JPS59135434A - Optical element - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To enable image display with high resolution by heating a core layer by heating elements to the extent of avoiding boiling the core layer. CONSTITUTION:An optical element has the parallel cavity hole formed by superposing a transparent flat plate-shaped clad layer 22 formed with striped grooves on the surface and a flat plate-shaped clad layer 26. A light transmittable liquid having a relatively high refractive index is filled in the cavity hole to provide an optical waveguide panel having optical waveguide holes 25a, 25b... formed with the core layer. Heating resistors 23a, 23b...23k which are heating elements to heat the core layer are provided to generate a change in the refractive index to the core layer, and the core layer is heated by the resistors 23 to the extent of avoiding boiling the core layer.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to novel optical elements, particularly optical elements used for light modulation or display, optical devices using the same, and operating methods thereof.

Currently, hidden ladder tubes (so-called CRTs) are widely used as terminal displays in various types of equipment and measurement equipment, as well as displays in monitors for televisions and video cameras.・Ru. However, in terms of image quality, resolution, and display capacity, this CRT has not reached the same level as those using silver halide or electrophotography, and remains unreadable.

In addition, as an alternative to CftT, attempts have been made to put the so-called liquid crystal pile into practical use, which displays liquid crystals in a dot matrix, but this liquid crystal pile also has problems with driveability, display performance, and reliability. However, I have not been able to achieve anything that satisfies me with performance, productivity, and durability. Furthermore, optical shutters that use liquid crystal light valves are attracting attention as optical path modulating elements.

However, in the above-mentioned apparatus, it is essential to have a multiple and expensive optical system. It is an object of the present invention to provide an optical element that can solve the problem of optical problems and realize a simple light modulation device or display device without using a complicated and expensive optical system, an optical device using the same, and a method for operating the same.

Another object of the present invention is to eliminate the need for a complex and expensive Schrigny Lane optical system, thereby improving driveability, reliability, and
An object of the present invention is to provide an optical element with excellent productivity, durability, etc., an optical device using the same, and a method for operating the same.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an optical element capable of producing high-resolution, high-quality images, an optical device using the same, and a method for operating the same.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

Figures 1 to 1 are tree configuration diagrams for illustrating the basic principle of the optical element related to Misfire B, 1.

FIG. 1 is a partial schematic sectional view of an optical element according to the present invention, and FIG. 2(a) is a cross-sectional view of an optical element having a cross section as shown in FIG. 7 and 2(a), / is a cladding layer formed from a member having a relatively higher refractive index than the refractive index of 3. It forms an optical waveguide and is called a core layer because it functions in the same way as the core of an optical fiber.Generally, materials such as glass or plastron with good transparency are used as core materials for optical fibers. The core layer constituting the optical element according to the present invention is not limited to these solid materials; rather, in order to achieve the above object of the present invention, the core layer is preferably composed of a liquid or fluid.
) may also occur as described below. Also, core l
The thickness of l'4/ is desirably within the range of /μm to /μm, and 3 is a cladding layer corresponding to the cladding of the optical fiber, which covers the core from above and below.

Incidentally, this cladding layer 3 has a refractive index that is relatively lower than that of the core L layer in order to propagate the light within the core layer using total reflection of light at the interface with the core layer. A transparent part of any solid, liquid, or gas having a refractive index, such as a glass with a low refractive index or a plastic with a low refractive index, is used (however, the cladding may be opaque). ) Next, heating elements for partially heating the core layer (however, if core 1 is liquid, heat the core layer to an extent that boiling does not occur in the core layer) are installed on both claddings. Layer λ.

In this embodiment, it is placed in contact with the outside of the plus I' and II' 42.

Further, this heat generating element may be arranged close to the outside of the cladding layer. Further, the heat generating elements are disposed on the entire outer surface of the cladding layer or in a segmented manner such as dots, islands, dotted lines, or dotted rows.

In the case of this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 71 and Fig. 2 (a), one end of the heating element is connected to the ground side, and the other end is connected to the respective electrodes shown in Fig. 1 below. Connected heating resistor 4ta, 11. b... are attached on the cladding layer in a dotted line pattern. S(, ta
,,ib...) are switches, one end of each is connected to a common power supply voltage, and the other end of each is connected to the heating resistor a, lIb... 6 is a heating region formed in the core layer. For example, when the switch Sb is turned on, the heating resistor 11.b is heated by electricity, and this heat is transferred through the cladding layer. Core l by being transmitted to core #!i/
7 shows the region of relatively high temperature d(i) formed in iQ / where the refractive index changes. Light, g is core I
Output light emitted from PI/ via Krattei 3, /
2 is an observer.

Next, referring to FIG. 7 and FIG. When the refractive index is uniform, the cladding has a relatively low refractive index.
relatively refractive index a covered by +i −2+ 3
When light 7 is incident on the heated core IA/, the light 7 is totally reflected at the interface between the core layer/ and the cladding; It is a well-known principle of optical fibers (also referred to as C waveguides) and thin film tip waveguides that the light is totally reflected twice and propagates within the core layer to the other end. At this time, if there is a leakage of the light 7 to the observer /, 2, who is separated via the Coolad 3, a small amount of light will reach the observer /, 2 as the emitted light g, but in reality, the light 7 Almost never reached.

Now, the heating resistors 4/, a, 4tb, arranged in a dotted line shape
In order to heat t1Σ through the heating resistor lIb, the switch 5b is turned on as shown in FIG. 'll / part is heated by thermal conduction to form a heated region B within the core 1.
As 1η/? (, the refractive index change with respect to the A degree change is t'
If you select a member that becomes t, that is, a member whose refractive index decreases as the temperature rises, it will be heated (however, if the core [threat/
When is a liquid, the core layer l is heated to a boiling point. ) A thermal gradient index f+'j% castle is formed in the heating region B within the core [1ζ1/. The path of the light that reached this heating fQ area B within this i, 'i end light 7 is disturbed, and therefore the condition for all j(rays) is broken, so
At least some of this light that has reached the heated area no longer
The light passes through the cladding l57i3 and exits the optical element as emitted light g without propagating inside the core. At this time, the person (/U) sees that the emitted light g is as if the heating resistor 41b
Visualize it as if it were emitting from. B-c-oh? i
l! '!・If an optical sensor is placed in place of line/, 2, the optical sensor will detect this I>, ↑ light output.

In this case, if the heating resistors lla, gb... are minute dots, the heating resistors 4a, 4+! b...
...Heating formed by the mountain F being heated A. 11 Area 6 is also f? '＜Kotobu, Jinru. The ilj path of the light 7 is disturbed by this minute heating area B, and a part of the light 7 becomes f.
Since the light emerges from the optical element as 1 inch of light g, the viewer /, 2 is the heating resistor If a, II b...
Visualize it as if it were a point of light. On the contrary, if the heat generating resistors 4/, a, 4tb... have any shape with a force equal to or larger than that, then such a shape or a shape specified by someone may be used. As Kagai Sensha/2 is the next one.

In addition, if the minute heating resistors in the form of dots are arranged in a dotted row, some of these heating resistors are heated with electricity, so that the heating resistors heated with electricity are heated. By the shape woven by a set of points in the heating area formed by heating the body? It is possible to make 46 people recognize various characters and images.

In the wood embodiment, the temperature of the core le 4 / (where the refractive index change with respect to copperization is much larger than that of the cladding layer (for example, generally the core [convex is liquid ゛C, cladding l
Since we have taken the case where iQ is a solid as an example, we have not mentioned the heated region formed by heating the cladding layer λ because its influence is small.

Furthermore? f, p, scale of refractive index change with respect to degree change fd, 1' or f: c /! , a heated region with a large change in refraction and small changes is formed due to a change in degree, and the path of light is disturbed in the minute heating region within the core 1 with this power, so that the above display effect can be achieved. There is no main C- to say that 4 is even more advantageous because 711. In addition, jl of the heating 11q area formed in the exposed core:? Let T be the wave formation, and ΔN be the refractive index change at that time.The refractive index change with respect to temperature sharpening is 131 times, that is, a large value of 1ΔN/ΔT1 generally corresponds to the order of liquids, solids, and gases. There is C. The translucent liquid is suitable as a core guard/shrine.
, chiru.

Further, as the basic composition of the translucent liquid as the material of the core layer, water or various organic solvents may be used alone or in combination. Examples of various organic solvents used for this purpose include methyl alcohol, ethyl alcohol, 'n-propyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, n-7'' alcohol, 5ea-butyl alcohol, and 'tar.
t-Butyl alcohol.

Alkyl alcohols such as isobutyl alcohol, penpur alcohol, hexyl alcohol, hephthyl alcohol, octyl alcohol, nonyl alcohol, denyl alcohol, etc. Examples include hexane.

Octane, cyclopentane, benzene, toluene.

Hydrocarbon solvents such as Kijirol; for example, carbon tetrachloride,
Halogenated hydrocarbon solvents such as trichlorethylene, tetrachloroethylene, tetrachloroethane, and dichlorobenzene; Ether solvents such as ethyl ether, butyl ether, ethylene glycol diethyl needle, and ethylene glycol monoethyl ether; For example, acetone.

Ketone solvents such as methyl ethyl ketone, methyl propyl ketone, methyl amyl ketone, and cyclohegisanone; ester solvents such as ethyl formate, methyl acetate, propyl acetate, phenylacetate, and ethylene glycol monoethyl ether acetate; for example, diacetone Alcohol solvents such as alcohol; for example, amide necks such as dimethylformamide and dimethylacetamide; amines such as triethanolamine and jetanolamine;
For example, polyalkylene glycols such as polyethylene glycol and polypropylene glycol; ethylene glycol and propylene glycol.

Examples include phtylene glycol, hexylene glycol, and algylene glycol; for example, polyhydric alcohols such as glycerin; and hydrocarbon solvents.

In addition, it is an essential condition that the refractive index of the translucent liquid forming the core layer 4A is higher than that of the cladding layer 3, and the refractive index of the cladding layer 3 is is usually l
Seven examples of specific liquids that satisfy the refractive index conditions are listed below from among the above liquids.

The above is just an example. ．． The liquid that composes core 1 (4) is limited to 1,000 7 (shi body).
Of course there is 0.

FIG. 3 shows an approximately II'lII cross section of another embodiment of an optical element in which a light diffusing layer 9 is provided adjacent to the upper part of the fr(' / shown in the figure) rL hydrogen element cladding layer 3. There is.

”(s / In Figure 2 and Figure 2(a), as mentioned above, observer/2 observes the light 7 whose Hp path is disturbed by the heating area B.
t, c (both part of the light, that is, the emitted light g that passes through the cladding layer 3, can be seen; however, this emitted light g has some directionality depending on the shape of the heating area B). Therefore, the Shino angle at which g can be seen is limited to this injection. Therefore, if a light diffusion layer 1 is provided on the cladding layer 3 as shown in FIG. -19, the viewing angle at which this scattered light can be seen becomes very wide, which is preferable to people with an advantage of fj and g.

Note that the core f, 7. along the line A'- of the optical element shown in FIG. ．． :, / and the cross-sectional shape of the cladding member 3 is shown as a flat plate as shown in FIG.
As shown in 1(b), there is also a core IM/ having a circular cross section, and in this case, the cladding R'R'2.3 is integrated.

Tubular cladding - shown as 1 (referred to as optical waveguide) - core 1 to 17 and cladding covering it iA 2, 3 to 1'' (8-sided general type) C. may have a circular shape or a flat plate shape as shown in FIG. 2, but the present invention is not limited to these shapes.

Figure 11' is a partially schematic vertical section 1 of another embodiment showing the basic structure of an optical element according to the present invention using an infrared absorbing trout as a heating element; It is l.

In the figure, / may be either solid or liquid, but for example, from the above liquid to 7. [The core lpJ, 62,3 is a cladding with n this core layer /;・'・1.7 is incident on this core li'i / and propagates inside the core 154 /1
The light in the visible region, g is the light 7 or the emitted light emitted to the outside via the cladding li/i3, and 2 is i+:i. In addition, core l:;i /'s! The refractive index of illumination is relatively higher than the refractive index of the 30 parts of the cladding made of the members described in Figure 1. Reference numeral 10 denotes an infrared absorbing layer 7 as a heat generating element, which is provided on the entire outer surface of the cladding layer. Otsu is Core+! In the heated region formed in the core layer/ by heating, infrared rays // are irradiated to an extent of infrared %V < absorption rR10, and the infrared absorbing layer 10 in the irradiated portion generates heat, and this heat is This is a relatively high temperature region formed by being heated to a part of the core layer via the cladding IA, 2 and heating the core layer to such an extent that no local rise in γi occurs.

Next, with reference to FIG. 7, the operating principle, which is the Yagi light modulation principle and display principle, of the optical element according to the present invention will be explained.

When the infrared rays // are not irradiated to the infrared absorbing layer 10, and therefore the core 1/ is not heated and its refractive index is uniform, the light 7 incident on the core layer// is divided into core 1I-4/ and the core 1I-4/. It is totally reflected at the interface with the hot cocoa layer and propagates within the cocoa layer. At this time, the light 7 covers the cladding layer 3 by 1i1
3. Since the light does not reach the observer/2, when the four-way observer/Yu looks at this optical element, he cannot see the light.

In the afternoon, infrared light // shines on infrared absorption 1n10 as shown in the figure.
・When the light is 1, the infrared rays of the first part of the illuminated area are absorbed [
・410 generates heat. This heat is transferred to the core li'4/ through the Krat heat M2, and the core lil/i/ is t
ji side or as much as you want to rise 1'
/Jll (Heated '1111 area B in which a refractive index change has occurred is formed. Here, for example, as a member of the core layer /, the refractive index copper becomes negative tJ') If member J is selected, heating area B becomes a thermal gradient-end index area.

As a result, this υ11 heat of the light 7 (Jlli F8 of the light that reached the f'i area B is disturbed, the total reflection condition between the core drop / and the cladding layer 3 is broken, and this light is small), A part of the light beam propagates inside the core li, f, passes through Clara l'i+43 as the fourth beam, and is emitted to the outside of the optical element as an exit beam. Serve 2. At this time, the person visually perceives the emitted light g as if it were emitted from the infrared absorbing layer 10 of the heat-generating area as σ2-5. ) If a light sensor is placed in place of the observer/2, the emitted light g enters the light receiving surface of the light 7 frame (not shown) and the light is detected. Things are getting worse.

In addition, the supply to the heating area O-beam formed in the core Ii'4/ of the hexagonal element (of the configuration shown in FIGS. Since all of the light 7 that has reached this part is completely reflected at the interface between the core layer and the cladding layer 2, it is transmitted inside the core 114. In addition,
In the embodiment of the optical element having the configuration shown in FIGS. 1 to 91';
f: There is no limitation to the case where C is used, and the heating element may be provided inside the cladding 1 or inscribed on the core 1 or 4 side as long as it meets the above objectives of the present invention. ,
Alternatively, a combination of these may be used. It's God, the same is true for the mirror field (a) described below.

Furthermore, instead of the cladding layer of the optical element having the structure shown in FIGS.
You may also use a mirror that has been scratched. However, in this case, it is obvious that the mirror surface should not be placed in contact with or close to the core @/.

FIG. 5 is a partially fractured perspective view of an embodiment of a display device applying the optical path modulation principle of the leading wave tube shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 2(b). In FIG.
ta, /4b, /4Lc-/llk (the second one is called heating resistor /4') are provided.

The longitudinal direction is perpendicular to these heating resistors /4', and the cross section of the fir and groove is shown in Figure 1 and Figure 1 (bl). tube/
Left a, /Left, /Shio O...15 mouths (hereinafter, leading wave tube /
Three panels of optical waveguides (referred to as S) are arranged in close contact with each other and are mounted on the resistor/lI-.

/, 2' is a laser beam' having a wavelength in the visible region,
1. Run repeatedly in the direction of the flashing arrow ↑ "The 11th order enters one of the cores of the optical waveguide/S./Otsushimako" L
The figure shows a display element constructed of the above Jul components excluding the laser beam /I'a. Also, /I'a.

/ dami is a heated region formed by heating the core 1-4 of the optical 4-wavelength wave tube 15a (however, the core 1 is a liquid state),
H, 5 cups, core [4] Heat until boiling. ).

However, the heating regions formed in the core layer of the optical waveguide other than the core l(;'i) of the optical waveguide 15a are shown in the figure and j1!;J U
I'm here.

Now, each of the heating resistors/g is 1[l・it, ,Q
When not heated, the core layer of the optical waveguide 15 is heated7. (Therefore, the heating region described above in Fig. 1 is generated in the core layer of the optical waveguide -7q/, t. The laser beam 7.2N incident on the core layer is totally reflected by the core layer and cladding layer described above in FIG. 1, propagates inside the optical waveguide, and exits from the other end.

Next, heating resistor/1lO9/41. At this time, when the laser beam 7.2'' is incident on the optical waveguide /3, the heating resistors /I/lO and /4 are heated by electricity, causing these heating resistors / (Optical waveguide intersecting with Ic, /4/Heating region in the left core layer (Optical waveguide 15
For a, 15'a, /, i'a) is formed. On the other hand, the laser beam incident on the optical waveguide 15a/Bama sub-heating area/3'fa,,/! ;'a, Ilc disturbs the course of the light as described in the explanation of Fig. 7, and a part of the light passes through the cladding of the optical waveguide/, ta as indicated by the arrow in the figure. The light is emitted to the outside of element/6 as display light.

Next, an appropriate number of heating resistors /lI are heated by electricity, and the laser beam /2 is made incident on the optical waveguides /, tb to display information on the optical waveguide /3b. One after another, the leading wave tube/
, to.../shio n K kan:% is returned and the display element/B is displayed in a dimension as one screen. tc, optical waveguide/
For example, the heating area formed in the core 1 of the optical waveguide/Sa (14 area/5
'a, /5' The heating region formed in other leading waveguides formed together with 2L, for example leading waveguide 15b, allows the laser beam /,2 to enter the optical waveguide /lb for the next display. Sometimes, whether by natural cooling or forced cooling, it is cooled down and dissipated and returns to its original state, so there is no problem when the next optical waveguide /, ffb is displayed. That is, when the next leading wave tube/current is displayed, the heating resistor/llc
, /9 if you want to display the above corresponding points, you need to heat the heating resistors /c, /llk again with electricity, and if it is not necessary to display /pc, /<zk, 1ηt(( It will not be heated.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a -854 example in which the display element shown in FIG. S is provided with a light source of an array of light emitting diode elements.

g (< , 41 In 1, as with the 41/T component in Figure S, /3 is the substrate, /4' is the heating resistor, /l is the optical waveguide, and this is on the radiation side. Light emitting diode /7?L, /7
b.

A flat plate microlens array/g is arranged so that the light beam emitted from the light emitting diode array/7 consisting of /7c...770 is efficiently incident on each of the corresponding optical waveguides/left. (However, this flat microlens array does not necessarily have to be four!). In addition, each light emitting diode /7a.

/7b, /7c, /7n are optical waveguides 15a, respectively.

15b,/! It is assumed that /↑η1 corresponds to ra...15n, respectively.

The display operation for the 61st N is also El! Exactly the same as in the case of the s diagram, an appropriate number of the heating resistors/l are heated with electricity, and the four cores of the optical waveguide/S, which are 9.79 degrees apart from these, are heated (+(4 area is formed, and in parallel with this, the light emitting diodes of the light emitting diode element row/7 corresponding to any of the corresponding leading wave tubes/S to be displayed emit light (0).
to cause the light to enter the corresponding optical waveguide. Thereby, the heating area of the predetermined optical waveguide causes the display to fail on the same display principle as explained in FIGS. 7 and 5. Light emitting diode element row/7 light emitting diode/7a,
/7b.

/70.../7n are emitted and scanned one after another, so that the display elements/B are displayed as seven screens in a λ-dimensional manner.

However, in the configuration shown in FIG.
It is also possible to display the time by synchronizing a plurality of light emitting diodes to emit light.

6157 is an example of another display device using the optical path modulation principle of the optical element shown in FIG.
) i% (11) is a polished perspective view.

In FIG. 7, 1.2 is a light-transmissive cladding layer made of a plate-like member with a relatively low refractive index, and a large number of grooves are provided in a striped pattern. , 2 is a cladding layer composed of a thin plate-like member with a relatively low refractive index, for example,
The clad layer 22 is integrated with the cladding layer 22 by being recombined by heat fusion or the like on the grooved side of the cladding layer 2-. As a result, the groove in the cladding layer is in contact with the 1-long cavity hole hollowed out by the cladding layers IA, 2B. These many parallel, elongated hollow holes are filled with the liquid having a relatively high refractive index bl (which is to become the core Ii1).Thereby, a large number of parallel optical waveguide holes J, S-a,: l left, 2.qc...λ, &n (hereinafter referred to as optical waveguide hole 2s) are formed.These cladding rd22..2
．． 6 and the optical waveguide hole, 2 left are collectively referred to as a leading waveguide panel. /3' is a substrate, on which a large number of heating resistors 23a, 23b, 2Jc·=23k (hereinafter referred to as heating resistors 23) are provided in a striped manner. The optical waveguide hole 2s is provided perpendicularly on the heating resistor 13. Another more effective means of creating such a guiding waveguide panel is to coat the heat generating resistor 23 disposed on the substrate 73' with a low refractive index dielectric material such as sl) and then coat the cladding layer with a dielectric material such as sl). After that, the system plate 73' and yte are formed.
There is also a method of joining the cladding 22 with the cladding 22 formed thereon. , 27 is a light diffusion layer provided on the cladding layer 22, for example, the upper surface of the cladding layer 22 has a finely uneven shape. This optical waveguide hole, 2
A cross section along the longitudinal direction of 5 is shown in FIG. 3 (it is exactly the same as the cross section).The display element is constituted by these above-mentioned components.

A light emitting diode/9a is connected via a flat plate microlens array 20 to the incident surface side of the optical waveguide hole 25.

A light emitting diode element array /q consisting of /9b, /90...'/9n is arranged.

The display operation shown in FIG. 7 is also exactly the same as the operation described in FIGS. 3 and 4. That is, the selected heating resistor among the heating resistors 23 heats Jir+7'p, and this tln'f[optical waveguide hole 2 intersecting the heating resistor! The core layer part of f is heated and becomes
The heating region mentioned is formed in this core H. At this time, the light emitting diodes of the selected light emitting diode element row/9 emit light, allowing light to enter the core l+M of the selected optical waveguide hole. This allows the core of the selected optical waveguide hole (
As described in Fig. 1, the heating area of 4) causes internal heating of the light that has propagated while being totally reflected by the boundary between core IV.1 and cladding 1. At least a part of the light is transmitted to the cladding layer 22
This light is scattered by the light diffusion layer 27 and exits from the display element 2/ as display light. In this way, the heating resistor 23 is appropriately selected and heated by electricity, and at the same timing, the light emitting diodes /qa, /qb, /9c.../den of the light emitting diode element array /9 are heated. By selecting and emitting light to display a dot and repeating this operation one after another, the display element 2/ can be displayed in a U-dimensional manner as one screen.
It is the heating temperature formed in the core [-] of the selected optical waveguide hole.
(The j area is cooled and disappears just before the next optical scan.
Therefore, there is no problem in the following expression. r+~/Otogi/Kanga Manufactured j3
J function, and the density of the optical waveguide is g tree/mon~yu0 tree/fr
! m is, and the density of the optical waveguide hole is g wood, /mm ~ /4mm
There is time available for manufacturing.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a display device as an application example of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 3, an example in which each component of each display element whose structure is shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, for example, is matrix-driven will be described in more detail. 32 is a nail shaft selection circuit, front shaft drive circuit 1'83gA, 3'l#.

3riC...? 41-2 and 411
, are electrically coupled, and further include a nail shaft drive circuit 34/,
A is a light emitting diode element array (31a, 34b, 34Zc
-J4z) light emitting diode 3a, bamboo wheel drive circuit 3
Group B is connected to the light-emitting dye mate 3b, and the nail shaft drive circuit 3C is connected to the light-emitting diode 3daC...Front shaft p
The segmentation circuits 34tz are respectively coupled to the light emitting diodes 311z. Column selection circuit 3/ and column signal jlTJ :t,'
The same applies to the mutual relationship between one circuit 33, 33B...33Z and the heating resistors 3/)a, 3B...3Z. The image control circuit 3θ is connected to the bamboo wheel selection circuit 3.2, the moving axis selection circuit 3/ and the signal line 1.
2) 33v,,331],3!
;c-==3 left z is light emitting diode 311h, 34
1b, 311c---3II-z, respectively, are provided l-1i-, for example! 'A';
/Picture or? fg This is the leading wave path of the store + i11 configuration shown in Figure 3. Reference numeral 30 denotes an image control circuit, which outputs an image control signal so that the row 11'lII selection circuits 3 and 2 select the optical group wavepaths 3. ! fa, 3 ni'o, 3k
The moving axis selection circuit selects the heating resistor 3 a' as the outer axis for the moving axis selection circuit Y!83/. , 31.b
......Instruct which heating resistor of 34Z should be selected.

Here, the light emitting diodes 3 daa, 311'o, 34tC
...311z corresponds to the light emitting diode shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, and the optical waveguides 3a, 3. j, b.

3SO...33z corresponds to the leading wave tube or optical waveguide hole shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, and the heating resistor 3 loa
, 3 Otsu b . . . 3 Otsu Z corresponds to the heating resistor shown in Fig. Otsu and Fig. 7.

Next, referring to FIG. 3, for example, FIG. 4 and g+',
The operation of driving the display shown in FIG. 7 will be explained. When the nail shaft drive circuit 3A is selected by a command signal from the image control circuit 30, the row IPlh drive circuit 3A is in a conductive state for a certain period of time, during which time the light emitting diode 317a emits light.

The light emitted from the light emitting diode 3a is transmitted to the optical waveguide 3'
be guided by a. Next, if the front shaft drive IIjQ circuit 3'lB is selected, the light emitting diode 3b emits light in the same way, and the light is transmitted to the optical waveguide m3. Guided by ffb. Ka〈shite,
Each optical group wavepath 35a.

33 b, 3! ; C......,? The light is line-sequentially scanned for 5Z. On the other hand, if the video signal, which is seven of the image control signals from the image control circuit 30, is the column Il+I+
, + When the snow selection circuit 3/ is manually inputted, upon receiving the command, the moving axis selection circuit 3/ selects a predetermined moving axis;

For example, if the moving axis selection is 53/, is the heating resistor 3A?
L.

If you select 3 Otsu 2, ;9, the moving axis 1jlJ, (moving rotation h:
'+ 33 A, 332 is generated from the moving axis selection circuit 3/Hira) T 331 column.

33Z row 7 weak torsion signal reception (・±te';l, ,'<'h
, Jl, to heat the anti(:k, 3 roli, 3 ot 2). By this, the optical waveguide becomes 33a,,'),!;
b, 35c...33Z core 11 uno r', 1
Heat is added to the tank until boiling does not occur. In addition, this addition iF ['J castle is 11ij 'iij /I bow 71χ1 place by the off signal of the heating resistor 31y'h, 31yZ-\, and the cold J
d] was erased and saw the voice 1, and the original 1 major 1t, 7 to l #
Bru. Thus, there are 5 choices in line F, for example, light 3.
Fuhaji 3521. If the same iUl is made as the first choice in the row, then the jR of the wood inno 1 is selected, and the fever 11 (Antibody 3 A + 31s) is selected. z
and the selected optical waveguide 3a (selected point) (3
,ta.

Light is emitted from both 3 Otsu a) and (3 Otsu a, 3 Otsu 2), respectively. In this way, the optical group wave paths 35a, J5b, 33a as nail axes are controlled by the signal command of the Rollo image control circuit 30.
...337. and a heating resistor 31 as an outer shaft
ya, 3 ot b...... 3 ot 2 is selected as the 2nd item and operated as described above to perform a two-dimensional display.

In addition, Jil is the material of the heating resistor that can be written in ).
Metal compounds such as hafnium chloride and tantalum nitride, and indium tin oxide (abbreviated as ■・
Transparent conductors such as T.d) can be used.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the display to which the principle of optical path modulation of the optical element shown in FIG. 7 is applied;

In FIG. 9, l16 is a flat optical waveguide as an optical waveguide panel, and the cladding l16 is made of a flat plate-like member with a relatively low refractive index. 3,
1/-5 and a core H2 which has a relatively high refractive index and is made of the liquid or the like mentioned in the explanation of FIG. Except for this, it is exactly the same as Fig. 1157 and No. 21''I (a). llO is a linear light source, and the illumination light beam 4t2 emitted from it is converged via a cylindrical lens da/ to one end of the core I+Si 114'. is incident on the heating element.
The C configuration is shown in the 101st screen. Guza a, +gb
, ri8C...41g1 is the column conductor, 4tqa,
ll-qb-----1, /wo is a line conductor, these are [↓good barrel, quasi-grade gold; 1. to III, 1 to +? +
2 are formed, and these columns iri/-ga, l1g
b, ltg c-------qg 1 (hereinafter abbreviated as column guide kn'lg) and row ij% F'i 9
a.

9b...'', 49k (hereinafter abbreviated as row conducting wire lI9), a heating resistor element as a heating resistor is interposed between each intersection. FIG. 70 shows the heating element 70 partially fragmented perspective view, II-9a, +9b.

119c, Dawa doke above line conductor, Guga, 4/
-That's it.

lIgc, 4/-gd are the column conductors. These row conductors 9 and column conductors (gs, tlg, respectively) are arranged at an angle of phi, and a heating resistor element is interposed at their intersection.

For example, the row conductor 41a and the column conductor ga, gb.

There is a heating resistor element left at the intersection with gc and l/gd, respectively. i,,30b,,! ;00.30d are respectively intervening. Hereinafter, when referring to the entire heat generating resistor element, it will be referred to as the heat generating resistor element 50. It should be noted that between the row conductor 1ley without the heat generating resistive element SO and the column conductor Hiroshi, a thin but non-conductive film (for example, 5iot) is provided between the row conductor 1ley and the column conductor Hiroshi. C color.

Next, the operation of the display device according to the present invention will be explained with reference to No. 9 and FIG. 70. The illumination beam I1.2 from the linear light source II0 enters from one end of the core 1 of the planar optical waveguide via a cylindrical lens. When the core layer 41 is not heated by the heating element 17, this illumination light flux I1.2 propagates within the core layer 41-, in the same way as the principle described in FIG.
Inject from the other end of II. Now, among the row conductors 4/-9, the proper row conductor is selected as 3", and among the column conductors lIg,
If one suitable column 4 wire is selected, the heating resistive element at the intersection of the selected row 3.1 wire and the column conductor is IJ.
TI 7%t: Added, fusuma. For example, row conductor 119
a is selected, column j! H? l g b , l1g (
Suppose that 1) is selected and K F! pressure is applied between the row conductors II 9 a and the column conductors ll-gb, 4.!rd. At this time, the row conductors y 921.'h column conductors lI
The heating resistive elements left Ob and od located at the two intersections with gb and l1gd are heated by .+ηton.

This heat is transmitted to the core layer group 1 through the cladding 3 on the left side of the heating resistor element θb, qod. As a result, the core lt'411.9 becomes the heating resistor element Shio0b,
Partially heated by 50d, 2t, 41 places
A heated region 6c1 as shown in the figure is formed. This heating (not shown) is caused by region 11 of the core [1M4 (the illumination light flux 4I! That's what happened.
The path of the light is disturbed, the light passes through the cladding II'T 4/-3, and is emitted to the outside of the display element as display light.

In this way, the row conducting wire l19 and the column conducting wire /Ig are connected appropriately.7. According to 1, two-dimensional display is possible by selecting i4.

Note that the circuit structure and operation for driving the above-mentioned display device are the light emitting diode 3a shown in FIG.

31Ltb, 31Ic...3ri 2, optical waveguide 3
3B.

3,! ;b, 330...3sz and heating resistor 3 A a.

3Ab...Remove 3Az, +11AI in line
I costal circuit 3riA.

3'+11,34c...3'1ZVC
The first ZV showed the line guide i! ii'l 9, and the moving axis 1., μ1tl) circuit 33A.

By connecting each of the column conductors 41g shown in FIG. 91 to 33B...33'Z, the display shown in the v+sg diagram can be obtained. stomach
can be 'driven'.

In addition, a P'!1 low antibody is provided in place of the row conductor 9 and column 2A (wire g) in FIG. (It is also possible to form a 4+7 element by providing a material to generate heat. In this case, the part where the sub-heating resistors of the front shaft and moving shaft intersect is heated to 7r4F, so this I) F1 fever, t'(,
(as shown in Figure 7), '1
A high temperature IJ11 thermal zone is formed at fj1. '9. When the core r is heated by one of the heat generating resistors other than the difference part, the heat is not heated to such a high temperature that a large amount of light is emitted as shown in Figure 7.The i region is formed. It's so small that I can't support the display.

? ', +'S//The figure shows the path modulation m, 3H (1) of the optical element described above in No. 11I'>4. This is a supplement. In Figure 1, 1, dag is !; 斤?'?++ is the same as the optical element shown in the group 4. It is a flat plate shape as a display element of 41" grinding with u: 2. In the optical waveguide, an infrared 61 absorption layer, !i-'d, h11 a thermally conductive cladding IM-' made of a plate-shaped member with a relatively low refractive index; 3, a relatively low refractive index, j' 4
．． -I- 4 cores made of mud liquid etc. 1 g/1 g
, one layer of a flat plate-like member with a relatively low refractive index, one layer of quenching cladding, and one layer of da7 are placed in this space (sound 1
1 has been selected. However, t114, which is obtained by removing the three infrared Q'j↓ absorption layers from the flat optical waveguide Mg, is made into an optical waveguide panel. The left side is a cylindrical lens for illumination 1.1, and the left side is a cylindrical lens that converges IIαI (j, l) from the linear light source 3, and the plate-shaped light path 7,
This is to lead to the core layer S on the left side of the path. 4,
Reference numeral 2 denotes an infrared beat emitted from a 119 ray generating means (for example, a radiant ray generating means constructed from a radiation generator, etc., which will be described later).

This infrared beam 4.2 is absorbed by the infrared rays of the wave path 3g of the planar light j'1 (μ
Dimensionally scanned. It is assumed that I'd and the infrared beam filter λ are modulated by the video information signal.

S'9 is υ11 heat A: Lo region H, the infrared absorbing layer 111 in the area irradiated with the infrared beam Oa generates heat, and this heat is transmitted to a part of the core lt'43 O through the cladding l<'153. This is a relatively low-temperature, high-temperature region formed by heating a portion of the core layer 5B (however, if the core 114/ is a liquid, the core layer/ is heated to a temperature of no more than 1ti□1ts). ). Out of the illumination light beam 3 propagating inside the core l+"i, the path of the light that reaches the heating area s9 is disturbed, and a small portion of the light (some of the light passes through the cladding h's 37) Planar leading waveguide sg.

These are the display light emitted to one outer shell and the emitted light at t2.

Next, the operation of the display shown in FIG. 77 will be explained. The illumination light beam 3 is converged from the linear light source 3/ through the cylindrical lenses 5, 2 and made incident on the core layer 5B of the flat guiding waveguide sg. Infrared beam B is an infrared absorbing layer!
When no heating region sq is formed within the core 1 and S1, the core lfl! 6
The illumination light flux s3 incident on the core li'! J, i, l! at the total reflection interface due to the difference in refractive index between 3 Otsu and cladding IN 55 or Shio 7! It is totally reflected back and propagates in the core If'43 Is of the left g of the waveguide, into the core 1.
Tohishi 'C is ejected to the Senbi of lpi 5 /). In this state, the infrared beat 4.2, which has not stepped out of synchronization, irradiates the lower surface of the infrared absorbing li/i5 while moving along the trajectory A/1.

Now, let's say that the infrared beam loss traces the trajectory of the infrared beam, and the infrared absorption of the part shown in the figure is 1.
．． , % core 115° through clad l, +/i tide left
A part of the core diagram and Daotsu is heated as it is transmitted to the i-Riro.
The core layer S (((Part 1), whose refractive index changes at a relatively high temperature as explained in 4) is formed.

As mentioned above, the -? ', 1 reaches this heating 4Yi region 39, the Jfq path of this light F1Σ is disturbed by the heating region -tqK as described in FIG.

At least a portion of the luminous flux whose course is disturbed is at least part of the fourth
As explained in the figure, the light passes through the cladding layer 57 and exits as display light to the outer side 13 on the left side of the plate-shaped optical waveguide. Na: t, i, core I-”+!
；The shape of the left wa of the 11 area formed in the 17
(When the infrared beam 62 is no longer irradiated to the part of the infrared absorbing layer 5+ corresponding to the missed part and the heat supply is cut off, this heating area 3-9 is either natural cooling or forced cooling. Since the light 40 is cooled and disappears regardless of whether the light 40 is a display light or not, the emitted light 40 as display light no longer emerges from the cladding layer 7.

In this way, a large number of heating regions are formed in the core layer S according to the light guide fl (il) of the infrared beam filter a, and one screen and one two-dimensional display of the flat plate optical waveguide g are produced. This makes it possible.

In addition, in the display lid shown in FIG. 9 and FIG.
For example, if 9 pieces are a transparent glass plate, 2 gq
Cladding layers 3 and 11 in the figure. ! or the cladding i in Fig. 1; '43 k, left 7 may be air.

In this case, the heating element in Figure 9 or Figure 771 is the core or %'! -'I is disposed near Ii of the core layer s4.

In addition, in order to increase the optical waveguide efficiency, the heating element part is placed in the 21'l (b) position instead of the flat plate-shaped leading waveguide.
It is also possible to use tubular leading wave tubes arranged closely in turret rows as shown in Figs. Of course, it is possible.

FIG. 72 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention in which an infrared beam is fixedly distributed to a display device or the like as shown in FIG. 77.

In Figure 7.2, the infrared beam filter 7 output from the laser oscillator 3, which is a laser light source, passes through 4 thin film waveguide deflectors and a lens 6, and then is sent to the galvano mirror filter 7. For example, while being reflected, the flat plate light V shown in the second reason? The display element corresponding to the infrared wave path Sg absorbs (to) N.
l, i', %' fast-travel νt. The galvano mirrors AA contribute to the locating of light in the direction of the arrow a, and the six film waveguide type (ii+j) devices contribute to the propagation of light in the direction of the arrow. 4 Otsu and Thin Ha 11 Cotton wave type I flat head 1' (One force is Mizuto Ski Yner and the other is Yui [Inukyano).

The galvano mirror and polygon are also applied to the 411 shaku.
The combined a-dimensional running machine Y, etc. is obtained.

gfs/3 is a block diagram of an overall display device according to an application example of the present invention, particularly a display device using a modulated infrared beam.

7θ is a video generation circuit that generates a video signal, 7/ is a control equivalent for controlling the video I, +I Lc, and a control equivalent for giving this No. 451 by the video amplification circuit 73 and the horizontal and vertical drive circuits 7. -1 Main L noser light; τ, 7 is an optical curve that modulates the infrared beam from the laser light source according to the signal from the video amplification circuit 73. The light is a horizontal scano-' 7 g
Or 117. Directly enters the scanner '77. In addition, the horizontal movement V1 7g, the straight scanner 77 has horizontal and vertical drive 1i,! , +fl''+i '7.2, respectively, and the four drive signals are added to the video signal to generate 14.9. The infrared beam from this scanner is transmitted to the display element 7q.
incident on the infrared absorbing layer.

In addition, the core p of the display element 79,') Ic 1TBj
Qr, , 14 are arranged so that light from the light source go is incident thereon. Run 1 (specific /Illustrated/Illustrated as an example.

The video output from the video generation circuit 70 is controlled by Wi1.
The signal is amplified by the video amplification circuit 73 via the 1 circuit 7/. The light guide 71I is driven by the input of the amplified video signal and modulates the infrared beam emitted from the laser light source 7S. On the other hand, the control circuit 7 outputs a horizontal signal Iυ1 and a vertical signal Iυ1, which are passed through the horizontal and vertical drive circuits 72 to a horizontal scanner 7g and a vertical scanner 7g, respectively.
to drive. In this way, a thermal two-dimensional image consisting of a heated region is formed within the core tub of the display element 7q. The subsequent construction and operation of the display g/ is as described above in FIG. 1, and will be omitted here for simplicity. Note that when receiving TV radio waves, a receiver may be used instead of the video generation circuit 70.

FIG. 14I is a partially schematic longitudinal sectional view of an optical element for illustrating another principle of operation of the optical element according to the present invention.

In FIG. 14', / is a core layer, U', 3 is a cladding layer that is transparent, and 70' is a transparent layer for visible light. The infrared absorption 1n and 7 are the visible range light incident and propagating inside the core lrM/, and these village/1 components are as explained in Figure q except for the refractive index and translucency. is almost the same. In the case of this example, a material with a negative refractive index change with respect to temperature change was selected as a member for the core layer /, and a material with a positive refractive index change with respect to temperature change was selected as a member of the cladding layer a'. shall be. 7.2 is an observer on the cladding ladle 3 side, 72' is an observer on the cladding layer λ' side, and // is an infrared ray.

Otsu' is a heating area formed in the cladding li'5.2' and the core layer. In the heated region of 1/2, the refractive index is lower where the center temperature is high, and in the heated region of the cladding layer a', the refractive index is higher where the center temperature is high. g is the emitted light emitted from the core layer via the cladding layer 3, and g' is the emitted light emitted from the core layer via the cladding layer -' and the infrared absorption layer 70'.

When infrared rays // are not irradiated to infrared absorbing layer /α,
The light 7 propagates inside the core while being totally reflected by the interface between the core and the cladding. Therefore, clad! Or, since almost no light exits through 3, the observer /J, /2' hardly sees any light.

Now, assume that the infrared absorbing layer 10' is irradiated with infrared rays //. The infrared absorbing layer /0' in the irradiated area generates heat, and this heat is transferred to the cladding layer a' and core N/, and the heated area of core 1M/ and cladding 1/2' is relatively heated. A heated region B' with a changed refractive index is formed in the high temperature region. The path of the light 7 that reaches the inner core layer/inner heating region of the inner oil heating region 6' is disturbed, the total reflection condition is broken, and a part of the light passes through the cladding 143 and becomes an emitted light. g
The light is emitted to the outside of the optical element. This emitted light g can be seen by the observer 2. Also, the remaining luminous flux is
It travels through the heated region within the core lfi / while being refracted, but this refraction further creates an air gap against the surface of the cladding.
In other words, the incident progresses so that the incident angle becomes larger (). The refractive index of the core layer/ is lower than other regions, and the refractive index of the cladding layer IM, 2' is higher than other regions. The rate difference becomes very small, so the critical angle in this part is always 4F large.

As a result, part of the light that reaches the interface between the core [f4/ of the heating region 6' and the cladding layer 2' while being refracted through the heating region B' of the core]P1/ is reflected by the above-mentioned critical angle at this interface. Larger than 1.1: Because the light is on, there is no total reflection at this interface, and cladding eco' and infrared absorption are 1?4/O'
is transmitted to the outside of the optical element as emitted light g'. This emitted light g' can be seen by the observer 7.2'. The rest of the light (which may or may not be present) is totally reflected and propagates within the core. In this manner, by appropriately selecting the materials of the core 1ζ and the cladding 1, it is possible to provide an optical element that allows observation from both sides of the optical element.

Further, even if a transparent heating resistor as shown in FIG. 7 is used instead of the infrared absorbing layer 70' as a heating element, the emitted light can be seen from both sides of the optical element as described above. Moreover, these optical elements include optical elements such as the display and display device shown in FIGS. S to 73, and the optical elements 8! It goes without saying that there are 6 functions applicable to each location.

In addition, a heating resistor or an infrared absorbing layer as a heating element of the display shown in FIGS. 3 to 7 and 9 to 1 may be provided inside the cladding layer of the optical waveguide panel, or In this case, even if the heating element is provided at the boundary between the core i- and the cladding layer, When the heat generating element generates heat and does not heat the core layer, if the conditions for total reflection at -m1 between the core tn, which propagates within the core layer, and the heat generating element are satisfied, then the perfect condition ε in Fig. ] The display of the display device can be performed by the same operation as the light guide, i, l, li original raccoon and display principle shown in the 5g diagram or 79.

As explained in detail above, the main effects of the present invention are as follows: (1) The seven minute cores Ii'M plus t. Therefore, it is possible to display high-resolution images.

(2) Since the structure of the front element is relatively simple, its productivity is excellent, and the element is highly durable and reliable.

(3) Can be adapted to a wide range of drive systems.

(4) Since the display is performed by heating the core layer to a temperature below the boiling point instead of forming vapor bubbles, the number of elements used in the optical element can be reduced, and the source of the problem, that is, light modulation, can be reduced. Devices and display devices can be made smaller.

(5) In devices that perform light modulation or display using vapor bubbles, there is a risk of damage to the optical device due to cavitation when the vapor bubbles disappear, but in the present invention, the core layer is simply heated to an extent that does not boil, so the device has extremely high durability.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 7 is a schematic sectional view for explaining the operating principle of the optical element as a light modulation element or display element according to the present invention;
Figures (a) and (b) are schematic cross-sectional views of the optical element shown in Figure 1; Figure q is a schematic sectional view for explaining another operating principle of the optical element as a light modulation element or display element according to the present invention, and Figures 5 to 7 are display devices as application examples of the present invention. 17 is a block diagram of a display device as an application example of the present invention, and FIG. 9 is a schematic configuration of a display device as an application example of the present invention. Figure 10 is a perspective view of a partial structure of the heat generating element 7y used in the display device of Figure 9, Figure 1/Figure is
Schematic perspective view of a display device as an application example of the present invention 121): I! I is a schematic perspective view of the configuration of the TE mechanism on the λ dimension used in the display element shown in the 1st/1st column. Fig. 11 is a schematic sectional view for explaining another operating principle of the optical element as a light modulation element or display element according to the present invention. ．．．）, Otsu, '13.ri left, left left,
S7. No I! ;Grad layer, guar ;Heating elements 44a, llb, .,/11. ．． 23.3 Otsu &, 3 Otsu, 3 Otsu 2; Heating resistor body; Switch depth 15" a, / Dirty dirt, O'; Heating area 7; (Visible region) light g, O o, g ; Emitted light?, 27; Light diffusion layer 10, IO',, t'l; Infrared absorption layer //; Infrared rays
/, 2.72'; Observer 15; Optical waveguide /7a
, /7b.../7n; Light emitting diode /qa, /9b
.../qn; Light emitting diode, 2 left; Optical waveguide hole
30; Image control circuit 3/; Column 1h11 selection circuit 32; Row axis different selection circuit 3.3, 33B-33Z; Dynamic axis drive circuit 311k, 3'lF3.311C-3'lZ; Front axis drive circuit 3 'la, 311b, 311cm311z;
Light emitting diode 3, t? L, 35b, 3! O...? 3Z
; Optical waveguide 'IO, jt/; Linear light source llde; Row conductor 4tg; Column conductor SO; heating resistor element. Z, 2; Infrared beam 7θ; Image generation circuit 7/; Control circuit 72; Horizontal and vertical drive circuit 73; Image amplification circuit 7; Light modulator 7; Laser light source 77.7g: Horizontal and vertical scanner 7q; Display Element gO; At the time of illumination light source J'F Applicant: Canon Co., Ltd. Figure 1 (a) (b) Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 7 Figure 7 Figure 215 Figure 6 Wa Figure 14 Figure 1 page Continuation of 0 Author: Takashi Noma, 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo, Canon Co., Ltd. Author: Nobutoshi Mizusawa, 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo, 0 Author: Mitsunobu Nakazawa Canon Co., Ltd., 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inventor: Kuni Ozawa, Canon Co., Ltd., 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo

Claims (1)

[Claims] A cladding with a relatively low refractive index that has parallel cavities formed by combining a transparent flat cladding layer with striped grooves on its surface and a flat cladding layer. Is it relatively difficult to see the hollowing out? An optical waveguide panel having 12 guiding holes (in which a core layer is formed by filling a highly translucent liquid with a '+' value) and heating the core layer to cause a change in the refractive index of the core layer. an optical element, characterized in that the core layer is heated by the heating element to a temperature of .degree.