WO2021256499A1 - Élément optique et lunettes - Google Patents

Élément optique et lunettes Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2021256499A1
WO2021256499A1 PCT/JP2021/022835 JP2021022835W WO2021256499A1 WO 2021256499 A1 WO2021256499 A1 WO 2021256499A1 JP 2021022835 W JP2021022835 W JP 2021022835W WO 2021256499 A1 WO2021256499 A1 WO 2021256499A1
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WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
liquid crystal
optical element
crystal layer
state
alignment film
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PCT/JP2021/022835
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English (en)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
司朗 七条
孝毅 高頭
雅浩 伊藤
Original Assignee
三井化学株式会社
公立大学法人山陽小野田市立山口東京理科大学
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Priority to JP2022531865A priority Critical patent/JPWO2021256499A1/ja
Publication of WO2021256499A1 publication Critical patent/WO2021256499A1/fr

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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02C—SPECTACLES; SUNGLASSES OR GOGGLES INSOFAR AS THEY HAVE THE SAME FEATURES AS SPECTACLES; CONTACT LENSES
    • G02C7/00—Optical parts
    • G02C7/10—Filters, e.g. for facilitating adaptation of the eyes to the dark; Sunglasses
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
    • G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
    • G02F1/01—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour 
    • G02F1/13—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour  based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
    • G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
    • G02F1/01—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour 
    • G02F1/13—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour  based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells
    • G02F1/133—Constructional arrangements; Operation of liquid crystal cells; Circuit arrangements
    • G02F1/1333—Constructional arrangements; Manufacturing methods
    • G02F1/1337—Surface-induced orientation of the liquid crystal molecules, e.g. by alignment layers
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
    • G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
    • G02F1/01—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour 
    • G02F1/13—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour  based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells
    • G02F1/133—Constructional arrangements; Operation of liquid crystal cells; Circuit arrangements
    • G02F1/1333—Constructional arrangements; Manufacturing methods
    • G02F1/1347—Arrangement of liquid crystal layers or cells in which the final condition of one light beam is achieved by the addition of the effects of two or more layers or cells

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to optical elements and eyewear.
  • a lens for spectacles is known as an example of an optical element (see Patent Document 1).
  • the lens disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a lens base material and a multilayer film.
  • Such a lens has a function of blocking light of a specific wavelength (for example, blue light) at a predetermined ratio.
  • the spectacles in use when the user wears the spectacles (hereinafter referred to as the spectacles in use), if the amount of light incident on the lens from a specific direction (for example, diagonally upward) is large, it may be dazzling and the visibility may be deteriorated. There is sex. To solve this problem, if the light transmittance of the entire lens is lowered (absorption rate is increased), not only the light incident on the lens from diagonally above but also the light incident on the lens from the front is absorbed. Visibility is reduced.
  • An object of the present invention is to provide an optical element and eyewear capable of changing the transmittance according to the incident angle of light incident on the optical element.
  • One aspect of the optical element according to the present invention is A liquid crystal cell containing a liquid crystal molecule and a dichroic dye and having a facing first surface and a second surface is provided.
  • the pretilt angle which is the inclination angle of the dichroic dye in contact with at least one of the first surface and the second surface, with respect to one surface is 5 ° or more.
  • the eyewear according to the present invention is An electrically active lens having the above optical element is provided.
  • an optical element and eyewear that can change the transmittance according to the incident angle of light incident on the optical element.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the optical element according to the first embodiment of the present invention in the first state.
  • Figure 2 is an enlarged view of X 1 part of FIG.
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the optical element in the second state.
  • FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the relationship between the incident light on the optical element and the emitted light from the optical element.
  • FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the optical element according to the second embodiment of the present invention in the first state.
  • Figure 6 is an enlarged view of the X 2 parts of FIG.
  • FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the relationship between the incident angle, the transmittance, and the tilt angle.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the optical element according to the first embodiment of the present invention in the first state.
  • Figure 2 is an enlarged view of X 1 part of FIG.
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the optical element in the second state.
  • FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the optical element according to the third embodiment of the present invention in the first state.
  • FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the relationship between the incident light on the optical element and the emitted light from the optical element.
  • FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the optical element according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention in the first state.
  • FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the optical element according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention in the first state.
  • FIG. 12A is a diagram showing the relationship between the incident light on the optical element and the emitted light from the optical element.
  • FIG. 12B is a diagram showing the relationship between the incident angle and the transmittance with respect to the embodiment according to the fifth embodiment.
  • FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the optical element according to an example of the modification of the fifth embodiment in the first state.
  • FIG. 14A is a schematic cross-sectional view of the optical element according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention in the first state.
  • FIG. 14B is a diagram showing the relationship between the incident angle and the transmittance with respect to Examples 1, 2 and 3 according to the sixth embodiment.
  • FIG. 14C is a diagram showing the relationship between the incident angle and the transmittance when the applied voltage is changed according to the second embodiment according to the sixth embodiment.
  • FIG. 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the optical element according to an example of the modification of the sixth embodiment of the present invention in the first state.
  • FIG. 14A is a schematic cross-sectional view of the optical element according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention in the first state.
  • FIG. 14B is a diagram showing the relationship between the incident angle and the transmittance with respect to Examples 1, 2 and 3 according to the sixth embodiment.
  • FIG. 14C is
  • FIG. 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the optical element according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 17 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the optical element according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 18 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the optical element according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 19 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an optical element according to an example of a modification of the ninth embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 20 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the optical element according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 21 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an optical element according to an example of a modification of the tenth embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 22 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the optical element according to the eleventh embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 23 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the optical element according to the twelfth embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the electronic eyeglasses according to the thirteenth embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 25 is a front view of the lens.
  • FIG. 26 is a sectional view taken along the line CC of FIG. 25.
  • FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of the forward tilt angle of the lens.
  • FIG. 28 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of the forward tilt angle of the lens.
  • FIG. 29 is a schematic diagram of the electronic eyeglasses according to the fourteenth embodiment of the present invention.
  • optical element and eyewear according to the embodiment described later are examples of the optical element and eyewear according to the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the embodiment.
  • FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the optical element 1 in a state where no voltage is applied to the optical element 1.
  • the optical element 1 changes the orientation state of the liquid crystal molecules 141 and the dichroic dye 142 existing in the liquid crystal layer 14 according to the presence or absence of voltage application, thereby changing the first state and the second state having different optical characteristics. Switch.
  • the first state of the optical element 1 is a state in which no voltage is applied to the optical element 1.
  • the liquid crystal molecules 141 and the dichroic dye 142 present in the liquid crystal layer 14 have the inclination angle of the long axis of the liquid crystal molecules 141 and the dichroic dye 142 in the thickness direction of the optical element 1. From one side (upper side in FIG. 1) to the other side (lower side in FIG. 1), the size becomes smaller (see FIG. 1).
  • the optical element 1 has a property that the absorption rate (transmittance) with respect to the incident light incident on the optical element 1 is asymmetrical with the incident angle of 0 ° (hereinafter referred to as a reference incident angle) as the center (hereinafter referred to as a reference incident angle). , Called anisotropy with respect to transmittance).
  • the second state of the optical element 1 is a state in which a voltage is applied to the optical element 1.
  • the liquid crystal molecules 141 and the dichroic dye 142 present in the liquid crystal layer 14 have the long axes of the liquid crystal molecules 141 and the dichroic dye 142 parallel to the thickness direction of the optical element 1.
  • the optical element 1 has a property that the absorption rate (transmittance) with respect to the incident light incident on the optical element 1 is symmetrical with the reference incident angle as the center. Therefore, the optical element 1 does not have the above-mentioned anisotropy regarding the absorptivity in the second state.
  • Such an optical element 1 is used, for example, in a lens of spectacles or a film for a window.
  • the specific configuration and operation of the optical element 1 will be described.
  • Cartesian coordinate system (X, Y, Z) is used for convenience of explanation.
  • the Cartesian coordinate system (X, Y, Z) shown in each figure is a common Cartesian coordinate system.
  • the Z direction coincides with the direction of the optical axis of the optical element 1 (hereinafter, simply referred to as "optical axis direction").
  • thickness direction means the thickness direction of the optical element 1 and each member constituting the optical element 1.
  • the thickness direction coincides with the Z direction.
  • first surface of each member means the Z direction + side (Z direction plus side) surface of each member
  • second surface the Z direction-side of each member. It means the surface (minus side in the Z direction).
  • the optical element 1 has a laminated structure in which a plurality of plate-shaped or film-shaped constituent members are laminated.
  • the stacking direction of the constituent members coincides with the Z direction.
  • the optical element 1 includes a first substrate 11, a first electrode 12, a first alignment film 13, a liquid crystal layer 14, a second alignment film 15, a second electrode 16, and a second substrate 17 in this order from the front surface to the back surface.
  • a first substrate 11 a first electrode 12, a first alignment film 13, a liquid crystal layer 14, a second alignment film 15, a second electrode 16, and a second substrate 17 in this order from the front surface to the back surface.
  • a second substrate 17 in this order from the front surface to the back surface.
  • Each of the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 17 has a plate shape having transparency to visible light.
  • the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 17 face each other at a predetermined distance in the thickness direction.
  • the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 17 are flat plates parallel to the XY plane, respectively.
  • the first substrate 11 and / or the second substrate 17 may each have a plate shape with a convex front surface and a concave back surface.
  • the first substrate 11 and / or the second substrate 17 are made of inorganic glass, organic glass, or the like, respectively.
  • the first substrate 11 is preferably made of organic glass.
  • the organic glass is a thermosetting material made of thermosetting polyurethanes, polythiourethanes, polyepoxides, or polyepisulfides, a thermoplastic material made of poly (meth) acrylates, or a copolymer thereof. It is one of thermosetting (crosslinked) materials consisting of a mixture.
  • the materials of the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 17 are not limited to these, and various known materials depending on the application can be adopted.
  • the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 16 are a pair of transparent electrodes having translucency.
  • the first electrode 12 is arranged between the first substrate 11 and the first alignment film 13.
  • the second electrode 16 is arranged between the second alignment film 15 and the second substrate 17.
  • the liquid crystal layer 14 is sandwiched between the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 16.
  • the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 16 may be arranged at least within a range in which a voltage can be applied to the liquid crystal layer 14.
  • the materials of the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 16 are not particularly limited as long as they have the desired translucency and conductivity, respectively.
  • Examples of the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 16 include indium tin oxide (ITO) and zinc oxide (ZnO).
  • the materials of the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 16 may be the same or different from each other.
  • the first alignment film 13 and the second alignment film 15 each control the orientation state of the liquid crystal molecules 141 in the liquid crystal layer 14.
  • the first alignment film 13 is arranged between the first electrode 12 and the liquid crystal layer 14.
  • the second alignment film 15 is arranged between the liquid crystal layer 14 and the second electrode 16.
  • the first alignment film 13 is a so-called vertical alignment film, and the long axis of the liquid crystal molecules 141 in contact with or close to the first alignment film 13 is the first surface (Z direction + side) of the liquid crystal layer 14.
  • the orientation state of the liquid crystal molecule 141 is controlled so as to coincide with the normal direction of the surface).
  • the second alignment film 15 is an alignment film (also referred to as a pretilt alignment film) for imparting a pretilt angle to the liquid crystal molecules 141 in contact with or adjacent to the second alignment film 15.
  • the long axis of the liquid crystal molecules 141 in contact with or close to the second alignment film 15 has a predetermined angle (pretilt described later) with respect to the second surface (Z-direction-side surface) of the liquid crystal layer 14.
  • the orientation state of the liquid crystal molecule 141 is controlled so as to form an angle). The orientation state of the liquid crystal molecule 141 will be described later.
  • the first alignment film 13 and the second alignment film 15 as described above are each subjected to an orientation treatment for imparting orientation to the first alignment film 13 and the second alignment film 15, respectively.
  • the alignment treatment is a known treatment method such as a rubbing treatment and a photo-alignment treatment.
  • the material of the first alignment film 13 a known material used as the alignment film of the liquid crystal material can be used.
  • Examples of the material of the first alignment film 13 include polyimide.
  • the liquid crystal layer 14 is sandwiched between the first alignment film 13 and the second alignment film 15.
  • the liquid crystal layer 14 has a front surface defined by the back surface of the first alignment film 13 and a back surface defined by the front surface of the second alignment film 15.
  • the liquid crystal layer 14 is surrounded by a sealing material (not shown).
  • the liquid crystal layer 14 is provided in a space surrounded by a sealing material between the first alignment film 13 and the second alignment film 15.
  • a surface direction of the liquid crystal layer 14 corresponds to an example of a liquid crystal cell.
  • the liquid crystal layer 14, the first alignment film 13, and the second alignment film 15 may be regarded as an example of a liquid crystal cell.
  • the liquid crystal layer 14 switches between a first state and a second state in which the optical characteristics are different from each other depending on the presence or absence of voltage application.
  • the first state of the liquid crystal layer 14 corresponds to the first state of the optical element 1, and is the state of the liquid crystal layer 14 when no voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer 14.
  • FIG. 1 shows the first state of the optical element 1 and the liquid crystal layer 14.
  • the second state of the liquid crystal layer 14 corresponds to the second state of the optical element 1, and is the state of the liquid crystal layer 14 when a voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer 14.
  • FIG. 3 shows the second state of the optical element 1 and the liquid crystal layer 14.
  • the liquid crystal layer 14 has a plurality of liquid crystal molecules 141 and a plurality of dichroic dyes 142.
  • the liquid crystal molecule 141 has a substantially rod shape having a major axis and a minor axis.
  • the liquid crystal molecules 141 are present in the liquid crystal layer 14 side by side in the plane direction and the thickness direction of the liquid crystal layer 14.
  • the dichroic dye 142 has a substantially rod shape having a major axis and a minor axis.
  • the shape of the dichroic dye 142 is almost the same as the shape of the liquid crystal molecule 141.
  • the dichroic dye 142 exists in the liquid crystal layer 14 between the liquid crystal molecules 141 adjacent to each other in the plane direction and / or the thickness direction of the liquid crystal layer 14.
  • the dichroic dye 142 has a property that the absorption rate of light in the major axis direction of the molecule and the absorption rate of light in the minor axis direction are different. Such properties of the dichroic dye 142 realize anisotropy regarding the absorptivity of the optical element 1.
  • the light incident on the dichroic dye 142 from the normal direction of the plane including the long axis of the dichroic dye 142 is referred to as the long axis side incident light.
  • the normal direction of the plane including the long axis of the dichroic dye 142 is referred to as a maximum absorption direction.
  • the long-axis side incident light is light that travels in a plane including the long axis of the dichroic dye 142 and is parallel to the Z direction (first plane), and has two colors. It means the light incident on the dichroic dye 142 from the direction orthogonal to the long axis of the sex dye 142.
  • the first plane corresponds to the incident surface of the incident light on the long axis side.
  • the light incident on the dichroic dye 142 from the direction parallel to the long axis of the dichroic dye 142 is referred to as the light incident on the short axis side.
  • the normal direction of the plane including the minor axis of the dichroic dye 142 is referred to as the minimum absorption direction.
  • the minimum absorption direction is also a direction parallel to the long axis of the dichroic dye 142.
  • the dichroic dye 142 also has a predetermined absorption rate (transmittance) for such light.
  • absorption rate transmittance
  • the dichroic dye 142 has a property that the absorption rate for the long-axis side incident light is larger than the absorption rate for the short-axis side incident light.
  • the absorption rate of the dichroic dye 142 has the maximum absorption rate for the long-axis side incident light and the minimum absorption rate for the short-axis side incident light. That is, the dichroic dye 142 has a property that the light absorption rate differs depending on the incident direction.
  • the dichroic dye 142 has a long axis side incident light absorption rate with respect to a so-called P wave (also referred to as a vertical vibration component of the long axis side incident light) among the components of the long axis side incident light. It has a property larger than the absorption rate of the incident light for the so-called S wave (also referred to as the horizontal vibration component of the incident light on the long axis side).
  • P wave also referred to as a vertical vibration component of the long axis side incident light
  • S wave also referred to as the horizontal vibration component of the incident light on the long axis side
  • the orientation state of the liquid crystal molecule 141 is controlled by the first alignment film 13 and the second alignment film 15.
  • the orientation state of the dichroic dye 142 is the same as the orientation state of the liquid crystal molecule 141, and changes depending on the orientation state of the liquid crystal molecule 141. Therefore, it may be considered that the alignment state of the dichroic dye 142 is also controlled by the first alignment film 13 and the second alignment film 15.
  • a region containing the liquid crystal molecules 141 and the dichroic dye 142 in contact with the back surface of the first alignment film 13 (the front surface of the liquid crystal layer 14) and parallel to the plane direction of the liquid crystal layer 14 is the first of the liquid crystal layer 14. It is defined as a region R 1.
  • a region containing the liquid crystal molecules 141 and the dichroic dye 142 in contact with the front surface of the second alignment film 15 (the back surface of the liquid crystal layer 14) and parallel to the plane direction of the liquid crystal layer 14 is the second of the liquid crystal layer 14. It is defined as a region R 2.
  • first region R 1 the second region R 2 , and the intermediate region R 3 may be collectively referred to as the entire region.
  • the liquid crystal molecules 141 and the dichroic dye 142 present in the entire region are each tilted with respect to the plane direction of the liquid crystal layer 14.
  • the orientation state of the liquid crystal layer 14 in this embodiment is a so-called hybrid orientation.
  • the inclination angle of the liquid crystal molecule 141 and / or the dichroic dye 142 means the inclination angle of the major axis of the liquid crystal molecule 141 and / or the dichroic dye 142 with respect to the plane direction of the liquid crystal layer 14.
  • the tilt angle of the liquid crystal molecules 141 and the dichroic dye 142 decreases from the first region R 1 increases toward the second region R 2.
  • the tilt angle of the liquid crystal molecule 141 and the dichroic dye 142 is determined in relation to the incident angle of the incident light for which the absorption rate is desired to be increased.
  • the tilt angle of the liquid crystal molecule 141 and the dichroic dye 142 is the smaller angle (including 90 °) between the major axis of the liquid crystal molecule 141 and the surface direction of the liquid crystal layer 14.
  • the tilt angle of the liquid crystal molecules 141 and the dichroic dye 142 present in the first region R 1 is + phi 1.
  • the clockwise direction is the + side with respect to the tilt angle, with the state in which the major axes of the liquid crystal molecules 141 and the dichroic dye 142 are parallel to the plane direction of the liquid crystal layer 14 as zero (reference). Called (plus side).
  • the direction opposite to the major axis of the liquid crystal molecule 141 and the dichroic dye 142 is referred to as a minus side (minus side) with respect to the inclination angle.
  • the tilt angle + ⁇ 1 may be referred to as the tilt angle + ⁇ 1 of the liquid crystal molecule 141.
  • the tilt angle ⁇ 1 of the liquid crystal molecule 141 is + 90 °.
  • the tilt angle of the liquid crystal molecules 141 and the dichroic dye 142 present in the second region R 2 is + phi 2.
  • a tilt angle + phi 2 also referred to as pre-tilt angle + phi 2 of the liquid crystal molecules 141.
  • the absolute value of the pretilt angle + ⁇ 2 is 5 °.
  • the absolute value of the pretilt angle + ⁇ 2 is preferably 5 ° or more.
  • the absolute value of the pretilt angle phi 2 is more preferably a 10 ° or more.
  • the tilt angle + ⁇ 3 may be referred to as the tilt angle + ⁇ 3 of the liquid crystal molecule 141.
  • the tilt angle ⁇ 3 of the liquid crystal molecules 141 is + 45 °.
  • FIG. 1 for convenience of explanation, only shows more of the liquid crystal molecules 141 and the dichroic dye 142 is present in the intermediate region R 3. However, in the intermediate region R 3, the liquid crystal molecules 141 and the dichroic dye 142 of multiple layers in the thickness direction of the liquid crystal molecules 141 are present.
  • the liquid crystal layer 14 is not physically divided into a plurality of layers.
  • the tilt angle of the liquid crystal molecules 141 and the dichroic dye 142 present in the intermediate region R 3 decreases continuously from the front surface to the back surface of the liquid crystal layer 14. Therefore, the tilt angle + ⁇ 3 of the liquid crystal molecules 141 and the dichroic dye 142 existing in the intermediate region R 3 is different for each row.
  • the entire area or an intermediate area liquid crystal molecules 141 and the dichroic in the region other than the vicinity of the boundary surface between the first region R 1 and the second region R 2 in R 3 The tilt angle of the sex dye 142 is the same or almost the same.
  • FIG. 1 shows a state (first state) of the liquid crystal layer 14 in a state where no voltage is applied.
  • the state of the liquid crystal layer 14 transitions from the first state shown in FIG. 1 to the second state shown in FIG. In the second state of the liquid crystal layer 14, all the long axes of the liquid crystal molecules 141 and the dichroic dye 142 point in the same direction (in the case of this embodiment, the direction parallel to the thickness direction of the liquid crystal layer 14).
  • incident light L shows, by way of example, of the incident light L, incident light L 1 from the thickness direction parallel to the direction (Z direction) of the optical element 1, tilted + theta with respect to the thickness direction of the optical element 1
  • the incident light L 2 from the direction and the incident light L 3 from a direction tilted by ⁇ with respect to the thickness direction of the optical element 1 are shown.
  • the incident light L 2 and the incident light L 3 have a line-symmetrical relationship with respect to the incident light L 1.
  • the incident angle of the incident light L is an angle formed by the incident light L and the normal line of the surface (first surface) of the optical element 1.
  • the incident angle of the incident light L is 0 ° when the incident light L and the normal line are parallel to each other.
  • the incident angle of the incident light L 1 is 0 °.
  • the incident angle of the incident light L 2 is + ⁇ .
  • the incident angle of the incident light L 3 is ⁇ .
  • the incident light L 1 , the incident light L 2 , and the incident light L 3 are shown in FIG. 1, the incident light L is incident on the optical element 1 from various angles.
  • the angle of incidence of the incident light L on the optical element 1 may be collectively referred to as an incident angle ⁇ .
  • the incident light L is incident on the liquid crystal layer 14 without being refracted. Therefore, the incident light L 1 , the incident light L 2 , and the incident light L 3 are incident on the liquid crystal layer 14 while maintaining the incident angle ⁇ with respect to the optical element 1.
  • the range of the incident angle ⁇ of the incident light L is ⁇ 90 ° to + 90 °.
  • the clockwise direction in FIGS. 1 and 2 is defined as the + side (plus side) with respect to the incident angle with respect to the incident angle of 0 °.
  • the direction opposite to the clockwise direction in FIGS. 1 and 2 is defined as the ⁇ side (minus side) with respect to the incident angle.
  • the absorption rate of the dichroic dye 142 has the maximum absorption rate for the long-axis side incident light and the minimum absorption rate for the short-axis side incident light. Further, the dichroic dye 142 has a property that the absorption rate of the long-axis side incident light for the P wave is larger than the absorption rate of the long-axis side incident light for the S wave.
  • Each of the dichroic dyes 142 absorbs a P wave in the incident light L incident on the optical element 1 from the maximum absorption direction. At this time, the S wave of the incident light L incident on the optical element 1 from the maximum absorption direction is not absorbed by the dichroic dye 142 and is transmitted.
  • each of the dichroic dyes 142 is on the + side with respect to the inclination angle which is the clockwise direction with the direction parallel to the plane direction of the liquid crystal layer 14 as zero (reference). It is tilted. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 1, the maximum absorption direction of each of the dichroic dyes 142 is related to the incident angle which is a clockwise direction with respect to the incident angle of 0 ° (normal direction of the surface of the optical element 1). Included on the + side.
  • incident light L incident on the dichroic dye 142 from the maximum absorption direction (hereinafter referred to as incident light L related to the maximum absorption direction) is incident on the optical element 1 from the + side with respect to the incident angle in FIG. Light L.
  • the dichroic dye 142 absorbs the P wave of the incident light L (for example, the incident light L 2 in FIG. 1) incident on the optical element 1 from the + side with respect to the incident angle in FIG. 1, and transmits the S wave. ..
  • incident light L incident on the dichroic dye 142 from the minimum absorption direction is the incident light L incident on the optical element 1 from the ⁇ side with respect to the incident angle. ..
  • the dichroic dye 142 transmits the P wave and the S wave of the incident light L (for example, the incident light L 3 in FIG. 1) incident on the optical element 1 from the ⁇ side with respect to the incident angle.
  • FIG. 4 exaggerates an example of the relationship between the P wave P 1a and the S wave S 1a of the incident light L regarding the maximum absorption direction and the P wave P 2a and the S wave S 2a of the emitted light regarding the maximum absorption direction. It is shown.
  • the emitted light with respect to the maximum absorption direction is the emitted light emitted from the optical element 1 among the incident light L with respect to the maximum absorption direction.
  • the length of the arrow in FIG. 4 corresponds to the amount of light.
  • the absorptivity a for the incident light L is obtained by the following equation 1.
  • L in is the length of the arrow of the incident light
  • L out is the length of the arrow of the emitted light.
  • the P wave P 1a of the incident light L in the maximum absorption direction is absorbed by the dichroic dye 142, the P wave P 2a of the emitted light in the maximum absorption direction is the incident light in the maximum absorption direction. It is significantly smaller than the P wave P 1a of L.
  • the S wave S 1a of the incident light L relating to the maximum absorption direction passes through the dichroic dye 142, the S wave S 2a of the emitted light regarding the maximum absorption direction is the S wave S 1a of the incident light L relating to the maximum absorption direction. Is almost the same.
  • FIG. 4 also shows an example of the relationship between the P wave P 1b and the S wave S 1b in the incident light L in the minimum absorption direction and the P wave P 2b and the S wave S 2b in the emitted light in the minimum absorption direction.
  • the emitted light with respect to the minimum absorption direction is the emitted light emitted from the optical element 1 among the incident light L with respect to the minimum absorption direction.
  • the P wave P 1b and the S wave S 1b in the incident light L in the minimum absorption direction pass through the bicolor dye 142, respectively, the P wave P 2b and S in the emitted light in the minimum absorption direction are transmitted.
  • the wave S 2b is substantially the same as the P wave P 1b and the S wave S 1b in the incident light L with respect to the minimum absorption direction.
  • the amount of the emitted light emitted from the optical element 1 among the incident light L incident on the optical element 1 from the + side with respect to the incident angle is the optical element 1 from the ⁇ side with respect to the incident angle.
  • the optical element 1 of the present embodiment has anisotropy regarding the light absorption rate in the first state.
  • the optical element 1 does not have the anisotropy regarding the light absorption rate as in the first state.
  • the optical element 1 of the present embodiment applies a voltage between the first state having anisotropy regarding the light absorption rate and the second state having no anisotropy regarding the light absorption rate. It can be switched according to.
  • FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the first state of the optical element 1B.
  • the optical element 1B according to the present embodiment also has anisotropy regarding the absorption rate by changing the orientation state of the liquid crystal molecules 141 and the dichroic dye 142 present in the liquid crystal layer 14B depending on the presence or absence of voltage application. It switches between the first state and the second state, which has no anisotropy with respect to absorption.
  • the optical element 1B has a first substrate 11, a first electrode 12, a first alignment film 13B, a liquid crystal layer 14B, a second alignment film 15B, and a first surface in this order from the front surface (first surface) to the back surface (second surface). It has two electrodes 16 and a second substrate 17.
  • the structures of the first substrate 11, the first electrode 12, the second electrode 16, and the second substrate 17 are the same as those in the first embodiment.
  • the structures of the first alignment film 13B, the liquid crystal layer 14B, and the second alignment film 15B will be described.
  • the first alignment film 13B and the second alignment film 15B each control the alignment state of the liquid crystal molecules 141 in the liquid crystal layer 14B.
  • the first alignment film 13B is arranged between the first electrode 12 and the liquid crystal layer 14B.
  • the second alignment film 15B is arranged between the liquid crystal layer 14B and the second electrode 16.
  • the major axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules 141 in contact with or close to the first alignment film 13B is a predetermined angle with respect to the surface of the liquid crystal layer 14B (first pretilt angle described later). ), The orientation state of the liquid crystal molecule 141 is controlled.
  • the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules 141 in contact with or close to the second alignment film 15B forms a predetermined angle (second pretilt angle described later) with respect to the back surface of the liquid crystal layer 14B.
  • the orientation state of the liquid crystal molecule 141 is controlled.
  • the other structures of the first alignment film 13B and the second alignment film 15B are the same as the structures of the first alignment film 13 and the second alignment film 15 of the first embodiment.
  • the liquid crystal layer 14B switches between a first state and a second state in which the optical characteristics are different from each other depending on the presence or absence of voltage application.
  • the first state of the liquid crystal layer 14B is the state of the liquid crystal layer 14B when no voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer 14B.
  • FIG. 5 shows the first state of the optical element 1B and the liquid crystal layer 14B.
  • the second state of the liquid crystal layer 14B is the state of the liquid crystal layer 14B when a voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer 14B. Since the second state of the liquid crystal layer 14B is the same as the second state of the optical element 1 and the liquid crystal layer 14 shown in FIG. 3, the illustration is omitted.
  • the liquid crystal layer 14B has a plurality of liquid crystal molecules 141 and a plurality of dichroic dyes 142.
  • the shape and properties of the liquid crystal molecule 141 and the dichroic dye 142 are the same as those of the liquid crystal molecule 141 and the dichroic dye 142 of the first embodiment.
  • the orientation state of the liquid crystal molecules 141 and the dichroic dye 142 in the first state of the liquid crystal layer 14B is the orientation state of the liquid crystal molecules 141 and the dichroic dye 142 in the first state of the liquid crystal layer 14 of the first embodiment. It is different from the orientation state.
  • the orientation state of the liquid crystal molecules 141 and the dichroic dye 142 in the second state of the liquid crystal layer 14B is the same as the orientation state of the liquid crystal molecules 141 and the dichroic dye 142 in the second state of the liquid crystal layer 14 of the first embodiment. Is.
  • the first region R 1 in a first state of the liquid crystal layer 14B (the state shown in FIG. 5), the first region R 1, the liquid crystal molecules 141 and the dichroic present in the second region R 2, and the intermediate region R 3
  • Each of the dyes 142 exists in a state of being tilted to the + side with respect to the tilt angle with respect to the plane direction of the liquid crystal layer 14B.
  • the inclination angles of the liquid crystal molecules 141 and the dichroic dye 142 are all the same in all regions of the liquid crystal layer 14B.
  • the tilt angle of the liquid crystal molecules 141 and the dichroic dye 142 present in the entire region of the liquid crystal layer 14B is a + phi 4.
  • a first pre-tilt of the liquid crystal molecules 141 It is a horn.
  • a second pretilt angle of the liquid crystal molecules 141 present in the second region R 2 (in other words, in contact with the back surface of the liquid crystal layer 14B) tilt angle + phi 4 of the liquid crystal molecules 141 and the dichroic dye 142 is a second pretilt angle of the liquid crystal molecules 141.
  • the first pretilt angle and the second pretilt angle are equal to each other.
  • the tilt angle + ⁇ 4 of the liquid crystal molecules 141 and the dichroic dye 142 existing in the intermediate region R 3 is the tilt angle.
  • the first pretilt angle, the second pretilt angle, and the tilt angle of the liquid crystal molecule 141 and the dichroic dye 142 are equal.
  • the absolute values of the first pre-tilt angle + ⁇ 4 , the second pre-tilt angle + ⁇ 4 , and the tilt angle + ⁇ 4 are 60 °.
  • the absolute values of the first pre-tilt angle + ⁇ 4 , the second pre-tilt angle + ⁇ 4 , and the tilt angle + ⁇ 4 are preferably 40 ° or more and 70 ° or less.
  • the absolute values of the first pre-tilt angle + ⁇ 4 , the second pre-tilt angle + ⁇ 4 , and the tilt angle + ⁇ 4 may be appropriately set in relation to the maximum absorption direction of the dichroic dye 142, for example.
  • the liquid crystal layer 14B having the above configuration switches between a first state and a second state in which the optical characteristics are different from each other depending on whether or not a voltage is applied.
  • FIG. 5 shows the liquid crystal layer 14B in a state where no voltage is applied (first state).
  • the state of the liquid crystal layer 14B switches from the first state shown in FIG. 5 to the second state (see FIG. 3).
  • the major axes of all the liquid crystal molecules 141 and the dichroic dye 142 coincide with the same direction (in the case of this embodiment, the direction parallel to the thickness direction of the liquid crystal layer 14B). ..
  • the dichroic dye 142 present in the entire region of the liquid crystal layer 14B is inclined to the + side with respect to the inclination angle. Therefore, the maximum absorption direction of each of the dichroic dyes 142 is included on the + side with respect to the incident angle.
  • the incident light L with respect to the maximum absorption direction is the incident light L incident on the optical element 1B from the + side with respect to the incident angle in FIG.
  • the angle of incidence is equal incident light L with the inclination angle + phi 4 of the dichroic dye 142.
  • the dichroic dye 142 absorbs the P wave of the incident light L whose incident angle is equal to + ⁇ 4 , and transmits the S wave of the incident light L.
  • the incident light L with respect to the minimum absorption direction is the incident light L incident on the optical element 1B from the ⁇ side with respect to the incident angle in FIG.
  • the incident light L with respect to the minimum absorption direction is the incident light L whose incident angle is equal to ⁇ .
  • the dichroic dye 142 the incident angle is transmitted through the P-wave and S wave equal incident light -.phi 4.
  • the light amount of the light beam emitted from the optical element 1B of the incident angle is equal to + phi 4 incident light quantity of the outgoing light incident angle is emitted from the optical element 1B of equal incident light -.phi 4 Less than. That is, the optical element 1B of the present embodiment also has anisotropy regarding the light absorption rate in the first state.
  • the major axes of all the liquid crystal molecules 141 and the dichroic dye 142 face the same direction (in the case of this embodiment, the direction parallel to the thickness direction of the liquid crystal layer 14B). .. Therefore, in the second state, the optical element 1B does not have the anisotropy regarding the light absorption rate as in the first state.
  • the optical element 1B of the present embodiment also applies a voltage between the first state having anisotropy regarding the light absorption rate and the second state having no anisotropy regarding the light absorption rate. It can be switched according to.
  • the incident light L incident on the optical element 1B from a specific direction (in the case of the present embodiment). while increasing the absorption rate of the light incident angle with respect to equal the incident light L) to + phi 4, it can be reduced absorption of light to the incident light L incident from a specific direction to the optical element 1B.
  • FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the results of simulating the relationship between the tilt angle of the liquid crystal molecule 141 and the dichroic dye 142, the angle of incidence on the optical element 1B, and the transmittance of the optical element 1B.
  • the transmittance with respect to the incident light incident on the optical element 1 is symmetrical with respect to the reference incident angle (0 °). become.
  • the transmittance with respect to the incident light incident on the optical element 1 becomes asymmetric around the reference incident angle (0 °). That is, the optical element 1 has anisotropy regarding the absorptivity.
  • the transmittance (0.4) for the incident light having an incident angle of 60 ° corresponding to the maximum absorption direction is the minimum absorption. It can be seen that it is smaller than the transmittance (0.7) for the incident light having an incident angle of -60 ° corresponding to the direction.
  • the transmittance changes linearly (decreases) from the incident angle of -30 °, which maximizes the transmittance, to the incident angle of 50 °.
  • Such a portion contributes to the improvement of visibility because the transmittance gradually changes in the same direction.
  • the absorption rate for the incident light having an incident angle of 60 ° corresponding to the maximum absorption direction is the largest (the transmittance is the smallest), and the incident angle corresponding to the minimum absorption direction-
  • the absorption rate for 60 ° incident light is the lowest (the transmittance is the highest).
  • the relationship between the incident angle and the transmittance shown in FIG. 7 does not have such a relationship. Such a shift in relationship is due to various factors relating to elements other than the dichroic dye 142.
  • FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the first state of the optical element 1C.
  • the optical element 1C according to the present embodiment also has anisotropy regarding the absorption rate by changing the orientation state of the liquid crystal molecules 141 and the dichroic dye 142 existing in the liquid crystal layer 14 depending on the presence or absence of voltage application. It switches between the first state and the second state, which has no anisotropy with respect to absorption.
  • the optical element 1C has a first substrate 11, a first electrode 12, a first alignment film 13, a liquid crystal layer 14, a second alignment film 15, and a first surface in this order from the front surface (first surface) to the back surface (second surface). It has two electrodes 16, a second substrate 17, and a polarizing plate 18.
  • the optical element 1C of the present embodiment is composed of a first substrate 11, a first electrode 12, a first alignment film 13, a liquid crystal layer 14, a second alignment film 15, a second electrode 16, and a second substrate 17.
  • the optical element has the same operation and effect as the optical element 1 of the first embodiment.
  • the polarizing plate 18 has a function of absorbing a component in the first direction of light incident on the polarizing plate 18 and transmitting a component in the second direction orthogonal to the first direction.
  • the polarizing plate 18 is fixed to the back surface of the second substrate 17.
  • the position of the polarizing plate 18 is not limited to the case of this embodiment.
  • Such a polarizing plate 18 is provided to absorb a component (S wave) that was not absorbed by the dichroic dye 142 in the incident light L (that is, the long-axis side incident light) with respect to the maximum absorption direction.
  • the polarizing plate 18 has a function of transmitting a P wave in the incident light (light emitted from the second substrate 17) to the polarizing plate 18 and absorbing an S wave in the incident light on the polarizing plate 18. ..
  • the incident light on the optical element is the same as the incident light on the optical element in FIG. Further, in FIG. 9, the incident light on the polarizing plate is the same as the emitted light of the optical element in FIG.
  • the incident light incident on the polarizing plate 18 from the maximum absorption direction is such that the S wave S 2a is larger than the P wave P 2a.
  • the polarizing plate 18 absorbs the S wave S 2a in the incident light.
  • the P wave P 3a and the S wave S 3a in the light emitted from the polarizing plate 18 are significantly smaller than the P wave P 1a and the S wave S 1b in the incident light L to the optical element 1C. Become.
  • the polarizing plate 18 also absorbs the S wave S 2b of the incident light incident on the polarizing plate 18 from the minimum absorption direction. Therefore, with respect to the minimum absorption direction, the S wave S 3b in the light emitted from the polarizing plate 18 is significantly smaller than the S wave S 1b in the incident light L to the optical element 1C.
  • FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the first state of the optical element 1D.
  • the optical element 1D according to the present embodiment also has anisotropy regarding the absorption rate by changing the orientation state of the liquid crystal molecules 141 and the dichroic dye 142 present in the liquid crystal layer 14B depending on the presence or absence of voltage application. It switches between the first state and the second state, which has no anisotropy with respect to absorption.
  • the optical element 1D has a first substrate 11, a first electrode 12, a first alignment film 13B, a liquid crystal layer 14B, a second alignment film 15B, and a first surface in this order from the front surface (first surface) to the back surface (second surface). It has two electrodes 16, a second substrate 17, and a polarizing plate 18.
  • the structures of the first substrate 11, the first electrode 12, the first alignment film 13B, the liquid crystal layer 14B, the second alignment film 15B, the second electrode 16, and the second substrate 17 are the same as those in the second embodiment.
  • the optical element 1D of the present embodiment is composed of the first substrate 11, the first electrode 12, the first alignment film 13B, the liquid crystal layer 14B, the second alignment film 15B, the second electrode 16, and the second substrate 17.
  • the optical element has the same operation and effect as the optical element 1B of the second embodiment.
  • the polarizing plate 18 is the same as the polarizing plate 18 of the third embodiment.
  • FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the first state of the optical element 1E.
  • the optical element 1E according to the present embodiment also has anisotropy regarding the absorption rate by changing the orientation state of the liquid crystal molecules 141 and the dichroic dye 142 present in the liquid crystal layer 14B depending on the presence or absence of voltage application. It switches between the first state and the second state, which has no anisotropy with respect to absorption.
  • the optical element 1E has a first element 101e, a half-wave plate 19, and a second element 102e in this order from the front surface (first surface) to the back surface (second surface).
  • the first element 101e has a first substrate 11, a first electrode 12, a first alignment film 13B, a liquid crystal layer 14B, a second alignment film 15B, a second electrode 16, and a second substrate 17 in order from the front surface to the back surface.
  • the structure of the first element 101e is the same as that of the optical element 1B of the second embodiment. Therefore, the first element 101e has the same operation and effect as the optical element 1B.
  • the second element 102e has the first substrate 11, the first electrode 12, the first alignment film 13B, the liquid crystal layer 14B, the second alignment film 15B, the second electrode 16, and the second in order from the front surface to the back surface. It has a substrate 17.
  • the structure of the second element 102e is also the same as that of the optical element 1B of the second embodiment. Therefore, the first element 101e has the same operation and effect as the optical element 1B.
  • the liquid crystal layer 14B of the first element 101e corresponds to an example of the first liquid crystal cell. Further, the liquid crystal layer 14B of the second element 102e corresponds to an example of the second liquid crystal cell.
  • first electrode 12 and the second electrode 16 of the first element 101e correspond to an example of a pair of first transparent electrodes.
  • the pair of first transparent electrodes directly or indirectly sandwich the first liquid crystal cell.
  • first electrode 12 and the second electrode 16 of the second element 102e correspond to an example of a pair of second transparent electrodes.
  • the pair of second transparent electrodes directly or indirectly sandwich the second liquid crystal cell.
  • first alignment film 13B and the second alignment film 15B of the first element 101e correspond to an example of a pair of first diagonal alignment films.
  • the pair of first diagonal alignment films directly or indirectly sandwich the first liquid crystal cell.
  • the first alignment film 13B and the second alignment film 15B of the second element 102e correspond to an example of a pair of second diagonal alignment films.
  • the pair of second diagonally oriented films directly or indirectly sandwich the second liquid crystal cell.
  • the half-wave plate 19 is provided between the first element 101e and the second element 102e.
  • the front surface of the half-wave plate 19 is fixed to the back surface of the first element 101e via the first adhesive layer 20.
  • the back surface of the half-wave plate 19 is fixed to the surface of the second element 102e via the second adhesive layer 21.
  • the half-wave plate 19 has a function of generating a phase difference ⁇ (180 °) between the P wave and the S wave of the incident light and outputting the plate. Such a half-wave plate 19 converts the S wave of the incident light into a P wave and emits it.
  • the incident light on the half-wave plate 19 is the emitted light emitted from the first element 101e.
  • the incident light on the half-wave plate 19 with respect to the maximum absorption direction is such that the P wave P 2a is smaller than the S wave S 2a.
  • the P wave P 3a is larger than the S wave S 3a. In this way, the half-wave plate 19 converts the S wave of the incident light on the half-wave plate 19 into a P wave and emits it.
  • the amount of light incident on the optical element 1E and the amount of light emitted from the optical element 1E are the same or almost the same.
  • the optical element 1E in the first state of the optical element 1E, as in the fourth embodiment, has an incident light having an incident angle ⁇ equal to + ⁇ 4 (that is, an optical element from the maximum absorption direction). It is possible to absorb the vertical component and the horizontal component of the incident light incident on 1E).
  • first electrode 12 which is a thin film made of ITO
  • second electrode 16 which is a thin film made of ITO
  • the surface of the first electrode 12 formed on the first substrate 11 is coated with a polyimide solution in which polyimide as a vertical alignment film material and polyimide as a horizontal alignment film material are mixed at a predetermined ratio.
  • a thin film was formed.
  • 80% of the polyimide solution was used as a vertical alignment film material, and 20% of the polyimide solution was used as a horizontal alignment film material.
  • the thickness of the first thin film was 100 nm.
  • a second thin film was formed by applying the above-mentioned polyimide solution to the surface of the second electrode 16 formed on the second substrate 17.
  • the thickness of the second thin film was 100 nm.
  • the surface of the first thin film formed on the first substrate 11 was subjected to a rubbing treatment, which is an alignment treatment of the liquid crystal material, to form the first alignment film 13B. Further, the surface of the second thin film formed on the second substrate 17 was also subjected to a rubbing treatment to form the second alignment film 15. Here, it was confirmed that the pretilt angles of the first alignment film 13B and the second alignment film 15B were 25 °.
  • the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 17 were combined so that the first alignment film 13 and the second alignment film 15 face each other.
  • the direction of the rubbing treatment of the first alignment film 13 and the direction of the rubbing treatment of the second alignment film 15 (hereinafter, simply referred to as the rubbing direction). was parallel and opposite.
  • silica spacers having a diameter of 5 ⁇ m are dispersed and arranged between the vicinity of the outer edge of the surface facing the second substrate 17 on the first substrate 11 and the vicinity of the outer edge of the surface facing the first substrate 11 on the second substrate 17.
  • the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 17 were fixed by applying the adhesive. With the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 17 fixed, the distance between the first alignment film 13B and the second alignment film 15B was set to 5 ⁇ m.
  • a liquid crystal composition was injected between the first alignment film 13B and the second alignment film 15B by utilizing the capillary phenomenon. ..
  • a liquid crystal composition in which 1 wt% of a bicolor black dye NKX-4173 (manufactured by Hayashibara Co., Ltd.) was added to the nematic liquid crystal material ZLI-4792 (manufactured by Merck) was used.
  • the first element 101e and the second element 102e were manufactured by the above method.
  • a cellophane adhesive tape NO.405 manufactured by Nichiban Co., Ltd.
  • This cellophane adhesive tape is the half-wave plate 19.
  • the optical element 1E was manufactured by fixing the front surface of the second element 102e to the back surface of the first element 101e (lower surface in FIG. 11) via the cellophane adhesive tape. With the second element 102e fixed to the first element 101e, the rubbing direction of the first alignment film 13B in the first element 101e is parallel to and the same direction as the rubbing direction of the first alignment film 13B in the second element 102e. did.
  • the incident angle dependence of the transmittance in the direction parallel to the rubbing direction of the first alignment film 13B and the second alignment film 15B in the first element 101e and the second element 102e is determined. It was measured.
  • the rubbing direction of the first element 101f and the second element 102f was set to the minus direction.
  • FIG. 12B shows the result of the above measurement.
  • the horizontal axis represents the incident angle and the vertical axis represents the transmittance.
  • the optical element 1E is asymmetric because the transmittance for the incident light having an incident angle of ⁇ 30 ° is 35% and the transmittance for the incident light having an incident angle of + 30 ° is 18%. It has an incident angle dependence of the transmittance.
  • FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a modification of the fifth embodiment.
  • the optical element 1Eb according to this modification is the second substrate 17 of the first element 101e, the first substrate 11 of the second element 102e, the first adhesive layer 20, and the second adhesive. Layer 21 is omitted.
  • the optical element 1Eb of such a modification the number of parts is reduced, so that the manufacturing cost is low.
  • the structure, action, and effect of the other optical elements 1Eb are the same as those of the optical element 1E.
  • FIG. 14A is a cross-sectional view showing the first state of the optical element 1F.
  • the optical element 1F according to the present embodiment also has anisotropy regarding the absorption rate by changing the orientation state of the liquid crystal molecules 141 and the dichroic dye 142 existing in the liquid crystal layer 14 depending on the presence or absence of voltage application. It switches between the first state and the second state, which has no anisotropy with respect to absorption.
  • the optical element 1F has a first element 101f, a half-wave plate 19, and a second element 102f in this order from the front surface (first surface) to the back surface (second surface).
  • the first element 101f has a first substrate 11, a first electrode 12, a first alignment film 13, a liquid crystal layer 14, a second alignment film 15, a second electrode 16, and a second substrate 17 in this order from the front surface to the back surface.
  • the structure of the first element 101f is the same as that of the optical element 1 of the first embodiment. Therefore, the first element 101f has the same operation and effect as the optical element 1.
  • the second element 102f has a first substrate 11, a first electrode 12, a first alignment film 13, a liquid crystal layer 14, a second alignment film 15, a second electrode 16, and a second electrode in this order from the front surface to the back surface. It has a substrate 17.
  • the structure of the second element 102e is also the same as that of the optical element 1 of the first embodiment. Therefore, the second element 102f has the same operation and effect as the optical element 1.
  • the half-wave plate 19 is provided between the first element 101f and the second element 102f, and is the same as the half-wave plate 19 of the optical element 1E in the fifth embodiment.
  • the front surface of the half-wave plate 19 is fixed to the back surface of the first element 101f via the first adhesive layer 20.
  • the back surface of the half-wave plate 19 is fixed to the surface of the second element 102f via the second adhesive layer 21.
  • the incident light L incident on the optical element 1F from the + side with respect to the incident angle in FIG. 14A (for example, not only P-wave of the incident light L 1) of FIG. 14A, can absorb the S wave.
  • Example 1 (Example 1 according to the sixth embodiment)
  • Example 1 relating to the optical element 1F according to the above-described 6th embodiment will be described.
  • first electrode 12 which is a thin film made of ITO
  • second electrode 16 which is a thin film made of ITO
  • a first thin film made of polyimide SE04811 (manufactured by Nissan Chemical Industries, Ltd.), which is a vertical alignment film material, was formed on the surface of the first electrode 12 formed on the first substrate 11.
  • the thickness of the first thin film was 100 nm.
  • a second thin film made of a horizontally oriented polyimide film material was formed on the surface of the second electrode 16 formed on the second substrate 17.
  • the thickness of the second thin film was 100 nm.
  • the surface of the first thin film formed on the first substrate 11 was subjected to a rubbing treatment, which is an alignment treatment of the liquid crystal material, to form the first alignment film 13. Further, the surface of the second thin film formed on the second substrate 17 was subjected to a rubbing treatment so that the pretilt angle of the liquid crystal molecules 141 and the dichroic dye 142 was 6 ° to form the second alignment film 15. ..
  • the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 17 were combined so that the first alignment film 13 and the second alignment film 15 face each other.
  • the direction of the rubbing treatment of the first alignment film 13 and the direction of the rubbing treatment of the second alignment film 15 (hereinafter, simply referred to as the rubbing direction). was parallel and opposite.
  • silica spacers having a diameter of 5 ⁇ m are dispersed and arranged between the vicinity of the outer edge of the surface facing the second substrate 17 on the first substrate 11 and the vicinity of the outer edge of the surface facing the first substrate 11 on the second substrate 17.
  • the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 17 were fixed by applying the adhesive. With the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 17 fixed, the distance between the first alignment film 13 and the second alignment film 15 was set to 5 ⁇ m.
  • a liquid crystal composition was injected between the first alignment film 13 and the second alignment film 15 by utilizing the capillary phenomenon. ..
  • a liquid crystal composition in which 1 wt% of a bicolor black dye NKX-4173 (manufactured by Hayashibara Co., Ltd.) was added to the nematic liquid crystal material ZLI-4792 (manufactured by Merck) was used.
  • the first element 101f and the second element 102f were manufactured by the above method.
  • a cellophane adhesive tape NO.405 manufactured by Nichiban Co., Ltd.
  • This cellophane adhesive tape is the half-wave plate 19.
  • the optical element 1F was manufactured by fixing the front surface of the second element 102f to the back surface of the first element 101f (lower surface in FIG. 14A) via the cellophane adhesive tape.
  • the rubbing direction of the first alignment film 13 in the first element 101f is parallel to and in the same direction as the rubbing direction of the first alignment film 13 in the second element 102f. be.
  • the incident angle dependence of the transmittance in the direction parallel to the rubbing direction of the first alignment film 13 and the second alignment film 15 in the first element 101f and the second element 102f is determined. It was measured (hereinafter, this measurement is referred to as measurement 1).
  • the rubbing direction of the first element 101f and the second element 102f is set to the minus direction.
  • FIG. 14B shows the result of the above measurement 1.
  • the horizontal axis represents the incident angle and the vertical axis represents the transmittance.
  • the optical element 1F is asymmetric because the transmittance for the incident light having an incident angle of ⁇ 45 ° is 35% and the transmittance for the incident light having an incident angle of + 45 ° is 20%. It has an incident angle dependence of the transmittance.
  • Example 2 Regard the optical element 1F according to the sixth embodiment
  • the optical element 1F was produced by the same method as in Example 1 described above, except that the concentration of the dichroic dye with respect to the liquid crystal composition ZLI-4792 was set to 3 wt%. Then, using the optical element 1F, the incident angle dependence of the transmittance in the direction parallel to the rubbing direction of the first alignment film 13 and the second alignment film 15 in the first element 101f and the second element 102f was measured (hereinafter,). , This measurement is referred to as measurement 2-1).
  • FIG. 14B shows the result of the above measurement 2-1.
  • the transmittance for incident light having an incident angle of ⁇ 45 ° is 19%
  • the transmittance for incident light having an incident angle of + 45 ° is 6%. Therefore, the optical element 1F of this example also has a transmittance of 6%.
  • the applied voltage applied to the optical element 1F of this example is 0V, 1V, 3V, 5V, 10V
  • the first alignment film 13 and the second alignment film 15 in the first element 101f and the second element 102f The incident angle dependence of the transmittance in the direction parallel to the rubbing direction was measured (hereinafter, this measurement is referred to as measurement 2-2).
  • FIG. 14C shows the result of the above measurement 2-2.
  • Example 3 Regard the optical element 1F according to the sixth embodiment
  • the optical element 1F was produced by the same method as in Example 1 described above, except that the concentration of the dichroic dye with respect to the liquid crystal composition ZLI-4792 was set to 5 wt%. Then, using the optical element 1F, the incident angle dependence of the transmittance in the direction parallel to the rubbing direction of the first alignment film 13 and the second alignment film 15 in the first element 101f and the second element 102f was measured (hereinafter,). , This measurement is referred to as measurement 3).
  • FIG. 14B shows the result of the above measurement 3.
  • the transmittance for incident light having an incident angle of ⁇ 45 ° is 7%
  • the transmittance for incident light having an incident angle of + 45 ° is 1%. Therefore, the optical element 1F of this example also has a transmittance of 1%.
  • FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a modification of the sixth embodiment.
  • the optical element 1Fb according to this modification is the second substrate 17 of the first element 101f, the first substrate 11 of the second element 102f, the first adhesive layer 20, and the second adhesive. Layer 21 is omitted.
  • the optical element 1Fb of such a modification the number of parts is reduced, so that the manufacturing cost is low.
  • the structure, action, and effect of the other optical elements 1Fb are the same as those of the optical element 1F.
  • FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the optical element 1G.
  • the optical element 1G does not have a function of switching the state depending on whether or not a voltage is applied. Therefore, the liquid crystal layer 14 of the optical element 1G is always in the same orientation state.
  • the optical element 1G has a structure in which the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 16 are omitted from the optical element 1 of the first embodiment. Specifically, the optical element 1G has a first substrate 11, a first alignment film 13, a liquid crystal layer 14, a second alignment film 15, and a second substrate 17 in this order from the front surface to the back surface.
  • the first substrate 11, the first alignment film 13, the liquid crystal layer 14, the second alignment film 15, and the second substrate 17 of the optical element 1G are the first substrate 11, the first alignment film 13 in the optical element 1 of the first embodiment.
  • the orientation state of the liquid crystal layer 14 in the optical element 1G having the above configuration is the same as the orientation state of the liquid crystal layer 14 in the first state of the optical element 1 of the first embodiment. Therefore, the optical element 1G has the same operation and effect as the first state of the optical element 1 of the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the optical element 1H.
  • the optical element 1H does not have a function of switching the state depending on whether or not a voltage is applied. Therefore, the liquid crystal layer 14B of the optical element 1H is always in the same orientation state.
  • the optical element 1H has a structure in which the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 16 are omitted from the optical element 1B of the second embodiment. Specifically, the optical element 1H has the first substrate 11, the first alignment film 13B, the liquid crystal layer 14B, the second alignment film 15B, and the like in order from the front surface (first surface) to the back surface (second surface). It has a second substrate 17.
  • the first substrate 11, the first alignment film 13B, the liquid crystal layer 14B, the second alignment film 15B, and the second substrate 17 of the optical element 1H are the first substrate 11, the first alignment film 13B in the optical element 1B of the second embodiment.
  • the orientation state of the liquid crystal layer 14B of the optical element 1H having the above configuration is the same as the orientation state of the liquid crystal layer 14B in the first state of the optical element 1B of the second embodiment. Therefore, the optical element 1H has the same operation and effect as the first state of the optical element 1B of the second embodiment.
  • FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the optical element 1J.
  • the optical element 1J does not have a function of switching the state depending on whether or not a voltage is applied. Therefore, the liquid crystal layer 14B of the optical element 1J is always in the same orientation state.
  • the optical element 1J has a structure in which the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 16 are omitted from each of the first element 101e and the second element 102e in the optical element 1E of the fifth embodiment.
  • the optical element 1J has a first element 101j, a half-wave plate 19, and a second element 102j in this order from the front surface (first surface) to the back surface (second surface).
  • the first element 101j has a first substrate 11, a first alignment film 13B, a liquid crystal layer 14B, a second alignment film 15B, and a second substrate 17 in this order from the front surface to the back surface.
  • the first substrate 11, the first alignment film 13B, the liquid crystal layer 14B, the second alignment film 15B, and the second substrate 17 of the first element 101j are the first substrate 11, the first orientation of the first element 101e in the fifth embodiment. This is the same as the film 13B, the liquid crystal layer 14B, the second alignment film 15B, and the second substrate 17.
  • the orientation state of the liquid crystal layer 14B in the first element 101j is always the same as the orientation state of the liquid crystal layer 14B in the first state of the first element 101e of the fifth embodiment. Therefore, the first element 101j has the same operation and effect as the first state of the first element 101e of the fifth embodiment.
  • the second element 102j has a first substrate 11, a first alignment film 13B, a liquid crystal layer 14B, a second alignment film 15B, and a second substrate 17 in this order from the front surface to the back surface.
  • the first substrate 11, the first alignment film 13B, the liquid crystal layer 14B, the second alignment film 15B, and the second substrate 17 of the second element 102j are the first substrate 11, the first orientation of the second element 102e in the fifth embodiment. This is the same as the film 13B, the liquid crystal layer 14B, the second alignment film 15B, and the second substrate 17.
  • the orientation state of the liquid crystal layer 14B in the second element 102j is always the same as the orientation state of the liquid crystal layer 14B in the first state of the second element 102e of the fifth embodiment. Therefore, the second element 102j has the same operation and effect as the first state of the second element 102e of the fifth embodiment.
  • the half-wave plate 19 is the same as the half-wave plate 19 of the optical element 1E in the fifth embodiment.
  • the orientation state of the liquid crystal layer 14B in the optical element 1J having the above configuration is the same as the orientation state of the liquid crystal layer 14B in the first state of the optical element 1E according to the fifth embodiment. Therefore, the optical element 1J has the same operation and effect as the first state of the optical element 1E of the fifth embodiment.
  • FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a modification of the ninth embodiment.
  • the optical element 1Jb according to this modification is the second substrate 17 of the first element 101j, the first substrate 11 of the second element 102j, the first adhesive layer 20, and the second adhesive. Layer 21 is omitted.
  • the optical element 1Jb of such a modification the number of parts is reduced, so that the manufacturing cost is low.
  • the structure, action, and effect of the other optical elements 1Jb are the same as those of the optical element 1J.
  • FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the optical element 1K.
  • the optical element 1K does not have a function of switching the state depending on whether or not a voltage is applied. Therefore, the liquid crystal layer 14 of the optical element 1K is always in the same orientation state.
  • the optical element 1K has a structure in which the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 16 are omitted from each of the first element 101f and the second element 102f in the optical element 1F of the sixth embodiment.
  • the optical element 1K has a first element 101k, a half-wave plate 19, and a second element 102k in order from the front surface (first surface) to the back surface (second surface).
  • the first element 101k has a first substrate 11, a first alignment film 13, a liquid crystal layer 14, a second alignment film 15, and a second substrate 17 in this order from the front surface to the back surface.
  • the first substrate 11, the first alignment film 13, the liquid crystal layer 14, the second alignment film 15, and the second substrate 17 of the first element 101k are the first substrate 11, the first orientation of the first element 101f in the sixth embodiment. This is the same as the film 13, the liquid crystal layer 14, the second alignment film 15, and the second substrate 17.
  • the orientation state of the liquid crystal layer 14 in the first element 101k is always the same as the orientation state of the liquid crystal layer 14 in the first state of the first element 101f of the sixth embodiment. Therefore, the first element 101k has the same operation and effect as the first state of the first element 101f of the sixth embodiment.
  • the second element 102k has a first substrate 11, a first alignment film 13, a liquid crystal layer 14, a second alignment film 15, and a second substrate 17 in this order from the front surface to the back surface.
  • the first substrate 11, the first alignment film 13, the liquid crystal layer 14, the second alignment film 15, and the second substrate 17 of the second element 102k are the first substrate 11, the first orientation of the second element 102f in the sixth embodiment. This is the same as the film 13, the liquid crystal layer 14, the second alignment film 15, and the second substrate 17.
  • the orientation state of the liquid crystal layer 14 in the second element 102k is always the same as the orientation state of the liquid crystal layer 14 in the first state of the second element 102k of the sixth embodiment. Therefore, the second element 102k has the same operation and effect as the first state of the second element 102f of the 68th embodiment.
  • the half-wave plate 19 is the same as the half-wave plate 19 of the optical element 1F in the sixth embodiment.
  • the orientation state of the liquid crystal layer 14 in the optical element 1K having the above configuration is the same as the orientation state of the liquid crystal layer 14 in the first state of the optical element 1F according to the sixth embodiment. Therefore, the optical element 1K has the same operation and effect as the first state of the optical element 1F of the fifth embodiment.
  • FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of a modification of the tenth embodiment.
  • the optical element 1Kb according to this modification among the optical elements 1K shown in FIG. 20, the second substrate 17 of the first element 101k and the first substrate 11 of the second element 102k are omitted.
  • the optical element 1Kb of such a modification the number of parts is reduced, so that the manufacturing cost is low.
  • the structure, action, and effect of the other optical elements 1Kb are the same as those of the optical element 1K.
  • FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the optical element 1L.
  • the optical element 1L does not have a function of switching the state depending on whether or not a voltage is applied. Therefore, the first liquid crystal layer 14L1 and the second liquid crystal layer 14L2 of the optical element 1L are always in the same orientation state.
  • the optical element 1L has a first substrate 11, a first alignment film 13L, a first liquid crystal layer 14L1, a half-wave plate 19, and a second liquid crystal layer 14L2 in order from the front surface (first surface) to the back surface (second surface). , A second alignment film 15L, and a second substrate 17.
  • the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 17 of the optical element 1L are the same as those in the first embodiment.
  • the first alignment film 13L is a so-called horizontal alignment film, so that the major axis of the liquid crystal molecules 141 in contact with or adjacent to the first alignment film 13L is parallel to or substantially parallel to the surface of the first liquid crystal layer 14L1. , Controls the orientation state of the liquid crystal molecule 141.
  • the second alignment film 15L is a so-called horizontal alignment film, so that the major axis of the liquid crystal molecules 141 in contact with or adjacent to the second alignment film 15L is parallel to or substantially parallel to the back surface of the second liquid crystal layer 14L2. , Controls the orientation state of the liquid crystal molecule 141.
  • the first liquid crystal layer 14L1 has a plurality of liquid crystal molecules 141 and a plurality of dichroic dyes 142.
  • the shape and properties of the liquid crystal molecule 141 and the dichroic dye 142 are the same as those of the liquid crystal molecule 141 and the dichroic dye 142 of the first embodiment.
  • the orientation state of the liquid crystal molecules 141 and the dichroic dye 142 in the first liquid crystal layer 14L1 does not always change.
  • the liquid crystal molecules 141 and the dichroic dye 142 present in the entire region of the first liquid crystal layer 14L1 each exist in a state of being inclined with respect to the plane direction of the first liquid crystal layer 14L1.
  • the tilt angle of the liquid crystal molecules 141 and the dichroic dye 142 is continuously increased from the first region R 1 increases toward the second region R 2.
  • the tilt angle of the liquid crystal molecules 141 and the dichroic dye 142 present in the first liquid crystal layer 14L1 approaches 90 ° toward the half-wave plate 19 described later.
  • the inclination angle of the liquid crystal molecules 141 and the dichroic dye 142 present in the first region R 1 of the first liquid crystal layer 14L1 is + theta 1.
  • the tilt angle + ⁇ 1 may be referred to as the pre-tilt angle + ⁇ 1 of the first liquid crystal layer 14L1.
  • the absolute value of the pretilt angle + ⁇ 1 is 5 °.
  • the absolute value of the pretilt angle + ⁇ 1 is preferably 5 ° or more.
  • the absolute value of the pretilt angle ⁇ 1 is more preferably 10 ° or more.
  • the tilt angle of the liquid crystal molecules 141 and the dichroic dye 142 present in the second region R 2 of the first liquid crystal layer 14L1 is + phi 2.
  • the inclination angle + phi 2 also referred to as a tilt angle + phi 2 of the first liquid crystal layer 14L1.
  • the tilt angle phi 2 is + 90 °.
  • the liquid crystal molecules 141 have the property of spontaneously arranging in the 90 ° direction with respect to the interface. Utilizing such a property, it is possible to orient the pretilt angle of the liquid crystal molecule 141 in the second region R2 to 90 ° in the absence of the vertical alignment film.
  • liquid crystal molecule 141 and the dichroic dye 142 are solidified or filmed while preserving the state. It is possible to make it.
  • the tilt angle of the liquid crystal molecules 141 and the dichroic dye 142 is present in the intermediate region R 3 of the first liquid crystal layer 14L1 is + phi 3.
  • the inclination angle + phi 3 also referred to as a tilt angle + phi 3 of the first liquid crystal layer 14L1. If the first liquid crystal layer 14L1 of FIG. 22, the tilt angle phi 3 is a + 45 °.
  • the second liquid crystal layer 14L2 has a plurality of liquid crystal molecules 141 and a plurality of dichroic dyes 142.
  • the shape and properties of the liquid crystal molecule 141 and the dichroic dye 142 are the same as those of the liquid crystal molecule 141 and the dichroic dye 142 of the first embodiment.
  • the orientation state of the liquid crystal molecules 141 and the dichroic dye 142 in the second liquid crystal layer 14L2 does not always change.
  • the liquid crystal molecules 141 and the dichroic dye 142 present in the entire region of the second liquid crystal layer 14L2 each exist in a state of being tilted with respect to the plane direction of the second liquid crystal layer 14L2.
  • the inclination angle of the major axis of the liquid crystal molecules 141 and the dichroic dye 142 decreases from the first region R 1 increases toward the second region R 2.
  • the tilt angle of the liquid crystal molecules 141 and the dichroic dye 142 present in the second liquid crystal layer 14L2 approaches 90 ° toward the half-wave plate 19.
  • the inclination angle of the liquid crystal molecules 141 and the dichroic dye 142 present in the first region R 1 of the second liquid crystal layer 14L2 is + phi 1.
  • the inclination angle + phi also referred to as a tilt angle + phi 1 of the second liquid crystal layer 14L2.
  • the tilt angle ⁇ 1 is + 90 °.
  • the tilt angle of the liquid crystal molecules 141 and the dichroic dye 142 present in the second region R 2 of the second liquid crystal layer 14L2 is + phi 2.
  • the inclination angle + ⁇ 2 may be referred to as the pretilt angle + ⁇ 2 of the liquid crystal molecule 141 and the dichroic dye 142 present in the second region R 2.
  • the absolute value of the pretilt angle + ⁇ 2 is 5 °.
  • the absolute value of the pretilt angle + ⁇ 2 is preferably 5 ° or more.
  • the absolute value of the pretilt angle phi 2 is more preferably a 10 ° or more.
  • the tilt angle of the liquid crystal molecules 141 and the dichroic dye 142 is present in the intermediate region R 3 of the second liquid crystal layer 14L2 is + phi 3.
  • the inclination angle + phi 3 also referred to as a tilt angle + phi 3 of the second liquid crystal layer 14L2. If the second liquid crystal layer 14L2 of FIG. 22, the tilt angle phi 3 of the liquid crystal molecules 141 and the dichroic dye 142 is present in the intermediate region R 3 is + 45 °.
  • the half-wave plate 19 is provided between the first liquid crystal layer 14L1 and the second liquid crystal layer 14L2.
  • the front surface of the half-wave plate 19 is fixed to the back surface of the first liquid crystal layer 14L1 via the first adhesive layer 20.
  • the back surface of the half-wave plate 19 is fixed to the surface of the second liquid crystal layer 14L2 via the second adhesive layer 21.
  • the configuration of the other half-wave plate 19 is the same as the configuration of the half-wave plate 19 of the fifth embodiment.
  • the action and effect of the optical element 1L having the above configuration is the same as the action and effect of the optical element 1F of the sixth embodiment. According to the optical element 1L of the present embodiment as described above, the number of parts is reduced, so that the manufacturing cost is low.
  • FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the optical element 1M.
  • the optical element 1M does not have a function of switching the state depending on whether or not a voltage is applied. Therefore, the first liquid crystal layer 14M1 and the second liquid crystal layer 14M2 of the optical element 1M are always in the same orientation state.
  • the optical element 1M has a first liquid crystal layer 14L1, a first alignment film 13M, a half-wave plate 19, a second alignment film 15M, and a second liquid crystal in order from the front surface (first surface) to the back surface (second surface). It has a layer 14L2.
  • the first alignment film 13M is fixed to the back surface of the first liquid crystal layer 14M1.
  • the first alignment film 13M is a so-called horizontal alignment film, and the major axis of the liquid crystal molecule 141 in contact with or in the vicinity of the first alignment film 13M is parallel to or substantially parallel to the back surface of the first liquid crystal layer 14M1.
  • the orientation state of the liquid crystal molecule 141 in the first liquid crystal layer 14L1 is controlled.
  • the second alignment film 15M is fixed to the surface of the second liquid crystal layer 14M2.
  • the second alignment film 15M is a so-called horizontal alignment film, so that the major axis of the liquid crystal molecules 141 in contact with or adjacent to the second alignment film 15M is parallel to or substantially parallel to the surface of the second liquid crystal layer 14M2. , The orientation state of the liquid crystal molecule 141 in the second liquid crystal layer 14M2 is controlled.
  • the first liquid crystal layer 14M1 has a plurality of liquid crystal molecules 141 and a plurality of dichroic dyes 142.
  • the shape and properties of the liquid crystal molecule 141 and the dichroic dye 142 are the same as those of the liquid crystal molecule 141 and the dichroic dye 142 of the first embodiment.
  • the surface (first surface) of the first liquid crystal layer 14M1 is not fixed to other members. In other words, the surface of the first liquid crystal layer 14M1 is exposed to the outside in a state of being exposed to the outside air.
  • the orientation state of the liquid crystal molecules 141 and the dichroic dye 142 in the first liquid crystal layer 14M1 does not change at all times.
  • the liquid crystal molecules 141 and the dichroic dye 142 present in the entire region of the first liquid crystal layer 14M1 each exist in a state of being tilted with respect to the plane direction of the first liquid crystal layer 14M1.
  • the tilt angle of the liquid crystal molecules 141 and the dichroic dye 142, from the first region R 1 increases toward the second region R 2, successively smaller.
  • the tilt angle of the liquid crystal molecule 141 and the dichroic dye 142 approaches 90 ° toward the surface of the first liquid crystal layer 14M1 (that is, the boundary between the first liquid crystal layer 14M1 and the outside air).
  • the inclination angle of the liquid crystal molecules 141 and the dichroic dye 142 present in the first region R 1 of the first liquid crystal layer 14M1 is + phi 1.
  • the inclination angle + phi also referred to as a tilt angle + phi 1 of the first liquid crystal layer 14M1.
  • the tilt angle ⁇ 1 is + 90 °.
  • the tilt angle of the liquid crystal molecules 141 and the dichroic dye 142 present in the second region R 2 of the first liquid crystal layer 14M1 is + phi 2.
  • the tilt angle + ⁇ 2 is the pretilt angle.
  • the absolute value of the pretilt angle + ⁇ 2 is 5 °.
  • the absolute value of the pretilt angle + ⁇ 2 is preferably 5 ° or more.
  • the absolute value of the pretilt angle phi 2 is more preferably a 10 ° or more.
  • the tilt angle of the liquid crystal molecules 141 and the dichroic dye 142 is present in the intermediate region R 3 of the first liquid crystal layer 14M1 is + phi 3.
  • the inclination angle + ⁇ 3 may be referred to as a tilt angle + ⁇ 3 of the liquid crystal molecule 141 and the dichroic dye 142 existing in the intermediate region R 3.
  • the tilt angle phi 3 is a + 45 °.
  • the second liquid crystal layer 14M2 has a plurality of liquid crystal molecules 141 and a plurality of dichroic dyes 142.
  • the shape and properties of the liquid crystal molecule 141 and the dichroic dye 142 are the same as those of the liquid crystal molecule 141 and the dichroic dye 142 of the first embodiment.
  • the orientation state of the liquid crystal molecules 141 and the dichroic dye 142 in the second liquid crystal layer 14M2 does not always change.
  • the liquid crystal molecules 141 and the dichroic dye 142 present in the entire region of the second liquid crystal layer 14M2 each exist in a state of being tilted with respect to the plane direction of the second liquid crystal layer 14M2.
  • the tilt angle of the liquid crystal molecules 141 and the dichroic dye 142 is increased from the first region R 1 increases toward the second region R 2.
  • the inclination angle of the liquid crystal molecule 141 and the dichroic dye 142 approaches 90 ° toward the back surface of the second liquid crystal layer 14M2 (that is, the boundary between the second liquid crystal layer 14M2 and the outside air).
  • the inclination angle of the liquid crystal molecules 141 and the dichroic dye 142 present in the first region R 1 of the second liquid crystal layer 14M2 is + phi 1.
  • the inclination angle + ⁇ 1 is the pretilt angle.
  • the absolute value of the pretilt angle + ⁇ 1 is 5 °.
  • the absolute value of the pretilt angle + ⁇ 1 is preferably 5 ° or more.
  • the absolute value of the pretilt angle ⁇ 1 is more preferably 10 ° or more.
  • the tilt angle of the liquid crystal molecules 141 and the dichroic dye 142 present in the second region R 2 of the second liquid crystal layer 14M2 is + phi 2.
  • the inclination angle + phi 2 also referred to as a tilt angle + phi 2 of the second liquid crystal layer 14M2.
  • the tilt angle phi 2 is + 90 °.
  • the tilt angle of the liquid crystal molecules 141 and the dichroic dye 142 is present in the intermediate region R 3 of the second liquid crystal layer 14M2 is + phi 3.
  • the inclination angle + ⁇ 3 may be referred to as a tilt angle + ⁇ 3 of the liquid crystal molecule 141 and the dichroic dye 142 existing in the intermediate region R 3. If the second liquid crystal layer 14M2 shown in FIG. 23, the tilt angle phi 3 of the liquid crystal molecules 141 and the dichroic dye 142 is present in the intermediate region R 3 is + 45 °.
  • the half-wave plate 19 is provided between the first alignment film 13M and the second alignment film 15M.
  • the configuration of the other half-wave plate 19 is the same as the configuration of the half-wave plate 19 of the fifth embodiment.
  • the action and effect of the optical element 1M having the above configuration is the same as the action and effect of the optical element 1F of the sixth embodiment.
  • the optical element 1L of the present embodiment as described above, the number of parts is reduced, so that the manufacturing cost is low.
  • FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the electronic eyeglasses 5.
  • FIG. 25 is a front view of the lens 51.
  • FIG. 26 is a sectional view taken along the line CC of FIG. 25.
  • the electronic eyeglasses 5 have a frame 50, a pair of lenses 51, control units 55a and 55b, detection units 54a and 54b, and power supplies 56a and 56b.
  • the frame 50 has a front 501 and a pair of temples 502a, 502b.
  • the portion where the front 501 is arranged is referred to as the front (front) of the electronic glasses 5.
  • each of the pair of temples 502a and 502b is supported by the front 501.
  • the pair of temples 502a and 502b hold detection units 54a and 54b, control units 55a and 55b, and power supplies 56a and 56b, respectively.
  • the user (wearer) of the electronic eyeglasses 5 operates (for example, a touch operation) the detection unit 54a provided on one of the temples 502a to obtain the optical characteristics (for example, transmittance) of the first optical element 52 in the lens 51. ) Is switched.
  • the control unit 55a switches between a state in which a voltage is applied to the first optical element 52 and a state in which a voltage is not applied, based on the operation.
  • the user (wearer) of the electronic eyeglasses 5 operates (for example, a touch operation) the detection unit 54b provided on the other temple 502b to obtain the optical characteristics (for example, for example) of the second optical element 53 of the lens 51. Transparency) is switched.
  • the second optical element 53 is the optical element 1B of the second embodiment described above.
  • the second optical element 53 is provided on the upper surface (Z direction + side) of the first optical element 52.
  • Cartesian coordinate system (X, Y, Z) shown in FIGS. 25 to 26 will be used for convenience of explanation.
  • the Cartesian coordinate system (X, Y, Z) shown in FIGS. 25 to 26 corresponds to the Cartesian coordinate system (X, Y, Z) shown in each figure used in the description of the first to twelfth embodiments. ing.
  • the lens 51 is curved in a convex shape toward the + side in the Z direction.
  • the curvature of the lens 51 is shown as zero.
  • the pair of lenses 51 are formed so as to be symmetrical when the electronic spectacles 5 are viewed from the front, and have the same components as each other. Therefore, in the following description, the lens 51 for the right eye of the electronic eyeglasses 5 will be described, and the description of the lens 51 for the left eye will be omitted.
  • the lens 51 corresponds to an example of an electrically active lens whose state changes according to the application of a voltage, and has a first optical element 52 and a second optical element 53.
  • the first optical element 52 and the second optical element 53 are laminated in the Z direction.
  • the first optical element 52 has a liquid crystal lens unit 521 and a normal lens unit 522 which is a portion other than the liquid crystal lens unit 521.
  • the liquid crystal lens unit 521 includes a first substrate 523, a first electrode 524, a liquid crystal layer 525, a second electrode 526, and a second substrate 527 in this order from the rear side (Z direction ⁇ side).
  • the first electrode 524, the liquid crystal layer 525, and the second electrode 526 constitute an electric element.
  • the normal lens portion 522 has a first substrate 523, a first electrode 524, an adhesive layer 528, a second electrode 526, and a second substrate 527 in this order from the rear side.
  • the liquid crystal lens unit 521 and the normal lens unit 522 share a first substrate 523, a first electrode 524, a second electrode 526, and a second substrate 527.
  • the components of the liquid crystal lens unit 521 and the normal lens unit 522 each have translucency with respect to visible light.
  • the first substrate 523 has a plate shape that curves convexly toward the + side in the Z direction (upper side in FIG. 26).
  • the surface of the first substrate 523 (the surface on the + side in the Z direction) is a convex curved surface that curves convexly toward the + side in the Z direction.
  • the back surface (the surface on the Z direction ⁇ side) of the first substrate 523 is a concave curved surface that curves concavely toward the + side in the Z direction.
  • the first substrate 523 has a diffraction region 523a in a portion of the surface corresponding to the liquid crystal lens portion 521.
  • the diffraction region 523a has a hemispherical convex portion 523b arranged in the central portion and a plurality of annular first convex portions 523c arranged on a concentric circle centered on the convex portion 523b.
  • An example of the shape of the convex portion 523b and the first convex strip 523c is a Fresnel lens shape.
  • a part of the convex portion 523b and the first convex strip 523c may have a Fresnel lens shape, or all of them may have a Fresnel lens shape.
  • the first substrate 523 is made of inorganic glass or organic glass.
  • the first substrate 523 is preferably made of organic glass.
  • the organic glass is a thermosetting material made of thermosetting polyurethanes, polythiourethanes, polyepoxides, or polyepisulfides, a thermoplastic material made of poly (meth) acrylates, or a copolymer thereof. It is one of thermosetting (crosslinked) materials consisting of a mixture.
  • the material of the first substrate 523 is not limited to these, and a known material used as a lens material can be adopted.
  • the first electrode 524 and the second electrode 526 are a pair of transparent electrodes having translucency.
  • the first electrode 524 is arranged between the first substrate 523 and the liquid crystal layer 525.
  • the second electrode 526 is arranged between the liquid crystal layer 525 and the second substrate 527.
  • the first electrode 524 and the second electrode 526 may be arranged at least over a range in which a voltage can be applied to the liquid crystal layer 525 (liquid crystal lens portion 521).
  • the materials of the first electrode 524 and the second electrode 526 are not particularly limited as long as they have the desired translucency and conductivity.
  • Examples of the first electrode 524 and the second electrode 526 include indium tin oxide (ITO) and zinc oxide (ZnO).
  • the materials of the first electrode 524 and the second electrode 526 may be the same as or different from each other.
  • the liquid crystal layer 525 is arranged between the first electrode 524 and the second electrode 526.
  • the liquid crystal layer 525 is configured so that its refractive index changes depending on the presence or absence of application of a voltage.
  • the refractive index of the liquid crystal layer 525 is substantially the same as the refractive index of the first substrate 523 and the refractive index of the second substrate 527 in a state where no voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer 525 (also referred to as the first state of the liquid crystal layer 525). Adjusted to be the same.
  • the refractive index of the liquid crystal layer 525 is the refractive index of the first substrate 523 and the refractive index of the second substrate 527 in a state where a voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer 525 (also referred to as a second state of the liquid crystal layer 525). Adjusted to be different from.
  • the liquid crystal layer 525 contains a liquid crystal material.
  • the orientation state of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal material when the voltage is applied and the orientation state of the liquid crystal molecules when the voltage is not applied are different from each other.
  • the liquid crystal molecule can be appropriately selected depending on the refractive index of the first substrate 523 and the refractive index of the second substrate 527.
  • the liquid crystal material may be composed of a cholesteric liquid crystal, a nematic liquid crystal, or the like.
  • the second substrate 527 is arranged behind the first substrate 523 and facing the back surface of the first substrate 523.
  • the second substrate 527 has a plate shape that curves convexly toward the front side.
  • the surface of the second substrate 527 is a convex curved surface that curves convexly toward the + side in the Z direction.
  • the back surface of the second substrate 527 is a concave curved surface that curves concavely toward the + side in the Z direction.
  • the adhesive layer 528 is usually arranged between the first substrate 523 and the second substrate 527 in the lens portion 522, and adheres the first substrate 523 and the second substrate 527.
  • the adhesive layer 528 is arranged between the first electrode 524 and the second electrode 526.
  • the adhesive layer 528 also has a function of sealing the liquid crystal material constituting the liquid crystal layer 525.
  • the first optical element 52 may further have other components having translucency, if necessary.
  • other components include insulating layers and alignment films.
  • the insulating layer prevents conduction between the first electrode 524 and the second electrode 526.
  • the insulating layer is arranged between the first electrode 524 and the liquid crystal layer 525, and between the liquid crystal layer 525 and the second electrode 526, respectively.
  • the alignment film controls the alignment state of the liquid crystal material in the liquid crystal layer 525.
  • the alignment film is arranged between the first electrode 524 and the liquid crystal layer 525, and between the liquid crystal layer 525 and the second electrode 526, respectively.
  • the second optical element 53 is the optical element 1B according to the second embodiment described above.
  • the second optical element 53 is fixed to the first surface (the surface on the + side in the Z direction) of the first optical element 52 by a fixing means such as adhesion.
  • the second optical element 53 is provided so that the right side (X direction + side) in FIG. 5 coincides with the upper side in FIG. 25.
  • the second optical element 53 is provided so that the right side (X direction + side) in FIG. 5 coincides with the upper side of the lens 51 in the state of using the spectacles.
  • the + side (+ ⁇ side) with respect to the incident angle ⁇ is the upper side of the lens 51 in the state of using the spectacles.
  • the ⁇ side ( ⁇ side) with respect to the incident angle ⁇ is the lower side of the lens 51 in the state of using the spectacles.
  • the incident light L incident on the optical element 1B from the + side with respect to the incident angle the amount of light emitted from the optical element 1B is incident on the optical element 1B from the-side with respect to the incident angle.
  • the incident light L has a property (anisity regarding the absorption rate) that is smaller than the amount of the emitted light emitted from the optical element 1B.
  • the second optical element 53 (optical element 1B) has an absorption rate with respect to the incident light L incident on the second optical element 53 (optical element 1B) from above in the state of using the glasses, and the second optical element 53 from below. It has a property (anisity regarding the absorption rate) that is larger than the absorption rate for the incident light L incident on the (optical element 1B).
  • Each of the detection units 54a and 54b has, for example, a capacitance type detection pad.
  • the detection pad may be a known detection pad that can be used as a touch sensor.
  • the detection units 54a and 54b detect the change in capacitance caused by the contact, respectively.
  • the detection unit 54a is provided on one of the temples 502a. A part of the detection unit 54a is exposed to the outside from one of the temples 502a. The user touch-operates the portion exposed to the outside in the detection unit 54a.
  • the detection unit 54b is provided on the other temple 502b. A part of the detection unit 54b is exposed to the outside from the other temple 502b. The user touch-operates the portion exposed to the outside in the detection unit 54b.
  • control unit 55a switches between a state in which a voltage is applied to the first optical element 52 and a state in which the voltage is not applied, based on the operation of the user.
  • the control unit 55a is electrically connected to the detection pad of the detection unit 54a via the wiring 57a. Further, the control unit 55a is electrically connected to the first electrode 524 and the second electrode 526 of the first optical element 52 via the wiring 57a.
  • the control unit 55a applies a voltage to the first optical element 52 or stops applying the voltage to the first optical element 52 to obtain the first optical.
  • the focal length (power) of the liquid crystal lens unit 521 in the element 52 is switched.
  • the other control unit 55b switches between a state in which a voltage is applied to the second optical element 53 (optical element 1B) and a state in which a voltage is not applied, based on the user's operation.
  • the control unit 55b is electrically connected to the detection pad of the detection unit 54b via the wiring 57b. Further, the control unit 55b is electrically connected to the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 16 (see FIG. 1) of the second optical element 53 (optical element 1B) via the wiring 57b.
  • the control unit 55b applies a voltage to the second optical element 53 (optical element 1B) or a voltage to the second optical element 53 (optical element 1B) when the detection unit 54b detects contact with the object. Is stopped, and the orientation state of the liquid crystal layer 14 in the second optical element 53 (optical element 1B) is switched.
  • the second optical element 53 switches between the first state and the second state.
  • the first state and the second state of the second optical element 53 are as described above.
  • One power source 56a supplies electric power to the control unit 55a and the detection unit 54a.
  • the power supply 56a is a rechargeable battery pack that is detachably held at the rear end portion (second end portion) of one temple 502a.
  • the power source 56a may be, for example, a nickel-metal hydride rechargeable battery.
  • the other power source 56b supplies power to the control unit 55b and the detection unit 54b.
  • the power supply 56b is a rechargeable battery pack that is detachably held at the rear end portion (second end portion) of the other temple 502b.
  • the power source 56b may be, for example, a nickel-metal hydride rechargeable battery.
  • the refractive index of the liquid crystal layer 525 and the refractive index of the first substrate 523 and the second substrate 527 are almost the same. Therefore, in the first optical element 52, the lens effect caused by the liquid crystal layer 525 does not occur.
  • the detection unit 54a When one of the detection units 54a detects contact with an object (for example, a user's finger) which is a conductor in the first off state, the detection unit 54a sends detection information based on this contact to the control unit 55a. .. The control unit 55a applies a voltage to the first optical element 52 based on the acquired detection information of the detection unit 54a in the first off state.
  • an object for example, a user's finger
  • the orientation state of the liquid crystal material in the liquid crystal layer 525 of the first optical element 52 changes, and the power (refractive index) of this liquid crystal layer changes.
  • the state in which the voltage is applied to the first optical element 52 is referred to as the first on state of the electronic eyeglasses 5.
  • the refractive index of the liquid crystal layer 525 in the first optical element 52 and the refractive index of the first substrate 523 and the second substrate 527 are different from each other. Therefore, the lens effect caused by the liquid crystal layer 525 occurs in the first optical element 52. As a result, the power of the region corresponding to the liquid crystal layer 525 in the first optical element 52 changes.
  • the detection unit 54a detects the contact of an object (for example, a user's finger) which is a conductor in the first ON state
  • the detection unit 54a outputs the detection information based on this contact to the control unit 55a.
  • the control unit 55a stops applying the voltage to the first optical element 52 based on the acquired detection information of the detection unit 54a in the first on state. As a result, the state of the first optical element 52 becomes the first off state.
  • the state in which the voltage is not applied to the second optical element 53 of the electronic eyeglasses 5 corresponds to the first state of the optical element 1B described above.
  • the second optical element 53 As described above, in the second off state, the second optical element 53 (optical element 1B) has anisotropy regarding the absorptivity. Therefore, in the second off state, in the second optical element 53 (optical element 1B), the absorption rate of the incident light L incident on the second optical element 53 (optical element 1B) from above is incident on the optical element 1B from below. It is larger than the absorption rate for the incident light L.
  • the detection unit 54b When the other detection unit 54b detects contact with an object (for example, a user's finger) which is a conductor in the second off state, the detection unit 54b sends detection information based on this contact to the control unit 55b. ..
  • the control unit 55b applies a voltage to the second optical element 53 (optical element 1B) based on the acquired detection information of the detection unit 54b in the second off state.
  • the orientation state of the liquid crystal molecules 141 and the dichroic dye 142 in the liquid crystal layer 14 (see FIG. 1) of the second optical element 53 (optical element 1B) changes.
  • the state in which the voltage is applied to the second optical element 53 (optical element 1B) is referred to as the second on state of the electronic eyeglasses 5.
  • the second on state corresponds to the second state of the optical element 1B.
  • the second optical element 53 does not have anisotropy regarding the absorptivity in the second on state. Therefore, in the second ON state, the second optical element 53 (optical element 1B) has the absorption rate for the incident light L incident on the second optical element 53 (optical element 1B) from above and the second optical element 53 from below.
  • the absorption rate for the incident light L incident on (optical element 1B) is equal to or substantially equal to.
  • the detection unit 54b detects contact with an object (for example, a user's finger) which is a conductor in the second ON state
  • the detection unit 54b sends detection information based on this contact to the control unit 55b. ..
  • the control unit 55b stops applying a voltage to the second optical element 53 (optical element 1B) based on the acquired detection information of the detection unit 54b in the second ON state. As a result, the state of the first optical element 52 becomes the first off state.
  • the state of the first optical element 52 (first off state and first on state) and the state of the second optical element 53 (optical element 1B) (second off state and second on state) are defined by the user. It may be realized by an appropriate combination based on the operation.
  • the lens 51 shown in FIG. 27 is provided so that the thickness direction of the lens 51 is parallel to the front-back direction (left-right direction in FIG. 27) of the user.
  • the forward tilt angle ⁇ 51 (see FIG. 28) of the lens 51 shown in FIG. 27 is 0 °.
  • Light incident on the lens 51 in a direction parallel (Z-direction) in the longitudinal direction of the user is the incident light L 1.
  • light incident obliquely from above of the user to the lens 51 is incident light L 2 to be incident on the lens 51 from about the incident angle + side (+ theta side) in FIG. 27.
  • Light incident obliquely from below of the user to the lens 51 is directed to the incident angle of 27 - an incident light L 3 incident from the side (- [theta] side) lens 51.
  • FIG. 28 shows the lens 51 when the thickness direction of the lens 51 is tilted by 30 ° with respect to the user's front-back direction (left-right direction in FIG. 27).
  • the forward tilt angle ⁇ 51 of the lens 51 shown in FIG. 28 is 30 °.
  • the state having anisotropy regarding the absorption rate (first state) and the difference regarding the absorption rate depending on the application of the voltage to the second optical element 53 (optical element 1B). It is possible to switch between a state without anisotropy (second state) and a state without anisotropy.
  • the absorption rate for the incident light L incident on the lens 51 from above is larger than the absorption rate for the incident light L incident on the lens 51 from below. .. If the second off state is realized in the daytime when the position of the sun is high, the absorption rate for sunlight incident on the lens 51 from above can be increased. As a result, the visibility of the user can be improved.
  • the second optical element 53 is not limited to the optical element 1B of the second embodiment.
  • the second optical element 53 may be any of the optical elements according to the first to twelfth embodiments.
  • the second optical element 53 (optical element 1B) includes a direction including the maximum absorption direction of each of the dichroic dyes 142 of the second optical element 53 (optical element 1B) (in the case of the present embodiment).
  • the + side with respect to the incident angle ⁇ ) is arranged so as to coincide with the upper side of the lens 51 in the state of use of the spectacles.
  • the arrangement of the second optical element 53 is not limited to this.
  • the maximum absorption direction of each of the dichroic dyes 142 of the second optical element 53 is included.
  • the second optical element 53 may be arranged so that the direction (in the case of the present embodiment, the + side with respect to the incident angle ⁇ ) coincides with the right side of the lens 51 in the state of using the spectacles.
  • the arrangement mode of the second optical element 53 may be different between the left and right lenses 51.
  • FIG. 29 is a schematic diagram of the electronic eyeglasses 5B.
  • the electronic eyeglasses 5B of the present embodiment are different from the electronic eyeglasses 5 of the thirteenth embodiment in that the first optical element 52 and the second optical element 53 are independently provided.
  • the other configurations of the first optical element 52 and the configuration of the second optical element 53 are the same as those of the thirteenth embodiment.
  • the electronic eyeglasses 5B of the present embodiment has a forward tilt angle adjusting mechanism 7 for adjusting the forward tilt angle of the second optical element 53.
  • the forward tilt angle adjusting mechanism 7 is provided on the frame 50, and has a first support portion 71, a second support portion 72, and a connection portion 73 connecting the first support portion 71 and the second support portion 72. Have.
  • the first support portion 71 supports the first optical element 52 in a non-swingable state. Further, the second support portion 72 supports the second optical element 53 in a swingable state. The user can adjust the forward tilt angle of the second optical element 53 by swinging the second optical element 53.
  • the chain double-dashed line in FIG. 29 shows the second optical element 53 in the reference state where the forward tilt angle is 0 °.
  • the user for example, when to the second rotating optical element 53 30 ° in the direction indicated by the arrow A 1 in FIG. 29, the forward inclination of the second optical element 53 becomes the 30 ° as shown in Figure 28.
  • the user can adjust the direction of the incident light L for which the absorption rate is desired to be increased (in other words, the transmittance is desired to be increased) by adjusting the forward tilt angle of the second optical element 53.
  • the application target of the optical element according to the present invention is electronic eyeglasses.
  • the application target of the optical element according to the present invention is not limited to electronic eyeglasses.
  • the optical element according to the present invention can be applied to various eyewear.
  • the optical element according to the present invention can also be applied to smart glasses having a lens having an information display function.
  • the optical element according to the present invention By applying the optical element according to the present invention to such smart glasses, it is possible to increase the absorption rate for incident light incident on the lens from a specific direction. As a result, it is possible to improve the visibility of the information displayed on the portion of the lens corresponding to the specific direction.
  • the optical element according to the present invention can also be applied to VR (Virtual Reality) glass and the like.
  • optical element according to the present invention can be applied to various eyewear.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Nonlinear Science (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Crystallography & Structural Chemistry (AREA)
  • Mathematical Physics (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Ophthalmology & Optometry (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Spectroscopy & Molecular Physics (AREA)
  • Liquid Crystal (AREA)

Abstract

L'élément optique de la présente invention est pourvu d'une cellule à cristaux liquides qui comprend des molécules de cristaux liquides et un pigment dichroïque, ainsi qu'une première et une seconde surface qui se font face, un angle de pré-inclinaison, qui est l'angle d'inclinaison du pigment dichroïque en contact avec au moins une surface parmi la première et la seconde surface, par rapport à ladite surface en question, étant au moins égal à 5°.
PCT/JP2021/022835 2020-06-16 2021-06-16 Élément optique et lunettes WO2021256499A1 (fr)

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Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20200064666A1 (en) * 2019-06-29 2020-02-27 Shanghai Tianma Micro-electronics Co., Ltd. Display panel, display device and display method
EP3617786A1 (fr) * 2017-04-28 2020-03-04 LG Chem, Ltd. Dispositif de modulation optique
CN111149048A (zh) * 2017-10-31 2020-05-12 株式会社Lg化学 透射率可变装置

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3617786A1 (fr) * 2017-04-28 2020-03-04 LG Chem, Ltd. Dispositif de modulation optique
CN111149048A (zh) * 2017-10-31 2020-05-12 株式会社Lg化学 透射率可变装置
US20200064666A1 (en) * 2019-06-29 2020-02-27 Shanghai Tianma Micro-electronics Co., Ltd. Display panel, display device and display method

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