Indication device

Abstract

To provide a display device that can reduce the decrease in contrast. [Solution] A display device comprising a first substrate and a second substrate facing each other, and a liquid crystal layer provided between the first substrate and the second substrate, wherein the first substrate has a first light-transmitting layer having adjacent first convex lens portion and second convex lens portion, a second light-transmitting layer provided on the opposite side of the first light-transmitting layer from the liquid crystal layer, having a first concave lens portion overlapping with the first convex lens portion and a second concave lens portion overlapping with the second convex lens portion in a plan view, and a high refractive index layer provided between the first light-transmitting layer and the second light-transmitting layer, wherein the thickness of the high refractive index layer in the direction normal to the first substrate is smaller than the thickness of the first convex lens portion and the thickness of the second convex lens portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a display device.

Background Art

[0002] In a projection type display device, light emitted from a light source is irradiated through a microlens onto a transmissive liquid crystal panel or a reflective liquid crystal panel, and the transmitted light or reflected light modulated by the liquid crystal panel is projected onto a screen.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a liquid crystal device having a TFT array substrate, a counter substrate provided with a microlens substrate, and a liquid crystal layer provided between the TFT array substrate and the counter substrate.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the liquid crystal device as described above, it is desired to reduce the reduction in contrast.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] One aspect of the display device according to the present invention is a first substrate and a second substrate facing each other, and a liquid crystal layer provided between the first substrate and the second substrate, where the first substrate has a first light transmissive layer having a first convex lens portion and a second convex lens portion adjacent to each other, In a plan view, the second light-transmitting layer has a first concave lens portion that overlaps with the first convex lens portion, and a second concave lens portion that overlaps with the second convex lens portion, and is provided on the side of the first light-transmitting layer opposite to the liquid crystal layer, The material has a high refractive index layer provided between the first transparent layer and the second transparent layer, the refractive index of which is higher than that of the first transparent layer and the second transparent layer, In the direction normal to the first substrate, the thickness of the high refractive index layer is smaller than the thickness of the first convex lens portion and the thickness of the second convex lens portion. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] A schematic plan view showing the display device according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] A schematic cross-sectional view showing the display device according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] A circuit diagram showing the electrical configuration of the display device according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] A schematic cross-sectional view showing the display device according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] A schematic cross-sectional view showing the display device according to this embodiment. [Figure 6] A schematic cross-sectional view showing a display device related to a reference example. [Figure 7] A schematic cross-sectional view showing the manufacturing process of the display device according to this embodiment. [Figure 8] A schematic cross-sectional view showing the manufacturing process of the display device according to this embodiment. [Figure 9] A schematic cross-sectional view showing the manufacturing process of the display device according to this embodiment. [Figure 10] A schematic cross-sectional view showing the manufacturing process of the display device according to this embodiment. [Figure 11] A schematic diagram showing the projector according to this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below are not intended to unduly limit the scope of the present invention as described in the claims. Furthermore, not all of the configurations described below are necessarily essential components of the present invention.

[0009] 1. Display device 1.1. Overall structure First, the display device according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a schematic plan view showing the display device 100 according to this embodiment. Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of Figure 1, showing the display device 100 according to this embodiment.

[0010] The display device 100 is an active-drive liquid crystal display device having a thin-film transistor (TFT) as a transistor for each pixel. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the display device 100 includes, for example, an element substrate 10, a sealing material 20, a liquid crystal layer 30, and a counter substrate 40.

[0011] As shown in Figure 1, the element substrate 10 is larger than the opposing substrate 40 in a plan view. The planar shape of the element substrate 10 is, for example, a rectangle. Note that "plan view" refers to the view from the stacking direction of the element substrate 10 and the liquid crystal layer 30. The element substrate 10 and the opposing substrate 40 face each other.

[0012] The sealing material 20 joins the element substrate 10 and the counter substrate 40. The sealing material 20 is provided along the outer edge of the counter substrate 40. The sealing material 20 is, for example, an adhesive such as a thermosetting, photo-curing or electron beam-curing epoxy resin. Inside the sealing material 20, a display area E including a plurality of pixels P arranged in a matrix is provided. The display area E is surrounded by a peripheral area F. In the peripheral area F, a cut-off portion 42 is provided so as to surround the display area E between the sealing material 20 and the display area E. The material of the cut-off portion 42 is, for example, metal or metal oxide. In the claims, the "first substrate" corresponds to the counter substrate 40, and the "second substrate" corresponds to the element substrate 10.

[0013] The element substrate 10 has, for example, external connection terminals 101, a data line driving circuit 102, an inspection circuit 103, a scanning line driving circuit 104, a first wiring 105, and a second wiring 106.

[0014] A plurality of external connection terminals 101 are provided. In the illustrated example, the plurality of external connection terminals 101 are arranged in a row. The data line driving circuit 102 is provided between a first side along the plurality of external connection terminals 101 and the sealing material 20. The inspection circuit 103 is provided between the sealing material 20 along a second side facing the first side and the display area E. The scanning line driving circuit 104 is provided between the sealing material 20 along a third side and a fourth side that are orthogonal to the first side and face each other and the display area E. Although not shown, the inspection circuit 103 may be provided between the sealing material 20 along the data line driving circuit 102 and the display area E.

[0015] The first wiring 105 is provided between the sealing material 20 along the second side and the inspection circuit 103. The first wiring 105 is connected to two scanning line driving circuits 104. The second wiring 106 is connected to the data line driving circuit 102 and the scanning line driving circuit 104. The second wiring 106 is electrically connected to the plurality of external connection terminals 101.

[0016] As shown in Figure 2, the element substrate 10 includes, for example, a support substrate 11, a pixel electrode 12, a TFT 13, and a first alignment layer 14.

[0017] The support substrate 11 is, for example, a glass substrate, a quartz substrate, or the like.

[0018] The pixel electrodes 12 and TFT 13 are provided on the liquid crystal layer 30 side of the support substrate 11. Each pixel P has its own pixel electrode 12 and TFT 13. Multiple pixel electrodes 12 and TFT 13 are provided to correspond to multiple pixels P. The pixel electrodes 12 and TFT 13 constitute the pixel P. The pixel electrode 12 is a transparent electrode, such as ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) or IZO (Indium Zinc Oxide). The TFT 13 is a switching element.

[0019] The first alignment layer 14 is provided on the liquid crystal layer 30 side of the support substrate 11. The first alignment layer 14 covers the support substrate 11, the pixel electrode 12, the TFT 13, and the first wiring 105. The first alignment layer 14 is, for example, an inorganic alignment layer such as a silicon oxide layer, or an organic alignment layer such as a polyimide layer.

[0020] The liquid crystal layer 30 is provided between the element substrate 10 and the opposing substrate 40. The liquid crystal layer 30 is formed by sealing liquid crystal having positive or negative dielectric anisotropy between the element substrate 10 and the opposing substrate 40.

[0021] The opposing substrate 40 is located on the side of the liquid crystal layer 30 opposite to the element substrate 10. Light L is incident on the opposing substrate 40. Light L is incident on the display device 100 from the side of the opposing substrate 40. Light L is emitted from, for example, a light source (not shown).

[0022] The opposing substrate 40 includes, for example, a lens array substrate 41, a trim portion 42, an insulating layer 43, an opposing electrode 44, and a second orientation layer 45.

[0023] The lens array substrate 41 is positioned opposite the support substrate 11. The lens array substrate 41 transmits light L. In a plan view, the area of ​​the lens array substrate 41 is smaller than, for example, the area of ​​the support substrate 11.

[0024] The trim section 42 is provided on the liquid crystal layer 30 side of the lens array substrate 41. As shown in Figure 1, the trim section 42 overlaps with the inspection circuit 103 and the scan line drive circuit 104 in a plan view. The trim section 42 shields light L incident from the opposing substrate 40 side from incident on peripheral circuits such as the inspection circuit 103 and the scan line drive circuit 104. This suppresses malfunctions of the peripheral circuits. Furthermore, the trim section 42 reduces the incidence of unnecessary stray light into the display area E. This reduces the decrease in contrast of the display device 100.

[0025] As shown in Figure 2, the insulating layer 43 is provided on the liquid crystal layer 30 side of the lens array substrate 41. The insulating layer 43 covers the trim portion 42. The insulating layer 43 is provided between the liquid crystal layer 30 and the lens array substrate 41. The surface of the insulating layer 43 on the liquid crystal layer 30 side is, for example, a flat surface. The insulating layer 43 transmits light L. The insulating layer 43 is, for example, a silicon oxide layer.

[0026] The counter electrode 44 is provided on the liquid crystal layer 30 side of the insulating layer 43. The counter electrode 44 is provided between the liquid crystal layer 30 and the insulating layer 43. The counter electrode 44 is electrically connected to the conductive portions 46 shown in Figure 1, which are provided at the four corners of the opposing substrate 40. The counter electrode 44 is a transparent electrode such as ITO or IZO. The material of the conductive portion 46 is a metal such as copper or aluminum.

[0027] As shown in Figure 2, the second alignment layer 45 is provided on the liquid crystal layer 30 side of the counter electrode 44. The liquid crystal layer 30 is provided between the first alignment layer 14 and the second alignment layer 45. The second alignment layer 45 is, for example, an inorganic alignment layer such as a silicon oxide layer, or an organic alignment layer such as a polyimide layer.

[0028] The display device 100 employs optical designs for normally white mode and normally black mode. In normally white mode, the transmittance of pixel P when no voltage is applied is greater than the transmittance when voltage is applied. In normally black mode, the transmittance of pixel P when no voltage is applied is less than the transmittance when voltage is applied. Although not shown in the figures, polarizing elements may be arranged on the incident and outgoing sides of the light L in the display device 100 according to the optical design.

[0029] 1.2. Electrical Configuration Figure 3 is a circuit diagram showing the electrical configuration of the display device 100.

[0030] As shown in Figure 3, a pixel P has a pixel electrode 12 and a TFT 13. The TFT 13 is electrically connected to the pixel electrode 12. During the operation of the display device 100, the TFT 13 switches the supply and non-supply of image signals to the pixel electrode 12. The data line 15 to which the image signal is supplied is electrically connected to the source region of the TFT 13.

[0031] The gate of the TFT 13 is electrically connected to the scan line 16. The display device 100 is configured to apply scan signals G1, G2, ..., Gm to the scan line 16 in pulses at predetermined timings, in that order. The pixel electrode 12 is electrically connected to the drain of the TFT 13. By closing the TFT 13, which is a switching element, for a certain period of time, the image signals S1, S2, ..., Sm supplied from the data line 15 are written to the liquid crystal of the pixel P at predetermined timings.

[0032] Image signals S1, S2, ..., Sn at predetermined levels written to the liquid crystal are held for a certain period of time by the liquid crystal capacitance formed between the pixel electrode 12 and the counter electrode 44. To prevent leakage of the held image signals, a storage capacitance 18 is formed between the pixel electrode 12 and the capacitance line 17 and is arranged in parallel with the liquid crystal capacitance. In this way, when a voltage signal is applied to the liquid crystal, the orientation state of the liquid crystal changes according to the applied voltage level. As a result, the light L incident on the liquid crystal is modulated, enabling grayscale display.

[0033] The liquid crystals constituting the liquid crystal layer 30 modulate light L by changing the orientation and order of molecular aggregates depending on the applied voltage level, thereby enabling grayscale display. For example, in normally white mode, the transmittance to incident light decreases according to the voltage applied to each pixel P. In normally black mode, the transmittance to incident light increases according to the voltage applied to each pixel P, and as a whole, the liquid crystal device emits light with contrast corresponding to the image signal.

[0034] 1.3. Lens array substrate Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the lens array substrate 41 of the display device 100. As shown in Figure 4, the lens array substrate 41 includes, for example, a first light-transmitting layer 50, a second light-transmitting layer 60, a high refractive index layer 70, a light-shielding portion 80, a third light-transmitting layer 90, and a fourth light-transmitting layer 92.

[0035] The first light-transmitting layer 50 is provided in the liquid crystal layer 30. In the illustrated example, the first light-transmitting layer 50 is provided in the liquid crystal layer 30 via the second alignment layer 45, the counter electrode 44, the insulating layer 43, and the third light-transmitting layer 90. The first light-transmitting layer 50 is provided between the third light-transmitting layer 90 and the high refractive index layer 70. The first light-transmitting layer 50 is, for example, an SiON layer or a SiN layer.

[0036] The first light-transmitting layer 50 has, for example, a flat plate portion 52 and a plurality of convex lens portions 54. The flat plate portion 52 is provided between the third light-transmitting layer 90 and the plurality of convex lens portions 54. The shape of the flat plate portion 52 is flat. The convex lens portions 54 are provided on the high refractive index layer 70 side of the first light-transmitting layer 50. The convex lens portions 54 are provided between the flat plate portion 52 and the high refractive index layer 70. The plurality of convex lens portions 54 are provided, for example, in a matrix shape in a plan view. The convex lens portions 54 are provided in multiples corresponding to a plurality of pixels P. The first convex lens portion 54a and the second convex lens portion 54b of the plurality of convex lens portions 54 are adjacent to each other. In the illustrated example, the first convex lens portion 54a and the second convex lens portion 54b are in contact with each other. Although not shown in the diagram, the first convex lens portion 54a and the second convex lens portion 54b may be spaced apart from each other.

[0037] The second light-transmitting layer 60 is provided on the side of the first light-transmitting layer 50 opposite to the liquid crystal layer 30. In the illustrated example, the second light-transmitting layer 60 is provided between the high refractive index layer 70 and the fourth light-transmitting layer 92. The refractive index of the second light-transmitting layer 60 is, for example, the same as that of the first light-transmitting layer 50. The second light-transmitting layer 60 is, for example, an SiON layer, a SiN layer, etc.

[0038] The second light-transmitting layer 60 has a plurality of concave lens portions 62. The plurality of concave lens portions 62 are arranged, for example, in a matrix in a plan view. The concave lens portions 62 overlap with the convex lens portions 54 in a plan view. The first concave lens portion 62a of the plurality of concave lens portions 62 overlaps with the first convex lens portion 54a in a plan view. The second concave lens portion 62b of the plurality of concave lens portions 62 overlaps with the second convex lens portion 54b in a plan view. The surface of the second light-transmitting layer 60 opposite to the high refractive index layer 70 is, for example, a flat surface.

[0039] The high refractive index layer 70 is provided between the first light-transmitting layer 50 and the second light-transmitting layer 60. The high refractive index layer 70 is in contact with the light-transmitting layers 50 and 60. The refractive index of the high refractive index layer 70 is higher than the refractive index of the light-transmitting layers 50 and 60. The high refractive index layer 70 is, for example, an SiON layer or a SiN layer. For example, even with the same SiON layer, the refractive index of the SiON layer can be controlled by adjusting the gas flow rate when forming the SiON layer.

[0040] The thickness T of the high refractive index layer 70 is less than the thickness of the convex lens portion 54. The thickness T of the high refractive index layer 70 is less than the thickness U1 of the first convex lens portion 54a and the thickness U2 of the second convex lens portion 54b. Note that "thickness of the convex lens portion 54" refers to the distance between the surface of the convex lens portion 54 and the flat plate portion 52, and is the maximum thickness of the convex lens portion 54. The minimum value of the thickness T of the high refractive index layer 70 is less than the thickness U1 of the first convex lens portion 54a and the thickness U2 of the second convex lens portion 54b. The thickness T of the high refractive index layer 70 is, for example, maximum at the position where it overlaps with the light-shielding portion 80 in a plan view. The thickness T of the high refractive index layer 70 is less than the thickness of the first light-transmitting layer 50 and the thickness of the second light-transmitting layer 60. The thickness is the thickness in the direction N normal to the opposing substrate 40.

[0041] The light-shielding portion 80 is provided on the side of the first light-transmitting layer 50 opposite to the high refractive index layer 70. In the illustrated example, the light-shielding portion 80 is provided between the third light-transmitting layer 90 and the first light-transmitting layer 50. In a plan view, the light-shielding portion 80 overlaps with the edge 55 of the convex lens portion 54. Multiple light-shielding portions 80 are provided, for example, corresponding to multiple convex lens portions 54. One of the multiple light-shielding portions 80a overlaps with the edge 55 of the first convex lens portion 54a and also overlaps with the edge 55 of the second convex lens portion 54b. In a plan view, the distance D between the first convex lens portion 54a and the second convex lens portion 54b is smaller than the width W of the light-shielding portion 80a. In the illustrated example, the distance D is zero. The width W is the magnitude of the light-shielding portion 80a in the direction from the first convex lens portion 54a to the second convex lens portion 54b. The multiple light-shielding portions 80 may be continuous with each other and integrally provided. The light-shielding portions 80 block light L. The material of the light-shielding portions 80 is, for example, metal or metal oxide.

[0042] The third light-transmitting layer 90 is provided between the liquid crystal layer 30 and the first light-transmitting layer 50. In the illustrated example, the third light-transmitting layer 90 is provided between the insulating layer 43 and the first light-transmitting layer 50. The refractive index of the third light-transmitting layer 90 is higher than, for example, the refractive index of the light-transmitting layers 50 and 60, and the refractive index of the high-refractive-index layer 70. The high-refractive-index layer 70 is, for example, an SiON layer, a SiN layer, etc.

[0043] The fourth light-transmitting layer 92 is located on the opposite side of the second light-transmitting layer 60 from the high refractive index layer 70. The refractive index of the fourth light-transmitting layer 92 is lower than, for example, the refractive index of the light-transmitting layers 50, 60, and 90. The fourth light-transmitting layer 92 is, for example, an SiON layer or a SiN layer. The light-transmitting layers 50, 60, 90, 92 and the high refractive index layer 70 transmit light L.

[0044] 1.4. Effects The display device 100 includes a counter substrate 40 and an element substrate 10 facing each other, and a liquid crystal layer 30 provided between the counter substrate 40 and the element substrate 10. The counter substrate 40 includes a first light-transmitting layer 50 having adjacent first convex lens portions 54a and second convex lens portions 54b, a second light-transmitting layer 60 provided on the side of the first light-transmitting layer 50 opposite to the liquid crystal layer 30, having a first concave lens portion 62a that overlaps with the first convex lens portion 54a and a second concave lens portion 62b that overlaps with the second convex lens portion 54b in a plan view, and a high refractive index layer 70 provided between the first light-transmitting layer 50 and the second light-transmitting layer 60, with a refractive index higher than that of the first light-transmitting layer 50 and the second light-transmitting layer 60. In the direction N normal to the counter substrate 40, the thickness T of the high refractive index layer 70 is smaller than the thickness U1 of the first convex lens portion 54a and the thickness U2 of the second convex lens portion 54b.

[0045] Therefore, as shown in Figure 5, the display device 100 can reduce the component of the incident light L that is incident at an oblique angle to the liquid crystal layer 30. In other words, light L can be incident at an incident angle perpendicular or nearly perpendicular to the liquid crystal layer 30. This reduces the decrease in contrast. Furthermore, it can increase brightness.

[0046] For example, as shown in Figure 6, if the surface of the high refractive index layer 1070 on the liquid crystal layer 1030 side is a flat surface, the component of light L that is incident at an oblique angle to the liquid crystal layer 1030 increases. When the component of light L that is incident at an oblique angle to the liquid crystal layer 1030 increases, variations occur in the retardation that occurs in the liquid crystal layer 1030, and the contrast decreases. The display device shown in Figure 5 has a liquid crystal layer 1030, a first light-transmitting layer 1050, a second light-transmitting layer 1060, a high refractive index layer 1070, a light-shielding portion 1080, a third light-transmitting layer 1090, and a fourth light-transmitting layer 1092.

[0047] Furthermore, in the display device 100, since the thickness T of the high refractive index layer 70 is smaller than the thickness U1 of the first convex lens portion 54a and the thickness U2 of the second convex lens portion 54b, the alignment accuracy of the first convex lens portion 54a and the first concave lens portion 62a, and the alignment accuracy of the second convex lens portion 54b and the second concave lens portion 62b can be improved. For example, the first convex lens portion 54a and the first concave lens portion 62a can be formed by self-alignment, and the second convex lens portion 54b and the second concave lens portion 62b can be formed by self-alignment.

[0048] In the display device 100, the opposing substrate 40 has a third light-transmitting layer 90 provided between the liquid crystal layer 30 and the first light-transmitting layer 50, and the third light-transmitting layer 90 has a higher refractive index than the first light-transmitting layer 50. Therefore, the amount of light L reflected at the interface between the first light-transmitting layer 50 and the third light-transmitting layer 90 can be reduced.

[0049] In the display device 100, the opposing substrate 40 has a light-shielding portion 80 provided on the side opposite to the high refractive index layer 70 of the first light-transmitting layer 50. In a plan view, the light-shielding portion 80 overlaps with the edge 55 of the first convex lens portion 54a and the edge 55 of the second convex lens portion 54b, and the thickness T of the high refractive index layer 70 in the normal direction N is maximum at the position where it overlaps with the light-shielding portion 80 in a plan view. Therefore, in the display device 100, light L incident near the edge 55 of the first convex lens portion 54a and light L incident near the edge 55 of the second convex lens portion 54b can be incident on the liquid crystal layer 30 at an incident angle perpendicular or nearly perpendicular.

[0050] In the display device 100, in a plan view, the distance D between the first convex lens portion 54a and the second convex lens portion 54b is smaller than the width W of the light-shielding portion 80a. Therefore, the display device 100 can reduce the amount of light L incident on the liquid crystal layer 30 that does not pass through the first convex lens portion 54a and the second convex lens portion 54b.

[0051] 2. Method for manufacturing a display device Next, the manufacturing method of the display device 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Figures 7 to 10 are schematic cross-sectional views showing the manufacturing process of the display device 100 according to this embodiment.

[0052] As shown in Figure 7, a second transparent layer 60 is formed on the fourth transparent layer 92. The second transparent layer 60 is formed, for example, by the CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) method.

[0053] Next, the second transparent layer 60 is patterned to form a plurality of concave lens portions 62. Patterning is performed, for example, by photolithography and etching. Etching is, for example, wet etching.

[0054] As shown in Figure 8, a high refractive index layer 70 is formed on the second light-transmitting layer 60. The high refractive index layer 70 is formed, for example, by the CVD method. The high refractive index layer 70 is formed to be thin enough to conform to the shape of the concave lens portion 62.

[0055] As shown in Figure 9, a first transparent layer 50 is formed on the high refractive index layer 70. The first transparent layer 50 is formed, for example, by deposition by CVD and then planarization of the surface by CMP (Chemical Mechanical Planarization). In this process, the convex lens portion 54 of the first transparent layer 50 can be formed self-aligned with respect to the concave lens portion 62.

[0056] As shown in Figure 10, a light-shielding portion 80 is formed on the first light-transmitting layer 50. The light-shielding portion 80 is formed, for example, by sputtering, CVD, or vacuum deposition.

[0057] Next, a third light-transmitting layer 90 is formed on the first light-transmitting layer 50 and the light-shielding portion 80. The third light-transmitting layer 90 is formed, for example, by a CVD method. This process forms the lens array substrate 41.

[0058] Next, an insulating layer 43, a counter electrode 44, and a second orientation layer 45 are formed sequentially on the third light-transmitting layer 90. This process forms the opposing substrate 40.

[0059] Next, as shown in Figure 2, the opposing substrate 40 is joined to the element substrate 10 via the sealing material 20.

[0060] The display device 100 can be manufactured through the above process.

[0061] 3. Projector Next, the projector according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 111 is a schematic diagram showing the projector 700 according to this embodiment.

[0062] The projector 700 has, for example, a display device 100 as an optical modulation device.

[0063] As shown in Figure 11, the projector 700 further includes a red light source 702R, a green light source 702G, and a blue light source 702B, which emit red light, green light, and blue light, respectively. The light sources 702R, 702G, and 702B are, for example, LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) and lasers.

[0064] The projector 700 further includes, for example, a first optical element 704R, a second optical element 704G, a third optical element 704B, a first optical modulator 100R, a second optical modulator 100G, a third optical modulator 100B, and a projection device 708. The first optical modulator 100R, the second optical modulator 100G, and the third optical modulator 100B are, for example, transmissive liquid crystal light bulbs. The projection device 708 is, for example, a projection lens.

[0065] Light emitted from the red light source 702R enters the first optical element 704R. The light emitted from the red light source 702R is focused by the first optical element 704R. The first optical element 704R may have functions other than focusing. The second optical element 704G and the third optical element 704B may also have functions other than focusing.

[0066] Light focused by the first optical element 704R is incident on the first optical modulator 100R. The first optical modulator 100R modulates the incident light according to the image information. The projection device 708 then magnifies the image formed by the first optical modulator 100R and projects it onto the screen 710.

[0067] Light emitted from the green light source 702G enters the second optical element 704G. The light emitted from the green light source 702G is focused by the second optical element 704G.

[0068] The light focused by the second optical element 704G is incident on the second optical modulator 100G. The second optical modulator 100G modulates the incident light according to the image information. Then, the projection device 708 magnifies the image formed by the second optical modulator 100G and projects it onto the screen 710.

[0069] Light emitted from the blue light source 702B enters the third optical element 704B. The light emitted from the blue light source 702B is focused by the third optical element 704B.

[0070] The light focused by the third optical element 704B is incident on the third optical modulator 100B. The third optical modulator 100B modulates the incident light according to the image information. Then, the projection device 708 magnifies the image formed by the third optical modulator 100B and projects it onto the screen 710.

[0071] The projector 700 further includes, for example, a cross dichroic prism 706 that combines the light emitted from the first light modulator 100R, the second light modulator 100G, and the third light modulator 100B and directs it to the projection device 708.

[0072] Three colored lights modulated by the first light modulator 100R, the second light modulator 100G, and the third light modulator 100B are incident on the cross dichroic prism 706. The cross dichroic prism 706 is formed by bonding together four right-angle prisms, and its inner surface is arranged with a dielectric multilayer film that reflects red light and a dielectric multilayer film that reflects blue light. The three colored lights are combined by these dielectric multilayer films to form light that represents a color image. The combined light is then projected onto the screen 710 by the projection device 708, and an enlarged image is displayed.

[0073] The embodiments and variations described above are examples only and are not limited thereto. For example, each embodiment and each variation can be combined as appropriate.

[0074] The present invention includes configurations substantially identical to those described in the embodiments, for example, configurations with the same function, method, and results, or configurations with the same purpose and effect. Furthermore, the present invention includes configurations in which non-essential parts of the configurations described in the embodiments are replaced. Furthermore, the present invention includes configurations that produce the same effects or achieve the same purpose as those described in the embodiments. Finally, the present invention includes configurations that add known technology to the configurations described in the embodiments.

[0075] The following can be derived from the embodiments and modifications described above.

[0076] One embodiment of a display device is, A first substrate and a second substrate facing each other, It has a liquid crystal layer provided between the first substrate and the second substrate, The aforementioned first substrate is A first light-transmitting layer having a first convex lens portion and a second convex lens portion adjacent to each other, In a plan view, the second light-transmitting layer has a first concave lens portion that overlaps with the first convex lens portion, and a second concave lens portion that overlaps with the second convex lens portion, and is provided on the side of the first light-transmitting layer opposite to the liquid crystal layer, The material has a high refractive index layer provided between the first transparent layer and the second transparent layer, the refractive index of which is higher than that of the first transparent layer and the second transparent layer, In the direction normal to the first substrate, the thickness of the high refractive index layer is smaller than the thickness of the first convex lens portion and the thickness of the second convex lens portion.

[0077] According to this display device, the decrease in contrast can be reduced.

[0078] One embodiment of the above-mentioned display device, The first substrate has a third light-transmitting layer provided between the liquid crystal layer and the first light-transmitting layer, The third light-transmitting layer may have a higher refractive index than the first light-transmitting layer.

[0079] According to this display device, the light reflected at the interface between the first light-transmitting layer and the third light-transmitting layer can be reduced.

[0080] One embodiment of the above-mentioned display device, The first substrate has a light-shielding portion provided on the side of the first light-transmitting layer opposite to the high refractive index layer, The light-shielding portion, in a plan view, overlaps with the edge of the first convex lens portion and also overlaps with the edge of the second convex lens portion. The thickness of the high refractive index layer in the normal direction may be maximized at a position that overlaps with the light-shielding portion in a plan view.

[0081] This display device allows light incident near the edge of the first convex lens and light incident near the edge of the second convex lens to be incident at an angle perpendicular or nearly perpendicular to the liquid crystal layer.

[0082] One embodiment of the above-mentioned display device, In a plan view, the distance between the first convex lens portion and the second convex lens portion may be smaller than the width of the light-shielding portion.

[0083] This display device makes it possible to reduce the amount of light that enters the liquid crystal layer without passing through the first and second convex lens sections. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0084] 10...Element substrate, 11...Support substrate, 12...Pixel electrode, 13...TFT, 14...First alignment layer, 15...Data line, 16...Scan line, 17...Capacitance line, 18...Accumulation capacitor, 20...Sealing material, 30...Liquid crystal layer, 40...Opposite substrate, 41...Lens array substrate, 42...Edge section, 43...Insulating layer, 44...Opposite electrode, 45...Second alignment layer, 46...Conductive section, 50...First light-transmitting layer, 52...Flat section, 54...Convex lens section, 54a...First convex lens section, 54b...Second convex lens section, 55...Edge, 60...Second light-transmitting layer, 62...Concave lens section, 62a...First concave lens section, 62b...Second concave lens section, 70...High refractive index layer, 80, 80a...Light-shielding section, 90...Third light-transmitting layer, 92...Fourth light-transmitting layer, 100...Front Display device, 100R...First optical modulator, 100G...Second optical modulator, 100B...Third optical modulator, 101...External connection terminal, 102...Data line drive circuit, 103...Inspection circuit, 104...Scan line drive circuit, 105...First wiring, 106...Second wiring, 700...Projector, 702R...Red light source, 702G...Green light source, 702B...Blue light source, 704R...First optical element, 704G...Second optical element, 704B...Third optical element, 706...Cross dichroic prism, 708...Projection device, 1030...Liquid crystal layer, 1050...First light-transmitting layer, 1060...Second light-transmitting layer, 1070...High refractive index layer, 1080...Light-shielding section, 1090...Third light-transmitting layer, 1092...Fourth light-transmitting layer

Claims

1. A first substrate and a second substrate facing each other, It has a liquid crystal layer provided between the first substrate and the second substrate, The first substrate is A first light-transmitting layer having a first convex lens portion and a second convex lens portion adjacent to each other, In a plan view, the second light-transmitting layer has a first concave lens portion that overlaps with the first convex lens portion, and a second concave lens portion that overlaps with the second convex lens portion, and is provided on the side of the first light-transmitting layer opposite to the liquid crystal layer, The material has a high refractive index layer provided between the first transparent layer and the second transparent layer, the refractive index of which is higher than that of the first transparent layer and the second transparent layer, A display device wherein, in the direction normal to the first substrate, the thickness of the high refractive index layer is smaller than the thickness of the first convex lens portion and the thickness of the second convex lens portion.

2. In claim 1, The first substrate has a third light-transmitting layer provided between the liquid crystal layer and the first light-transmitting layer, The third light-transmitting layer has a higher refractive index than the first light-transmitting layer, in a display device.

3. In claim 1, The first substrate has a light-shielding portion provided on the side of the first light-transmitting layer opposite to the high refractive index layer, The light-shielding portion, in a plan view, overlaps with the edge of the first convex lens portion and also overlaps with the edge of the second convex lens portion. A display device wherein the thickness of the high refractive index layer in the normal direction is maximized at a position that overlaps with the light-shielding portion in a plan view.

4. In claim 3, A display device in which, in a plan view, the distance between the first convex lens portion and the second convex lens portion is smaller than the width of the light-shielding portion.

Images