modulator SLMtr, SLMtg, SL.
The light is modulated by the information written in Mtb and enters the three-color synthesis optical system 12. In the spatial light modulator shown in FIG. 10, the polarizer PL
I and transmission type birefringence electric field controlled liquid crystal element ECBtg, E
CBtr, ECBtb, polarizers P L2r, P L2g, P L2b provided as necessary, and transmissive spatial light modulators SLMtr, SL that operate in birefringence mode.
Since the Mt g, SLMt b and the polarizer PL3 constitute a wavelength selection filter, the readout light RLi incident on the spatial light modulator is readout light in a narrow wavelength range by the individually configured wavelength selection filters. and the respective transmissive spatial light modulators SLMt g, SLMt
In the spatial light modulator shown in FIG. 10, the optical image projected onto the screen by the projection lens PJL shows that the color image displayed has a good contrast ratio. It can be obtained as something. Next, the spatial light modulator shown in FIG.
A configuration example is shown in which a color image display device is configured using three sets of spatial light modulation devices having the configurations already described in the figure, and a three-color separation optical system 11 and a three-color synthesis optical system 12. (In the spatial light modulator shown in FIG. 3, a polarizer PL is provided on the output side of the readout light in the spatial light modulator, and in the spatial light modulator shown in FIG. 11, The difference is that the polarizer PL is provided on the output side of the readout light in the spatial light modulator, but as mentioned above, there is no difference in operation depending on the installation position of the polarizer PL. It is clear from the explanation given to the spatial luminous intensity adjustment shown in the 3rd figure), and the 12th
The spatial light modulation device shown in the figure uses three sets of spatial light modulation devices having the configuration already described in FIG.
This shows an example of a configuration in which a color image display itt is configured using a three-color separation optical system 11 and a three-color synthesis optical system 12. In the spatial light modulation device shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, respectively, the drawing symbols attached to each component are the spatial light modulators shown in FIG. 3Wi and FIG. 6, respectively. Refer to the drawing symbols attached to each component in the optical modulation device. By adding the subscript rtgy b, it becomes something like this. Next, the spatial light modulation device shown in FIG. 13 uses three sets of spatial light modulation devices having the configuration already described in FIG. This figure shows an example of a configuration in which a color image display device is constructed using spatial light modulation 1! shown in FIG. The drawing numerals attached to each of these constituent parts are the same as the drawing numerals attached to each constituent part of the spatial light modulation device shown in FIG.
The subscript r+g*b is added to indicate that the configuration is for each color light. The spatial light modulator of the present invention can be used not only for the above-mentioned display devices, but also for optical computers and many other applications. [Effects of the Invention] - As is clear from the detailed explanation above, the spatial light modulator of the present invention has a narrow-band light modulator configured by a birefringence electric field controlled liquid crystal element and a polarizer in the optical path of the readout light. The wavelength selection filter supplies readout light in a narrow wavelength band to the spatial light modulator operating in birefringence mode, and the birefringence electric field controlled liquid crystal element and polarizer together with the spatial light modulator operating in birefringence mode By supplying readout light in a narrow wavelength band to the spatial light modulation element using a narrowband wavelength selection filter configured by the modulation element, readout that allows a reproduced image with a large contrast ratio to be obtained with high utilization efficiency of the light source. This can be obtained by using light, and the above-mentioned conventional problems with light spots can be satisfactorily solved by the present invention.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

Fig. 1 is a block diagram for explaining the construction principle and operating principle of the spatial light modulator of the present invention, which includes a reflective spatial light modulator that operates in birefringence mode, and Fig. 2 shows birefringence mode. Block diagrams, FIGS. 3 and 4, and FIGS. 6 to 13 for explaining the configuration principle and operating principle of the spatial light modulation device of the present invention, which is configured to include a transmissive spatial light modulation element that operates in The figure is a block diagram of an embodiment of the container of the spatial light modulator, FIG.
Figure 5 is a side sectional view showing a configuration example of a reflective spatial light modulator;
Fig. 16 is a side sectional view showing an example of the configuration of a transmission type spatial light modulator, Fig. 17 is a side sectional view showing an example of the configuration of a transmission type birefringence electric field control type liquid crystal element, and Fig. 18 is a side sectional view showing an example of the configuration of a transmission type birefringence electric field control type liquid crystal element. FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration principle and operating principle of a wavelength selection filter configured using a type liquid crystal element and a polarizer. SLMr...Reflective spatial light modulator that operates in birefringence mode, SLMt...Transmissive spatial light modulator that operates in birefringence mode, I[l/4 child, ECBr...Reflective spatial light modulator that operates in birefringence mode. Refractive electric field controlled liquid crystal element, ECB t...Transmission type birefringent electric field controlled liquid crystal element-E HE e p E
s...power supply, PLa, PLb, PLl"PLa-polarizer, LCb...liquid crystal layer operating in birefringence mode, Et
l, Et2...electrode, PCL...photoconductive layer member, D
ML...Dielectric mirror PM that reflects readout light RL
L...Light modulating material layer member that can change the state of light according to the intensity distribution of the electric field, PBSI, PBS2...Polarizing beam splitter, SCA...Three color separation optical system, DP...
- Dichroic prism, Pr, Pb... Prism for optical path length correction, WL... Writing light.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. Spatial light modulation device comprising a birefringence electric field controlled liquid crystal element and a polarizer disposed in the optical path of readout light in a spatial light modulation element operating in birefringence mode; 2. Birefringence 2. The spatial light modulation according to claim 1, wherein a transmission type spatial light modulation element is used as the spatial light modulation element that operates in this mode, and a transmission type birefringence electric field control type liquid crystal element is used as the birefringence electric field control type liquid crystal element. Apparatus 3 according to claim 1, wherein a reflective spatial light modulator is used as the spatial light modulator operating in birefringence mode, and a transmissive birefringence electric field controlled liquid crystal element is used as the birefringent electric field controlled liquid crystal element. The spatial light modulator 4 described above divides the S-polarized light emitted from the reflective birefringence electric field-controlled liquid crystal element into which the P-polarized light emitted from the polarization beam splitter is incident through the polarization beam splitter. Means for inputting readout light into a reflective spatial light modulator operating in a refraction mode; and means for outputting light from the reflective spatial light modulator operating in a birefringence mode via the polarizing beam splitter. A spatial light modulator 5 comprising a polarizing beam splitter converts the S-polarized light emitted from the reflective birefringence electric field control type liquid crystal element into which the P-polarized light emitted from the polarizing beam splitter is incident. A spatial light modulator 6 comprising means for inputting the S-polarized light emitted from the first polarization beam splitter as readout light into a transmissive spatial light modulation element operating in a birefringence mode through the first polarization beam splitter. a second reflective birefringent electric field controlled liquid crystal element into which the light emitted from the first reflective birefringent electric field controlled liquid crystal element and the P-polarized light emitted from the first polarizing beam splitter are incident; a means for causing the emitted light from the first polarizing beam splitter to enter the second polarizing beam splitter; and a means for operating the S-polarized light emitted from the second polarizing beam splitter in a birefringence mode. means for making the P-polarized light emitted from the second polarizing beam splitter enter the first reflective spatial light modulator; and means for making the P-polarized light emitted from the second polarizing beam splitter enter the second reflective spatial light modulator that operates in birefringence mode. and light emitted from the first reflective spatial light modulator operating in the birefringence mode described above,
means for outputting the light emitted from the second reflective spatial light modulator operating in the birefringence mode from the second polarization beam splitter; and the first reflective birefringence electric field controlled liquid crystal element. and the first polarizing beam splitter, and the center frequency of the wavelength selective filter comprising the second reflective birefringence electric field controlled liquid crystal element and the first polarizing beam splitter. a first reflective birefringence electric field control type spatial light modulator 7, which is provided with means for making the center frequency slightly different from the center frequency; The emitted light from the liquid crystal element and the emitted light from the second reflective birefringence electric field controlled liquid crystal element into which the P-polarized light emitted from the first polarizing beam splitter is incident, a means for causing the S-polarized light emitted from the second polarizing beam splitter to enter the first polarizing beam splitter from the first polarizing beam splitter to a first reflective spatial light modulator operating in a birefringence mode; means for making the P-polarized light emitted from the second polarizing beam splitter enter the second reflective spatial light modulator that operates in the birefringence mode; Outgoing light from the first reflective spatial light modulator;
means for outputting the light emitted from the second reflective spatial light modulator operating in the birefringence mode from the second polarization beam splitter; and the first reflective birefringence electric field controlled liquid crystal element. and the first polarizing beam splitter, and the center frequency of the wavelength selective filter comprising the second reflective birefringence electric field controlled liquid crystal element and the first polarizing beam splitter. The first polarizing beam splitter of each spatial light modulator of each set has a three-color separation optical system. In addition to inputting light in a predetermined wavelength range from each system, the light emitted from the second polarizing beam splitter of each set of spatial light modulators is synthesized in three colors by a three-color combining optical system and output. A spatial light modulator 8 comprising a birefringence mode in which optical images for each one of three specific colors in a color image to be displayed are individually given as writing light. 3 that works with
a three-color separation/synthesis optical system provided in the optical path of the readout light of the three reflective spatial light modulators operating in the birefringence mode; Transmissive birefringence electric field controlled liquid crystal elements are individually arranged in the optical path between the individual spatial light modulators and the three-color separation/synthesis optical system, and one polarizing beam splitter is used. Incidence of light into the three-color separation and synthesis optical system described above and 3.
A spatial light modulator comprising means for emitting light from a color separation and synthesis optical system.