Lighting equipment and projectors

Abstract

To provide a lighting unit and a projector having high efficiency for light utilization.SOLUTION: The present invention comprises: a light source that emits light in a first wavelength range; a wavelength conversion element that converts the light in the first wavelength range into light in a second wavelength range; an optical element that reflects the light in the first wavelength range toward the wavelength conversion element and transmits the light in the second wavelength range; and an illumination optical system that is arranged on the opposite side of the wavelength conversion element with respect to the optical element and on which the light emitted from the wavelength conversion element is incident. The wavelength conversion element has a substrate, a reflection layer that is provided opposite to a first surface of the substrate, a wavelength conversion layer that has a second surface, is provided opposite to the reflection layer, and converts the light in the first wavelength range into the light in the second wavelength range, and a structure that is provided opposite to the second surface and includes a plurality of convex parts reflecting part of the light in the first wavelength range. The plurality of convex parts each have an inclined surface inclined with respect to the second surface. At least part of the light in the first wavelength range reflected on the inclined surface is incident on the illumination optical system without passing through the optical element.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an illumination device and a projector. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there has been an illumination device that emits white illumination light by scattering and reflecting a portion of light of a first wavelength using a light scattering surface provided on the surface of a wavelength conversion layer, and combining the fluorescent light of a second wavelength obtained by wavelength-converting the light of the first wavelength that entered the wavelength conversion layer with the scattered and reflected light of the first wavelength (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2 below). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-215549 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2017-194523 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the above-mentioned lighting device, the scattering angle of the light of the first wavelength is insufficient and there is room for improvement in the control of the scattering characteristics, so that the light of the first wavelength cannot be efficiently extracted as illumination light, resulting in a problem of reduced light utilization efficiency. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, according to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a light source that emits light of a first wavelength band, a wavelength conversion element that converts the light of the first wavelength band into light of a second wavelength band different from the first wavelength band, an optical element that reflects the light of the first wavelength band emitted from the light source toward the wavelength conversion element and transmits the light of the second wavelength band, and an illumination optical system that is disposed on the opposite side of the optical element to the wavelength conversion element and into which the light emitted from the wavelength conversion element is incident, wherein the wavelength conversion element includes a substrate having a first surface, An illumination device is provided, comprising: a reflective layer disposed opposite the first surface; a wavelength conversion layer having a second surface, disposed opposite the reflective layer, and configured to convert light of the first wavelength band into light of the second wavelength band; and a structure disposed opposite the second surface and including a plurality of convex portions that reflect a portion of the light of the first wavelength band, wherein the plurality of convex portions have an inclined surface that is inclined with respect to the second surface, and at least a portion of the light of the first wavelength band reflected by the inclined surface enters the illumination optical system without passing through the optical element.

[0006] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a projector comprising an illumination device according to the first aspect of the present invention, an optical modulator that modulates light from the illumination device in accordance with image information, and a projection optical device that projects the light modulated by the optical modulator. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a projector according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a lighting device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a wavelength conversion element. [Figure 4A] 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating a method for manufacturing a structure. [Figure 4B] 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating a method for manufacturing a structure. [Figure 4C] 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating a method for manufacturing a structure. [Figure 5A] 10 is an enlarged plan view of a main portion for explaining a first light reflected by a structure. FIG. [Figure 5B] 5B is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 5A. [Figure 6] 4 is a conceptual diagram showing the state of light emitted from a wavelength conversion element. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an illuminance distribution of blue reflected light. [Figure 8A] 13 is a graph showing a simulation result regarding loss of blue reflected light. [Figure 8B] 13 is a graph showing a simulation result regarding loss of blue reflected light. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a wavelength conversion element of a first modified example. [Figure 10] 13 is a graph showing the relationship between the filling rate of the structures and the loss caused by the optical element. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a wavelength conversion element according to a second modified example. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a wavelength conversion element according to a second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an illuminance distribution of blue reflected light in the second embodiment. [Figure 14A] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a wavelength conversion element according to a third embodiment. [Figure 14B] FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part of a wavelength conversion element according to a third embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an illuminance distribution of blue reflected light in the third embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a wavelength conversion element according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an illuminance distribution of blue reflected light in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration in which a structure and a wavelength conversion layer are integrally formed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The projector of this embodiment is an example of a projector that uses a liquid crystal panel as a light modulation device. In the drawings, the dimensions of the components may be shown on different scales in order to make the components easier to see.

[0009] First embodiment FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a projector according to the present embodiment. The projector 1 of this embodiment shown in Fig. 1 is a projection type image display device that displays a color image on a screen (projection surface) SCR. The projector 1 uses three light modulation devices corresponding to the respective colors of red light LR, green light LG, and blue light LB.

[0010] The projector 1 includes an illumination device 2, a color separation optical system 3, a light modulation device 4R, a light modulation device 4G, a light modulation device 4B, a combining optical system 5, and a projection optical device 6.

[0011] The illumination device 2 emits white illumination light WL toward the color separation optical system 3. The color separation optical system 3 separates the white illumination light WL into red light LR, green light LG, and blue light LB. The color separation optical system 3 includes a first dichroic mirror 7a, a second dichroic mirror 7b, a first reflecting mirror 8a, a second reflecting mirror 8b, a third reflecting mirror 8c, a first relay lens 9a, and a second relay lens 9b.

[0012] The first dichroic mirror 7a separates the illumination light WL from the illumination device 2 into red light LR and other light (green light LG and blue light LB). The first dichroic mirror 7a transmits the separated red light LR and reflects the other light (green light LG and blue light LB). On the other hand, the second dichroic mirror 7b separates the other light into green light LG and blue light LB. The second dichroic mirror 7b reflects the separated green light LG and transmits the blue light LB.

[0013] The first reflecting mirror 8a is disposed in the optical path of the red light LR and reflects the red light LR transmitted through the first dichroic mirror 7a toward the optical modulation device 4R. On the other hand, the second reflecting mirror 8b and the third reflecting mirror 8c are disposed in the optical path of the blue light LB and reflect the blue light LB transmitted through the second dichroic mirror 7b toward the optical modulation device 4B. In addition, the green light LG is reflected by the second dichroic mirror 7b toward the optical modulation device 4G.

[0014] The first relay lens 9a and the second relay lens 9b are disposed on the light exit side of the second dichroic mirror 7b in the optical path of the blue light LB. The first relay lens 9a and the second relay lens 9b correct a difference in illumination distribution of the blue light LB caused by the optical path length of the blue light LB being longer than the optical path lengths of the red light LR and the green light LG.

[0015] The light modulation device 4R modulates the red light LR according to image information to form image light corresponding to the red light LR. The light modulation device 4G modulates the green light LG according to image information to form image light corresponding to the green light LG. The light modulation device 4B modulates the blue light LB according to image information to form image light corresponding to the blue light LB.

[0016] For example, a transmissive liquid crystal panel is used for the light modulation device 4R, the light modulation device 4G, and the light modulation device 4B. Furthermore, a polarizing plate (not shown) is arranged on the entrance side and the exit side of each of the liquid crystal panels, and is configured to pass only linearly polarized light in a specific direction.

[0017] Field lenses 10R, 10G, and 10B are disposed on the incident sides of the optical modulation device 4R, the optical modulation device 4G, and the optical modulation device 4B, respectively. The field lenses 10R, 10G, and 10B collimate the main rays of the red light LR, the green light LG, and the blue light LB incident on the optical modulation device 4R, the optical modulation device 4G, and the optical modulation device 4B, respectively.

[0018] The combining optical system 5 receives the image light emitted from the light modulation device 4R, the light modulation device 4G, and the light modulation device 4B, combines the image light corresponding to the red light LR, the green light LG, and the blue light LB, and emits the combined image light toward the projection optical device 6. The combining optical system 5 may be, for example, a cross dichroic prism.

[0019] The projection optical device 6 is composed of a plurality of projection lenses. The projection optical device 6 enlarges and projects the image light combined by the combining optical system 5 onto the screen SCR. As a result, an image is displayed on the screen SCR.

[0020] An example of the lighting device 2 of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the lighting device 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the illumination device 2 includes a light source 11, a first optical system 12, an optical element 13, a second optical system 14, a wavelength conversion element 15, and an illumination optical system 16. The light source 11, the first optical system 12, and the optical element 13 are arranged along a light source optical axis AX1. The wavelength conversion element 15, the second optical system 14, the optical element 13, and the illumination optical system 16 are arranged along an illumination optical axis AX of the illumination device 2. The light source optical axis AX1 and the illumination optical axis AX are perpendicular to each other.

[0021] The light source 11 emits the first light B. The first light B is light having a first wavelength band. The first wavelength band of the first light B is, for example, 450 to 460 nm, and the peak wavelength of the emission intensity is, for example, 455 nm. That is, the first light B is blue light. The light source 11 is composed of at least one semiconductor laser. The semiconductor laser may emit the first light B having a peak wavelength other than 455 nm. The light source 11 includes a collimator lens (not shown) provided corresponding to the semiconductor laser. Thereby, the light source 11 converts the first light B emitted from the semiconductor laser into parallel light and emits it.

[0022] The first light B emitted from the light source 11 is incident on the first optical system 12. The first optical system 12 includes at least one convex lens, and causes the first light B to be incident on the optical element 13 in a condensed state.

[0023] The optical element 13 is disposed near the focal point of the first optical system 12. As a result, the first light B is condensed and enters the optical element 13 in a state where the light beam diameter is substantially minimized. By causing the first light B to enter the optical element 13 in such a condensed state, the size of the optical element 13 can be reduced.

[0024] The optical element 13 is a dichroic mirror having optical properties of reflecting the first light B having a first wavelength band and transmitting the second light Y having a second wavelength band emitted from the wavelength conversion element 15 described later. The optical element 13 is made of a dielectric multilayer film.

[0025] In this embodiment, the second optical system 14 includes at least one convex lens, and causes the first light B to be incident on the wavelength conversion element 15 while condensing the first light B.

[0026] The illumination optical system 16 is disposed on the opposite side of the optical element 13 from the wavelength conversion element 15, and receives illumination light WL emitted from the wavelength conversion element 15. The illumination light WL will be described later.

[0027] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the wavelength conversion element 15. As shown in FIG. 3, the wavelength conversion element 15 includes a substrate 21, a reflective layer 22, a wavelength conversion layer 23, and a structure 40. The substrate 21 has an upper surface (first surface) 21a. The substrate 21 is a support substrate that supports the reflective layer 22, the wavelength conversion layer 23, and the structure 40, and is also a heat dissipation substrate that dissipates heat conducted from the wavelength conversion layer 23. The substrate 21 can be made of a material having high thermal conductivity, such as metal or ceramics.

[0028] The reflective layer 22 is provided on the upper surface 21a of the substrate 21. That is, the reflective layer 22 is located between the substrate 21 and the wavelength conversion layer 23, and reflects light incident from the wavelength conversion layer 23 toward the wavelength conversion layer 23. The reflective layer 22 is composed of a laminated film including a dielectric multilayer film, a metal mirror, an enhanced reflection film, and the like.

[0029] The wavelength conversion layer 23 is provided facing the reflective layer 22. In this embodiment, the wavelength conversion layer 23 is provided on the reflective layer 22. The wavelength conversion layer 23 has an upper surface (second surface) 23a on which the first light B is incident, and a lower surface 23b different from the upper surface 23a. The wavelength conversion layer 23 converts the first light B in a first wavelength band into second light Y having a second wavelength band different from the first wavelength band.

[0030] The wavelength conversion layer 23 may contain a ceramic phosphor or a single crystal phosphor. The second wavelength band is, for example, 500 to 680 nm. That is, the second light Y is yellow light containing a green light component and a red light component.

[0031] The wavelength conversion layer 23 contains, for example, an yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) phosphor. For example, YAG:Ce containing cerium (Ce) as an activator is used as the wavelength conversion layer 23. 2 O 3 , Al 2 O 3 , CEO 3 Examples of materials that can be used include materials obtained by mixing raw material powders containing the above constituent elements and subjecting them to a solid-phase reaction, Y-Al-O amorphous particles obtained by a wet method such as a coprecipitation method or a sol-gel method, and YAG particles obtained by a gas phase method such as a spray drying method, a flame pyrolysis method, or a thermal plasma method. Note that when a porous sintered body is used as the wavelength conversion layer 23, it is also desirable from the viewpoint of light utilization efficiency because light is scattered inside the phosphor and does not easily propagate in the lateral direction.

[0032] In this embodiment, the wavelength conversion layer 23 includes a plurality of pores 24 provided therein. As a result, the wavelength conversion layer 23 has light scattering properties due to the plurality of pores 24. Some of the plurality of pores 24 are exposed on the upper surface 23a of the wavelength conversion layer 23. The pores 24 exposed on the upper surface 23a form recesses 24a on the upper surface 23a.

[0033] The structure 40 is provided to face the upper surface 23a of the wavelength conversion layer 23. The structure 40 reflects a part of the first light B. The structure 40 includes a plurality of protrusions 41. In this embodiment, the plurality of protrusions 41 have a quadrangular pyramid shape.

[0034] At least a part of the structure 40 is formed in the recess 24a. This increases the contact area between the structure 40 and the wavelength conversion layer 23, thereby improving the adhesion of the structure 40 to the wavelength conversion layer 23 due to the anchor effect. This makes it possible to suppress peeling of the structure 40 from the wavelength conversion layer 23.

[0035] In this embodiment, the structure 40 is formed separately from the wavelength conversion layer 23 . 4A to 4C are diagrams illustrating a method for manufacturing structure 40. FIG. When manufacturing the structure 40, first, as shown in Fig. 4A, a material for forming the structure 40 is deposited by, for example, a vapor deposition method, a sputtering method, a CVD method, a coating method, or the like to form a structure formation layer 39 on the upper surface 23a of the wavelength conversion layer 23. Then, a mold member 50 corresponding to the shape of the structure 40 is pressed against a resin layer 51 formed on the structure formation layer 39 by an imprint process, and the concave-convex shape of the structure 40 is transferred to the resin layer 51 as shown in Fig. 4B. Then, an etching process is performed using the resin layer 51 to which the concave-convex shape has been transferred as a mask, thereby forming the structure 40 on the wavelength conversion layer 23.

[0036] The structure 40 is preferably made of a material that has low optical absorption and is chemically stable. In the present embodiment, the structure 40 is made of a material having a refractive index in the range of 1.3 to 1.7, such as SiO 2 , SiON, etc. can be used. For example, SiO 2 If the structure 40 is formed using this material, it can be precisely processed by a wet or dry etching process.

[0037] In this embodiment, the first light B is condensed and enters the wavelength conversion element 15. A part of the first light B passes through a structure 40 provided on the upper surface 23a of the wavelength conversion layer 23, and another part of the first light B is reflected by the structure 40. The part of the first light B that passes through the structure 40 is converted into a second light Y in the wavelength conversion layer 23. Hereinafter, the other part of the first light B that is reflected by the structure 40 and emitted is referred to as blue reflected light B1.

[0038] In this embodiment, since the structure 40 is made of a material with low light absorption, the second light Y generated in the wavelength conversion layer 23 is suppressed from being absorbed by the structure 40. Therefore, in the wavelength conversion element 15 of this embodiment, the second light Y generated in the wavelength conversion layer 23 transmits through the structure 40 and is efficiently emitted to the outside.

[0039] In the illumination device 2 of the present embodiment, white illumination light WL containing blue reflected light B1 and second light Y is emitted from the wavelength conversion element 15 toward the second optical system 14. The illumination light WL is substantially collimated by the second optical system 14. The illumination light WL transmitted through the second optical system 14 passes through the optical element 13 arranged on the illumination optical axis AX.

[0040] Here, the optical element 13 has the optical property of reflecting the first light B and transmitting the second light Y. Therefore, the second light Y included in the illumination light WL passes through the optical element 13 and travels toward the illumination optical system 16. Since the second light Y passes through the optical element 13, the optical loss of the second light Y caused by the optical element 13 can be reduced.

[0041] On the other hand, the blue reflected light B1 contained in the illumination light WL is light of the same first wavelength band as the first light B, and is therefore reflected by the optical element 13. The blue reflected light B1 reflected by the optical element 13 returns to the light source 11 side and cannot be extracted to the outside as the illumination light WL, resulting in a loss. In the illumination device 2 of the present embodiment, the shape of the structure 40 provided on the upper surface 23a of the wavelength conversion layer 23 is devised as described below to reduce the optical loss of the blue reflected light B1.

[0042] Fig. 5A shows a planar configuration of structure 40, and Fig. 5B shows a cross-sectional configuration of structure 40. In Fig. 5A and Fig. 5B, a central axis O is an axis passing through the center of protrusion 41 having a quadrangular pyramid shape.

[0043] 5A and 5B , in this embodiment, the multiple protrusions 41 constituting the structure 40 are arranged without any gaps on the upper surface 23a of the wavelength conversion layer 23. The multiple protrusions 41 have an inclined surface 41a inclined with respect to the upper surface 23a of the wavelength conversion layer 23. That is, in this embodiment, the surface of the protrusion 41 is the inclined surface 41a inclined with respect to the upper surface 23a of the wavelength conversion layer 23.

[0044] Here, consider the case where no structures are provided on the upper surface 23a of the wavelength conversion layer 23. In this case, part of the first light B is incident on the second optical system 14 as scattered reflected light that is isotropically scattered on the upper surface 23a of the wavelength conversion layer 23. Part of the scattered reflected light collimated by the second optical system 14 is incident again on the optical element 13 arranged on the second optical system 14. As described above, the optical element 13 has the optical property of reflecting the first light B having the first wavelength band, and therefore the scattered reflected light that is incident on the optical element 13 is reflected toward the light source 11 and is lost.

[0045] According to the wavelength conversion element 15 of this embodiment, the surface of the convex portion 41 is formed as the inclined surface 41a as described above. As a result, the first light B incident on the structure 40 is reflected in an oblique direction with respect to the normal to the upper surface 23a. In other words, the first light B reflected on the convex portion 41 of the structure 40 is emitted from the convex portion 41 so as to head obliquely upward away from the central axis O of the convex portion 41 with respect to the optical path when the first light B was incident on the convex portion 41. According to the wavelength conversion element 15 of this embodiment, the first light B can be reflected more in an oblique direction than in a vertical direction.

[0046] In the structure 40 of this embodiment, each of the protrusions 41 has a quadrangular pyramid shape. When viewed from a direction along the central axis O, each of the protrusions 41 has four inclined surfaces 41a facing different directions with respect to the central axis O. As a result, each of the protrusions 41 reflects incident light while scattering it in four directions corresponding to each inclined surface 41a. Hereinafter, the first light B reflected by the structure 40 and emitted is referred to as blue reflected light B1.

[0047] FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram showing the state of light emitted from the wavelength conversion element 15. As shown in FIG. 6, in the wavelength conversion element 15, the blue reflected light B1 is reflected more in oblique directions than in the vertical direction by the structures 40. That is, in this embodiment, the blue reflected light B1 emitted from the wavelength conversion element 15 has a light distribution including more oblique components than vertical components.

[0048] As a result, the blue reflected light B1 reflected by the structure 40 enters the second optical system 14 via an optical path on the outside of the optical axis 14C of the second optical system 14, with respect to the optical path of the first light B when it enters the wavelength conversion element 15. Therefore, the blue reflected light B1 passes through a radially outer region of the lens constituting the second optical system 14. The optical axis 14C coincides with the illumination optical axis AX.

[0049] According to the wavelength conversion element 15 of this embodiment, the blue reflected light B1 is scattered and reflected so as to pass outside the optical axis 14C of the second optical system 14 further than the optical path of the first light B on its outward journey, so that the blue reflected light B1 can be emitted so as to avoid the optical element 13 arranged on the optical axis 14C of the second optical system 14.

[0050] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing the illuminance distribution of the reflected blue light B1 on the incident surface of the illumination optical system 16 as viewed in the direction along the optical axis 14C of the second optical system 14.

[0051] 7, most of the blue reflected light B1 emitted from the wavelength conversion element 15 of this embodiment avoids the optical element 13 located on the optical axis 14C of the second optical system 14 and enters the illumination optical system 16 without passing through the optical element 13. In this embodiment, each convex portion 41 of the structure 40 scatters and reflects the first light B in four directions by the inclined surface 41a, so that the blue reflected light B1 is composed of four light beams arranged around the optical element 13. According to the wavelength conversion element 15 of the present embodiment, the amount of blue reflected light B1 incident on the optical element 13 is suppressed, so that the optical loss of the blue reflected light B1 due to the optical element 13 can be reduced.

[0052] The inventors have focused on the fact that the loss of blue reflected light B1 by the optical element 13 varies depending on the inclination angle of the inclined surface 41a of the convex portion 41. Then, a simulation was performed on the loss of blue reflected light B1 when the inclination angle of the inclined surface 41a was changed. Note that the inclination angle is the angle between the inclined surface 41a and the upper surface 23a of the wavelength conversion layer 23.

[0053] 8A and 8B are graphs showing simulation results regarding the loss of blue reflected light. FIG. 8A is a graph showing the relationship between the inclination angle of the inclined surface 41a and the light loss caused by the optical element 13, and the relationship between the inclination angle of the inclined surface 41a and the light loss caused by the second optical system 14. FIG. 8B is a graph showing the sum of the light losses of the optical element 13 and the second optical system 14 for the results shown in FIG. 8A. In FIGS. 8A and 8B, the horizontal axis shows the inclination angle of the inclined surface 41a, and the vertical axis shows the light loss. Note that FIGS. 8A and 8B also show simulation results when the size of the optical element 13 is changed. In the conditions of this simulation, for example, the incident angle range of the first light to the structure is set to ±15 degrees, and the incident area of ​​the first light B in the wavelength conversion layer 23 is set to 20 mm.

[0054] Here, the light loss due to the optical element 13 is the proportion of the amount of light incident on the optical element 13 to the total amount of blue reflected light B1 reflected by the structure 40. Moreover, the light loss due to the second optical system 14 is the proportion of the amount of light not taken in by the second optical system 14 to the total amount of blue reflected light B1 reflected by the structure 40.

[0055] 8A and 8B, it was confirmed that the loss of blue reflected light B1 by optical element 13 increases as the size of optical element 13 increases. This is because the blue reflected light B1 becomes more likely to enter optical element 13 as the size of optical element 13 increases.

[0056] It was also confirmed that when the inclination angle of inclined surface 41a is smaller than 15°, the loss of blue reflected light B1 by optical element 13 becomes large. This is because when the inclination angle of inclined surface 41a is smaller than 15°, the degree of scattering of blue reflected light B1 becomes insufficient, and the amount of blue reflected light B1 incident on optical element 13 increases.

[0057] In contrast, it was confirmed that when the inclination angle of inclined surface 41a is set to 15° or more, the loss of blue reflected light B1 caused by optical element 13 is reduced. This is because when the inclination angle of inclined surface 41a is set to 15° or more, the degree of scattering of blue reflected light B1 increases, thereby reducing the amount of blue reflected light B1 incident on optical element 13.

[0058] On the other hand, it was confirmed that when the inclination angle of the inclined surface 41a is greater than 30°, the loss of the blue reflected light B1 by the second optical system 14 becomes large. This is because, when the inclination angle of the inclined surface 41a is greater than 30°, the second optical system 14 cannot capture part of the blue reflected light B1. Also, when the inclination angle of the inclined surface 41a is greater than 30°, double reflection, in which the blue reflected light B1 reflected by a convex portion 41 is reflected again by an adjacent convex portion 41, increases. Part of the doubly reflected blue reflected light B1 is re-entered into the optical element 13 via the second optical system 14 and returned to the light source 11 side, resulting in a loss.

[0059] Based on the above-mentioned simulation results, the inventors set the inclination angle of the inclined surfaces 41a of the multiple convex portions 41 of the structure 40, i.e., the angle between the upper surface 23a of the wavelength conversion layer 23 and the inclined surfaces 41a, in the lighting device 2 of this embodiment to be 15° or more and 30° or less.

[0060] According to the illumination device 2 of this embodiment, most of the components of the blue reflected light B1 contained in the illumination light WL are incident on the illumination optical system 16 without passing through the optical element 13. This makes it possible to reduce the proportion of the blue reflected light B1 that is reflected by the optical element 13 and is not effectively used as the illumination light WL. In other words, the illumination device 2 of this embodiment can suppress the loss of the blue reflected light B1 emitted from the wavelength conversion element 15 and improve the light utilization efficiency of the blue reflected light B1. In addition, in this embodiment, the optical element 13 is made smaller by making the first light B incident on the optical element 13 in a condensed state, so that the amount of blue reflected light B1 incident on the optical element 13 can be further reduced.

[0061] 2 and 6, the illumination optical system 16 into which the illumination light WL is incident includes an integrator optical system 31, a polarization conversion element 32, and a superimposing optical system 33. The integrator optical system 31 includes a first multi-lens array 31a and a second multi-lens array 31b.

[0062] The polarization conversion element 32 is configured by arranging a polarization separation film and a retardation plate in an array. The polarization conversion element 32 aligns the polarization direction of the illumination light WL in a predetermined direction. Specifically, the polarization conversion element 32 aligns the polarization direction of the illumination light WL to the direction of the transmission axis of the incident side polarizer of the optical modulation devices 4R, 4G, and 4B.

[0063] As a result, the polarization directions of the red light LR, green light LG, and blue light LB obtained by separating the illumination light WL transmitted through the polarization conversion element 32 coincide with the transmission axis directions of the incident-side polarizing plates of the optical modulation devices 4R, 4G, and 4B. Therefore, the red light LR, green light LG, and blue light LB are not blocked by the incident-side polarizing plates, and are incident on the image forming areas of the optical modulation devices 4R, 4G, and 4B, respectively.

[0064] The superimposing optical system 33, together with the second multi-lens array 31b, forms an image of each small lens of the first multi-lens array 31a in the vicinity of the image forming area of ​​each of the light modulation devices 4R, 4G, and 4B.

[0065] The lighting device 2 of the present embodiment can improve the light utilization efficiency of the illumination light WL, and can improve the brightness of the illumination light WL, reduce power consumption, and suppress heat generation within the device due to light loss.

[0066] (Effects of the first embodiment) The illumination device 2 of this embodiment includes a light source 11 that emits a first light B, a wavelength conversion element 15 that converts the first light B into a second light Y, an optical element 13 that reflects the first light B emitted from the light source 11 toward the wavelength conversion element 15 and transmits the second light Y, and an illumination optical system 16 that is arranged on the opposite side of the optical element 13 from the wavelength conversion element 15 and into which the illumination light WL emitted from the wavelength conversion element 15 is incident. The wavelength conversion element 15 includes a substrate 21, a reflective layer 22 disposed opposite an upper surface 21a of the substrate 21, a wavelength conversion layer 23 disposed opposite the reflective layer 22 and configured to convert a first light B in a first wavelength band into a second light Y in a second wavelength band different from the first wavelength band, and a structure 40 disposed opposite an upper surface 23a of the wavelength conversion layer 23 and including a plurality of convex portions 41 that reflect a portion of the first light B, the plurality of convex portions 41 having an inclined surface 41a inclined relative to the upper surface 23a, and at least a portion of the blue reflected light B1 reflected by the inclined surface 41a enters the illumination optical system 16 without passing through the optical element 13.

[0067] According to the illumination device 2 of this embodiment, at least a part of the blue reflected light B1 reflected by the inclined surface 41a of the convex portion 41 enters the illumination optical system 16 without passing through the optical element 13. Therefore, according to the illumination device 2 of this embodiment, the amount of blue reflected light B1 entering the optical element 13 is suppressed, and the light utilization efficiency of the illumination light WL can be improved.

[0068] In the lighting device 2 of the present embodiment, the angle between the upper surface 23a of the wavelength conversion layer 23 and the inclined surface 41a is not less than 15° and not more than 30°.

[0069] By reflecting the blue reflected light B1 by the inclined surface 41a set within the above angle range, the light loss caused by the optical element 13 can be reduced efficiently.

[0070] In the lighting device 2 of the present embodiment, the multiple protrusions 41 of the structure 40 have a quadrangular pyramid shape.

[0071] According to the structure 40 having multiple convex portions 41 each having a quadrangular pyramid shape, the first light B can be isotropically scattered in four directions, so that the first light B can be incident on the illumination optical system 16 while avoiding the optical element 13, thereby generating blue reflected light B1 having a uniform illuminance distribution.

[0072] In the lighting device 2 of the present embodiment, a recess 24a is provided on the upper surface 23a of the wavelength conversion layer 23, and at least a part of the structure 40 is formed to fit into the recess 24a.

[0073] According to this configuration, the contact area between the structures 40 and the wavelength conversion layer 23 is increased, and therefore the adhesion of the structures 40 to the wavelength conversion layer 23 can be improved due to the anchor effect.

[0074] In the lighting device 2 of the present embodiment, the multiple protrusions of the structure are made of a material having a refractive index in the range of 1.3 to 1.7.

[0075] According to this configuration, the plurality of protrusions 41 of the structure 40 can be made of a material that has low optical absorption and is chemically stable.

[0076] The projector 1 of this embodiment includes an illumination device 2, light modulation devices 4R, 4G, and 4B that modulate light from the illumination device 2 according to image information, and a projection optical device 6 that projects the light modulated by the light modulation devices 4R, 4G, and 4B.

[0077] According to the projector 1 of the present embodiment, since it is equipped with the illumination device 2 that improves the light utilization efficiency of the illumination light WL, it is possible to provide a projector that has high light efficiency and displays bright images.

[0078] (First Modification) Next, a first modified example of the first embodiment will be described. This modified example differs from the first embodiment only in the configuration of the structure. Therefore, the configuration of the structure will be mainly described below, and the same components and members as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description will be omitted.

[0079] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a wavelength conversion element 15A of this modified example. As shown in FIG. 9, a wavelength conversion element 15A of this modification includes a substrate (not shown), a reflective layer 22, a wavelength conversion layer 23, and a structure 40A.

[0080] The structure 40A of this modification includes a plurality of protruding portions 41 and a flat portion 42 provided between adjacent protruding portions 41. In this modification, the plurality of protruding portions 41 have a quadrangular pyramid shape. The flat portion 42 has a flat surface parallel to the upper surface 23a of the wavelength conversion layer 23.

[0081] Hereinafter, the ratio of the area of ​​the upper surface 23a where the protrusions 41 are arranged is referred to as the packing rate of the structures. In the first embodiment, a case where a plurality of protrusions 41 are arranged without gaps on the upper surface 23a of the wavelength conversion layer 23 has been described. That is, in the first embodiment, a case where the packing rate of the structures is 100% has been described.

[0082] The present inventors have found through simulation that the packing ratio of the structures affects the optical loss caused by the optical element 13 .

[0083] Fig. 10 is a graph showing the relationship between the packing rate of the structures and the loss due to the optical element 13. In Fig. 10, the horizontal axis indicates the packing rate of the structures, and the vertical axis indicates the loss due to the optical element 13. Fig. 10 also shows the relationship between the packing rate of the structures and the light loss due to the second optical system 14, and the total loss which is the sum of the light losses of the optical element 13 and the second optical system 14.

[0084] 10, it was confirmed that the loss due to the optical element 13 is inversely proportional to the packing rate of the structures. In other words, it can be said that the configuration of the first embodiment, which has the highest packing rate, can most effectively reduce the loss due to the optical element 13.

[0085] Here, for example, in a conventional configuration in which no structures are provided on the upper surface 23a of the wavelength conversion layer 23, the loss due to the optical element 13 is higher than 30%, and the light utilization efficiency of the blue reflected light B1 decreases. The present inventors have found that by setting the filling rate of the structures to 70% or more, the light utilization efficiency of the blue reflected light B1 can be improved compared to a conventional configuration in which no structures are provided.

[0086] Based on the above findings, in the structure 40A of this modified example, the packing rate of the structures 40 is set to 70% or more. Even in the case of using the wavelength conversion element 15A including the structure 40A of this modified example, the light loss caused by the optical element 13 can be reduced as in the first embodiment.

[0087] (Second Modification) Next, a second modified example of the first embodiment will be described. This modified example differs from the first embodiment only in the configuration of the structure. Therefore, the configuration of the structure will be mainly described below, and the same components and members as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description will be omitted.

[0088] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a wavelength conversion element 15B of this modified example. As shown in FIG. 11, a wavelength conversion element 15B of this modified example includes a substrate 21, a reflective layer 22, a wavelength conversion layer 23, and a structure 40B.

[0089] The structure 40B of this modification includes a plurality of convex portions 41. The structure 40B of this modification does not have a portion corresponding to the flat portion 42 of the structure 40A of the first modification. That is, in the structure 40B of this modification, the convex portions 41 are provided discretely on the upper surface 23a of the wavelength conversion layer 23, and a portion of the upper surface 23a is exposed between adjacent convex portions 41. In the wavelength conversion element 15B of this modification, when the filling rate is defined in the same manner as in the first modification, the filling rate of the structure 40B is set to 70% or more.

[0090] In the wavelength conversion element 15B including the structure 40B of this modification, the light distribution of the blue reflected light B1 can also be controlled by the multiple convex portions 41 of the structure 40B in which the convex portions 41 are discretely provided on the upper surface 23a of the wavelength conversion layer 23. Therefore, the wavelength conversion element 15B of this modification can reduce the light loss caused by the optical element 13, similar to the first embodiment.

[0091] Second Embodiment Next, the second embodiment of the wavelength conversion element will be described. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment only in the structure configuration. Therefore, the structure configuration will be mainly described below, and the same configuration and members as those in the first embodiment are given the same symbols, and detailed description will be omitted.

[0092] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a wavelength conversion element 115 of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 12, the wavelength conversion element 115 of this embodiment includes a substrate 21, a reflective layer 22, a wavelength conversion layer 23, and a structure 140.

[0093] The structure 140 of this embodiment has a plurality of protrusions 141. The plurality of protrusions 141 are arranged without any gaps on the upper surface 23a of the wavelength conversion layer 23. The plurality of protrusions 141 have an inclined surface 141a that is inclined with respect to the upper surface 23a of the wavelength conversion layer 23.

[0094] The convex portion 141 of this embodiment has, on its inclined surface 141a, an uneven portion 143 including a plurality of minute recesses 142 smaller than the convex portion 141. The uneven portion 143 is formed on the surface of the convex portion 141 by, for example, sandblasting. The uneven portion 143 functions as a scatterer that scatters light.

[0095] Fig. 13 is a diagram showing the illuminance distribution of blue reflected light B1. Fig. 13 shows the illumination distribution of blue reflected light B1 on the incident surface of the illumination optical system 16 as viewed in the direction along the optical axis 14C of the second optical system 14. The illuminance distribution is shown in the case where the degree of scattering on the inclined surface of the convex portion is gradually increased in the direction of the arrow in Fig. 13. Note that the illuminance distribution in the structure 40 of the first embodiment is shown in Fig. 7 as the case of "no scattering" in Fig. 13.

[0096] In the present embodiment, the uneven portion 143 functions as a scatterer, so that the blue reflected light B1 is reflected in a more scattered state by the uneven portion 143 provided on the inclined surface 141a of each convex portion 141. Therefore, by providing the uneven portion 143 on the inclined surface 141a, the spread of the four light beams BS constituting the blue reflected light B1 can be increased as shown in the illuminance distribution of "scattering degree: medium" in FIG. 13 compared to the structure 40 of the first embodiment. In addition, by changing the shape of the uneven portion 143, the degree of scattering can be increased as shown in the illuminance distribution of "scattering degree: high" in FIG. 13, and the spread of the four light beams constituting the blue reflected light B1 becomes even larger, so that the ends of the light beams BS overlap each other partially, thereby further improving the uniformity of the illuminance distribution of the blue reflected light B1.

[0097] According to the wavelength conversion element 115 of the present embodiment, it is possible to make the illuminance distribution of the blue reflected light B1 more uniform while reducing the optical loss of the blue reflected light B1 caused by the optical element 13. This makes it possible to bring the illuminance distribution of the blue reflected light B1 closer to the illuminance distribution of the second light Y, thereby reducing color unevenness in the illumination light WL including the blue reflected light B1 and the second light Y.

[0098] Third embodiment Next, the third embodiment of the wavelength conversion element will be described. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment only in the structure configuration. Therefore, the following mainly describes the structure configuration, and the same components and members as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and detailed description is omitted.

[0099] FIG. 14A is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a wavelength conversion element 215 of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 14A, the wavelength conversion element 215 of this embodiment includes a substrate 21, a reflective layer 22, a wavelength conversion layer 23, and a structure 240.

[0100] The structure 240 of this embodiment has a plurality of convex portions 241. The plurality of convex portions 241 are arranged without gaps on the upper surface 23a of the wavelength conversion layer 23. The plurality of convex portions 241 have inclined surfaces 243 inclined with respect to the upper surface 23a of the wavelength conversion layer 23. The convex portions 241 of this embodiment have an apex 245 that protrudes most toward the optical element 13. In this embodiment, the apex 245 is located on the central axis O of the convex portion 241.

[0101] FIG. 14B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part of the protrusion 241. As shown in FIG. 14B, the convex portion 241 of the present embodiment has a substantially quadrangular pyramid shape with a base portion 244 located on the upper surface 23a side of the wavelength conversion layer 23 expanded. Specifically, the inclined surface 243 of the convex portion 241 includes a first inclined surface 243a located on the apex 245 side and a second inclined surface 243b located on the opposite side to the apex 245. Here, when the angle between the upper surface 23a of the wavelength conversion layer 23 and the first inclined surface 243a is a first angle θ1 and the angle between the upper surface 23a of the wavelength conversion layer 23 and the second inclined surface 243b is a second angle θ2, the second angle θ2 is smaller than the first angle θ1. The second inclined surface 243b is provided on the upper surface 23a side of the wavelength conversion layer 23.

[0102] In this embodiment, it is preferable to set each of the first angle θ1 and the second angle θ2 to be equal to or greater than 15° and equal to or less than 30°. Note that the second angle θ2 may be set to an angle range smaller than 15° depending on the illuminance distribution of the reflected blue light B1.

[0103] Here, if the inclination angle (first angle θ1) of the first inclined surface 243a is made small, the proportion of the reflected blue light B1 that is incident on the optical element 13 increases. In contrast, in the wavelength conversion element 215 of this embodiment, by reducing the inclination angle (second angle θ2) of the second inclined surface 243b at the base portion 244 of the structure 240, the incidence of the blue reflected light B1 on the optical element 13 can be suppressed while the degree of scattering of the blue reflected light B1 can be increased to uniform the illuminance distribution of the blue reflected light B1.

[0104] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the illuminance distribution of blue reflected light B1. FIG. 15 shows the illumination distribution of blue reflected light B1 on the incident surface of the illumination optical system 16 as viewed in the direction along the optical axis 14C of the second optical system 14. The illuminance distribution is shown in the case where the ratio of the base portion 244 of the convex portion 241 is gradually increased in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 15. Note that FIG. 7 shows the illuminance distribution in the structure 40 of the first embodiment as the case of "no base" in FIG. 15. That is, FIG. 7 shows the illuminance distribution in the structure 40 of the first embodiment as the case of "θ1=θ2" in FIG. 15. Here, the proportion of the base portion 244 in the convex portion 241 is defined as the area ratio between the portion having the first inclined surface 243a and the portion having the second inclined surface 243b when viewed in a direction along the central axis O of the convex portion 141.

[0105] In this embodiment, the reflected blue light B1 is reflected in a state where it is scattered in different directions by the first inclined surface 243a and the second inclined surface 243b of the convex portion 241. Therefore, compared to the structure 40 of the first embodiment, the use of the structure 240 can increase the spread of the four light beams BS that constitute the reflected blue light B1, as shown in the illuminance distribution of "foot ratio: medium" in Fig. 15. Note that "foot ratio: medium" in Fig. 15 means that the proportion of the foot portion 244 in the convex portion 241 is 29%.

[0106] As shown in the illuminance distribution of "high foot ratio" in Fig. 15, when the ratio of the foot portion 244 is further increased, the spread of the four light beams BS constituting the blue reflected light B1 becomes even larger and the ends of the light beams BS overlap each other, thereby improving the uniformity of the illuminance distribution of the blue reflected light B1. Note that "high foot ratio" in Fig. 15 means that the ratio of the foot portion 244 in the convex portion 241 is 55%.

[0107] According to the wavelength conversion element 215 of this embodiment, by making the inclination angle of the second inclined surface 243b at the base portion 244 of the structure 240 relatively small, it is possible to reduce the light loss of the blue reflected light B1 caused by the optical element 13, while making the illuminance distribution of the blue reflected light B1 more uniform, thereby reducing color unevenness in the illumination light WL.

[0108] (Fourth embodiment) Next, the fourth embodiment of the wavelength conversion element will be described. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment only in the structure configuration. Therefore, the following mainly describes the structure configuration, and the same components and elements as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and detailed description is omitted.

[0109] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a wavelength conversion element 315 of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 16, a wavelength conversion element 315 of this embodiment includes a substrate 21, a reflective layer 22, a wavelength conversion layer 23, and a structure 340.

[0110] The structure 340 of this embodiment has a plurality of convex portions 341. The plurality of convex portions 341 are arranged without gaps on the upper surface 23a of the wavelength conversion layer 23. The plurality of convex portions 341 have inclined surfaces 343 inclined with respect to the upper surface 23a of the wavelength conversion layer 23. The convex portions 341 of this embodiment have apexes 345 that protrude most toward the optical element 13. In this embodiment, the apex 345 is located on the central axis O of the convex portions 341.

[0111] In the convex portion 341 of the present embodiment, the surface 345a of the apex 345 is a rounded surface having a curvature. In the wavelength conversion element 315 of the present embodiment, by making the surface 345a of the apex 345 a rounded surface, the degree of scattering of the blue reflected light B1 is strengthened, and the illuminance distribution of the blue reflected light B1 can be made more uniform.

[0112] Fig. 17 is a diagram showing the illuminance distribution of blue reflected light B1. Fig. 17 shows the illumination distribution of blue reflected light B1 on the incident surface of the illumination optical system 16 as viewed in the direction along the optical axis 14C of the second optical system 14. The illuminance distribution is shown in the case where the curvature of the R surface of the apex 345 is gradually increased in the direction indicated by the arrow in Fig. 17. Note that the illuminance distribution in the structure 40 of the first embodiment is shown in Fig. 7 as the case where there is "no curvature" in Fig. 17.

[0113] In the case of this embodiment, the blue reflected light B1 is reflected in a state where it is scattered in different directions due to the curvature of the R-surface of the apex 345. Therefore, as shown in the illuminance distribution of "medium curvature" in Fig. 17, compared to the structure 40 of the first embodiment, the R-surface of the surface 345a of the apex 345 can increase the spread of the four light beams BS that make up the blue reflected light B1, while bringing each light beam BS closer to the optical element 13. Note that "medium curvature" in Fig. 17 means that the radius of curvature of the R-surface is 3 µm.

[0114] As shown in the illuminance distribution of "large curvature" in Fig. 17, if the curvature of the R-surface of the surface 345a of the top 345 is further increased, the four light beams BS constituting the blue reflected light B1 will spread further, reducing the gaps between each light beam BS. This makes it possible to further improve the uniformity of the illuminance distribution of the blue reflected light B1. Note that "large curvature" in Fig. 17 means that the radius of curvature of the R-surface is 5 μm.

[0115] According to the wavelength conversion element 315 of this embodiment, by making the apex 345 of the convex portion 341 an R-surface, it is possible to reduce the optical loss of the blue reflected light B1 caused by the optical element 13, while making the illuminance distribution of the blue reflected light B1 more uniform, thereby reducing color unevenness of the illumination light WL.

[0116] The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, in the above embodiment and modified examples, the structure and the wavelength conversion layer are formed separately, but the structure and the wavelength conversion layer may be formed integrally. Fig. 18 is a diagram showing a configuration in which the structure and the wavelength conversion layer are formed integrally. Note that Fig. 18 shows an example in which the structure and the wavelength conversion layer are formed integrally in the first embodiment, but in other embodiments and modified examples, the structure and the wavelength conversion layer may be formed integrally.

[0117] 18, according to a configuration in which the structures 40 are formed directly on the upper surface 23a of the wavelength conversion layer 23, the process of forming the structures 40 can be omitted, thereby reducing the cost of the wavelength conversion element 15. In addition, since the structures 40 and the wavelength conversion layer 23 have the same refractive index, there is no interfacial reflection between the structures 40 and the wavelength conversion layer 23, so that light is less likely to escape in the lateral direction, and as a result, the etendue can be reduced.

[0118] In addition, the shape of the convex portion is not limited to a quadrangular pyramid shape, and may be a hexagonal pyramid shape or a cone shape. The shape of the convex portion may be selected according to the shape of optical element 13. For example, when optical element 13 is circular, if the shape of the convex portion is cone-shaped, an illuminance distribution of blue reflected light can be formed so as to surround the periphery of optical element 13.

[0119] In addition, in the above embodiment, the wavelength conversion element 15 adopts a fixed structure in which the wavelength conversion layer 23 does not move with respect to the first light B, but it may also adopt a wheel-type structure in which the wavelength conversion layer 23 rotates with respect to the first light B.

[0120] In addition, the specific description of the shape, number, arrangement, material, etc. of each component of the lighting device and the projector is not limited to the above embodiment and can be changed as appropriate. In the above embodiment, an example in which the lighting device according to the present invention is mounted on a projector using a liquid crystal light valve is shown, but this is not limited to this. The lighting device according to the present invention may be applied to a projector using a digital micromirror device as a light modulation device. In addition, the projector does not need to have multiple light modulation devices, and may have only one light modulation device.

[0121] In the above embodiment, the illumination device according to the present invention is applied to a projector, but the present invention is not limited to this. The illumination device according to the present invention can also be applied to lighting fixtures, automobile headlights, and the like.

[0122] The lighting device according to one aspect of the present invention may have the following configuration. An illumination device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a light source that emits light of a first wavelength band, a wavelength conversion element that converts the light of the first wavelength band into light of a second wavelength band different from the first wavelength band, an optical element that reflects the light of the first wavelength band emitted from the light source toward the wavelength conversion element and transmits light of the second wavelength band, and an illumination optical system that is arranged on the opposite side of the optical element to the wavelength conversion element and into which the light emitted from the wavelength conversion element is incident, the wavelength conversion element having a substrate having a first surface, a reflective layer disposed opposite the first surface, a wavelength conversion layer having a second surface, disposed opposite the reflective layer, and converting light of the first wavelength band into light of the second wavelength band, and a structure disposed opposite the second surface and including a plurality of convex portions that reflect a portion of the light of the first wavelength band, the plurality of convex portions having an inclined surface that is inclined with respect to the second surface, and at least a portion of the light of the first wavelength band reflected by the inclined surface enters the illumination optical system without passing through the optical element.

[0123] In the lighting device according to one aspect of the present invention, an angle between the second surface and the inclined surface may be set to be equal to or greater than 15° and equal to or less than 30°.

[0124] In the lighting device according to one aspect of the present invention, the inclined surface may have an uneven portion.

[0125] In one embodiment of the lighting device of the present invention, the multiple convex portions may have an apex, and the inclined surface may include a first inclined surface located on the apex side and a second inclined surface located opposite the apex, and when the angle between the second surface and the first inclined surface is defined as a first angle and the angle between the second surface and the second inclined surface is defined as a second angle, the second angle may be smaller than the first angle.

[0126] In the lighting device according to one aspect of the present invention, the plurality of protrusions may have an apex, and a surface of the apex may have a curvature.

[0127] In the lighting device according to one aspect of the present invention, the plurality of protrusions of the structure may have a quadrangular pyramid shape.

[0128] In the lighting device according to one aspect of the present invention, a recess may be provided on the second surface of the wavelength conversion layer, and at least a part of the structure may be formed so as to extend into the recess.

[0129] In the lighting device according to one aspect of the present invention, the plurality of protrusions of the structure may be configured to be made of a material having a refractive index in the range of 1.3 to 1.7.

[0130] In the lighting device according to one aspect of the present invention, the structure may be integrally formed with the wavelength conversion layer.

[0131] A projector according to one aspect of the invention may have the following configuration. A projector according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises an illumination device according to one embodiment of the present invention, a light modulation device that modulates light from the illumination device in accordance with image information, and a projection optical device that projects the light modulated by the light modulation device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0132] 1...projector, 2...illumination device, 4B, 4G, 4R...light modulation device, 6...projection optical device, 11...light source, 13...optical element, 15, 15A, 15B, 115, 215, 315...wavelength conversion element, 16...illumination optical system, 21...substrate, 21a...upper surface (first surface), 22...reflective layer, 23...wavelength conversion layer, 23a...upper surface (second surface), 24a...recess, 40 , 40A, 40B, 140, 240, 340...structure, 41, 141, 241, 341...convex portion, 41a, 141a, 243, 343...inclined surface, 142...micro-recess, 143...uneven portion, 243a...first inclined surface, 243b...second inclined surface, 245, 345...top, 345a...surface, WL...illumination light, θ1...first angle, θ2...second angle.

Claims

1. A light source that emits light in a first wavelength band; a wavelength conversion element that converts light of the first wavelength band into light of a second wavelength band different from the first wavelength band; an optical element that reflects the light of the first wavelength band emitted from the light source toward the wavelength conversion element and transmits the light of the second wavelength band; an illumination optical system disposed on the opposite side of the optical element from the wavelength conversion element, into which the light emitted from the wavelength conversion element is incident; The wavelength conversion element is a substrate having a first surface; a reflective layer provided opposite to the first surface; a wavelength conversion layer having a second surface, facing the reflective layer, and configured to convert light in the first wavelength band into light in the second wavelength band; a structure including a plurality of protrusions provided opposite the second surface and configured to reflect a portion of the light in the first wavelength band; the plurality of protrusions have inclined surfaces inclined with respect to the second surface, at least a part of the light in the first wavelength band reflected by the inclined surface is incident on the illumination optical system without passing through the optical element; A lighting device characterized by:

2. The angle between the second surface and the inclined surface is 15° or more and 30° or less.

2. The lighting device according to claim 1 .

3. The inclined surface has an uneven portion.

3. The lighting device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. Each of the plurality of protrusions has an apex, The inclined surface includes a first inclined surface located on the apex side and a second inclined surface located on the opposite side to the apex, When an angle between the second surface and the first inclined surface is a first angle, and an angle between the second surface and the second inclined surface is a second angle, the second angle is smaller than the first angle; 4. The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the light source is a light source.

5. Each of the plurality of protrusions has an apex, The top surface has a curvature.

4. The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the light source is a light source.

6. The plurality of protrusions of the structure have a quadrangular pyramid shape.

6. The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the light source is a light source.

7. The second surface of the wavelength conversion layer is provided with a recess, At least a part of the structure is formed in the recess.

7. The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the light source is a light source.

8. The plurality of convex portions of the structure are made of a material having a refractive index in the range of 1.3 to 1.

7.

8. The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the light source is a light source.

9. A light source that emits light in a first wavelength band; a wavelength conversion element that converts light of the first wavelength band into light of a second wavelength band different from the first wavelength band; an optical element that reflects the light of the first wavelength band emitted from the light source toward the wavelength conversion element and transmits the light of the second wavelength band; an illumination optical system disposed on the opposite side of the optical element from the wavelength conversion element, into which the light emitted from the wavelength conversion element is incident; The wavelength conversion element is a substrate having a first surface; a reflective layer provided opposite to the first surface; a wavelength conversion layer provided opposite the reflective layer and configured to convert light in the first wavelength band into light in the second wavelength band; a structure including a plurality of protrusions that are formed integrally with a surface of the wavelength conversion layer onto which light of the first wavelength band is incident and that reflect a portion of the light of the first wavelength band; the plurality of protrusions have inclined surfaces inclined with respect to a third surface of the wavelength conversion layer facing the reflective layer, at least a part of the light in the first wavelength band reflected by the inclined surface is incident on the illumination optical system without passing through the optical element; A lighting device characterized by:

10. A lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 9; a light modulation device that modulates the light from the illumination device in accordance with image information; a projection optical device that projects the light modulated by the light modulation device. A projector characterized by:

Images