Liquid crystal device

Abstract

An object of the embodiments is to provide a liquid crystal device capable of suppressing moire. According to an embodiment, a liquid crystal device has a first liquid crystal cell and a second liquid crystal cell, each of which has a first electrode and a second electrode, a first alignment film, a third electrode and a fourth electrode, a second alignment film, and a liquid crystal layer between the first alignment film and the second alignment film, the first electrode and the second electrode in the first liquid crystal cell extend in a direction different from the first electrode and the second electrode in the second liquid crystal cell, and in each of the first liquid crystal cell and the second liquid crystal cell, the extending direction of the first electrode and the second electrode is orthogonal to the extending direction of the third electrode and the fourth electrode in plan view.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The liquid crystal device involved in the embodiments of the present invention. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, light control devices using liquid crystal cells have been proposed. Such light control devices control the orientation state of liquid crystal molecules or the refractive index distribution of the liquid crystal layer to refract light (p-polarized light, s-polarized light) transmitted through the liquid crystal layer. In one example, a technique has been proposed to suppress non-uniformity in an illumination device equipped with multiple liquid crystal lenses by forming strip electrodes at mutually offset positions for forming each liquid crystal lens.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-230887 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] The purpose of this implementation is to provide a liquid crystal device capable of suppressing moiré patterns.

[0008] Solutions for solving technical problems

[0009] One embodiment of the liquid crystal device includes:

[0010] A first liquid crystal unit; and a second liquid crystal unit, overlapping the first liquid crystal unit, the first liquid crystal unit and the second liquid crystal unit respectively comprising: a first transparent substrate; a first alignment film; a first strip electrode and a second strip electrode, located between the first transparent substrate and the first alignment film, arranged with a gap, and configured to be subjected to different voltages; a second transparent substrate; a second alignment film; a third strip electrode and a fourth strip electrode, located between the second transparent substrate and the second alignment film, arranged with a gap, and configured to be subjected to different voltages; and a liquid crystal layer, located between the first alignment film and the second alignment film, wherein the extension directions of the first strip electrode and the second strip electrode in the first liquid crystal unit are different from the extension directions of the first strip electrode and the second strip electrode in the second liquid crystal unit, and in each of the first liquid crystal unit and the second liquid crystal unit, the extension directions of the first strip electrode and the second strip electrode are orthogonal to the extension directions of the third strip electrode and the fourth strip electrode when viewed from top view.

[0011] The effects of the invention

[0012] According to one embodiment, a liquid crystal device capable of suppressing moiré patterns can be provided. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 A perspective view of the liquid crystal device 1 according to the embodiment is shown.

[0014] Figure 2 for Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the liquid crystal device 1 is shown.

[0015] Figure 3 For brevity Figure 2 A perspective view of the first liquid crystal unit 10.

[0016] Figure 4 This diagram illustrates an example of the extension direction of each electrode constituting the liquid crystal device 1.

[0017] Figure 5 The diagram illustrates the first liquid crystal cell 10 in the off state (OFF) in which no electric field is formed in the liquid crystal layer LC1.

[0018] Figure 6 The diagram illustrates the first liquid crystal cell 10 in the ON state where an electric field is formed in the liquid crystal layer LC1.

[0019] Figure 7 The figure shows another example of the extension direction of each electrode constituting the liquid crystal device 1.

[0020] Figure 8 The figure shows another example of the extension direction of each electrode constituting the liquid crystal device 1.

[0021] Figure 9 The figure shows another example of the extension direction of each electrode constituting the liquid crystal device 1.

[0022] Figure 10 The figure shows another example of the extension direction of each electrode constituting the liquid crystal device 1.

[0023] Figure 11 The figure shows another example of the extension direction of each electrode constituting the liquid crystal device 1.

[0024] Figure 12 The figure shows another example of the extension direction of each electrode constituting the liquid crystal device 1.

[0025] Figure 13 The figure shows another example of the extension direction of each electrode constituting the liquid crystal device 1. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0027] It should be noted that the disclosure is merely an example, and suitable modifications that can be readily conceived by those skilled in the art while maintaining the spirit of the invention are naturally included within the scope of this invention. Furthermore, to make the description clearer, the width, thickness, shape, etc., of various parts are schematically shown in the drawings compared to actual situations; however, this is merely an example and not a limitation on the interpretation of this invention. Additionally, in this specification and the various drawings, structural elements that perform the same or similar functions as described above are sometimes marked with the same reference numerals, and repeated detailed descriptions are appropriately omitted.

[0028] It should be noted that, for ease of understanding, the X, Y, and Z axes are shown as mutually orthogonal in the accompanying drawings. The direction along the X-axis is referred to as the X-direction or the first direction, the direction along the Y-axis as the Y-direction or the second direction, and the direction along the Z-axis as the Z-direction or the third direction. The plane defined by the X and Y axes is called the XY plane. Observing the XY plane is referred to as top-down observation.

[0029] Figure 1 A perspective view of the liquid crystal device 1 according to this embodiment is shown.

[0030] The liquid crystal device 1 includes a first liquid crystal unit 10, a second liquid crystal unit 20, a third liquid crystal unit 30, and a fourth liquid crystal unit 40. The liquid crystal device 1 described in this embodiment is a device having two or more liquid crystal units, but is not limited to such a device. Figure 1 The example shown has a structure with four liquid crystal cells.

[0031] On the third direction Z, the first liquid crystal unit 10, the second liquid crystal unit 20, the third liquid crystal unit 30 and the fourth liquid crystal unit 40 are overlapped in the order of the first liquid crystal unit 10, the second liquid crystal unit 20, the third liquid crystal unit 30 and the fourth liquid crystal unit 40.

[0032] The light source LS, shown by the dashed line, is opposite the first liquid crystal cell 10 in the third direction Z. The light source LS is preferably configured to emit collimated light, but it can also be configured to emit diffused light. The emitted light from the light source LS transmits the first liquid crystal cell 10, the second liquid crystal cell 20, the third liquid crystal cell 30, and the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 sequentially. As described later, the first liquid crystal cell 10, the second liquid crystal cell 20, the third liquid crystal cell 30, and the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 constitute a polarized component of the refracted incident light. In this way, by combining the liquid crystal device 1 and the light source LS, an illumination device capable of both diffusing and focusing light can be provided.

[0033] Figure 2 for Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the liquid crystal device 1 is shown.

[0034] The first liquid crystal unit 10 includes a first transparent substrate S11, a second transparent substrate S21, a liquid crystal layer LC1, and a sealing member SE1. The first transparent substrate S11 and the second transparent substrate S21 are bonded together by the sealing member SE1. The liquid crystal layer LC1 is held between the first transparent substrate S11 and the second transparent substrate S21 and is sealed by the sealing member SE1. An effective region AA1 capable of refracting incident light is formed on the inner side surrounded by the sealing member SE1.

[0035] In this specification, when viewing the first liquid crystal cell 10 from above, and taking one edge SY located at the left end of the first transparent substrate S11 as a reference, the direction orthogonal to edge SY is defined as the first direction X, the direction parallel to edge SY is defined as the second direction Y, and the direction orthogonal to the first direction X and the second direction Y (thickness direction) is defined as the third direction Z. Furthermore, taking edge SY as a reference, the direction of the arrow pointing to the three points in the XY plane, i.e., the tip direction of the first direction X, is set to 0°. A positive (+) signifies counterclockwise angles relative to the first direction X, and a negative (-) signifies clockwise angles relative to the first direction X. The tip direction of the arrow pointing to the second direction Y corresponds to a direction 90° relative to the first direction X.

[0036] This correspondence in each direction also applies to other liquid crystal cells 20 to 40.

[0037] The first transparent substrate S11 has an extension EX1 that extends further outward than the second transparent substrate S21 along a first direction X and an extension EY1 that extends further outward than the second transparent substrate S21 along a second direction Y. A flexible wiring substrate F, as shown by the dashed line, is connected to at least one of the extensions EX1 and EY1.

[0038] The second liquid crystal unit 20 includes a first transparent substrate S12, a second transparent substrate S22, a liquid crystal layer LC2, and a sealing member SE2. The effective area AA2 is formed on the inner side surrounded by the sealing member SE2.

[0039] The first transparent substrate S12 has an extension EX2 and an extension EY2. In the third direction Z, the extension EX2 coincides with the extension EX1, and the extension EY2 coincides with the extension EY1. A flexible wiring substrate is connected to at least one of the extensions EX2 and EY2, but the flexible wiring substrate is omitted from the illustrations of the liquid crystal cells 20 to 40.

[0040] The third liquid crystal unit 30 includes a first transparent substrate S13, a second transparent substrate S23, a liquid crystal layer LC3, and a sealing member SE3. The effective area AA3 is formed on the inner side surrounded by the sealing member SE3.

[0041] The first transparent substrate S13 has an extension EX3 and an extension EY3. In the third direction Z, the extension EY3 coincides with the extension EY2. The extension EX3 does not coincide with the extension EX2 and is located on the opposite side of the extension EX2.

[0042] The fourth liquid crystal unit 40 includes a first transparent substrate S14, a second transparent substrate S24, a liquid crystal layer LC4, and a sealing member SE4. The effective area AA4 is formed on the inner side surrounded by the sealing member SE4.

[0043] The first transparent substrate S14 has an extension EX4 and an extension EY4. In the third direction Z, the extension EX4 coincides with the extension EX3, and the extension EY4 coincides with the extension EY3.

[0044] A transparent adhesive layer TA12 is disposed between the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20. The transparent adhesive layer TA12 adheres to the first transparent substrate S11 and the second transparent substrate S22.

[0045] A transparent adhesive layer TA23 is disposed between the second liquid crystal cell 20 and the third liquid crystal cell 30. The transparent adhesive layer TA23 adheres to the first transparent substrate S12 and the second transparent substrate S23.

[0046] A transparent adhesive layer TA34 is disposed between the third liquid crystal unit 30 and the fourth liquid crystal unit 40. The transparent adhesive layer TA34 adheres to the first transparent substrate S13 and the second transparent substrate S24.

[0047] The first transparent substrates S11 to S14 are each formed into a square shape and have the same size. For example, in the first transparent substrate S11, edge SX and edge SY are orthogonal to each other, and the length of edge SX is the same as the length of edge SY.

[0048] Therefore, when the first liquid crystal unit 10, the second liquid crystal unit 20, the third liquid crystal unit 30, and the fourth liquid crystal unit 40 are bonded together, as Figure 1 As shown, the edges along the first direction X coincide with each other, and the edges along the second direction Y also coincide with each other.

[0049] It should be noted that the second substrate, which has a shape almost identical to that of the light-transmitting region (the effective region described later), can also be square, while the first substrate can be polygonal, such as rectangular, instead of square. Furthermore, a structure in which one of the extensions of each liquid crystal cell is removed can also be used.

[0050] Next, the structure of each liquid crystal cell will be described in more detail. It should be noted that the following description takes the first liquid crystal cell 10, which constitutes the liquid crystal device 1, as an example. Except for the extension direction of the electrode, the structures of the other liquid crystal cells 20 to 40 are roughly the same as the structure of the first liquid crystal cell 10.

[0051] Figure 3 For brevity Figure 2 A perspective view of the first liquid crystal unit 10.

[0052] The first liquid crystal unit 10 includes a first band electrode E11A, a second band electrode E11B, a first alignment film AL11, a third band electrode E21A, a fourth band electrode E21B, and a second alignment film AL21 in the effective region AA1.

[0053] The first electrode E11A and the second electrode E11B are located between the first transparent substrate S11 and the first alignment film AL11, with a gap between them, and extend in the same direction. The first electrode E11A and the second electrode E11B can be in contact with the first transparent substrate S11, or an insulating film can exist between the first electrode E11A and the second electrode E11B and the first transparent substrate S11. Alternatively, an insulating film can exist between the first electrode E11A and the second electrode E11B, and the first electrode E11A can be located on a different layer than the second electrode E11B.

[0054] A plurality of first electrodes E11A and a plurality of second electrodes E11B are arranged alternately along a first direction X. The plurality of first electrodes E11A are electrically connected to each other and configured to be subjected to the same voltage. The plurality of second electrodes E11B are electrically connected to each other and configured to be subjected to the same voltage. However, the voltage applied to the second electrodes E11B is controlled to be different from the voltage applied to the first electrodes E11A.

[0055] The first alignment film AL11 covers the first band electrode E11A and the second band electrode E11B. The alignment processing direction AD11 of the first alignment film AL11 is the first direction X. It should be noted that the alignment processing of each alignment film can be either rubbing or photoalignment. The alignment processing direction is sometimes referred to as the rubbing direction. Generally, in the state where no voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer (initial alignment state), the liquid crystal molecules located near the alignment film are initially aligned in a predetermined direction by the alignment limiting force along the alignment processing direction of the alignment film. That is, in the example shown here, the initial alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules LM11 along the first alignment film AL11 is the first direction X. The alignment processing direction AD11 intersects the first band electrode E11A and the second band electrode E11B.

[0056] The third electrode E21A and the fourth electrode E21B are located between the second transparent substrate S21 and the second alignment film AL21, with a gap between them, and extend in the same direction. The third electrode E21A and the fourth electrode E21B can be in contact with the second transparent substrate S21, or an insulating film can exist between them and the second transparent substrate S21. Alternatively, an insulating film can exist between the third electrode E21A and the fourth electrode E21B, and the third electrode E21A can be located on a different layer than the fourth electrode E21B.

[0057] Multiple third electrodes E21A and multiple fourth electrodes E21B are arranged alternately along the second direction Y. The multiple third electrodes E21A are electrically connected to each other and configured to be subjected to the same voltage. The multiple fourth electrodes E21B are electrically connected to each other and configured to be subjected to the same voltage. However, the voltage applied to the fourth electrodes E21B is controlled to be different from the voltage applied to the third electrodes E21A. Furthermore, the extending directions of the first electrode E11A and the second electrode E11B will be described in detail later; they are orthogonal to the extending directions of the third electrode E21A and the fourth electrode E21B.

[0058] The second alignment film AL21 covers the third band electrode E21A and the fourth band electrode E21B. The alignment processing direction AD21 of the second alignment film AL21 is the second direction Y. That is, in the example shown here, the initial alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules LM21 along the second alignment film AL21 is the second direction Y. In addition, the alignment processing direction AD11 of the first alignment film AL11 is orthogonal to the alignment processing direction AD21 of the second alignment film AL21. The alignment processing direction AD21 intersects the third band electrode E21A and the fourth band electrode E21B.

[0059] Several embodiments will be described below. In each embodiment, the extending directions of the first and second strip electrodes, as well as the third and fourth strip electrodes, in each of the first liquid crystal cell 10, the second liquid crystal cell 20, the third liquid crystal cell 30, and the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 will be described. It should be noted that the extending direction of the first strip electrode is assumed to be the same as the extending direction of the second strip electrode, and the extending direction of the third strip electrode is the same as the extending direction of the fourth strip electrode. These first, second, third, and fourth strip electrodes each have a straight-extending edge. The extending direction of each strip electrode will be described below as the angle formed by the first direction X and the edge of the electrode, which is a general reference direction.

[0060] Example 1-1

[0061] Figure 4This diagram illustrates an example of the extension direction of each electrode constituting the liquid crystal device 1.

[0062] In the first liquid crystal cell 10, the alignment processing direction AD11 is at 0° relative to the first direction X, and the alignment processing direction AD21 is at 90° relative to the first direction X. The extension directions of the first strip electrode E11A and the second strip electrode E11B are at 90° relative to the first direction X, and the extension directions of the third strip electrode E21A and the fourth strip electrode E21B are at 0° relative to the first direction X. The extension directions of the first strip electrode E11A and the second strip electrode E11B are orthogonal to the extension directions of the third strip electrode E21A and the fourth strip electrode E21B.

[0063] In the second liquid crystal cell 20, the alignment processing direction AD12 is at 0°, the alignment processing direction AD22 is at 90°, the extension directions of the first strip electrode E12A and the second strip electrode E12B are at 91°, and the extension directions of the third strip electrode E22A and the fourth strip electrode E22B are at 1°. The extension directions of the first strip electrode E12A and the second strip electrode E12B are orthogonal to the extension directions of the third strip electrode E22A and the fourth strip electrode E22B.

[0064] In the third liquid crystal cell 30, the alignment processing direction AD13 is at -90°, the alignment processing direction AD23 is at 0°, the extension directions of the first strip electrode E13A and the second strip electrode E13B are at 0°, and the extension directions of the third strip electrode E23A and the fourth strip electrode E23B are at 90°. The extension directions of the first strip electrode E13A and the second strip electrode E13B are orthogonal to the extension directions of the third strip electrode E23A and the fourth strip electrode E23B.

[0065] In the fourth liquid crystal cell 40, the alignment processing direction AD14 is at -90°, the alignment processing direction AD24 is at 0°, the extension directions of the first strip electrode E14A and the second strip electrode E14B are at 1°, and the extension directions of the third strip electrode E24A and the fourth strip electrode E24B are at 91°. The extension directions of the first strip electrode E14A and the second strip electrode E14B are orthogonal to the extension directions of the third strip electrode E24A and the fourth strip electrode E24B.

[0066] Flexible wiring substrate F1, connected to the first transparent substrate S11, and flexible wiring substrate F2, connected to the first transparent substrate S12, are pulled out to the bottom of the figure. Flexible wiring substrate F3, connected to the first transparent substrate S13, and flexible wiring substrate F4, connected to the first transparent substrate S14, are pulled out to the left of the figure.

[0067] The relationship between the liquid crystal cells will be explained here.

[0068] Focusing on the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20, the extending directions of the first electrode E11A and the second electrode E11B intersect the extending directions of the first electrode E12A and the second electrode E12B at an angle other than 90°. In this specification, intersecting at an angle other than 90° means that the angle of intersection when viewed from above is an acute angle greater than 0° and less than 90°, which is synonymous with not being parallel and not orthogonal.

[0069] The extending directions of the third electrode E21A and the fourth electrode E21B intersect the extending directions of the third electrode E22A and the fourth electrode E22B at an angle other than 90°. In one example, the intersection angle between the first electrode E11A and the first electrode E12A, and the intersection angle between the third electrode E21A and the third electrode E22A, is 1°.

[0070] In summary, when the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20 are bonded together, the extension directions of each of the following groups are inconsistent (that is, they are not parallel to each other): the first band electrode E11A and the second band electrode E11B, the first band electrode E12A and the second band electrode E12B, the third band electrode E21A and the fourth band electrode E21B, and the third band electrode E22A and the fourth band electrode E22B. Because there are no electrodes that completely overlap, moiré patterns can be suppressed.

[0071] It should be noted that this example illustrates a cross angle of 1°, but it is not limited to this. From the viewpoint of suppressing moiré patterns, for example, it is preferable that the cross angle is greater than 0° and less than 4°.

[0072] The relationship between the first liquid crystal unit 10 and the second liquid crystal unit 20 has been explained here, and the relationship between the third liquid crystal unit 30 and the fourth liquid crystal unit 40 is the same.

[0073] Next, focusing on the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the third liquid crystal cell 30. The extending directions of the first band electrode E11A and the second band electrode E11B are orthogonal to the extending directions of the first band electrode E13A and the second band electrode E13B. In addition, the extending directions of the third band electrode E21A and the fourth band electrode E21B are orthogonal to the extending directions of the third band electrode E23A and the fourth band electrode E23B.

[0074] When the first liquid crystal cell 10 is rotated 90° clockwise in the XY plane, the extension directions of the first electrode E11A and the second electrode E11B are consistent with the extension directions of the first electrode E13A and the second electrode E13B. In addition, the extension directions of the third electrode E21A and the fourth electrode E21B are consistent with the extension directions of the third electrode E23A and the fourth electrode E23B.

[0075] In summary, in the XY plane, the first electrode E11A and the second electrode E11B are symmetrically rotated 90° with the first electrode E13A and the second electrode E13B. Similarly, the third electrode E21A and the fourth electrode E21B are symmetrically rotated 90° with the third electrode E23A and the fourth electrode E23B. That is, the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the third liquid crystal cell 30 are symmetrically rotated 90°. By rotating the first liquid crystal cell 10 90° clockwise in the XY plane, the first liquid crystal cell 10 can be used as the third liquid crystal cell 30. Therefore, compared to preparing the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the third liquid crystal cell 30 separately, costs can be reduced.

[0076] Furthermore, even when the first liquid crystal unit 10, the second liquid crystal unit 20, and the third liquid crystal unit 30 are bonded together, since there are no electrodes that completely overlap when viewed from the angle of the first transparent substrate which is also a liquid crystal unit or when viewed from the angle of the second transparent substrate which is also a liquid crystal unit, moiré ripples can be suppressed.

[0077] The relationship between the first liquid crystal unit 10 and the third liquid crystal unit 30 has been explained here, and the relationship between the second liquid crystal unit 20 and the fourth liquid crystal unit 40 is similar. That is, the second liquid crystal unit 20 and the fourth liquid crystal unit 40 are symmetrically rotated 90°. By rotating the second liquid crystal unit 20 90° clockwise in the XY plane, the second liquid crystal unit 20 can be used as the fourth liquid crystal unit 40. Therefore, compared to preparing the second liquid crystal unit 20 and the fourth liquid crystal unit 40 separately, costs can be reduced. Therefore, by preparing two liquid crystal units with different electrode extension directions, a liquid crystal device 1 obtained by overlapping the aforementioned liquid crystal units 10 to 40 can be constructed.

[0078] Furthermore, even when the first liquid crystal unit 10, the second liquid crystal unit 20, the third liquid crystal unit 30, and the fourth liquid crystal unit 40 are bonded together, since there are no electrodes that completely overlap when viewed from the angle of the first transparent substrate which is also a liquid crystal unit or when viewed from the angle of the second transparent substrate which is also a liquid crystal unit, moiré ripples can be suppressed.

[0079] Here, refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The optical function in the first liquid crystal unit 10 will be explained. It should be noted that, in Figure 5 and Figure 6 In this diagram, only the structure necessary to explain the liquid crystal molecules LM1 and the like near the first transparent substrate S11 is illustrated. Additionally, in Figure 5 and Figure 6In the middle, light from the light source and Figure 4 Unlike other light sources, light enters from the first transparent substrate S11 side.

[0080] Figure 5 The diagram schematically illustrates the first liquid crystal cell 10 in the off state (OFF) where no electric field is formed in the liquid crystal layer LC1.

[0081] In the disconnected state, the liquid crystal molecules LM1 maintain their initial orientation. In this disconnected state, the liquid crystal layer LC1 has an almost uniform refractive index distribution. Therefore, the incident light, i.e., the polarized component POL1, incident on the first liquid crystal cell 10 is transmitted through the liquid crystal layer LC1 with essentially no refraction (or diffusion).

[0082] It should be noted that, as Figure 3 As shown, in a liquid crystal cell, the initial orientation directions of the liquid crystal molecules between the upper and lower transparent substrates intersect at 90°. Therefore, the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer are oriented along the X direction on the first transparent substrate side, but as they move towards the second transparent substrate side, their orientation gradually changes from the X direction to the Y direction, and they are oriented along the Y direction on the second substrate side. The orientation of the polarizing components changes accordingly to this change in the orientation of the liquid crystal layer. More specifically, the polarizing component with a polarizing axis along the X direction changes its polarizing axis along the Y direction as it passes through the liquid crystal layer. On the other hand, the polarizing component with a polarizing axis along the Y direction changes its polarizing axis from the Y direction to the X direction as it passes through the liquid crystal layer. Therefore, when viewed from the angles of these mutually orthogonal polarizing components, their polarizing axes alternate as they pass through the liquid crystal cell. This effect of changing the orientation of the polarizing axis is sometimes referred to as optical rotation.

[0083] Figure 6 The diagram schematically illustrates the first liquid crystal cell 10 in the ON state where an electric field is formed in the liquid crystal layer LC1.

[0084] By generating a potential difference between the first electrode E11A and the second electrode E11B in the ON state, an electric field is formed in the liquid crystal layer LC1. For example, when the liquid crystal layer LC1 has a positive dielectric anisotropy, the liquid crystal molecules LM1 are oriented in a convex arc shape between adjacent electrodes with their long axis along the electric field. However, the range reached by the electric field between the first electrode E11A and the second electrode E11B is mainly about 1 / 2 the thickness of the liquid crystal layer LC1. Therefore, as... Figure 6 As shown, within the liquid crystal layer LC1, in the region close to the first transparent substrate S11, regions are formed in which liquid crystal molecules LM1 are oriented almost perpendicularly to the substrate, regions in which liquid crystal molecules LM1 are oriented in an inclined direction relative to the substrate, and regions in which liquid crystal molecules LM1 are oriented almost horizontally relative to the substrate.

[0085] Liquid crystal molecules LM1 exhibit refractive index anisotropy Δn. Therefore, the liquid crystal layer LC1 in the on-state has a refractive index distribution or retardation distribution corresponding to the orientation state of the liquid crystal molecules LM1. Here, retardation refers to the content represented by Δn·d when the thickness of the liquid crystal layer LC1 is set as d.

[0086] It should be noted that in this embodiment, positive liquid crystal is used as the liquid crystal layer. However, considering factors such as orientation direction, negative liquid crystal can also be used.

[0087] In this on-state, the polarizing component POL1 diffuses as it passes through the liquid crystal layer LC1 due to the influence of the refractive index distribution of LC1. More specifically, the polarizing component with the X-axis polarization axis diffuses along the X-direction due to the influence of the refractive index distribution of the liquid crystal layer and rotates in the Y-direction. On the other hand, the polarizing component with the Y-axis polarization axis is not affected by the refractive index distribution, rotates only in the X-direction without diffusion, and passes through the liquid crystal layer.

[0088] It should be noted that, in Figure 6 The text describes the formation of an electric field due to the potential difference between the first electrode E11A and the second electrode E11B. It is hoped that, even when incident light diffuses in the first liquid crystal cell 10, an electric field based on the potential difference between the third electrode E21A and the fourth electrode E21B will also be formed. This allows for control not only of the liquid crystal molecules near the first transparent substrate S11 but also of the liquid crystal molecules near the second transparent substrate S21, resulting in a predetermined refractive index distribution in the liquid crystal layer LC1.

[0089] More specifically, since the liquid crystal layer on the second transparent substrate side also has a refractive index distribution, the polarized light component rotating in the Y direction diffuses during its passage through the liquid crystal layer. That is, the polarized light component that diffuses on the first transparent substrate side further diffuses in the Y direction on the second transparent substrate side and is emitted from the liquid crystal cell. On the other hand, the polarized light component rotating in the X direction during its passage through the liquid crystal layer is emitted from the liquid crystal cell without being affected by the refractive index distribution.

[0090] It should be noted that the diffusion and rotation of this polarizing component also occur in the second liquid crystal cell. That is, the polarizing component with an X-axis polarization axis emitted from the light source changes its polarization axis from the X-direction to the Y-direction by passing through the first liquid crystal, and then changes its polarization axis from the Y-direction to the X-direction by further passing through the second liquid crystal. Furthermore, if the liquid crystal molecules parallel to this polarizing component have a refractive index distribution during this process, the polarizing component diffuses according to that refractive index distribution. Similarly, the polarizing component with a Y-axis polarization axis emitted from the light source changes its polarization axis from the Y-direction to the X-direction by passing through the first liquid crystal, and then changes its polarization axis from the X-direction to the Y-direction by further passing through the second liquid crystal. Furthermore, if the liquid crystal molecules parallel to this polarizing component have a refractive index distribution during this process, the polarizing component diffuses according to that refractive index distribution. Although the same phenomenon occurs in the third and fourth liquid crystal cells, because these are achieved by rotating the first and second liquid crystal cells by 90 degrees, the polarizing component responsible for diffusion changes.

[0091] That is, in the structure formed by stacking the first liquid crystal unit 10, the second liquid crystal unit 20, the third liquid crystal unit 30 and the fourth liquid crystal unit 40, for example, the first liquid crystal unit 10 and the fourth liquid crystal unit 40 are configured to scatter (diffuse) the polarizing component POL1, which is mainly p-polarized light, and the second liquid crystal unit 20 and the third liquid crystal unit 30 are configured to scatter (diffuse) the polarizing component POL2, which is mainly s-polarized light.

[0092] As described above, the first liquid crystal unit 10, the second liquid crystal unit 20, the third liquid crystal unit 30, and the fourth liquid crystal unit 40 are each configured not to include electrodes extending in the same direction. Therefore, in the liquid crystal layer of each liquid crystal unit, different refractive index distributions are formed in the on state. As a result, the interference effect of light transmitted through each liquid crystal unit is reduced, and moiré ripples can be suppressed.

[0093] Example 1-1'

[0094] Figure 7 The figure shows another example of the extension direction of each electrode constituting the liquid crystal device 1.

[0095] In the first liquid crystal cell 10, the alignment processing direction AD11 is at 0° and the alignment processing direction AD21 is at 90°. The extension directions of the first strip electrode E11A and the second strip electrode E11B are at 90°, while the extension directions of the third strip electrode E21A and the fourth strip electrode E21B are at 0°.

[0096] In the second liquid crystal cell 20, the alignment processing direction AD12 is 0°, the alignment processing direction AD22 is 90°, the extension direction of the first strip electrode E12A and the second strip electrode E12B is 91°, and the extension direction of the third strip electrode E22A and the fourth strip electrode E22B is 1°.

[0097] In the third liquid crystal cell 30, the alignment processing direction AD13 is 90°, the alignment processing direction AD23 is 180°, the extension direction of the first strip electrode E13A and the second strip electrode E13B is 0°, and the extension direction of the third strip electrode E23A and the fourth strip electrode E23B is 90°.

[0098] In the fourth liquid crystal cell 40, the alignment processing direction AD14 is 90°, the alignment processing direction AD24 is 180°, the extension direction of the first strip electrode E14A and the second strip electrode E14B is 1°, and the extension direction of the third strip electrode E24A and the fourth strip electrode E24B is 91°.

[0099] By rotating the first liquid crystal cell 10 90° counterclockwise in the XY plane, the first liquid crystal cell 10 can be used as the third liquid crystal cell 30. Furthermore, by rotating the second liquid crystal cell 20 90° counterclockwise in the XY plane, the second liquid crystal cell 20 can be used as the fourth liquid crystal cell 40.

[0100] Examples 1-2

[0101] Figure 8 The figure shows another example of the extension direction of each electrode constituting the liquid crystal device 1.

[0102] In the first liquid crystal cell 10, the alignment processing direction AD11 is at 0° and the alignment processing direction AD21 is at 90°. The extension directions of the first strip electrode E11A and the second strip electrode E11B are at 90°, while the extension directions of the third strip electrode E21A and the fourth strip electrode E21B are at 0°.

[0103] In the second liquid crystal cell 20, the alignment processing direction AD12 is 0°, the alignment processing direction AD22 is 90°, the extension direction of the first strip electrode E12A and the second strip electrode E12B is 89°, and the extension direction of the third strip electrode E22A and the fourth strip electrode E22B is -1°.

[0104] In the third liquid crystal cell 30, the alignment processing direction AD13 is -90°, the alignment processing direction AD23 is 0°, the extension direction of the first strip electrode E13A and the second strip electrode E13B is 0°, and the extension direction of the third strip electrode E23A and the fourth strip electrode E23B is 90°.

[0105] In the fourth liquid crystal cell 40, the alignment processing direction AD14 is -90°, the alignment processing direction AD24 is 0°, the extension direction of the first strip electrode E14A and the second strip electrode E14B is -1°, and the extension direction of the third strip electrode E24A and the fourth strip electrode E24B is 89°.

[0106] By rotating the first liquid crystal cell 10 90° clockwise in the XY plane, the first liquid crystal cell 10 can be used as the third liquid crystal cell 30. Furthermore, by rotating the second liquid crystal cell 20 90° clockwise in the XY plane, the second liquid crystal cell 20 can be used as the fourth liquid crystal cell 40.

[0107] Examples 1-3

[0108] Figure 9 The figure shows another example of the extension direction of each electrode constituting the liquid crystal device 1.

[0109] In the first liquid crystal cell 10, the alignment processing direction AD11 is at 0° and the alignment processing direction AD21 is at 90°. The extension directions of the first strip electrode E11A and the second strip electrode E11B are at 89°, and the extension directions of the third strip electrode E21A and the fourth strip electrode E21B are at -1°.

[0110] In the second liquid crystal cell 20, the alignment processing direction AD12 is 0°, the alignment processing direction AD22 is 90°, the extension direction of the first strip electrode E12A and the second strip electrode E12B is 91°, and the extension direction of the third strip electrode E22A and the fourth strip electrode E22B is 1°.

[0111] In the third liquid crystal cell 30, the alignment processing direction AD13 is -90°, the alignment processing direction AD23 is 0°, the extension direction of the first strip electrode E13A and the second strip electrode E13B is -1°, and the extension direction of the third strip electrode E23A and the fourth strip electrode E23B is 89°.

[0112] In the fourth liquid crystal cell 40, the alignment processing direction AD14 is -90°, the alignment processing direction AD24 is 0°, the extension direction of the first strip electrode E14A and the second strip electrode E14B is 1°, and the extension direction of the third strip electrode E24A and the fourth strip electrode E24B is 91°.

[0113] By rotating the first liquid crystal cell 10 90° clockwise in the XY plane, the first liquid crystal cell 10 can be used as the third liquid crystal cell 30. Furthermore, by rotating the second liquid crystal cell 20 90° clockwise in the XY plane, the second liquid crystal cell 20 can be used as the fourth liquid crystal cell 40.

[0114] Examples 1-3

[0115] Figure 10 The figure shows another example of the extension direction of each electrode constituting the liquid crystal device 1.

[0116] In the first liquid crystal cell 10, the alignment processing direction AD11 is at 0° and the alignment processing direction AD21 is at 90°. The extension directions of the first strip electrode E11A and the second strip electrode E11B are at 89°, and the extension directions of the third strip electrode E21A and the fourth strip electrode E21B are at -1°.

[0117] In the second liquid crystal cell 20, the first transparent substrate S12 is opposite to the first liquid crystal cell 10, and the second transparent substrate S22 is opposite to the third liquid crystal cell 30. The alignment processing direction AD12 is -90°, the alignment processing direction AD22 is 180°, the extension direction of the first strip electrode E12A and the second strip electrode E12B is 1°, and the extension direction of the third strip electrode E22A and the fourth strip electrode E22B is 91°.

[0118] In the third liquid crystal cell 30, the alignment processing direction AD13 is -90°, the alignment processing direction AD23 is 0°, the extension direction of the first strip electrode E13A and the second strip electrode E13B is -1°, and the extension direction of the third strip electrode E23A and the fourth strip electrode E23B is 89°.

[0119] In the fourth liquid crystal cell 40, the first transparent substrate S14 is opposite to the third liquid crystal cell 30. The alignment processing direction AD14 is 180°, the alignment processing direction AD24 is 90°, the extension direction of the first strip electrode E14A and the second strip electrode E14B is 91°, and the extension direction of the third strip electrode E24A and the fourth strip electrode E24B is 1°.

[0120] By rotating the first liquid crystal unit 10 90° clockwise in the XY plane and flipping it, the first liquid crystal unit 10 can be used as the second liquid crystal unit 20. Furthermore, by rotating the first liquid crystal unit 10 90° clockwise in the XY plane, the first liquid crystal unit 10 can be used as the third liquid crystal unit 30. And by rotating the second liquid crystal unit 20 90° clockwise in the XY plane, the second liquid crystal unit 20 can be used as the fourth liquid crystal unit 40. In other words, by preparing a single liquid crystal unit, a liquid crystal device 1 comprising the aforementioned liquid crystal units 10 to 40 can be constructed.

[0121] In the above embodiments 1-1 to 1-3', the alignment processing direction of one alignment film of each liquid crystal cell is parallel to the first direction X (i.e., the direction of 0° or 180°), and the alignment processing direction of the other alignment film is parallel to the second direction Y (i.e., the direction of 90° or -90°). For the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20, the extension direction of the first electrode is orthogonal to the first direction X or intersects it at an angle other than 90°, and the extension direction of the third electrode is orthogonal to the second direction Y or intersects it at an angle other than 90°. It should be noted that "orthogonal" or "intersecting at an angle other than 90°" means that the angle of intersection when viewed from above is greater than 0° and less than 90°, which is synonymous with "not parallel".

[0122] In embodiments 1-1, 1-1', and 1-2 above, the extension direction of the first electrode E11A of the first liquid crystal cell 10 is parallel to the second direction Y, and the extension direction of the third electrode E21A is parallel to the first direction X. Furthermore, the extension direction of the first electrode E12A of the second liquid crystal cell 20 intersects the second direction Y at an angle other than 90°, and the extension direction of the third electrode E22A intersects the first direction X at an angle other than 90°.

[0123] In addition, the extension direction of the first electrode E11A of the first liquid crystal cell 10 is orthogonal to the alignment processing direction AD11 of the first alignment film covering the first electrode E11A, and the extension direction of the first electrode E12A of the second liquid crystal cell 20 intersects the alignment processing direction AD12 of the first alignment film covering the first electrode E12A at an angle other than 90°.

[0124] In embodiments 1-3 and 1-3' above, the extending direction of the first electrode E11A of the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the extending direction of the first electrode E12A of the second liquid crystal cell 20 both intersect the second direction Y at an angle other than 90°. Furthermore, the extending directions of the third electrode E21A and the third electrode E22A of the first liquid crystal cell 10 both intersect the first direction X at an angle other than 90°.

[0125] Furthermore, the extending direction of the first electrode E11A of the first liquid crystal cell 10 intersects the alignment processing direction AD11 of the first alignment film covering the first electrode E11A at an angle other than 90°. In addition, the extending direction of the first electrode E12A of the second liquid crystal cell 20 intersects the alignment processing direction AD12 of the first alignment film covering the first electrode E12A at an angle other than 90°.

[0126] Example 2-1

[0127] Figure 11 The figure shows another example of the extension direction of each electrode constituting the liquid crystal device 1.

[0128] In the first liquid crystal cell 10, the alignment processing direction AD11 is at 0° and the alignment processing direction AD21 is at 90°. The extension directions of the first strip electrode E11A and the second strip electrode E11B are at 90°, while the extension directions of the third strip electrode E21A and the fourth strip electrode E21B are at 0°.

[0129] In the second liquid crystal cell 20, the alignment processing direction AD12 is 1°, the alignment processing direction AD22 is 91°, the extension direction of the first strip electrode E12A and the second strip electrode E12B is 91°, and the extension direction of the third strip electrode E22A and the fourth strip electrode E22B is 1°.

[0130] In the third liquid crystal cell 30, the alignment processing direction AD13 is -90°, the alignment processing direction AD23 is 0°, the extension direction of the first strip electrode E13A and the second strip electrode E13B is 0°, and the extension direction of the third strip electrode E23A and the fourth strip electrode E23B is 90°.

[0131] In the fourth liquid crystal cell 40, the alignment processing direction AD14 is -89°, the alignment processing direction AD24 is 1°, the extension direction of the first strip electrode E14A and the second strip electrode E14B is 1°, and the extension direction of the third strip electrode E24A and the fourth strip electrode E24B is 91°.

[0132] The first liquid crystal cell 10 and the third liquid crystal cell 30 are symmetrically rotated by 90°. By rotating the first liquid crystal cell 10 90° clockwise in the XY plane, the first liquid crystal cell 10 can be used as the third liquid crystal cell 30. Similarly, the second liquid crystal cell 20 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 40 are symmetrically rotated by 90°. By rotating the second liquid crystal cell 20 90° clockwise in the XY plane, the second liquid crystal cell 20 can be used as the fourth liquid crystal cell 40.

[0133] Example 2-2

[0134] Figure 12 The figure shows another example of the extension direction of each electrode constituting the liquid crystal device 1.

[0135] In the first liquid crystal cell 10, the alignment processing direction AD11 is at 0° and the alignment processing direction AD21 is at 90°. The extension directions of the first strip electrode E11A and the second strip electrode E11B are at 90°, while the extension directions of the third strip electrode E21A and the fourth strip electrode E21B are at 0°.

[0136] In the second liquid crystal cell 20, the alignment processing direction AD12 is -1°, the alignment processing direction AD22 is 89°, the extension direction of the first strip electrode E12A and the second strip electrode E12B is 89°, and the extension direction of the third strip electrode E22A and the fourth strip electrode E22B is -1°.

[0137] In the third liquid crystal cell 30, the alignment processing direction AD13 is -90°, the alignment processing direction AD23 is 0°, the extension direction of the first strip electrode E13A and the second strip electrode E13B is 0°, and the extension direction of the third strip electrode E23A and the fourth strip electrode E23B is 90°.

[0138] In the fourth liquid crystal cell 40, the alignment processing direction AD14 is -91°, the alignment processing direction AD24 is -1°, the extension direction of the first strip electrode E14A and the second strip electrode E14B is -1°, and the extension direction of the third strip electrode E24A and the fourth strip electrode E24B is 89°.

[0139] By rotating the first liquid crystal cell 10 90° clockwise in the XY plane, the first liquid crystal cell 10 can be used as the third liquid crystal cell 30. Furthermore, by rotating the second liquid crystal cell 20 90° clockwise in the XY plane, the second liquid crystal cell 20 can be used as the fourth liquid crystal cell 40.

[0140] Examples 2-3

[0141] Figure 13 The figure shows another example of the extension direction of each electrode constituting the liquid crystal device 1.

[0142] In the first liquid crystal cell 10, the alignment processing direction AD11 is -1° and the alignment processing direction AD21 is 89°. The extension directions of the first strip electrode E11A and the second strip electrode E11B are 89°, and the extension directions of the third strip electrode E21A and the fourth strip electrode E21B are -1°.

[0143] In the second liquid crystal cell 20, the alignment processing direction AD12 is 1°, the alignment processing direction AD22 is 91°, the extension direction of the first strip electrode E12A and the second strip electrode E12B is 91°, and the extension direction of the third strip electrode E22A and the fourth strip electrode E22B is 1°.

[0144] In the third liquid crystal cell 30, the alignment processing direction AD13 is -91°, the alignment processing direction AD23 is -1°, the extension direction of the first strip electrode E13A and the second strip electrode E13B is -1°, and the extension direction of the third strip electrode E23A and the fourth strip electrode E23B is 89°.

[0145] In the fourth liquid crystal cell 40, the alignment processing direction AD14 is -89°, the alignment processing direction AD24 is 1°, the extension direction of the first strip electrode E14A and the second strip electrode E14B is 1°, and the extension direction of the third strip electrode E24A and the fourth strip electrode E24B is 91°.

[0146] By rotating the first liquid crystal cell 10 90° clockwise in the XY plane, the first liquid crystal cell 10 can be used as the third liquid crystal cell 30. Furthermore, by rotating the second liquid crystal cell 20 90° clockwise in the XY plane, the second liquid crystal cell 20 can be used as the fourth liquid crystal cell 40.

[0147] In the above embodiments 2-1 to 2-3, the extension direction of the first electrode of each liquid crystal cell is orthogonal to the orientation processing direction of the first alignment film covering the first electrode, and the extension direction of the third electrode is orthogonal to the orientation processing direction of the second alignment film covering the third electrode.

[0148] In embodiments 2-1 and 2-2 above, the extension direction of the first electrode E11A of the first liquid crystal cell 10 is parallel to the second direction Y, and the extension direction of the third electrode E21A is parallel to the first direction X. Furthermore, the extension direction of the first electrode E12A of the second liquid crystal cell 20 intersects the second direction Y at an angle other than 90°, and the extension direction of the third electrode E22A intersects the first direction X at an angle other than 90°.

[0149] Furthermore, the alignment processing direction AD11 of the first alignment film in the first liquid crystal cell 10 is parallel to the first direction X, and the alignment processing direction AD21 of the second alignment film is parallel to the second direction Y. Additionally, the alignment processing direction AD12 of the first alignment film in the second liquid crystal cell 20 intersects the first direction X at an angle other than 90°, and the alignment processing direction AD22 of the second alignment film intersects the second direction Y at an angle other than 90°.

[0150] In embodiments 2-3 above, the extending direction of the first electrode E11A of the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the extending direction of the first electrode E12A of the second liquid crystal cell 20 both intersect the second direction Y at an angle other than 90°. Furthermore, the extending directions of the third electrode E21A and the third electrode E22A of the first liquid crystal cell 10 both intersect the first direction X at an angle other than 90°.

[0151] Furthermore, the alignment processing direction AD11 of the first alignment film in the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the alignment processing direction AD12 of the first alignment film in the second liquid crystal cell 20 intersect the first direction X at an angle other than 90°. The alignment processing direction AD21 of the second alignment film in the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the alignment processing direction AD22 of the second alignment film in the second liquid crystal cell 20 intersect the second direction Y at an angle other than 90°.

[0152] The liquid crystal device 1 described in the above embodiments includes four liquid crystal cells, configured such that p-polarized light is scattered by two of the liquid crystal cells and s-polarized light is scattered by the other two liquid crystal cells. Alternatively, the liquid crystal device 1 may be composed of one liquid crystal cell for p-polarized light scattering and one liquid crystal cell for s-polarized light scattering. In this case, for example, combinations of the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the second liquid crystal cell 20, combinations of the third liquid crystal cell 30 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 40, combinations of the first liquid crystal cell 10 and the fourth liquid crystal cell 40, and combinations of the second liquid crystal cell 20 and the third liquid crystal cell 30 can be applied in the above embodiments.

[0153] According to the above embodiment, a liquid crystal device capable of suppressing moiré patterns can be provided.

[0154] All liquid crystal devices that can be appropriately modified and implemented by those skilled in the art based on the liquid crystal device described as an embodiment of the present invention, as long as they include the spirit of the present invention, are also within the scope of the present invention.

[0155] It can be considered that any variation that can be conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the present invention, based on various modifications, also falls within the scope of the present invention. For example, as long as the spirit of the present invention is present, any modifications obtained by those skilled in the art by appropriately adding or deleting constituent elements or making design changes to the above embodiments, or by adding or omitting steps or changing conditions, are also included within the scope of the present invention.

[0156] Furthermore, other effects resulting from the methods described in the above embodiments, which are obvious from the description in this specification or can be readily conceived by those skilled in the art, are of course considered to be brought about by the present invention.

[0157] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0158] 1: Liquid crystal device; LS: Light source; 10: First liquid crystal unit; S11: First transparent substrate; E11A: First electrode; E11B: Second electrode; S21: Second transparent substrate; E21A: Third electrode; E21B: Fourth electrode; LC1: First liquid crystal layer; 20: Second liquid crystal unit; S12: First transparent substrate; E12A: First electrode; E12B: Second electrode; S22: Second transparent substrate; E22A: Third electrode; E22B: Fourth electrode; LC2 S13: Second liquid crystal layer; S24: Third liquid crystal cell; S15: First transparent substrate; S26: First electrode; S27: Second transparent substrate; S28: Third electrode; S29: Fourth electrode; S20: Third liquid crystal layer; S11: Fourth liquid crystal cell; S22: Second transparent substrate; S23: Third transparent substrate; S24: Third transparent substrate; S24: Third transparent substrate; S24: Fourth ...3: Second transparent substrate; S24: Third transparent substrate; S24: Fourth transparent substrate; S24: Third transparent substrate; S24: Fourth transparent substrate; S24: Fourth transparent substrate; S23: Second transparent substrate; S24: Third transparent substrate; S24: Fourth transparent substrate; S24: Third transparent substrate; S24: Fourth transparent substrate; S23: Third transparent substrate; S24: Fourth transparent substrate; S24: Fourth transparent substrate; S23: Second transparent substrate; S24: Third transparent substrate; S24: Fourth transparent substrate; S24: Fourth transparent substrate; S23: Second transparent substrate; S24: Third transparent

Claims

1. A liquid crystal device comprising: a first liquid crystal cell; a second liquid crystal cell overlapping the first liquid crystal cell; and a fourth liquid crystal cell overlapping the third liquid crystal cell, the first liquid crystal cell, the second liquid crystal cell, the third liquid crystal cell, and the fourth liquid crystal cell each comprising: a first transparent substrate; a first alignment film; first and second electrodes disposed apart from each other and configured to be applied with mutually different voltages; a second transparent substrate; a second alignment film; third and fourth electrodes disposed apart from each other and configured to be applied with mutually different voltages; and a liquid crystal layer between the first and second alignment films, an extension direction of the first and second electrodes in the first liquid crystal cell and an extension direction of the first and second electrodes in the second liquid crystal cell cross at an angle greater than 0° and equal to or less than 4°, in each of the first and second liquid crystal cells, the extension direction of the first and second electrodes is orthogonal to an extension direction of the third and fourth electrodes in plan view, in each of the first and second liquid crystal cells, when one side of the first transparent substrate is taken as a reference, a direction orthogonal to the one side is taken as a first direction, and a direction parallel to the one side is taken as a second direction, an orientation processing direction of the first alignment film is parallel to the first direction, an orientation processing direction of the second alignment film is parallel to the second direction, the extension direction of the first electrode crosses the first direction, the extension direction of the third electrode crosses the second direction, the first and second electrodes of the first liquid crystal cell and the first and second electrodes of the third liquid crystal cell are 90° rotationally symmetrical in plan view, and the first and second electrodes of the second liquid crystal cell and the first and second electrodes of the fourth liquid crystal cell are 90° rotationally symmetrical in plan view.

2. The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, wherein in the first liquid crystal cell, the extension direction of the first electrode is orthogonal to the orientation processing direction of the first alignment film, and in the second liquid crystal cell, the extension direction of the first electrode crosses the orientation processing direction of the first alignment film at an angle other than 90°.

3. The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, wherein in each of the first and second liquid crystal cells, the extension direction of the first electrode crosses the orientation processing direction of the first alignment film at an angle other than 90°. a third liquid crystal cell overlapping the second liquid crystal cell; 4. A liquid crystal device comprising: a first liquid crystal cell; a second liquid crystal cell overlapping the first liquid crystal cell; and a fourth liquid crystal cell overlapping the third liquid crystal cell, the first liquid crystal cell, the second liquid crystal cell, the third liquid crystal cell, and the fourth liquid crystal cell each comprising: a first transparent substrate; a first alignment film; first and second electrodes disposed apart from each other and configured to be applied with mutually different voltages; a second transparent substrate; a second alignment film; third and fourth electrodes disposed apart from each other and configured to be applied with mutually different voltages; and a liquid crystal layer between the first and second alignment films, an extension direction of the first and second electrodes in the first liquid crystal cell and an extension direction of the first and second electrodes in the second liquid crystal cell cross at an angle greater than 0° and equal to or less than 4°, in each of the first and second liquid crystal cells, the extension direction of the first and second electrodes is orthogonal to an extension direction of the third and fourth electrodes in plan view, in each of the first and second liquid crystal cells, when one side of the first transparent substrate is taken as a reference, a direction orthogonal to the one side is taken as a first direction, and a direction parallel to the one side is taken as a second direction, an orientation processing direction of the first alignment film is parallel to the first direction, an orientation processing direction of the second alignment film is parallel to the second direction, the extension direction of the first electrode crosses the first direction, the extension direction of the third electrode crosses the second direction, the first and second electrodes of the first liquid crystal cell and the first and second electrodes of the third liquid crystal cell are 90° rotationally symmetrical in plan view, and the first and second electrodes of the second liquid crystal cell and the first and second electrodes of the fourth liquid crystal cell are 90° rotationally symmetrical in plan view. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ a third liquid crystal cell overlapping the second liquid crystal cell; ​ ​ The first liquid crystal cell, the second liquid crystal cell, the third liquid crystal cell, and the fourth liquid crystal cell each include: a first transparent substrate; a first alignment film; a first electrode and a second electrode, which are disposed apart from each other and to which mutually different voltages are applied, between the first transparent substrate and the first alignment film; a second transparent substrate; a second alignment film; a third electrode and a fourth electrode, which are disposed apart from each other and to which mutually different voltages are applied, between the second transparent substrate and the second alignment film; and a liquid crystal layer between the first alignment film and the second alignment film, the extending directions of the first electrode and the second electrode in the first liquid crystal cell and the extending directions of the first electrode and the second electrode in the second liquid crystal cell cross at an angle greater than 0° and equal to or less than 4°, in each of the first liquid crystal cell and the second liquid crystal cell, the extending directions of the first electrode and the second electrode are orthogonal to the extending directions of the third electrode and the fourth electrode in plan view, in each of the first liquid crystal cell and the second liquid crystal cell, when one side of the first transparent substrate is taken as a reference, a direction orthogonal to the one side is taken as a first direction, and a direction parallel to the one side is taken as a second direction, the extending direction of the first electrode is orthogonal to the alignment processing direction of the first alignment film, the extending direction of the third electrode is orthogonal to the alignment processing direction of the second alignment film, the first electrode and the second electrode of the first liquid crystal cell and the first electrode and the second electrode of the third liquid crystal cell are rotationally symmetrical at 90° in plan view, and the first electrode and the second electrode of the second liquid crystal cell and the first electrode and the second electrode of the fourth liquid crystal cell are rotationally symmetrical at 90° in plan view.

5. The liquid crystal device according to claim 4, wherein in the first liquid crystal cell, the alignment processing direction of the first alignment film is parallel to the first direction, and the alignment processing direction of the second alignment film is parallel to the second direction, in the second liquid crystal cell, the alignment processing direction of the first alignment film crosses the first direction at an angle other than 90°, and the alignment processing direction of the second alignment film crosses the second direction at an angle other than 90°.

6. The liquid crystal device according to claim 4, wherein in each of the first liquid crystal cell and the second liquid crystal cell, the alignment processing direction of the first alignment film crosses the first direction at an angle other than 90°, and the alignment processing direction of the second alignment film crosses the second direction at an angle other than 90°.

7. The liquid crystal device according to claim 1 or 4, wherein the extending direction of the first electrode of the first liquid crystal cell is parallel to the second direction.

8. The liquid crystal device according to claim 1 or 4, wherein ​ The extension direction of the first electrode of the first liquid crystal cell and the extension direction of the first electrode of the second liquid crystal cell cross the second direction at an angle other than 90°.

9. The liquid crystal device according to claim 1 or 4, wherein, Each of the first liquid crystal cell, the second liquid crystal cell, the third liquid crystal cell, and the fourth liquid crystal cell is formed in a square shape and has the same size.

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