WO2018150662A1

WO2018150662A1 - Optical device and optical system

Info

Publication number: WO2018150662A1
Application number: PCT/JP2017/040734
Authority: WO
Inventors: 一樹北村; 太田　益幸
Original assignee: パナソニックＩｐマネジメント株式会社
Priority date: 2017-02-17
Filing date: 2017-11-13
Publication date: 2018-08-23
Also published as: JP2020064084A

Abstract

This optical device (1) is equipped with: a translucent first substrate (10); a translucent second substrate (20) that faces the first substrate (10); a light distribution layer (30) that distributes incident light and is positioned between the first substrate (10) and the second substrate (20); and a first electrode layer (40) and a second electrode layer (50) that are positioned so as to face one another with the light distribution layer (30) interposed therebetween. The light distribution layer (30) includes: a first relief structure layer (31) that has a plurality of projecting sections (33); a variable refractive index layer (32) that is positioned so as to fill recessed sections (34) between the plurality of projecting sections (33), and where the refractive index varies according to the voltage imparted between the first electrode layer (40) and the second electrode layer (50); and a blue layer (36) that is provided to the recessed sections (34).

Description

Optical device and optical system

The present invention relates to an optical device and an optical system provided with the optical device.

Conventionally, a daylighting film is known in which external light such as sunlight incident from the outside is taken indoors (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

International Publication No. 2015/194499

However, in the above-mentioned conventional daylighting film, the short wavelength component contained in sunlight is absorbed by the substrate. For this reason, the light introduced into the room is yellowish, and it is felt that it is an old-fashioned color.

Then, this invention aims at providing an optical device which can make transmitted light into a desired color, and an optical system provided with the said optical device.

In order to achieve the above object, an optical device according to an aspect of the present invention includes a light-transmitting first substrate, a light-transmitting second substrate facing the first substrate, and a light-transmitting second substrate. A first light distribution layer disposed between the first base material and the second base material and arranged opposite to each other with the first light distribution layer interposed therebetween and the first light distribution layer distributing light incident thereon An electrode layer and a second electrode layer, wherein the first light distribution layer is filled with a first concave-convex structure layer having a plurality of first convex portions and a first concave portion between the plurality of first convex portions A first variable-refractive-index layer, which is disposed in such a manner that the refractive index changes according to a voltage applied between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer, and a blue layer provided in the first recess Including.

An optical system according to an aspect of the present invention includes a first optical device that is the optical device, and a second optical device that is disposed side by side with the first optical device in a plane along the vertical direction. The second optical device includes a light transmitting third base, a fourth base facing the third base, and a light transmitting third base and the fourth base. And a third electrode layer and a fourth electrode layer disposed opposite to each other with the second light distribution layer interposed therebetween. The second light distribution layer is disposed so as to fill a second concave / convex structure layer having a plurality of second convex portions and a second concave portion between the plurality of second convex portions, and the third electrode A second variable-refractive-index layer whose refractive index changes in accordance with a voltage applied between the layer and the fourth electrode layer; Vice is located above the said second optical device.

According to the present invention, it is possible to make transmitted light into a desired color.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the optical device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the optical device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3A is a diagram for describing an operation (light distribution state) when the optical device operates in the non-application mode when the optical device according to the first embodiment is installed in a window. FIG. 3B is a diagram for describing an operation (transparent state) when the optical device is operated in the voltage application mode when the optical device according to the first embodiment is installed in the window. FIG. 4A is an enlarged cross-sectional view for explaining a non-application mode (light distribution state) of the optical device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4B is an enlarged cross-sectional view for illustrating a voltage application mode (transparent state) of the optical device according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an optical device according to a modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the optical device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the optical device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view for explaining a non-application mode (light distribution state) of the optical device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an optical device according to the first modification of the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an optical device according to the second modification of the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the optical system according to the third embodiment. FIG. 12 is a schematic view for explaining a light distribution state of the optical system according to the third embodiment. FIG. 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an optical system according to a modification of the embodiment.

Hereinafter, an optical device and an optical system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Each embodiment described below shows one specific example of the present invention. Therefore, numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangements and connection forms of components, steps, order of steps, and the like shown in the following embodiments are merely examples, and are not intended to limit the present invention. Therefore, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not described in the independent claims indicating the highest concept of the present invention are described as optional components.

Further, each drawing is a schematic view, and is not necessarily illustrated exactly. Therefore, for example, the scale and the like do not necessarily match in each figure. Further, in each of the drawings, substantially the same configuration is given the same reference numeral, and overlapping description will be omitted or simplified.

Moreover, in the present specification and drawings, the x-axis, the y-axis and the z-axis indicate three axes of the three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system. In each embodiment, the z-axis direction is the vertical direction, and the direction perpendicular to the z-axis (the direction parallel to the xy plane) is the horizontal direction. Note that the positive direction of the z axis is vertically upward. Moreover, in the present specification, the “thickness direction” means the thickness direction of the optical device, and is a direction perpendicular to the main surfaces of the first base and the second base, “plan view” When it sees from the direction perpendicular to the principal surface of the 1st substrate or the 2nd substrate.

Embodiment 1
[Constitution]
First, the configuration of the optical device 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an optical device 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the optical device 1 according to the present embodiment, and is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a region II surrounded by an alternate long and short dash line in FIG.

The optical device 1 is a light control device that controls light incident on the optical device 1. Specifically, the optical device 1 is a light distribution element capable of changing the traveling direction of light incident on the optical device 1 (that is, distributing light) and causing the light to be emitted.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the optical device 1 is configured to transmit incident light, and includes a first base 10, a second base 20, a light distribution layer 30, and a first light. An electrode layer 40 and a second electrode layer 50 are provided.

An adhesion layer may be provided on the surface of the first electrode layer 40 on the light distribution layer 30 side in order to bring the first electrode layer 40 into close contact with the uneven structure layer 31 of the light distribution layer 30. The adhesion layer is, for example, a translucent adhesive sheet, or a resin material generally referred to as a primer.

In the optical device 1, the first electrode layer 40, the light distribution layer 30, and the second electrode layer 50 are disposed in this order along the thickness direction between the first base material 10 and the second base material 20 forming a pair. Configuration. In addition, in order to maintain the distance between the first base material 10 and the second base material 20, a plurality of particulate spacers may be dispersed in a plane, or a columnar structure may be formed.

Hereinafter, each component of the optical device 1 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

[First base and second base]
The first base 10 and the second base 20 are translucent substrates having translucency. For example, a glass substrate or a resin substrate can be used as the first base 10 and the second base 20.

Examples of the material of the glass substrate include soda glass, alkali-free glass and high refractive index glass. Examples of the material of the resin substrate include resin materials such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polycarbonate (PC), acrylic (PMMA) or epoxy. The glass substrate has the advantages of high light transmittance and low moisture permeability. On the other hand, the resin substrate has an advantage that scattering at the time of breakage is small.

The first base 10 and the second base 20 may be made of the same material, or may be made of different materials. Moreover, the 1st base material 10 and the 2nd base material 20 are not restricted to a rigid board | substrate, You may be a flexible substrate which has flexibility. In the present embodiment, the first base 10 and the second base 20 are transparent resin substrates made of PET resin.

The second base material 20 is an opposing base material facing the first base material 10 and is disposed at a position facing the first base material 10. The first base 10 and the second base 20 are disposed substantially in parallel at a predetermined distance such as 10 μm to 30 μm, for example. The first base material 10 and the second base material 20 are bonded by a sealing resin such as an adhesive formed in the shape of a frame on the outer periphery of each end.

In addition, although the planar view shape of the 1st base material 10 and the 2nd base material 20 is rectangular shapes, such as a square or a rectangle, for example, it does not restrict to this, Even if it is polygons other than a circle or a square Well, any shape may be employed.

[Light distribution layer]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the light distribution layer 30 is disposed between the first base 10 and the second base 20. The light distribution layer 30 has translucency, and transmits incident light. In addition, the light distribution layer 30 distributes the incident light. That is, when light passes through the light distribution layer 30, the light distribution layer 30 changes the traveling direction of the light.

The light distribution layer 30 has a concavo-convex structure layer 31, a refractive index variable layer 32, and a blue layer 36. The light distribution layer 30 can distribute light by the difference in refractive index between the uneven structure layer 31 and the refractive index variable layer 32.

[Uneven structure layer]
The uneven structure layer 31 is a fine shape layer provided to make the surface (interface) of the variable-refractive-index layer 32 uneven. The uneven structure layer 31 has a plurality of convex portions 33 and a plurality of concave portions 34, as shown in FIG. Specifically, the concavo-convex structure layer 31 is a concavo-convex structure constituted by a plurality of convex portions 33 of micro order size. A plurality of concave portions 34 are between the plurality of convex portions 33. That is, one concave portion 34 is between two adjacent convex portions 33.

The plurality of protrusions 33 are a plurality of protrusions arranged in the z-axis direction (first direction) parallel to the main surface of the first base material 10 (the surface on which the first electrode layer 40 is provided). . That is, in the present embodiment, the z-axis direction is the direction in which the plurality of convex portions 33 are arranged.

Each of the plurality of projections 33 has a tapered shape from the root to the tip. In the present embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of each of the plurality of projections 33 is a tapered shape that tapers along the direction (thickness direction, y-axis positive direction) from the first base material 10 toward the second base material 20 . Although the cross-sectional shape (yz cross section) of the convex part 33 is a trapezoid specifically, it is not restricted to this. The cross-sectional shape of the convex portion 33 may be a triangle, another polygon, or a polygon including a curve. Further, although the tip of the convex portion 33 is in contact with the second electrode layer 50, a gap may be provided between the tip of the convex portion 33 and the second electrode layer 50. In this case, the gap is filled with the variable-refractive-index layer 32.

As shown in FIG. 2, each of the plurality of protrusions 33 has a pair of side surfaces 33 a and 33 b facing the recess 34. The pair of

side surfaces

33a and 33b are surfaces intersecting in the z-axis direction. Each of the pair of

side surfaces

33a and 33b is an inclined surface which is inclined at a predetermined inclination angle with respect to the thickness direction (y-axis direction), and the distance between the pair of

side surfaces

33a and 33b (the width of the convex portion 33 (z-axis direction ) Is gradually reduced from the first base 10 to the second base 20.

The side surface 33 a is, for example, a side surface (lower side surface) on the vertically lower side among a plurality of side surfaces constituting the convex portion 33. The side surface 33a is a refractive surface that refracts incident light. The side surface 33 b is, for example, a side surface (upper side surface) on the vertically upper side among a plurality of side surfaces constituting the convex portion 33. The side surface 33 b is a reflection surface (total reflection surface) that reflects incident light (total reflection).

In the present embodiment, the plurality of convex portions 33 are formed in a stripe shape extending in the x-axis direction. That is, each of the plurality of convex portions 33 is a long convex portion linearly extending along the x-axis direction. Specifically, each of the plurality of convex portions 33 has a trapezoidal cross-sectional shape and is an elongated substantially square pole shape extending in the x-axis direction, and is arranged at substantially equal intervals along the z-axis direction There is. Each of the plurality of protrusions 33 has the same shape, but may have different shapes.

The height (length in the y-axis direction) of each of the plurality of protrusions 33 is, for example, 2 μm to 100 μm, but is not limited thereto. The width (length in the z-axis direction) of each of the plurality of protrusions 33 is, for example, 1 μm to 20 μm, and preferably 10 μm or less, but not limited thereto. The width (z-axis direction) of the recess 34 is, for example, 0 μm to 100 μm. That is, the two adjacent convex portions 33 may be disposed at a predetermined distance without contacting with each other, or may be disposed in contact with each other. The distance between the adjacent convex portions 33 is not limited to 0 μm to 100 μm.

As a material of the convex portion 33, for example, a light transmitting resin material such as an acrylic resin, an epoxy resin, or a silicone resin can be used. The convex portion 33 is formed of, for example, an ultraviolet curable resin material, and can be formed by molding or nanoimprinting.

The concavo-convex structure layer 31 can form the concavo-convex structure whose cross section has a trapezoidal shape by mold pressing, for example, using an acrylic resin having a refractive index of 1.5. The height of the projections 33 is, for example, 10 μm, and the plurality of projections 33 are arranged at equal intervals of 2 μm in the z-axis direction at equal intervals. The thickness of the root of the convex portion 33 is 5 μm, for example. The distance between the roots of adjacent convex portions 33 can take, for example, a value of 0 μm to 5 μm.

[Refractive index variable layer]
The refractive index variable layer 32 is disposed so as to fill the gaps 34 between the plurality of convex portions 33 of the uneven structure layer 31. The refractive index variable layer 32 is disposed so as to fill a gap formed between the first electrode layer 40 and the second electrode layer 50.

The refractive index of the variable-refractive-index layer 32 changes in accordance with the voltage applied between the first electrode layer 40 and the second electrode layer 50. Specifically, the refractive index variable layer 32 functions as a refractive index adjustment layer whose refractive index in the visible light band can be adjusted by application of an electric field. For example, since the refractive index variable layer 32 is formed of a liquid crystal having liquid crystal molecules 35 having electric field responsiveness, an electric field is applied to the light distribution layer 30 to change the alignment state of the liquid crystal molecules 35 to change the refractive index. The refractive index of the variable layer 32 changes.

The birefringent material of the refractive index variable layer 32 is, for example, a liquid crystal including liquid crystal molecules 35 having birefringence. As such a liquid crystal, for example, nematic liquid crystal, smectic liquid crystal, or cholesteric liquid crystal in which liquid crystal molecules 35 are rod-like molecules can be used. For example, when the refractive index of the convex portion 33 is 1.5, as a material of the refractive index variable layer 32, an ordinary light refractive index (no) is 1.5 and an extraordinary light refractive index (ne) is 1.7 A positive liquid crystal can be used.

The refractive index variable layer 32 is, for example, an end portion of each of the first base material 10 on which the first electrode layer 40 and the concavo-convex structure layer 31 are formed, and the second base material 20 on which the second electrode layer 50 is formed. It is formed by injecting a liquid crystal material by a vacuum injection method in a state where the outer periphery is sealed with a sealing resin. Alternatively, the refractive index variable layer 32 may be formed by dropping the liquid crystal material onto the first electrode layer 40 and the concavo-convex structure layer 31 of the first base material 10 and then bonding the second base material 20 together.

Note that FIG. 2 shows a state in which no voltage is applied (the same applies to FIG. 4A described later), and the liquid crystal molecules 35 are aligned such that the major axis is substantially parallel to the x axis. When a voltage is applied between the first electrode layer 40 and the second electrode layer 50, the liquid crystal molecules 35 are aligned so that the major axis is substantially parallel to the y axis (see FIG. 4B described later) ).

Further, an electric field may be applied to the refractive index variable layer 32 by AC power, and an electric field may be applied by DC power. In the case of AC power, the voltage waveform may be a sine wave or a square wave.

[Blue layer]
The blue layer 36 is provided in the plurality of recesses 34. In the present embodiment, the blue layer 36 is provided along the side surface 33 b of each of the plurality of convex portions 33. The blue layer 36 is formed in a thin film on the side surface 33 b with a predetermined film thickness. The film thickness of the blue layer 36 is, for example, 1 μm, but is not limited to this.

The blue layer 36 is formed in a stripe shape extending in the x-axis direction along the side surface 33 b. In the present embodiment, the blue layer 36 is provided on the side surfaces 33 b of all the convex portions 33, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the blue layer 36 may be provided every n (n is a natural number of 1 or more) of the plurality of convex portions 33 arranged along the z-axis direction. Also, the blue layer 36 may be provided discretely (in the form of dots) on the side surface 33 b.

The blue layer 36 contains, for example, a blue pigment. As a blue pigment, Prussian blue or phthalocyanine blue can be used. For example, the blue layer 36 is formed by forming a coating film including a blue pigment on the entire surface of the concavo-convex structure layer 31 along the concavo-convex surface and then removing the coating film located at the bottom of the recess 34 by etching or the like. . Alternatively, the blue layer 36 may be formed by an anodic oxidation method or the like.

A transparent oxide film may be formed on the surface of the blue layer 36. An oxide film (not shown) can suppress mixing of the blue layer 36 with the refractive index variable layer 32 (liquid crystal). The oxide film is, for example, a silicon oxide film (SiO ₂ ).

The blue layer 36 may also contain a wavelength conversion material that converts ultraviolet light into blue light. For example, the blue layer 36 may contain a blue phosphor material such as BAM (BaMgAl ₁₀ O ₁₇ : Eu ²⁺ ). Thus, the transmitted light can be made bluish while suppressing the transmission of the ultraviolet light.

[First electrode layer and second electrode layer]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first electrode layer 40 and the second electrode layer 50 are electrically paired and configured to be able to apply an electric field to the light distribution layer 30. The first electrode layer 40 and the second electrode layer 50 are not only electrically but also arranged in a pair, so as to face each other between the first base material 10 and the second base material 20. It is arranged. Specifically, the first electrode layer 40 and the second electrode layer 50 are disposed to sandwich the light distribution layer 30.

The first electrode layer 40 and the second electrode layer 50 have translucency and transmit incident light. The first electrode layer 40 and the second electrode layer 50 are, for example, transparent conductive layers. The material of the transparent conductive layer is a transparent metal oxide such as ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) or IZO (Indium Zinc Oxide), a conductor containing resin made of a resin containing a conductor such as silver nanowire or conductive particles, or And metal thin films such as silver thin films can be used. The first electrode layer 40 and the second electrode layer 50 may have a single-layer structure of these, or a laminated structure of these (for example, a laminated structure of a transparent metal oxide and a metal thin film). In the present embodiment, each of the first electrode layer 40 and the second electrode layer 50 is ITO having a thickness of 100 nm.

The first electrode layer 40 is disposed between the first base 10 and the uneven structure layer 31. Specifically, the first electrode layer 40 is formed on the surface of the first base material 10 on the light distribution layer 30 side.

On the other hand, the second electrode layer 50 is disposed between the refractive index variable layer 32 and the second base material 20. Specifically, the second electrode layer 50 is formed on the surface of the second substrate 20 on the light distribution layer 30 side.

The first electrode layer 40 and the second electrode layer 50 are configured, for example, to enable electrical connection with an external power supply. For example, an electrode pad or the like for connection to an external power source may be drawn out from each of the first electrode layer 40 and the second electrode layer 50 and formed on the first base 10 and the second base 20.

The first electrode layer 40 and the second electrode layer 50 are each formed by depositing a conductive film such as ITO by, for example, vapor deposition or sputtering.

[Optical state of optical device]
Subsequently, the optical state (operation mode) of the optical device 1 will be described while showing an example of use of the optical device 1 according to the present embodiment. Specifically, an optical system including the optical device 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B.

FIGS. 3A and 3B each show an example in which an optical system 60 including the optical device 1 according to the present embodiment is applied to a building 90. FIG. Specifically, FIGS. 3A and 3B are diagrams for explaining the operation when the optical device 1 is operated in each operation mode when the optical device 1 is installed in the window 91.

As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the optical system 60 includes the optical device 1 and a controller 61. In each of the drawings, the shaded area of the dot extending from the optical device 1 indicates the area through which the light (specifically, the S polarization component) which has passed through the optical device 1 passes.

The optical device 1 can transmit incident light. For example, by installing the optical device 1 in the window 91 of the building 90, it can be realized as a window with a light distribution function. The optical device 1 is bonded, for example, to the existing window 91 via the adhesive layer. In this case, the optical device 1 is installed in the window 91 such that the main surfaces of the first base 10 and the second base 20 are parallel to the vertical direction (z-axis direction).

Although the detailed structure of the optical device 1 is not shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, in the optical device 1, the first base 10 is on the outdoor side, the second base 20 is on the indoor side, and The side surface 33 b of the convex portion 33 is disposed on the ceiling 92 side and the side surface 33 a is on the floor 93 side.

Moreover, although the control part 61 is installed on the floor 93, this is illustrated typically and it is not specifically limited to the installation place of the control part 61. FIG. For example, the control unit 61 may be integrally formed with the optical device 1 and may be fixed to a window frame of the window 91 or the like. Alternatively, the control unit 61 may be embedded in the ceiling 92, the floor 93 or a wall of the building 90.

The control unit 61 is a control unit that drives the optical device 1. Specifically, the control unit 61 applies an electric field to the light distribution layer 30 by applying a predetermined voltage between the first electrode layer 40 and the second electrode layer 50.

In the present embodiment, control unit 61 has two operation modes according to the application state of the voltage between first electrode layer 40 and second electrode layer 50. Specifically, the two operation modes are a non-application mode (first operation mode) in which no voltage is applied and a voltage application mode (second operation mode) in which a voltage is substantially uniformly applied between the electrode layers. The control unit 61 switches and executes two operation modes based on user operation or predetermined schedule information.

In the optical device 1, the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules 35 contained in the refractive index variable layer 32 changes in accordance with the electric field applied to the light distribution layer 30. Since the liquid crystal molecules 35 are rod-like liquid crystal molecules having birefringence, the refractive index that the light receives varies depending on the polarization state of the incident light. Here, for example, for incident light, the refractive index of the convex portion 33 is 1.5, and as the liquid crystal molecules 35, the ordinary light refractive index (no) is 1.5 and the extraordinary light refractive index (ne) is The case of a positive-type liquid crystal molecule of 1.7 will be described as an example.

Hereinafter, details of each operation mode will be described using FIGS. 4A and 4B with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B as appropriate. FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B are each an enlarged sectional view for explaining each operation mode of the optical device 1 according to the present embodiment.

In FIGS. 4A and 4B, paths of light (for example, sunlight) incident on the optical device 1 are indicated by thick arrows. Although light is actually refracted when entering the first base material 10 and exiting from the second base material 20, changes in the path due to these refractions are not shown.

<No-application mode (light distribution state)>
FIG. 4A schematically shows the state of the optical device 1 when driven in the non-application mode and the path of light passing through the optical device 1. When driven in the non-application mode, the optical device 1 is in a light distribution state in which the traveling direction of incident light is changed.

The control unit 61 does not apply a voltage between the first electrode layer 40 and the second electrode layer 50 when operating the optical device 1 in the non-application mode. Specifically, when the first electrode layer 40 and the second electrode layer 50 have substantially the same potential (for example, the ground potential), an electric field is not applied to the light distribution layer 30. Therefore, the refractive index of the refractive index variable layer 32 can be made substantially uniform in the plane.

The light incident on the optical device 1 includes P-polarization (P-polarization component) and S-polarization (S-polarization component). In FIG. 4A, P-polarized light LP1 and S-polarized light LS1 of light incident obliquely downward to the optical device 1 and P-polarized LP2 and S-polarized light LS2 of light incident substantially perpendicularly to the optical device 1 from the front Is shown.

The oscillation direction of the P-polarized light LP1 and LP2 is substantially parallel to the short axis of the liquid crystal molecule 35 in any of the non-application mode and the voltage application mode. For this reason, the refractive index of the liquid crystal molecules 35 for the P-polarized light LP1 and LP2 does not depend on the operation mode, and is the ordinary refractive index (no), specifically 1.5. For this reason, the refractive index for the P-polarized light LP1 and LP2 does not depend on the operation mode and becomes substantially constant in the light distribution layer 30, so as shown in FIG. 4A, the P-polarized light LP1 and LP2 Continue straight ahead at 30.

On the other hand, the refractive index of the liquid crystal molecule 35 for the S-polarized light LS1 and LS2 changes in accordance with the operation mode.

In this case, the refractive index received by the S-polarized light LS1 and LS2 is 1.5 for the convex portion 33, while the refractive index variable layer 32 is 1.7. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4A, the S-polarized light LS1 of the light obliquely incident on the optical device 1 is refracted by the side surface 33a of the convex portion 33 to change its traveling direction, and then the side surface 33b of the convex portion 33 Is reflected (total reflection). The light reflected by the side surface 33 b is emitted obliquely upward. That is, the optical device 1 emits the S-polarized light LS1 of the light that has entered obliquely downward, obliquely upward. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3A, the s-polarized light LS1 of light such as sunlight incident obliquely downward is bent in its traveling direction by the optical device 1 and illuminates the ceiling 92 of the building 90.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4A, the S-polarized light LS2 of the light incident substantially perpendicularly to the optical device 1 from the front does not pass through the side surface 33a and the side surface 33b. For this reason, since the optical device 1 is passed as it is, the person outside the building 90 can see the outside scenery as it is.

<Voltage application mode (transparent state)>
FIG. 4B schematically shows the state of the optical device 1 when driven in the voltage application mode and the path of light passing through the optical device 1. When driven in the voltage application mode, the optical device 1 is in a light transmission (transparent) state in which incident light is passed (transmitted) as it is (without changing the traveling direction).

The control unit 61 applies a predetermined voltage between the first electrode layer 40 and the second electrode layer 50 when operating the optical device 1 in the voltage application mode. Thereby, the electric field applied to the light distribution layer 30 becomes substantially uniform in the plane, and the refractive index of the refractive index variable layer 32 can be made substantially uniform in the plane.

In this case, the refractive index received by the incident light is 1.5 for both the convex portion 33 and the refractive index variable layer 32 in both of the P polarized light and the S polarized light. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4B, light obliquely incident on the optical device 1 passes through the optical device 1 as it is for both the P-polarized light LP1 and the S-polarized light LS1. That is, the optical device 1 emits the light incident obliquely downward as it is obliquely downward. Therefore, as shown to FIG. 3B, light, such as sunlight which enters diagonally downward, passes the optical device 1 as it is, and irradiates the part near the window 91 of the floor 93 of the building 90. As shown in FIG.

Moreover, also about the light which injects substantially perpendicularly | vertically from the front with respect to the optical device 1, both P polarization | polarized-light LP2 and S polarization | polarized-light LS2 pass the optical device 1 as it is. For this reason, since the optical device 1 is passed as it is, the person outside the building 90 can see the outside scenery as it is.

As described above, according to the optical device 1 according to the present embodiment, the optical state according to the electric field applied to the light distribution layer 30 (voltage applied between the first electrode layer 40 and the second electrode layer 50) Can change. Here, although the transparent state and the light distribution state are switched, it is possible to form an intermediate optical state between the light distribution state and the transparent state according to the applied voltage.

For example, in the voltage application mode, a plurality of voltage levels to be applied may be set and switching may be performed as appropriate. In the voltage application mode, by reducing the voltage to be applied, the angle of light distribution by the optical device 1 is smaller in the intermediate optical state than in the light distribution state. For example, light can travel to the far side of the interior of the building 90.

[Color tone of transmitted light of optical device]
Here, the hue of the transmitted light of the optical device 1 will be described. Specifically, the color of light when a person present indoors in the building 90 looks at the optical device 1 will be described.

First, light obliquely incident on the optical device 1 will be described.

In the non-application mode, as shown in FIG. 4A, the S-polarized light LS1 passes through the blue layer 36 formed on the side surface 33b. Therefore, the S-polarized light LS1 emitted from the optical device 1 is bluish light. That is, the light distributed by the optical device 1 becomes bluish light.

Similarly, since the P-polarized light LP1 also passes through the blue layer 36, the P-polarized light LP1 also becomes bluish light. Further, even in the voltage application mode, as shown in FIG. 4B, since the P-polarized light LP1 and the S-polarized light LS1 pass through the blue layer 36, they become bluish light.

Therefore, when a person indoors looks at the optical device 1 from below, he can see bluish light. For example, the blue sky can be viewed as a clearer blue sky.

Next, light incident substantially perpendicularly to the optical device 1 from the front will be described.

In either the non-application mode or the voltage application mode, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the P-polarized light LP2 and the S-polarized light LS2 do not pass through the blue layer 36 formed on the side surface 33b. Therefore, the bluishness of the P-polarized light LP2 and the S-polarized light LS2 emitted from the optical device 1 is suppressed.

Although not shown, part of light incident from the front passes through the side surface 33a or the side surface 33b, so that the traveling direction of the light is bent by refraction or reflection. The light passing through the side surface 33 b also passes through the blue layer 36 and thus becomes bluish light.

[Effect, etc.]
As described above, the optical device 1 according to the present embodiment includes the light-transmitting first base material 10, the second base material 20 facing the first base material 10, and the light-transmitting property, A light distribution layer 30 disposed between the first base material 10 and the second base material 20 for distributing incident light, and a first electrode layer 40 disposed opposite to each other with the light distribution layer 30 interposed therebetween. And a second electrode layer 50. The light distribution layer 30 is disposed so as to fill the concavo-convex structure layer 31 having the plurality of convex portions 33 and the concave portions 34 between the plurality of convex portions 33, and the light distribution layer 30 includes the first electrode layer 40 and the second electrode layer 50. It includes a refractive index variable layer 32 whose refractive index changes in accordance with a voltage applied between them, and a blue layer 36 provided in the recess 34.

Thereby, since the blue layer 36 is provided in the recess 34, even if the short wavelength component (blue component) is absorbed by the first base material 10 and the second base material 20, the light passes through the blue layer 36. You can make up for it. Therefore, the light transmitted through the optical device 1 can be made into a desired color (for example, bluish light). In addition, since the light passing through the optical device 1 becomes white light with a high color temperature, the luxury of the optical device 1 can also be enhanced.

Also, for example, the blue layer 36 is provided along the side surface 33 b of the plurality of convex portions 33 facing the concave portion 34.

Thus, the blue layer 36 is provided on the side surface 33b functioning as a reflection surface, so the light distributed by the optical device 1 (specifically, the S-polarized light LS1 shown in FIG. 4A) is bluish It can be light. In addition, when the optical device 1 is installed in the window 91, the transmitted light of the optical device 1 (specifically, P-polarized light LP1 shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, etc.) looks bluish when viewed from below Become a light. Thus, for example, the blue sky can be viewed as a clearer blue sky.

Also, for example, the blue layer 36 may contain a wavelength conversion material that converts ultraviolet light into blue light.

Thus, the transmitted light can be made bluish while suppressing the transmission of the ultraviolet light.

(Modification of Embodiment 1)
Below, the modification of Embodiment 1 is demonstrated using FIG. In the following, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and the description of the common points will be omitted or simplified.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an optical device 1a according to this modification. An optical device 1a shown in FIG. 5 includes a light distribution layer 30a. The light distribution layer 30 a newly includes a light shielding layer 37 as compared to the light distribution layer 30 according to the first embodiment.

In the first embodiment, light scattering may occur at the interface between the first electrode layer 40 and the refractive index variable layer 32 in the non-application mode (light distribution state). When scattered light is generated, it appears as a streak (sunlight column) of light extending in the direction in which the convex portions 33 are arranged (z-axis direction), which causes local glare.

Therefore, in the optical device 1a according to the present modification, the light shielding layer 37 is provided on the bottom of the recess 34. The light shielding layer 37 shields at least a part of the incident light. In the present specification, "light blocking" means not only blocking incident light completely but also blocking only a part and transmitting the rest. For example, "blocking" refers to a state in which blocking is dominant over transmission of light. Specifically, the transmittance of the light shielding layer 37 to visible light may be less than 50%, preferably 20% or less, or 10% or less.

The light shielding layer 37 is provided at the bottom of the recess 34. The light shielding layer 37 is formed on the first electrode layer 40 at the bottom of the recess 34. That is, the light shielding layer 37 is disposed between the first electrode layer 40 and the refractive index variable layer 32.

The light shielding layer 37 contains a black pigment. For example, after the black aqueous ink is applied in the recess 34 using a bar coater, the light shielding layer 37 is formed by drying under an environment of 100 ° C. Thereafter, a light shielding layer 37 is formed by forming an oxide film such as SiO _{2 on the} surface by sputtering.

According to the optical device 1 a according to the present embodiment, the light shielding layer 37 provided in the recess 34 can suppress scattered light generated between the first electrode layer 40 and the refractive index variable layer 32. Therefore, it can suppress that a sunlight pillar generate | occur | produces in the optical device 1a.

Second Embodiment
Subsequently, an optical device according to Embodiment 2 will be described.

[Constitution]
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the optical device 101 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the optical device 101 according to the present embodiment, and is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a region VII surrounded by an alternate long and short dash line in FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the optical device 101 according to the present embodiment has a light distribution layer 130 instead of the light distribution layer 30 as compared to the optical device 1 according to the first embodiment. It is different. Specifically, the light distribution layer 130 includes the blue layer 136 instead of the blue layer 36. In the following, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and the description of the common points will be omitted or simplified.

The blue layer 136 is provided on the bottom of the recess 34, not on the side surface 33b, as shown in FIG. The blue layer 136 is provided on the first electrode layer 40 so as to connect the roots of the adjacent convex portions 33. The thickness of the blue layer 136 is, for example, 1 μm to 2 μm, but is not limited thereto.

Specifically, similarly to the concavo-convex structure layer 31, the blue layer 136 is formed in a stripe shape extending in the x-axis direction. In the present embodiment, the blue layer 136 is provided in all the recesses 34, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the blue layer 136 may be provided every n (n is a natural number of 1 or more) of the plurality of recesses 34 arranged along the z-axis direction. Also, the blue layer 136 may be provided discretely (in the form of dots) in the x-axis direction.

For example, a blue aqueous ink is applied to the inside of the recess 34 using a bar coater, and then dried under an environment of 100.degree. Thereafter, a blue layer 136 is formed by forming an oxide film such as SiO _{2 on the} surface by sputtering.

[Color tone of transmitted light of optical device]
Here, the hue of the transmitted light of the optical device 101 will be described. Specifically, the color of light when a person present indoors in the building 90 looks at the optical device 101 will be described.

The color of the transmitted light when driven in the voltage application mode and the optical device 101 is in the transparent state is the same as that of the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted here.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view for explaining a non-application mode (light distribution state) of the optical device 101 according to the present embodiment. In the non-application mode, as shown in FIG. 8, light incident obliquely downward on the optical device 101 is reflected by the side surface 33 b and emitted obliquely upward.

First, light obliquely incident on the optical device 101 will be described.

In the non-application mode, as shown in FIG. 8, the S-polarized light LS 1 passes through the blue layer 136 formed at the bottom of the recess 34. Therefore, the S-polarized light LS1 emitted from the optical device 101 is bluish light. That is, the light distributed by the optical device 101 becomes bluish light.

Similarly, since the P-polarized light LP1 passes through the blue layer 136, the P-polarized light LP1 also becomes bluish light. Therefore, when a person indoors looks at the optical device 101 from below, he can see bluish light. For example, the blue sky can be viewed as a clearer blue sky.

As in the first embodiment, FIG. 8 also shows the path of the S-polarized light LS3 refracted by the side surface 33a. As shown in FIG. 8, the S-polarized light LS 3 has not passed through the blue layer 136. For this reason, in the present embodiment, some of the light to be distributed does not pass through the blue layer 136 as in the S-polarized light LS3. Therefore, compared to the first embodiment, the color of the distributed light is reduced in bluish color.

Next, light incident substantially perpendicularly to the optical device 101 from the front will be described.

As shown in FIG. 8, the P-polarized light LP2 and the S-polarized light LS2 passing through the recess 34 pass through the blue layer 136 formed at the bottom of the recess 34. Therefore, the P-polarized light LP2 and the S-polarized light LS2 emitted from the optical device 101 become bluish light.

On the other hand, the P-polarized light LP 4 and the S-polarized light LS 4 passing through the convex portion 33 do not pass through the blue layer 136 formed at the bottom of the concave portion 34. Therefore, the bluishness of the P-polarized light LP4 and the S-polarized light LS4 emitted from the optical device 101 is suppressed.

As described above, in the present embodiment, compared to the first embodiment, the area of the blue layer 136 is larger when the optical device 101 is viewed in plan. Therefore, when viewed from the front of the optical device 101, it looks bluish, so the sense of quality can be further enhanced.

[Effect, etc.]
As described above, in the optical device 101 according to the present embodiment, for example, the blue layer 136 is provided at the bottom of the recess 34.

Thus, as in the first embodiment, the transmitted light of the optical device 101 can be made into a desired color (for example, a bluish color). Further, in the present embodiment, the blue layer 136 is provided at the bottom of the recess 34, that is, between the first electrode layer 40 and the variable-refractive-index layer 32. For this reason, when light injects into the refractive index variable layer 32 from the 1st electrode layer 40, the scattered light which arises at an interface can be suppressed.

(Modification of Embodiment 2)
Subsequently, modified examples 1 and 2 of the second embodiment will be described. In each modification, the configuration of the blue layer of the optical device is different compared to the second embodiment. The configuration other than the blue layer of the optical device, the operation, and the like are the same as in the second embodiment. In the following, differences from the second embodiment will be mainly described, and the description of the common points will be omitted or simplified.

[Modification 1]
First, the first modification will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an optical device 101a according to the present modification. An optical device 101a shown in FIG. 9 includes a light distribution layer 130a. The light distribution layer 130 a includes a blue layer 136 a instead of the blue layer 136 as compared to the light distribution layer 130 according to the second embodiment.

The blue layer 136a is a layer containing a blue pigment as in the second embodiment. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the blue layer 136a further contains a light shielding material 137 which shields at least a part of the incident light.

The light shielding material 137 is, for example, a black pigment. As the black pigment, for example, a carbon-based black pigment such as carbon black or an oxide-based black pigment can be used.

As described above, in the optical device 101a according to the present modification, for example, the blue layer 136a contains the light shielding material 137 that shields at least a part of the incident light.

Thus, as in the second embodiment, the transmitted light of the optical device 101a can be made into a desired color (for example, a bluish color). Furthermore, according to the present modification, since the light shielding material 137 is included in the blue layer 136, the generation of a solar column can be more strongly suppressed as in the modification of the first embodiment.

[Modification 2]
Next, Modification 2 will be described using FIG. FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an optical device 101b according to the present modification. An optical device 101b shown in FIG. 10 includes a light distribution layer 130b. The light distribution layer 130 b further includes a light shielding layer 37 as compared to the light distribution layer 130 according to the second embodiment.

The light shielding layer 37 is provided on the bottom of the recess 34 and shields at least a part of the incident light, as in the modification of the first embodiment. In the present modification, the light shielding layer 37 is stacked on the blue layer 136. Specifically, the light shielding layer 37 is formed on the first electrode layer 40 at the bottom of the recess 34. That is, the light shielding layer 37 is disposed between the first electrode layer 40 and the blue layer 136. The blue layer 136 may be formed on the first electrode layer 40 and disposed between the first electrode layer 40 and the light shielding layer 37.

As described above, in the optical device 101b according to the present modification, for example, the light shielding layer 37, which is laminated to the blue layer 136 and shields at least part of incident light, is further provided on the bottom of the recess 34. ing.

Thus, as in the second embodiment, the transmitted light of the optical device 101b can be made into a desired color (for example, a bluish color). Furthermore, according to the present modification, since the light shielding layer 37 is provided, the generation of the sunlight pillar can be more strongly suppressed as in the modification of the first embodiment.

Third Embodiment
Subsequently, an optical system according to the third embodiment will be described.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of an optical system 200 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11, the optical system 200 includes the optical device 1, an optical device 201, and a control unit 261.

The optical device 1 is an example of a first optical device, and is the same as the optical device 1 shown in the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, the optical system 200 may include the optical device 1a or the

optical device

101, 101a or 101b instead of the optical device 1.

The optical device 201 is an example of a second optical device, and differs from the optical device 1 in that the light distribution layer 230 is provided instead of the light distribution layer 30. The light distribution layer 230 is an example of a second light distribution layer, and is different from the light distribution layer 30 in that the blue layer 36 is not provided. Specifically, the optical device 201 includes a first base (third base) 10, a second base (fourth base) 20, a first electrode layer (third electrode layer) 40, and a third base. And a second electrode layer (fourth electrode layer) 50.

The optical device 201 is disposed side by side with the optical device 1 in a plane along the vertical direction. In the present embodiment, the optical device 1 is located above the optical device 201. Specifically, the optical device 1 and the optical device 201 are attached to the window 91 as shown in FIG. The vertical direction is, for example, the vertical direction, but is not limited thereto. For example, the window 91 may be inclined obliquely to the vertical direction.

The control unit 261 controls each of the optical device 1 and the optical device 201. Specifically, the control unit 261 applies an electric field to the light distribution layer 30 by applying a predetermined voltage between the first electrode layer 40 and the second electrode layer 50 of the optical device 1. Further, the control unit 261 applies an electric field to the light distribution layer 230 by applying a predetermined voltage between the first electrode layer 40 and the second electrode layer 50 of the optical device 201.

Since the optical device 1 and the optical device 201 differ only in the presence or absence of the blue layer 36, they will be in the same optical state if the electric field applied to each of the light distribution layer 30 and the light distribution layer 230 is the same. For example, when no electric field is applied to the light distribution layer 30 and the light distribution layer 230 (that is, in the non-application mode), the optical device 1 and the optical device 201 distribute incident light in the same direction. As the electric field applied to each of the light distribution layer 30 and the light distribution layer 230 increases, the light distribution angle decreases, and the optical device 1 and the optical device 201 approach a transparent state.

In the present embodiment, the control unit 261 operates the optical device between the first electrode layer 40 and the second electrode layer 50 of the optical device 1 when operating the optical device 1 and the optical device 201 in the same optical state. A voltage greater than the potential difference between the first electrode layer 40 and the second electrode layer 50 of 201 is applied. That is, the light distribution angle of the optical device 1 is made smaller than the light distribution angle of the optical device 201. For example, the control unit 261 operates the optical device 201 in the non-application mode (light distribution state) and operates the optical device 1 in the voltage application mode. The voltage applied between the electrode layers of the optical device 1 at this time is smaller than the voltage for making the optical device 1 in a transparent state.

As a result, as shown in FIG. 12, the bluish light distributed by the optical device 1 and the yellowish light distributed by the optical device 201 can be collected in the same area. . FIG. 12 is a schematic view for explaining a light distribution state of the optical system 200 according to the present embodiment. By adjusting the light distribution direction of the bluish light and the yellowish light, it is possible to adjust the degree of mixing of the light.

[Effect, etc.]
As described above, the optical system 200 according to the present embodiment includes, for example, the optical device 1 and the optical device 201 arranged in parallel with the optical device 1 in a plane along the vertical direction. The optical device 201 includes a light-transmitting first base material (third base material) 10 and a light-transmitting second base material (fourth base material) 20 facing the first base material 10; A light distribution layer 230 disposed between the first base material 10 and the second base material 20 for distributing incident light, and a first electrode layer disposed opposite to each other with the light distribution layer 230 interposed therebetween (Third electrode layer) 40 and second electrode layer (fourth electrode layer) 50 are provided. The light distribution layer 230 is filled with a concavo-convex structure layer (second concavo-convex structure layer) 31 having a plurality of convex portions (second convex portions) 33 and a concave portion (second concave portion) 34 between the plural convex portions 33. And a variable-refractive-index layer (second variable-refractive-index layer) 32 whose refractive index changes in accordance with the voltage applied between the first electrode layer 40 and the second electrode layer 50. The optical device 1 is located above the optical device 201.

Thus, when the person in the building 90 looks up at the window 91, the optical device 1 for emitting bluish light is disposed on the upper side, so that the blue sky can be seen more beautifully.

In addition, for example, the optical system 200 further includes a control unit 261 that controls each of the optical device 1 and the optical device 201, and the control unit 261 operates the optical device 1 and the optical device 201 in the same optical state. A voltage greater than the potential difference between the first electrode layer 40 and the second electrode layer 50 of the optical device 201 is applied between the first electrode layer 40 and the second electrode layer 50 of the optical device 1.

As a result, as shown in FIG. 12, the degree of mixing of light can be adjusted by adjusting the light distribution direction of the bluish light and the yellowish light.

In the present embodiment, an example is shown in which the optical device 1 and the optical device 201 are separately configured, but the optical device 1 and the optical device 201 may be integrally configured. That is, the first base 10 and the second base 20 of each of the optical devices 1 and 210 may be formed as a single substrate.

In addition, the control unit 261 may operate the optical device 1 and the optical device 201 in the same manner. Specifically, the control unit 261 applies a voltage to each electrode layer so that the electric field applied to the light distribution layer 30 of the optical device 1 and the electric field applied to the light distribution layer 230 of the optical device 201 become the same. You may Thereby, the advancing direction of the light which passed each of the optical device 1 and the optical device 201 can be made the same.

(Others)
Although the optical device and the optical system according to the present invention have been described above based on the above embodiment and the modification thereof, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment.

For example, although the above-mentioned embodiment showed an example in which the blue layer is provided in the recess 34, the present invention is not limited to this. The recess 34 may be provided with a colored layer other than blue. The color of the colored layer may be, for example, red, yellow, green or the like. By providing a colored layer, it is possible to make transmitted light into a desired color tone.

Further, for example, in the above-described embodiment, although the example in which the plurality of convex portions 33 are separated from each other is shown, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in the optical device 301 shown in FIG. 13, the concavo-convex structure layers 331 of the light distribution layer 330 are connected to each other. FIG. 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an optical system according to a modification of the embodiment.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, the concavo-convex structure layer 331 includes a thin film layer 338 formed on the first base 10 side, and a plurality of convex portions 33 protruding from the thin film layer 338. The thin film layer 338 may be formed intentionally, or may be formed as a residual film when forming the plurality of projections 33. The thickness of the thin film layer 338 is, for example, 1 μm, but is not limited thereto.

Also, for example, in the above embodiment, the optical device is disposed in the window so that the longitudinal direction of the convex portion 33 is the x-axis direction, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the optical device may be disposed in the window such that the longitudinal direction of the convex portion 33 is the z-axis direction.

Further, for example, in the above-described embodiment, each of the plurality of convex portions 33 constituting the concavo-convex structure layer 31 has a long shape, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the plurality of convex portions 33 may be arranged to be dispersed in a matrix or the like. That is, the plurality of convex portions 33 may be arranged in a dotted manner.

Further, for example, in the above-described embodiment, each of the plurality of convex portions 33 has the same shape. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the shapes may be different in the plane. For example, the inclination angles of the side surfaces 33a or 33b of the plurality of protrusions 33 may be different between the upper half and the lower half in the z-axis direction of the optical device 1.

Further, for example, in the above embodiment, the heights of the plurality of convex portions 33 are fixed, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the heights of the plurality of protrusions 33 may be randomly different. By doing this, it is possible to suppress that the light transmitted through the optical device appears iridescent. That is, by randomly changing the heights of the plurality of convex portions 33, minute diffracted light and scattered light at the concavo-convex interface are averaged by the wavelength, and coloring of the emitted light is suppressed.

Also, for example, in the above embodiment, as the material of the refractive index variable layer 32 of the light distribution layer 30, a material containing a polymer such as a polymer structure may be used besides the liquid crystal material. The polymer structure is, for example, a network-like structure, and the arrangement of liquid crystal molecules between the polymer structures (network) enables adjustment of the refractive index. As a liquid crystal material containing a polymer, for example, a polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) or a polymer network liquid crystal (PNLC) can be used.

Moreover, although sunlight was illustrated as light which injects into the optical device 1 in said embodiment, it does not restrict to this. For example, the light incident on the optical device 1 may be light emitted by a light emitting device such as a lighting device.

In the above embodiment, the optical device 1 is attached to the indoor surface of the window 91. However, the optical device 1 may be attached to the outdoor surface of the window 91. By sticking on the indoor side, deterioration of the optical element can be suppressed. Further, although the optical device 1 is attached to the window 91, the optical device may be used as the window of the building 90 itself. Further, the optical device 1 is not limited to being installed in the window 91 of the building 90, and may be installed in, for example, a window of a car.

Note that these modifications can be applied to other embodiments and modifications.

In addition, the present invention can be realized by arbitrarily combining components and functions in each embodiment without departing from the scope of the present invention or embodiments obtained by applying various modifications that those skilled in the art may think to each embodiment. The form is also included in the present invention.

1, 1a, 101, 101a, 101b, 201 Optical device 10 First base material 20

Second base material

30, 30a, 130, 130a, 130b Light distribution layer (first light distribution layer)
31 Uneven structure layer (first uneven structure layer, second uneven structure layer)
32 Refractive index variable layer (first refractive index variable layer, second refractive index variable layer)
33 convex part (first convex part, second convex part)
33b side 34 concave (first concave, second concave)
36, 136, 136a Blue layer 37 Light shielding layer 40 First electrode layer (third electrode layer)
50 Second electrode layer (fourth electrode layer)
137 Light shielding material 200 Optical system 230 Light distribution layer (second light distribution layer)
261 Control unit

Claims

A translucent first substrate,
A light transmitting second substrate facing the first substrate;
A first light distribution layer disposed between the first base and the second base for distributing incident light;
And a first electrode layer and a second electrode layer disposed opposite to each other with the first light distribution layer interposed therebetween,
The first light distribution layer is
A first uneven structure layer having a plurality of first protrusions;
A first refractive index, which is arranged to fill a first concave portion between the plurality of first convex portions, and whose refractive index changes according to a voltage applied between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer With a variable layer,
An optical device comprising: a blue layer provided in the first recess.
The optical device according to claim 1, wherein the blue layer is provided along a side surface of each of the plurality of first protrusions facing the first recess.
The optical device according to claim 1, wherein the blue layer is provided at the bottom of the first recess.
The optical device according to claim 3, further comprising a light shielding layer laminated to the blue layer and shielding at least a part of the incident light, at a bottom of the first concave portion.
The optical device according to claim 3, wherein the blue layer contains a light shielding material that shields at least a part of incident light.
The optical device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the blue layer contains a wavelength conversion material that converts ultraviolet light into blue light.
A first optical device, which is the optical device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.
And a second optical device disposed side by side with the first optical device in a plane along the vertical direction.
The second optical device is
A third base material having translucency,
A light transmitting fourth substrate facing the third substrate;
A second light distribution layer disposed between the third base and the fourth base for distributing incident light;
And a third electrode layer and a fourth electrode layer disposed opposite to each other with the second light distribution layer interposed therebetween,
The second light distribution layer is
A second uneven structure layer having a plurality of second protrusions;
A second refractive index, which is disposed to fill a second concave portion between the plurality of second convex portions, and whose refractive index changes according to a voltage applied between the third electrode layer and the fourth electrode layer Including a variable layer,
An optical system, wherein the first optical device is located above the second optical device.
And a control unit configured to control each of the first optical device and the second optical device.
The control unit, when operating the first optical device and the second optical device in the same optical state, includes the third electrode layer and the fourth electrode between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer. The optical system according to claim 7, which applies a voltage larger than the potential difference between layers.