Electro-optical device, electronic device and projector

Abstract

The present invention provides an electro-optical device, an electronic device, and a projector, which can mitigate the influence caused by the disorder of the alignment of liquid crystal molecules and suppress the reduction of contrast. In the electro-optical device (1), a first polarizing element (51), a first retardation element (61), a transmissive liquid crystal panel (100), a second retardation element (62), and a second polarizing element (52) are arranged in sequence. Here, when the retardations of the first retardation element (61) and the second retardation element (62) are λ / 4, the influence caused by the disorder of the alignment of liquid crystal molecules can be mitigated. On the other hand, the contrast is reduced. Therefore, when the wavelength of the incident light is λ, the retardation R of the first retardation element (61) and the second retardation element (62) is set to the following conditions. For example, the retardation R is set to λ / 8. 0 < R < λ / 4, preferably λ / 12 < R < λ / 6.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electro-optical device, an electronic device and a projector. Background Art

[0002] The transmissive electro-optical device has a pair of polarizing elements and a transmissive liquid crystal panel disposed between the pair of polarizing elements. After linearly polarized light that has passed through the polarizing element on the incident side is incident on the liquid crystal panel, light that has passed through the polarizing element on the emitting side, among the light emitted from the liquid crystal panel, is used for display. With respect to the electro-optical device, it is proposed to respectively dispose a λ / 4 phase difference element between the polarizing element on the incident side and the liquid crystal panel and between the polarizing element on the emitting side and the liquid crystal panel, so as to prevent a decrease in modulation characteristics that occurs when the angle between the orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecules and the polarization axis of the polarizing element deviates from 45° (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-51132

[0004] However, as described in Patent Document 1, if a λ / 4 phase difference element is disposed between the polarizing element on the incident side and the liquid crystal panel, and between the polarizing element on the emitting side and the liquid crystal panel, respectively, and the light incident on the liquid crystal panel is circularly polarized light, light leakage occurs due to the phase change when the light incident on the liquid crystal panel is reflected on the side of the wiring, etc., and the contrast is easily reduced. Therefore, in the prior art, there is a problem that it is impossible to suppress the reduction in contrast while alleviating the influence of the disorder of the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules. Summary of the invention

[0005] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the electro-optical device of the present invention is characterized in that it has: a first polarizing element; a second polarizing element; a liquid crystal panel, which is arranged between the first polarizing element and the second polarizing element; a first phase difference element, which is arranged between the first polarizing element and the liquid crystal panel; and a second phase difference element, which is arranged between the liquid crystal panel and the second polarizing element, when the wavelength of the incident light incident on the liquid crystal panel is λ, the first phase difference element and the second phase difference element each have a phase difference R that satisfies the following conditions:

[0006] 0 <R<λ / 4。

[0007] The electro-optical device of the present invention can be used in electronic devices such as smartphones, mobile computers, and projection display devices.

[0008] In addition, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the projector of the present invention is characterized in that the projector has: a light source; an electro-optical device, which modulates the light from the light source to generate an image; a projection optical system, which projects the image generated by the electro-optical device; and an optical path shifting element, which shifts the projection position of the image, and the electro-optical device has: a first polarization element; a second polarization element; a liquid crystal panel, which is arranged between the first polarization element and the second polarization element; a first phase difference element, which is arranged between the first polarization element and the liquid crystal panel; and a second phase difference element, which is arranged between the liquid crystal panel and the second polarization element, and when the wavelength of the incident light incident on the liquid crystal panel is λ, the phase difference R of each of the first phase difference element and the second phase difference element is 0<R<λ / 4. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 This is a plan view showing one mode of a liquid crystal panel used in the electro-optical device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] Figure 2 This is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a cross section of the electro-optical device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] Figure 3 It is schematically indicated Figure 2 An explanatory diagram of liquid crystal molecules, etc. of the electro-optical device shown.

[0012] Figure 4 It is an explanatory diagram of the electro-optical device according to Reference Example 1 of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 5 It is an explanatory diagram of the electro-optical device according to Reference Example 2 of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 6 Yes means Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the relationship between the image quality of the electro-optical device and the phase difference of the phase difference element.

[0015] Figure 7 It is an explanatory diagram of an electro-optical device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 8 It is an explanatory diagram of an electro-optical device according to a modified example of the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Fig. 9 It is an explanatory diagram of an electro-optical device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Fig.10 It is an explanatory diagram of an electro-optical device according to Modification 1 of the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Fig.11It is an explanatory diagram of an electro-optical device according to a second variation of the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Fig.12 It is an explanatory diagram of an electro-optical device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Fig.13 It is an explanatory diagram of an electro-optical device according to Modification 1 of the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Fig.14 It is an explanatory diagram of an electro-optical device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Fig.15 It is an explanatory diagram of an electro-optical device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Fig.16 It is an explanatory diagram of an electro-optical device according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Fig.17 This is a schematic structural diagram of a projector using the electro-optical device to which the present invention is applied.

[0026] Description of symbols

[0027] 1: electro-optical device; 5: liquid crystal layer; 5a: liquid crystal molecules; 9a: pixel electrode; 10: first substrate; 10a: display area; 16: first alignment film; 20: second substrate; 21: common electrode; 22: lens array; 26: second alignment film; 41: first light-transmitting plate; 42: second light-transmitting plate; 51: first polarizing element; 52: second polarizing element; 60: support plate; 61: first phase difference element; 62: second phase difference element; 66: first λ / 2 phase difference element Difference element; 67: second λ / 2 phase difference element; 68, 69: optical element; 71: optical compensation element; 80: anti-reflection layer; 91, 92, 95: switching mechanism; 96: frame; 97: adjustment screw; 98: elastomer; 100: liquid crystal panel; 210: projector; 211: screen; 212: light source; 218: projection optical system; 219: cross-dichroic prism; 220: microlens; 240: optical path shift element; 910, 920: guide. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, in the drawings referred to in the following description, in order to set each layer and each component to a size that can be recognized in the drawings, the scale is different for each layer and each component. In addition, in the following description, when describing the direction and orientation of the optical axis, the side where the flexible wiring substrate 105 is connected to the liquid crystal panel 100 when the liquid crystal panel 100 is observed from the second substrate 20 side is set as the 6 o'clock direction of the clock, the side opposite to the side where the flexible wiring substrate 105 is connected to the liquid crystal panel 100 is set as the 0 o'clock direction of the clock, the right direction is set as the 3 o'clock direction of the clock, and the left direction is set as the 9 o'clock direction of the clock for description.

[0029] 1. First Implementation

[0030] 1-1. Structure of electro-optical device

[0031] Figure 1 1 is a plan view showing one mode of the liquid crystal panel 100 used in the electro-optical device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and shows a state where the electro-optical device 1 is viewed from the second substrate 20 side. Figure 2 This is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a cross section of the electro-optical device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the electro-optical device 1 of this embodiment includes a first polarizing element 51, a second polarizing element 52, and a liquid crystal panel 100 disposed between the first polarizing element 51 and the second polarizing element 52. In addition, the electro-optical device 1 includes: a first phase difference element 61 disposed between the first polarizing element 51 and the liquid crystal panel 100; and a second phase difference element 62 disposed between the liquid crystal panel 100 and the second polarizing element 52.

[0033] Regarding the liquid crystal panel 100, a first substrate 10 as an element substrate and a second substrate 20 as a counter substrate are bonded to each other with a sealing material 107 at a predetermined gap, and the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 are opposed to each other. The sealing material 107 is provided in a frame shape along the outer edge of the second substrate 20, and a liquid crystal layer 5 is arranged between the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 in a region surrounded by the sealing material 107.

[0034] The first polarizing element 51 and the second polarizing element 52 are configured as orthogonal Nicol prisms whose polarization axes are at an angle of 90° to each other, and the liquid crystal panel 100 is configured so that the orientation direction P of the liquid crystal molecules 5a described later is at an angle of 45° relative to the polarization axes of the first polarizing element 51 and the second polarizing element 52. The angle formed by the polarization axis of the first polarizing element 51 and the polarization axis of the second polarizing element 52 is not limited to 90°, and if the tolerance in manufacturing is taken into account, the angle can be within the range of 90°±5°. In addition, the angle formed by the polarization axes of the first polarizing element 51 and the second polarizing element 52 and the orientation direction P is not limited to 45°, and if the tolerance in manufacturing is taken into account, the angle can be within the range of 45°±5°.

[0035] The first phase difference element 61 is configured so that the slow axis forms an angle of 45° with respect to the polarization axis of the first polarizing element 51, and the second phase difference element 62 is configured so that the slow axis forms an angle of 45° with respect to the polarization axis of the second polarizing element 52. Therefore, the first phase difference element 61 and the second phase difference element 62 are configured so that their respective slow axes are parallel, substantially parallel, orthogonal, or substantially orthogonal. In the present embodiment, the first phase difference element 61 and the second phase difference element 62 are configured so that their respective slow axes are orthogonal or substantially orthogonal.

[0036] 1-2. Detailed Structure of Liquid Crystal Panel 100

[0037] In the liquid crystal panel 100, the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 are both quadrilaterals. A display area 10a is provided in the approximate center of the liquid crystal panel 100 as a rectangular area whose dimensions in the 3 o'clock to 9 o'clock direction are longer than those in the 0 o'clock to 6 o'clock direction. The display area 10a is surrounded by a peripheral area 10b.

[0038] The substrate body 19 of the first substrate 10 is composed of a light-transmitting substrate having no refractive index anisotropy such as quartz or glass, and the area from the substrate body 19 to the first alignment film 16 corresponds to the first substrate 10. On the surface of the substrate body 19 on the second substrate 20 side, that is, on the side of one surface 19s, outside the display area 10a, a data line driving circuit 101 and a plurality of terminals 102 are formed along one side of the first substrate 10, and a scanning line driving circuit 104 is formed along the other side adjacent to the one side. The terminal 102 is connected to a flexible wiring substrate 105, and various potentials and various signals are input to the first substrate 10 via the flexible wiring substrate 105.

[0039] On one side 19s of the substrate body 19, a plurality of light-transmitting pixel electrodes 9a made of an ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) film or the like and pixel switch elements 30 electrically connected to the plurality of pixel electrodes 9a are formed in a matrix in the display region 10a. In addition, wiring 17 is provided between the layers of the plurality of insulating films 13 stacked between the substrate body 19 and the pixel electrodes 9a. A first orientation film 16 is formed on the second substrate 20 side for the pixel electrodes 9a, and the pixel electrodes 9a are covered by the first orientation film 16.

[0040] The substrate body 29 of the second substrate 20 is composed of a translucent substrate having no refractive index anisotropy such as quartz or glass, and the area from the substrate body 29 to the second orientation film 26 is equivalent to the second substrate 20. A translucent common electrode 21 composed of an ITO film or the like is formed on the surface of the substrate body 29 on the first substrate 10 side, that is, on the side 29s, and a second orientation film 26 is formed on the first substrate 10 side relative to the common electrode 21. The common electrode 21 is formed on substantially the entire surface of the second substrate 20. A light-shielding shading layer 28 composed of a metal or a metal compound, etc., and a translucent planarizing layer 24 are formed on the side opposite to the first substrate 10 of the common electrode 21. The shading layer 28 is formed, for example, as a frame-shaped partition 28a extending along the outer periphery of the display area 10a. The shading layer 28 is sometimes formed as a black matrix in an area overlapping with an area sandwiched by adjacent pixel electrodes 9a when viewed from above.

[0041] In this embodiment, a dummy pixel electrode 9 b formed simultaneously with the pixel electrode 9 a is formed in a region overlapping with the partition 28 a in a plan view in the peripheral region 10 b of the first substrate 10 .

[0042] An inter-substrate conduction electrode 109 for achieving electrical conduction between the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 is formed in the first substrate 10 in a region outside the sealing material 107 and overlapping with the corner portion of the second substrate 20. The inter-substrate conduction electrode 109 is provided with an inter-substrate conduction member 109a containing conductive particles, and the common electrode 21 of the second substrate 20 is electrically connected to the first substrate 10 side via the inter-substrate conduction member 109a and the inter-substrate conduction electrode 109. Therefore, a common potential is applied to the common electrode 21 from the first substrate 10 side.

[0043] The pixel electrode 9a and the common electrode 21 are formed of a light-transmitting conductive layer such as an ITO film, and the electro-optical device 1 is configured as a transmission-type electro-optical device. In the electro-optical device 1, light incident from one substrate of the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 is modulated during the period of being emitted through the other substrate to display an image. In this embodiment, as shown by arrow L, light incident from the second substrate 20 is modulated for each pixel by the liquid crystal layer 5 during the period of being emitted through the first substrate 10 to display an image.

[0044] 1-3. Structure of light-transmitting substrate for dust prevention

[0045] like Figure 2 As shown, when the electro-optical device 1 is used as a light valve or the like of a projection type display device described later, a first light-transmitting plate 41 for dust prevention is bonded to the other surface 29t of the substrate body 29 of the second substrate 20 on the opposite side to the first substrate 10 by an adhesive or the like. A second light-transmitting plate 42 for dust prevention is bonded to the other surface 19t of the substrate body 19 of the first substrate 10 on the opposite side to the second substrate 20 by an adhesive or the like. Therefore, foreign matter such as dust does not directly adhere to the liquid crystal panel 100, so that foreign matter can be suppressed from being reflected in the image. The first light-transmitting plate 41 and the second light-transmitting plate 42 are respectively formed of substrates that do not have anisotropy of refractive index, such as quartz or glass.

[0046] 1-4. Structure of Liquid Crystal Layer 5, etc.

[0047] Figure 3 It is schematically indicated Figure 2 1 is an explanatory diagram of the liquid crystal molecules 5a and the like of the electro-optical device 1 shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown, the first alignment film 16 and the second alignment film 26 are made of SiO x (x≤2), an inorganic alignment film composed of an oblique vapor-deposited film of TiO2, MgO, Al2O3, etc. Therefore, the first alignment film 16 and the second alignment film 26 are composed of a columnar structure layer in which columns 16a, 26a, called columns, are formed obliquely relative to the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20. Therefore, the first alignment film 16 and the second alignment film 26 tilt the liquid crystal molecules 5a with negative dielectric constant anisotropy used in the liquid crystal layer 5 relative to the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20, giving the liquid crystal molecules 5a a pre-tilt.

[0048] Here, when no voltage is applied between the pixel electrode 9a and the common electrode 21, the angle between the direction perpendicular to the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 and the long axis direction (alignment direction) of the liquid crystal molecules 5a is the pretilt angle θp. In this embodiment, the pretilt angle θp is, for example, 5°.

[0049] Thus, the electro-optical device 1 is configured as a VA (Vertical Alignment) mode electro-optical device. In the electro-optical device 1, when a voltage is applied between the pixel electrode 9a and the common electrode 21, the liquid crystal molecules 5a are displaced in a direction in which the tilt angle with respect to the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 becomes smaller, as shown by the dotted line. The direction of this displacement is the so-called clear viewing direction. In this method, as shown in FIG. Figure 1As shown, the alignment direction P (clear viewing direction) of the liquid crystal molecules 5a is from the direction of 4:30 on the clock toward the direction of 10:30 when viewed from above.

[0050] 1-5. Structures of the First Retardation Element 61 and the Second Retardation Element 62

[0051] Figure 4 It is an explanatory diagram of the electro-optical device according to Reference Example 1 of the present invention. Figure 5 It is an explanatory diagram of the electro-optical device according to Reference Example 2 of the present invention. Figure 6 Yes means Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the relationship between the image quality of the electro-optical device 1 and the phase difference R of the phase difference element. Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the figure, dotted arrows represent the polarization axis of the first polarizing plate 51, the slow axis of the first phase difference element 61, the orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal panel 100, the slow axis of the second phase difference element 62, and the polarization axis of the second polarizing plate 52, and solid arrows represent the polarization state of light.

[0052] In this embodiment, the first phase difference element 61 and the second phase difference element 62 are composed of inorganic materials, for example. As the first phase difference element 61 and the second phase difference element 62, birefringent crystals such as quartz and sapphire can be used. In addition, the first phase difference element 61 and the second phase difference element 62 can also be composed of oblique vapor-deposited films formed on a translucent substrate.

[0053] The first phase difference element 61 and the second phase difference element 62 are sometimes made of organic materials. More specifically, the first phase difference element 61 and the second phase difference element 62 are sometimes made of sheet components that are given anisotropy by stretching or photo-orientation of organic polymers such as polycarbonate, polyvinyl alcohol, polysulfone, and polycycloolefin. In this case, the first phase difference element 61 and the second phase difference element 62 are used in a state of being attached to a light-transmitting substrate.

[0054] In this embodiment, when the wavelength of incident light incident on the liquid crystal panel 100 is λ, the first phase difference element 61 and the second phase difference element 62 each have a phase difference R that satisfies the condition of 0<R<λ / 4, preferably λ / 12<R<λ / 6. For example, the first phase difference element 61 and the second phase difference element 62 each have a phase difference R of λ / 8.

[0055] Below, refer to Figure 4 , Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 , the phase difference R is described. In the absence of the first phase difference element 61 and the second phase difference element 62, as Figure 4As shown, the first linear polarized light emitted from the first polarizing element 51 enters the liquid crystal panel 100. Here, when the pixel is in the off state corresponding to black display, the first linear polarized light is emitted from the liquid crystal panel 100 and therefore is not emitted from the second polarizing element 52.

[0056] On the other hand, when the pixel is in the on state corresponding to white display, the second linearly polarized light is emitted from the liquid crystal panel 100 , and the second linearly polarized light is emitted from the second polarization element 52 .

[0057] The emission light quantity I at this time is expressed by the following formula.

[0058] I=I0·sin 2 (2θ)·sin 2 (n·Δnd / λ)…Formula (1)

[0059] I0 = incident light

[0060] θ = Angle between the orientation direction of the liquid crystal layer and the polarization axis of the polarizing element

[0061] n = refractive index of the liquid crystal layer

[0062] Δnd = retardation of the liquid crystal layer

[0063] λ = wavelength of incident light

[0064] Therefore, the amount of emitted light I is affected by the angle θ formed by the orientation direction of the liquid crystal layer and the polarization axis of the polarizing element. Here, the polarization axis of the polarizing element is equivalent to the optical axis direction of the first linearly polarized light incident on the liquid crystal panel 100. Therefore, if the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules is disturbed by the lateral electric field, the influence is spread to the amount of emitted light I, resulting in a black portion in the white screen.

[0065] On the other hand, in a 1 / 4λ phase difference element having a phase difference of λ / 4, when the linearly polarized incident light is incident at an angle of θ=+45° with respect to the slow axis of the 1 / 4λ phase difference element, the emitted light from the 1 / 4λ phase difference element becomes right-handed circularly polarized light. On the other hand, when the vibration direction of the incident light forms an angle of θ=-45° with the slow axis of the 1 / 4λ phase difference element, it becomes left-handed circularly polarized light. Therefore, Figure 5As shown, in the liquid crystal panel 100, the first linearly polarized light emitted from the first polarizing element 51 is incident on the first phase difference element 61, and the right-handed circularly polarized light is incident on the liquid crystal panel 100. Here, when the pixel is in the off state corresponding to black display, the right-handed circularly polarized light is emitted from the liquid crystal panel 100, and as a result, the right-handed circularly polarized light is incident on the second phase difference element 62. Therefore, since the first linearly polarized light is emitted from the second phase difference element 62, it is not emitted from the second polarizing element 52.

[0066] On the other hand, when the pixel is in the on state corresponding to white display, left-handed circularly polarized light is emitted from the liquid crystal panel 100, and the left-handed circularly polarized light enters the second phase difference element 62. Therefore, the second linearly polarized light is emitted from the second phase difference element 62, and the second linearly polarized light is emitted from the second polarizing element 52.

[0067] Here, when the light incident on the liquid crystal panel 100 is circularly polarized light, since the sin in equation (1) does not exist, 2 (2θ) term, so the emitted light amount I is expressed by the following formula. Therefore, even if the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules is disturbed by the lateral electric field, its influence will not affect the emitted light amount I, so it is possible to suppress the generation of black parts in the white screen. Therefore, if the phase difference between the first phase difference element 61 and the second phase difference element 62 is set to λ / 4, the influence of poor orientation can be suppressed to the greatest extent.

[0068] I=I0·sin 2 (n·Δnd / λ)···Formula (2)

[0069] However, in the case of circularly polarized light, light leakage is easily generated due to phase change when light incident on the liquid crystal panel 100 is reflected by the side surface of the wiring, etc. Figure 6 As will be described below, the contrast is likely to decrease.

[0070] exist Figure 6 The figure shows the effect of poor orientation on the electro-optical device 1 and the change in contrast when the phase difference R between the first phase difference element 61 and the second phase difference element 62 is changed from 0 to λ / 4. The horizontal axis is the contrast (ContrastRatio), and the right side indicates a high contrast. The vertical axis is the degree of poor orientation, and the upper side indicates a large effect of poor orientation. Figure 6As shown, when the phase difference R between the first phase difference element 61 and the second phase difference element 62 is 0, the contrast ratio is high, but on the other hand, the influence of poor orientation is large. In addition, when the phase difference R between the first phase difference element 61 and the second phase difference element 62 is made close to λ / 4, the influence of poor orientation is suppressed, but on the other hand, the contrast ratio is reduced. Based on this result, in this embodiment, the phase difference R between the first phase difference element 61 and the second phase difference element 62 is set to the following conditions.

[0071] 0 <R<λ / 4

[0072] Therefore, the influence of poor alignment can be suppressed, and a decrease in contrast can be suppressed. Here, the phase difference R between the first phase difference element 61 and the second phase difference element 62 is preferably set to the following conditions.

[0073] λ / 12 <R<λ / 6

[0074] For example, it is preferable to set the phase difference R between the first phase difference element 61 and the second phase difference element 62 to λ / 8. According to this structure, in the electro-optical device 1, the influence of poor alignment can be more appropriately suppressed, and a decrease in contrast can be further avoided.

[0075] 2. Second Implementation

[0076] Figure 7 This is an explanatory diagram of an electro-optical device 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The basic structure of this embodiment and the embodiments described below is the same as that of the first embodiment. Therefore, common parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and their description is omitted.

[0077] like Figure 7 As shown, in the electro-optical device 1 of this embodiment, the first phase difference element 61 and the second phase difference element 62 are respectively fixed to the liquid crystal panel 100. In this embodiment, the first light-transmitting plate 41 and the second light-transmitting plate 42 for dust prevention are fixed to the liquid crystal panel 100 by adhesive or the like, so the first phase difference element 61 and the second phase difference element 62 are respectively fixed to the liquid crystal panel 100 via the first light-transmitting plate 41 and the second light-transmitting plate 42.

[0078] More specifically, the first phase difference element 61 is fixed to the surface of the first light-transmitting plate 41 on the opposite side to the liquid crystal panel 100, and the second phase difference element 62 is fixed to the surface of the second light-transmitting plate 42 on the opposite side to the liquid crystal panel 100 by bonding or the like. Here, the first phase difference element 61 and the second phase difference element 62 are, for example, directly fixed to the first light-transmitting plate 41 and the second light-transmitting plate 42. In addition, it can also be the following mode: the first phase difference element 61 and the second phase difference element 62 are respectively attached to a light-transmitting support plate, and the support plate is fixed to the first light-transmitting plate 41 and the second light-transmitting plate 42.

[0079] In addition, the first phase difference element 61 may be fixed between the first light-transmitting plate 41 and the liquid crystal panel 100, and the second phase difference element 62 may be fixed between the second light-transmitting plate 42 and the liquid crystal panel 100. In this case, the first phase difference element 61 is fixed to both the first light-transmitting plate 41 and the second substrate 20 of the liquid crystal panel 100 by an adhesive or the like, and the second phase difference element 62 is fixed to both the second light-transmitting plate 42 and the first substrate 10 of the liquid crystal panel 100 by an adhesive or the like.

[0080] 2-1. Modification of the Second Embodiment

[0081] Figure 8 FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of an electro-optical device 1 according to a modified example of the second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 As shown, when the first phase difference element 61 and the second phase difference element 62 are fixed to the liquid crystal panel 100, the first phase difference element 61 and the second phase difference element 62 can also be formed by using an inorganic film obliquely evaporated on the surface of the first light-transmitting plate 41 opposite to the liquid crystal panel 100 and on the surface of the second light-transmitting plate 42 opposite to the liquid crystal panel 100.

[0082] In addition, the first phase difference element 61 may be fixed between the first light-transmitting plate 41 and the liquid crystal panel 100, and the second phase difference element 62 may be fixed between the second light-transmitting plate 42 and the liquid crystal panel 100. In this case, the inorganic film constituting the first phase difference element 61 is formed on the first light-transmitting plate 41 or the second substrate 20 of the liquid crystal panel 100, and the inorganic film constituting the second phase difference element 62 is formed on the second light-transmitting plate 42 or the first substrate 10 of the liquid crystal panel 100.

[0083] 3. Third Implementation

[0084] Fig. 9 1 is an explanatory diagram of an electro-optical device 1 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 9 As shown, in the electro-optical device 1 of this embodiment, the first phase difference element 61 and the first λ / 2 phase difference element 66 are arranged between the first polarizing element 51 and the liquid crystal panel 100, and the second phase difference element 62 and the second λ / 2 phase difference element 67 are arranged between the second polarizing element 52 and the liquid crystal panel 100. For example, the first λ / 2 phase difference element 66 is arranged between the first polarizing element 51 and the first phase difference element 61, and the second λ / 2 phase difference element 67 is arranged between the second polarizing element 52 and the second phase difference element 62. Therefore, a wideband phase difference element capable of handling a wider band can be formed by using the first phase difference element 61 and the first λ / 2 phase difference element 66, and a wideband phase difference element capable of handling a wider band can be formed by using the second phase difference element 62 and the second λ / 2 phase difference element 67.

[0085] Here, the first phase difference element 61 and the first λ / 2 phase difference element 66 are respectively made of an inorganic material or an organic material, and the second phase difference element 62 and the second λ / 2 phase difference element 67 are respectively made of an inorganic material or an organic material.

[0086] 3-1. Modification 1 of the Third Embodiment

[0087] Fig.10 FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of an electro-optical device 1 according to a first variation of the third embodiment of the present invention. Fig.10 As shown, in the electro-optical device 1 of this embodiment, as in the third embodiment, the first phase difference element 61 and the first λ / 2 phase difference element 66 are arranged between the first polarizing element 51 and the liquid crystal panel 100, and the second phase difference element 62 and the second λ / 2 phase difference element 67 are arranged between the second polarizing element 52 and the liquid crystal panel 100. Here, the first phase difference element 61 and the first λ / 2 phase difference element 66 are fixed to the liquid crystal panel 100 as an integrated optical element 68, and the second phase difference element 62 and the second λ / 2 phase difference element 67 are fixed to the liquid crystal panel 100 as an integrated optical element 69. More specifically, the first phase difference element 61 and the first λ / 2 phase difference element 66 are fixed to the liquid crystal panel 100 via the first light-transmitting plate 41 as an integrated optical element 68, and the second phase difference element 62 and the second λ / 2 phase difference element 67 are fixed to the liquid crystal panel 100 as an integrated optical element 69 via the second light-transmitting plate 42.

[0088] In this embodiment, in the optical element 68, the first phase difference element 61 and the first λ / 2 phase difference element 66 are fixed directly or via a translucent support plate, and in the optical element 69, the second phase difference element 62 and the second λ / 2 phase difference element 67 are fixed directly or via a translucent support plate.

[0089] In addition, the following mode may be adopted: the optical element 68 composed of the first phase difference element 61 and the first λ / 2 phase difference element 66 is arranged between the first light-transmitting plate 41 and the liquid crystal panel 100, and the optical element 69 composed of the second phase difference element 62 and the second λ / 2 phase difference element 67 is arranged between the second light-transmitting plate 42 and the liquid crystal panel 100. In this case, the optical element 68 composed of the first phase difference element 61 and the first λ / 2 phase difference element 66 is fixed to both the first light-transmitting plate 41 and the second substrate 20 of the liquid crystal panel 100 by an adhesive or the like, and the optical element 69 composed of the second phase difference element 62 and the second λ / 2 phase difference element 67 is fixed to both the second light-transmitting plate 42 and the first substrate 10 of the liquid crystal panel 100 by an adhesive or the like.

[0090] 3-2. Modification 2 of the Third Embodiment

[0091] Fig.11 1 is an explanatory diagram of an electro-optical device 1 according to a second variation of the third embodiment of the present invention. Fig.11 As shown, in the composition Fig.10 In the case of the optical element 68 shown in FIG. 1 , the oblique vapor-deposited film constituting the first phase difference element 61 and the oblique vapor-deposited film constituting the first λ / 2 phase difference element 66 can be stacked. Fig.10 In the case of the optical element 69 shown, a method in which the oblique vapor-deposited film constituting the second phase difference element 62 and the oblique vapor-deposited film constituting the second λ / 2 phase difference element 67 are stacked can be adopted.

[0092] 4. Fourth Implementation

[0093] Fig.12 1 is an explanatory diagram of an electro-optical device 1 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Fig.12 As shown, in the electro-optical device 1, one or more optical compensation elements 71 composed of C plates, O plates or A plates can also be provided to improve contrast and viewing angle characteristics. In addition, as the configuration of the optical compensation plate, it is optically preferably configured between the panel and the phase difference plate to improve the compensation effect. However, in the case where the phase difference plate 61 needs to be set first in the production, or the compensation plate needs to be set on the outside of the phase difference plate 61, even this configuration can obtain a lot of compensation effects.

[0094] Regarding the C plate, O plate and A plate, the refractive index ellipsoid representing the three-dimensional distribution of the refractive index is defined as follows. Here, the coordinate axis in the substrate surface of the first substrate 10 or the second substrate 20 is set as the XY axis, and the method line direction is set as the Z axis. The main refractive index in the X-axis direction is set as Nx, the main refractive index in the Y-axis direction is set as Ny, and the main refractive index in the Z-axis direction is set as Nz.

[0095] The A plate (positive A plate) satisfies the following conditional expression: Nx>Ny=Nz.

[0096] The C plate (negative C plate) satisfies the following conditional expression: Nx=Ny>Nz.

[0097] The refractive index ellipsoid of the O-plate itself is tilted relative to the substrate, for example, relative to Nx>Ny>Nz, with the Y axis as the rotation axis, and tilted at a certain angle from the substrate normal line, so that when observed from the substrate normal line, the slow axis in the ellipsoid cross section in the XY plane becomes the Y axis direction. However, it is not limited to the above conditions, and the Y axis direction can also be made the fast axis according to the ellipsoid shape and its tilt.

[0098] The optical compensation element 71 is made of an inorganic material or an organic material. In the case where the optical compensation element 71 is a C-plate made of an inorganic material, the optical compensation element 71 is, for example, made of an inorganic film in which a high refractive index layer and a low refractive index layer are alternately stacked. The high refractive index layer is made of a tantalum oxide film, a niobium oxide film, a titanium oxide film, a silicon nitride film, a silicon oxynitride film, or the like. For example, the high refractive index layer is formed of a niobium oxide film having a refractive index of 2.3, and the low refractive index layer is formed of a silicon oxide film having a refractive index of 1.5. In the case where the optical compensation element 71 is an O-plate made of an inorganic material, the optical compensation element 71 is formed by obliquely evaporating an inorganic film such as a tantalum oxide film.

[0099] 4-1. Modification of the Fourth Embodiment

[0100] Fig.13 FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of an electro-optical device 1 according to a first variation of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Fig.13 As shown, in the electro-optical device 1, a lens array 22 having a plurality of microlenses 220 that overlap with a plurality of pixel electrodes 9a in a one-to-one relationship when viewed from above is sometimes provided on the second substrate 20 to improve the efficiency of light utilization. When forming the lens array 22, a plurality of lens surfaces are formed on one side 29s of the substrate body 29, and the plurality of lens surfaces are composed of concave curved surfaces that overlap with a plurality of pixel electrodes 9a in a one-to-one relationship when viewed from above. In addition, a translucent lens layer 23 is stacked between one side 29s of the substrate body 29 and the flattening layer 24, and the surface of the lens layer 23 on the opposite side of the substrate body 29 becomes a flat surface. The substrate body 29 and the lens layer 23 have different refractive indices, and the lens surfaces and the lens layer 23 constitute microlenses 220. In this embodiment, the refractive index of the lens layer 23 is greater than the refractive index of the substrate body 29. For example, the substrate body 29 is made of a quartz substrate (silicon oxide, SiO2) with a refractive index of 1.48, whereas the lens layer 23 is made of a silicon oxynitride film (SiON) with a refractive index of 1.58 to 1.68. Therefore, the microlens 220 has a positive refractive power for focusing light from a light source.

[0101] Here, the optical compensation element 71 is provided at a position avoiding between the lens array 22 and the liquid crystal layer 5. For example, the optical compensation element 71 is an inorganic film stacked between the lens layer 23 and the planarization layer 24. According to this mode, the incident angles of light in the optical compensation element 71 and the liquid crystal layer 5 are equal, so that the optical compensation element 71 can appropriately perform optical compensation of the liquid crystal layer 5. In addition, the optical compensation element 71 can also be provided between the pixel electrode 9a and the insulating film 13 in the first substrate 10, for example.

[0102] 5. Fifth Implementation

[0103] Fig.141 is an explanatory diagram of an electro-optical device 1 according to a fifth embodiment. Fig.14 As shown, in the electro-optical device 1 of this embodiment, an anti-reflection layer 80 composed of a laminated film of a low refractive index layer and a high refractive index layer is formed on the surface in contact with air of the two surfaces of each optical component. Therefore, reflection at the interface between each optical component and air can be suppressed, so that the loss of display light caused by reflection, the generation of stray light, etc. can be suppressed.

[0104] In this embodiment, both surfaces of the first polarizing element 51 and the second polarizing element 52 are in contact with air, and therefore, an antireflection layer 80 is formed on both surfaces of the first polarizing element 51 and the second polarizing element 52. Furthermore, the surface of the first phase difference element 61 on the first polarizing element 51 side and the surface of the second phase difference element 62 on the second polarizing element 52 side are in contact with air, and therefore, an antireflection layer 80 is formed on the surface of the first phase difference element 61 on the first polarizing element 51 side and the surface of the second phase difference element 62 on the second polarizing element 52 side.

[0105] 6. Sixth Implementation

[0106] Fig.15 This is an explanatory diagram of the electro-optical device 1 of the sixth embodiment of the present invention. In the electro-optical device 1 of the first embodiment to the fourth embodiment, since the first phase difference element 61 and the second phase difference element 62 are provided, the influence of poor orientation can be more appropriately suppressed, and the reduction in contrast can be further avoided. Here, in the case of displaying images through the electro-optical device 1 in commercial electronic devices, most of the displayed images are text and lines. Due to the poor display caused by the poor orientation of the liquid crystal shown above, the text and lines become thicker, which becomes a problem. Therefore, it is preferred to more appropriately suppress the influence of poor orientation by providing the first phase difference element 61 and the second phase difference element 62.

[0107] In contrast, when an image is displayed by the electro-optical device 1 in a household electronic device, the image is centered on natural images, animations, etc., so it is difficult to recognize text and thickening of lines, and contrast is more important than this. Figure 6 It can be seen that if the first phase difference element 61 and the second phase difference element 62 are not provided, the contrast is higher.

[0108] Therefore, in this embodiment, a switching mechanism is provided, which does not fix the first phase difference element 61 and the second phase difference element 62 to other optical components, but switches between a first state located on the optical path from the first polarizing element 51 to the second polarizing element 52 via the liquid crystal panel 100 and a second state away from the optical path. Fig.15As shown, a switching mechanism 91 is provided, which has a guide 910 and the like for moving the first phase difference element 61 to a position away from the optical path from the first polarizing element 51 to the liquid crystal panel 100; and a switching mechanism 92, which has a guide 920 and the like for moving the second phase difference element 62 to a position away from the optical path from the liquid crystal panel 100 to the second polarizing element 52. Therefore, when the electro-optical device 1 mainly displays text and lines, the first phase difference element 61 and the second phase difference element 62 are arranged on the optical path, and when the electro-optical device 1 mainly displays natural images, animations, etc., the first phase difference element 61 and the second phase difference element 62 can be moved away from the optical path by the switching mechanisms 91 and 92.

[0109] 7. Seventh Implementation Method

[0110] Fig.16 1 is an explanatory diagram of the electro-optical device 1 according to the seventh embodiment. In this embodiment, when the first phase difference element 61 and the second phase difference element 62 are respectively switched to a first state located on the optical path from the first polarizing element 51 to the second polarizing element 52 via the liquid crystal panel 100 and a second state away from the optical path, the first phase difference element 61 and the second phase difference element 62 are respectively rotated in the in-plane direction.

[0111] More specifically, for example, Fig.16As shown, the switching mechanism 95 has a frame 96 that supports the first phase difference element 61 and the first polarizing element 51, and the support plate 60 provided with the first phase difference element 61 is supported on the frame 96 by an elastic body 98 such as a spring or rubber. In addition, in the frame 96, adjustment screws 97 are provided at two opposite positions of the frame 96. Therefore, by pressing the end of the support plate 60 with the adjustment screws 97, the angular position of the first phase difference element 61 can be adjusted. The same switching mechanism 95 is also provided for the second phase difference element 62. Therefore, in the case where text and lines are mainly displayed by the electro-optical device 1, the first phase difference element 61 and the second phase difference element 62 are set so that the slow axis of the first phase difference element 61 is set to form an angle of 45° with the polarization axis of the first polarizing element 51 in the optical path, and the second phase difference element 62 is set so that the slow axis is set to form an angle of 45° with the polarization axis of the second polarizing element 52. On the other hand, in the case where natural images, animations, etc. are mainly displayed by the electro-optical device 1, the first phase difference element 61 and the second phase difference element 62 are rotated in the in-plane direction by using the switching mechanism 95, and the first phase difference element 61 and the second phase difference element 62 are set so that the slow axis of the first phase difference element 61 is orthogonal or parallel to the polarization axis of the first polarizing element 51 in the optical path, and the slow axis of the second phase difference element 62 is orthogonal or parallel to the polarization axis of the second polarizing element 52. As a result, even if the first phase difference element 61 and the second phase difference element 62 are not removed from the optical path, the state is the same as the case where the first phase difference element 61 and the second phase difference element 62 are removed from the optical path. Therefore, even if no extra space is provided around the optical path, a structure suitable for displaying natural pictures, animations, etc. can be achieved.

[0112] 8. Example of installation in electronic devices

[0113] Fig.17 1 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a projection type display device using the electro-optical device 1 to which the present invention is applied. Fig.17 The projection display device shown is an example of an electronic device using the electro-optical device 1. In the following description, a plurality of electro-optical devices 1 supplied with light of different wavelength bands are used, but the electro-optical device 1 to which the present invention is applied is used in any of the electro-optical devices.

[0114] Fig.17 The projection display device shown is a front projection type projector 210 that projects an image onto a screen 211 disposed in front. The projection display device 210 includes: a light source 212; dichroic mirrors 213 and 214; three light valves (electro-optical device 1 (r) for red light, electro-optical device 1 (g) for green light, and electro-optical device 1 (b) for blue light) constituting an electro-optical device to which the present invention is applied; a projection optical system 218; an optical path shifting element 240; a cross dichroic prism 219 (color synthesis optical system); and a relay system 230.

[0115] The light source 212 is composed of, for example, an ultra-high pressure mercury lamp, a semiconductor laser, etc. that supplies light including red light, green light, and blue light. The dichroic mirror 213 is configured to transmit the red light Lr from the light source 212 and reflect the green light Lg and the blue light Lb. In addition, the dichroic mirror 214 is configured to transmit the blue light Lb among the green light Lg and the blue light Lb reflected by the dichroic mirror 213 and reflect the green light Lg. In this way, the dichroic mirrors 213 and 214 constitute a color separation optical system that separates the light emitted from the light source 212 into red light Lr, green light Lg, and blue light Lb. Between the dichroic mirror 213 and the light source 212, an integrator 221 and a polarization conversion element 222 are arranged in sequence from the light source 212. The integrator 221 makes the illumination distribution of the light irradiated from the light source 212 uniform. The polarization conversion element 222 converts the light from the light source 212 into linearly polarized light having a specific vibration direction, such as s-polarized light.

[0116] The red light electro-optical device 1 (r) modulates the red light Lr transmitted through the dichroic mirror 213 and reflected by the reflector 223 according to the image signal, and emits the modulated red light Lr toward the cross dichroic prism 219. The red light electro-optical device 1 (r) has a reference Figures 1 to 16 For example, the electro-optical device for red light 1 (r) includes a first polarizing element 51 (R), a first light-transmitting plate 41 (r) for dust prevention, a liquid crystal panel 100 (r), a second light-transmitting plate 42 (r) for dust prevention, and a second polarizing element 52 (r). In addition, the electro-optical device for red light 1 (r) includes a first phase difference element 61 (r) and a second phase difference element 62 (r).

[0117] The electro-optical device 1(g) for green light modulates the green light Lg reflected by the dichroic mirror 213 and then by the dichroic mirror 214 according to the image signal, and emits the modulated green light Lg toward the cross dichroic prism 219. The electro-optical device 1(g) for green light has a reference Figures 1 to 16 For example, the electro-optical device 1(g) for green light has a first polarizing element 51(g), a first light-transmitting plate 41(g) for dust prevention, a liquid crystal panel 100(g), a second light-transmitting plate 42(g) for dust prevention, and a second polarizing element 52(g) in the same manner as the electro-optical device 1(r) for red light. In addition, the electro-optical device 1(g) for green light has a first phase difference element 61(g) and a second phase difference element 62(g).

[0118] The electro-optical device 1 (b) for blue light modulates the blue light Lb reflected by the dichroic mirror 213 and transmitted through the dichroic mirror 214 and then passed through the relay system 230 according to the image signal, and emits the modulated blue light Lb toward the cross dichroic prism 219. The electro-optical device 1 (b) for blue light has a reference Figures 1 to 16 For example, the electro-optical device 1(b) for blue light has a first polarizing element 51(b), a first light-transmitting plate 41(b) for dust prevention, a liquid crystal panel 100(b), a second light-transmitting plate 42(b) for dust prevention, and a second polarizing element 52(b), similarly to the electro-optical device 1(r) for red light and the electro-optical device 1(g) for green light. In addition, the electro-optical device 1(b) for blue light has a first phase difference element 61(b) and a second phase difference element 62(b).

[0119] The relay system 230 includes relay microlenses 224a and 224b and reflectors 225a and 225b. The relay microlenses 224a and 224b are provided to prevent light loss due to the long optical path of the blue light Lb. The relay microlens 224a is disposed between the dichroic mirror 214 and the reflector 225a.

[0120] The relay microlens 224b is disposed between the reflectors 225a and 225b. The reflector 225a is disposed to reflect the blue light Lb emitted from the relay microlens 224a through the dichroic mirror 214 toward the relay microlens 224b. The reflector 225b is disposed to reflect the blue light Lb emitted from the relay microlens 224b toward the blue light electro-optical device 1(b).

[0121] The cross dichroic prism 219 is a color synthesis optical system in which two dichroic films 219a and 219b are arranged orthogonally in an X shape. The dichroic film 219a reflects blue light Lb and transmits green light Lg. The dichroic film 219b reflects red light Lr and transmits green light Lg.

[0122] Therefore, the cross dichroic prism 219 is configured to synthesize the red light Lr, the green light Lg, and the blue light Lb modulated by the red light electro-optical device 1 (r), the green light electro-optical device 1 (g), and the blue light electro-optical device 1 (b), respectively, and emit them toward the projection optical system 218. The projection optical system 218 has a projection microlens (not shown), and is configured to project the light synthesized by the cross dichroic prism 219 toward the screen 211.

[0123] In the projection display device 210 thus constructed, since light of different wavelengths is incident on the electro-optical device 1(g) for green light and the electro-optical device 1(b) for blue light, the phase difference of the first phase difference element 61 and the second phase difference element 62 may be different in at least two of the electro-optical devices 1(r) for red light, the electro-optical device 1(g) for green light, and the electro-optical device 1(b) for blue light. In addition, in the electro-optical device 1(r) for red light, the electro-optical device 1(g) for green light, and the electro-optical device 1(b) for blue light, the phase difference of the first phase difference element 61 and the second phase difference element 62 may be different for each electro-optical device. For example, the center wavelength of red light incident on the red light electro-optical device 1 (r) can be set to 610nm, the center wavelength of green light incident on the green light electro-optical device 1 (g) can be set to 550nm, the center wavelength of blue light incident on the blue light electro-optical device 1 (b) can be set to 470nm, and the phase difference of the first phase difference element 61 and the second phase difference element 62 used in each electro-optical device 1 can be set to an appropriate value.

[0124] Furthermore, the projection optical system 218 includes an optical path shifting element 240. The electro-optical device 1 modulates the light from the light source 212 to generate an image. The optical path shifting element 240 can shift the projection position of the generated image to the screen 211 at each predetermined period, thereby improving the resolution of the projected image. Therefore, by applying the electro-optical device 1, the projector 210 can alleviate the disorder of the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules caused by the lateral electric field and the influence caused by the disclination, and suppress the reduction of the contrast, thereby displaying a high-resolution and high-quality image.

[0125] 8-1. Other electronic devices

[0126] The electro-optical device 1 to which the present invention is applied may be configured to use an LED light source, a laser light source, or the like that emits light of different colors as a light source in a projection display device, and to supply the color lights emitted from the light source to other electro-optical devices.

[0127] The electro-optical device 1 is not limited to a front projection type projector that projects from the side where the projected image is observed, but may also be used for a rear projection type projector that projects from the side opposite to the side where the projected image is observed.

[0128] In addition, the electronic device to which the electro-optical device 1 can be applied is not limited to the projection display device 210. The electro-optical device 1 can also be used as a display unit of information terminal devices such as a projection type HUD (head-up display), a direct-view type HMD (head mounted display), or an electronic book, a personal computer, a digital still camera, a liquid crystal television, a viewfinder type or a monitor direct-view type video recorder, a car navigation system, an electronic notepad, and a POS.

Claims

1. An electro-optical device, characterized in that The electro-optical device has: a first polarizing element; a second polarizing element; a liquid crystal panel disposed between the first polarizing element and the second polarizing element; A first phase difference element, which is arranged between the first polarization element and the liquid crystal panel; as well as a second phase difference element disposed between the liquid crystal panel and the second polarizing element; When the wavelength of the incident light incident on the liquid crystal panel is λ, the first phase difference element and the second phase difference element each provide a phase difference R that satisfies the following conditions: 0<R<λ / 4, The electro-optical device has a switching mechanism that switches the first phase difference element and the second phase difference element to a first state located on an optical path from the first polarizing element to the second polarizing element via the liquid crystal panel and a second state away from the optical path. The switching mechanism has: a first switching mechanism having a guide member that moves the first phase difference element to a position away from an optical path from the first polarizing element to the liquid crystal panel; as well as The second switching mechanism includes a guide that moves the second phase difference element to a position away from an optical path from the liquid crystal panel to the second polarization element.

2. The electro-optical device according to claim 1, characterized in that The phase difference R satisfies the following conditions: λ / 12<R<λ / 6.

3. The electro-optical device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The first phase difference element and the second phase difference element each provide a phase difference R of λ / 8.

4. The electro-optical device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The slow axes of the first phase difference element and the second phase difference element are orthogonal or substantially orthogonal.

5. The electro-optical device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The electro-optical device comprises: A first λ / 2 phase difference element is arranged between the first polarization element and the liquid crystal panel; and The second λ / 2 phase difference element is arranged between the second polarizing element and the liquid crystal panel.

6. The electro-optical device according to claim 5, characterized in that The first phase difference element and the first λ / 2 phase difference element constitute an integrated optical element. The second phase difference element and the second λ / 2 phase difference element constitute an integrated optical element.

7. The electro-optical device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The first phase difference element and the second phase difference element are each made of an inorganic material.

8. The electro-optical device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The first phase difference element and the second phase difference element are each made of an organic material.

9. The electro-optical device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The first phase difference element and the second phase difference element are each fixed to the liquid crystal panel.

10. The electro-optical device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: At least one of the first phase difference element and the second phase difference element has an antireflection layer provided on a surface in contact with air between a surface on the light incident side and a surface on the light emitting side.

11. The electro-optical device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The liquid crystal panel includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate, and a lens array formed on at least one of the first substrate and the second substrate.

12. An electronic device, characterized in that: An electro-optical device according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. A projector, characterized in that: The projector features: light source; an electro-optical device that modulates light from the light source to generate an image; a projection optical system that projects the image generated by the electro-optical device; as well as an optical path shifting element which shifts the projection position of the image, The electro-optical device comprises a first polarizing element, a second polarizing element, a liquid crystal panel disposed between the first polarizing element and the second polarizing element, a first phase difference element disposed between the first polarizing element and the liquid crystal panel, and a second phase difference element disposed between the liquid crystal panel and the second polarizing element. When the wavelength of the incident light entering the liquid crystal panel is λ, the phase difference R given by the first phase difference element and the second phase difference element is 0<R<λ / 4. The electro-optical device has a switching mechanism that switches the first phase difference element and the second phase difference element to a first state located on an optical path from the first polarizing element to the second polarizing element via the liquid crystal panel and a second state away from the optical path. The switching mechanism has: a first switching mechanism having a guide member that moves the first phase difference element to a position away from an optical path from the first polarizing element to the liquid crystal panel; as well as The second switching mechanism includes a guide that moves the second phase difference element to a position away from an optical path from the liquid crystal panel to the second polarization element.

Images