Electro-optical device, electronic device, and projector

Abstract

To provide an electro-optic device, an electronic apparatus and a projector, capable of mitigating an effect by an irregularity in orientation of liquid crystal molecules, while inhibiting deterioration in a contrast ratio.SOLUTION: An electro-optic device 1 includes a first polarization element 51, a first retardation element 61, a transmission-type liquid crystal panel 100, a second retardation element 62, and a second polarization element 52, sequentially arranged. If a phase difference of the first retardation element 61 and the second retardation element 62 is λ / 4, an effect by an irregularity in orientation of liquid crystal molecules can be mitigated, though a contrast ratio deteriorates. Accordingly, if a wavelength of incident light is λ, a phase difference R of the first retardation element 61 and the second retardation element 62 is in a following condition, for instance, setting the phase difference R as λ / 8: 0<R<λ / 4, or preferably λ / 12<R<λ / 6.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] A transmissive electro-optical device has a pair of polarizing elements and a transmissive liquid crystal panel arranged between the pair of polarizing elements, and linearly polarized light that has passed through the polarizing element on the entrance side is made incident on the liquid crystal panel, and then, of the light that has passed through the polarizing element on the exit side among the light that has passed through the polarizing element on the exit side, it is used for display. With regard to such an electro-optical device, it has been proposed to place a λ / 4 retardation element between the polarizing element on the entrance side and the liquid crystal panel, and between the polarizing element on the exit side and the liquid crystal panel, respectively, to prevent a deterioration in modulation characteristics that occurs when the angle between the orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecules and the polarization axis of the polarizing element deviates from 45° (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-51132 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, as in the technology described in Patent Document 1, when λ / 4 phase difference elements are arranged between the polarizing element on the entrance side and the liquid crystal panel, and between the polarizing element on the exit side and the liquid crystal panel, and the light incident on the liquid crystal panel is circularly polarized, light leakage occurs due to phase changes when the light incident on the liquid crystal panel is reflected by the side surface of the wiring, etc., and the contrast ratio is likely to decrease. Therefore, the conventional technology has a problem in that it is not possible to suppress the decrease in the contrast ratio while mitigating the effects of the disturbance in the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] To solve the above problems, the electro-optical device according to the present invention includes a first polarizing element, a second polarizing element, a liquid crystal panel disposed between the first polarizing element and the second polarizing element, a first retardation element disposed between the first polarizing element and the liquid crystal panel, and a second retardation element disposed between the liquid crystal panel and the second polarizing element. When the wavelength of the incident light on the liquid crystal panel is λ, each of the first retardation element and the second retardation element has a retardation R satisfying the following condition 0 < R < λ / 4 and is characterized by having a retardation R that satisfies the condition.

[0006] The electro-optical device according to the present invention can be used in electronic devices such as smartphones, mobile computers, and projection display devices.

[0007] Also, to solve the above problems, the projector according to the present invention includes a light source, an electro-optical device that modulates light from the light source to generate an image, a projection optical system that projects the image generated by the electro-optical device, and an optical path shift element that shifts the projection position of the image. The electro-optical device includes a first polarizing element, a second polarizing element, a liquid crystal panel disposed between the first polarizing element and the second polarizing element, a first retardation element disposed between the first polarizing element and the liquid crystal panel, and a second retardation element disposed between the liquid crystal panel and the second polarizing element. When the wavelength of the incident light on the liquid crystal panel is λ, the retardation R of each of the first retardation element and the second retardation element is characterized by 0 < R < λ / 4.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008] [Figure 1] A plan view showing an aspect of a liquid crystal panel used in the electro-optical device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Diagram 2] An explanatory diagram schematically showing a cross-section of the electro-optical device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Diagram 3] An explanatory diagram schematically showing liquid crystal molecules and the like of the electro-optical device shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 4]FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of an electro-optical device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of an electro-optical device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 3 is a graph showing the relationship between the image quality of the electro-optical device shown in FIG. 2 and the phase difference of a phase difference element. [Figure 7] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of an electro-optical device according to a second embodiment of the invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of an electro-optical device according to a modified example of the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of an electro-optical device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of an electro-optical device according to Modification 1 of the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of an electro-optical device according to Modification 1 of the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of an electro-optical device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of an electro-optical device according to a first modified example of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of an electro-optical device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of an electro-optical device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of an electro-optical device according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a projector using an electro-optical device to which the present invention is applied. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] The embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings referred to in the following description, the scale of each layer and each member is different so that each layer and each member is large enough to be recognized on the drawing. In the following description, when describing the direction and orientation of the optical axis, the side where the flexible wiring board 105 is connected to the liquid crystal panel 100 when the liquid crystal panel 100 is viewed from the second substrate 20 side is defined as the 6 o'clock direction, the opposite side to the side where the flexible wiring board 105 is connected to the liquid crystal panel 100 is defined as the 0 o'clock direction, the rightward direction is defined as the 3 o'clock direction, and the leftward direction is defined as the 9 o'clock direction.

[0010] 1. First embodiment 1-1. Configuration of the electro-optical device Fig. 1 is a plan view showing one aspect of a liquid crystal panel 100 used in an electro-optical device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and shows the electro-optical device 1 as viewed from the second substrate 20 side. Fig. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a schematic cross section of the electro-optical device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] 1 and 2, the electro-optical device 1 of this embodiment has a first polarizing element 51, a second polarizing element 52, and a liquid crystal panel 100 arranged between the first polarizing element 51 and the second polarizing element 52. The electro-optical device 1 also has a first retardation element 61 arranged between the first polarizing element 51 and the liquid crystal panel 100, and a second retardation element 62 arranged between the liquid crystal panel 100 and the second polarizing element 52.

[0012] In the liquid crystal panel 100, a first substrate 10 as an element substrate and a second substrate 20 as an opposing substrate are bonded together with a sealant 107 via a predetermined gap, so that the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 face each other. The sealant 107 is provided in a frame shape along the outer edge of the second substrate 20, and a liquid crystal layer 5 is disposed in the region surrounded by the sealant 107 between the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20.

[0013] The first polarizing element 51 and the second polarizing element 52 are arranged in a crossed Nicol state with their polarization axes at an angle of 90°, and the liquid crystal panel 100 is configured so that the alignment direction P of the liquid crystal molecules 5a described later forms an angle of 45° with respect to the polarization axes of the first polarizing element 51 and the second polarizing element 52. The angle between the polarization axis of the first polarizing element 51 and the polarization axis of the second polarizing element 52 is not limited to 90°, and may be within a range of 90°±5°, taking into consideration manufacturing tolerances, etc. Furthermore, the angle between the polarization axis of the first polarizing element 51 and the second polarizing element 52 and the alignment direction P is not limited to 45°, and may be within a range of 45°±5°, taking into consideration manufacturing tolerances, etc.

[0014] The first phase difference element 61 is disposed so that its slow axis forms an angle of 45° with respect to the polarization axis of the first polarizing element 51, and the second phase difference element 62 is disposed so that its slow axis forms an angle of 45° with respect to the polarization axis of the second polarizing element 52. Therefore, the first phase difference element 61 and the second phase difference element 62 are disposed so that their respective slow axes are parallel, approximately parallel, perpendicular, or approximately perpendicular. In this embodiment, the first phase difference element 61 and the second phase difference element 62 are disposed so that their respective slow axes are perpendicular or approximately perpendicular.

[0015] 1-2. Detailed configuration of the liquid crystal panel 100 In the liquid crystal panel 100, the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 are both rectangular. Approximately in the center of the liquid crystal panel 100, a display area 10a is provided as a rectangular area whose dimension in the 3 o'clock-9 o'clock direction is longer than its dimension in the 0 o'clock-6 o'clock direction, and the display area 10a is surrounded by a peripheral area 10b.

[0016] The substrate body 19 of the first substrate 10 is made of a light-transmitting substrate having no refractive index anisotropy, such as quartz or glass, and the substrate body 19 to the first alignment film 16 correspond to the first substrate 10. On one side 19s of the substrate body 19, which is the surface on the second substrate 20 side, outside the display area 10a, a data line driving circuit 101 and a plurality of terminals 102 are formed along one side of the first substrate 10, and a scanning line driving circuit 104 is formed along the other side adjacent to the one side. A flexible wiring board 105 is connected to the terminals 102, and various electric potentials and various signals are input to the first substrate 10 via the flexible wiring board 105.

[0017] On one surface 19s of the substrate body 19, a plurality of light-transmitting pixel electrodes 9a made of an ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) film or the like and pixel switching elements 30 electrically connected to each of the plurality of pixel electrodes 9a are formed in a matrix in the display region 10a. In addition, wiring 17 is provided between a plurality of insulating films 13 laminated between the substrate body 19 and the pixel electrodes 9a. A first alignment film 16 is formed on the second substrate 20 side of the pixel electrodes 9a, and the pixel electrodes 9a are covered with the first alignment film 16.

[0018] The substrate body 29 of the second substrate 20 is made of a light-transmitting substrate such as quartz or glass that does not have refractive index anisotropy, and the substrate body 29 to the second alignment film 26 correspond to the second substrate 20. A light-transmitting common electrode 21 made of an ITO film or the like is formed on one side 29s of the substrate body 29, which is the surface on the first substrate 10 side, and a second alignment film 26 is formed on the first substrate 10 side of the common electrode 21. The common electrode 21 is formed on substantially the entire surface of the second substrate 20. A light-shielding light-shielding layer 28 made of a metal or a metal compound, and a light-transmitting flattening layer 24 are formed on the opposite side of the common electrode 21 from the first substrate 10. The light-shielding layer 28 is formed, for example, as a frame-shaped parting 28a extending along the outer periphery of the display region 10a. The light-shielding layer 28 may also be formed as a black matrix in an area that overlaps in plan view with an area sandwiched between adjacent pixel electrodes 9a.

[0019] In this embodiment, in the peripheral region 10b of the first substrate 10, a dummy pixel electrode 9b is formed simultaneously with the pixel electrode 9a in a region overlapping with the parting edge 28a in a plan view.

[0020] An inter-substrate conduction electrode 109 for electrical conduction between the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 is formed in a region of the first substrate 10 that overlaps with a corner portion of the second substrate 20 outside the sealing material 107. An inter-substrate conduction material 109a containing conductive particles is disposed in the inter-substrate conduction electrode 109, and the common electrode 21 of the second substrate 20 is electrically connected to the first substrate 10 side via the inter-substrate conduction material 109a and the inter-substrate conduction electrode 109. For this reason, a common potential is applied to the common electrode 21 from the first substrate 10 side.

[0021] The pixel electrodes 9a and the common electrode 21 are formed of a light-transmitting conductive layer such as an ITO film, and the electro-optical device 1 is configured as a transmissive electro-optical device. In the electro-optical device 1, light incident from one of the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 is modulated while passing through the other substrate and is emitted, thereby displaying an image. In this embodiment, as shown by the arrow L, light incident from the second substrate 20 is modulated for each pixel by the liquid crystal layer 5 while passing through the first substrate 10 and is emitted, thereby displaying an image.

[0022] 1-3. Structure of dust-proof light-transmitting substrate As shown in FIG. 2, when the electro-optical device 1 is used as a light valve or the like of a projection display device described later, a first light-transmitting plate 41 for dust prevention is bonded by adhesive or the like to the other surface 29t of the substrate body 29 of the second substrate 20 opposite to the first substrate 10. A second light-transmitting plate 42 for dust prevention is bonded by adhesive or the like to the other surface 19t of the substrate body 29 of the first substrate 10 opposite to the second substrate 20. Therefore, foreign matter such as dust does not directly adhere to the liquid crystal panel 100, and it is possible to prevent foreign matter from being reflected in an image. The first light-transmitting plate 41 and the second light-transmitting plate 42 are each made of a substrate that does not have refractive index anisotropy, such as quartz or glass.

[0023] 1-4. Configuration of Liquid Crystal Layer 5, etc. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic diagram of liquid crystal molecules 5a and the like of the electro-optical device 1 shown in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 3, the first alignment film 16 and the second alignment film 26 are made of SiO x (x≦2), an inorganic alignment film made of TiO2, MgO, Al2O3, or the like. Therefore, the first alignment film 16 and the second alignment film 26 are made of a columnar structure layer in which pillars 16a, 26a called columns are formed obliquely with respect to the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20. Therefore, the first alignment film 16 and the second alignment film 26 align the liquid crystal molecules 5a having negative dielectric anisotropy used in the liquid crystal layer 5 at an oblique angle with respect to the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20, and provide a pretilt to the liquid crystal molecules 5a.

[0024] Here, the pretilt angle θp is the angle between the direction perpendicular to the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 and the major axis direction (alignment direction) of the liquid crystal molecules 5a when no voltage is applied between the pixel electrode 9a and the common electrode 21. In this embodiment, the pretilt angle θp is, for example, 5°.

[0025] In this way, the electro-optical device 1 is configured as a VA (Vertical Alignment) mode electro-optical device. In this electro-optical device 1, when a voltage is applied between the pixel electrode 9a and the common electrode 21, the liquid crystal molecules 5a are displaced in a direction in which the tilt angle with respect to the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 becomes smaller, as shown by the dotted line. This displacement direction is the so-called clear viewing direction. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the alignment direction P (clear viewing direction) of the liquid crystal molecules 5a is a direction from 4:30 to 10:30 on a clock in a plan view.

[0026] 1-5. Configurations of the First Phase Difference Element 61 and the Second Phase Difference Element 62 Fig. 4 is an explanatory diagram of an electro-optical device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 5 is an explanatory diagram of an electro-optical device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 6 is a graph showing the relationship between the image quality of the electro-optical device 1 shown in Fig. 2 and the phase difference R of the phase difference element. In Figs. 4 and 5, the polarization axis of the first polarizer 51, the slow axis of the first retardation layer 61, the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal panel 100, the slow axis of the first retardation layer 62, and the polarization axis of the first polarizer 51 are each indicated by dotted arrows, and the polarization state of light, etc. are indicated by solid arrows.

[0027] In this embodiment, the first phase difference element 61 and the second phase difference element 62 are made of, for example, an inorganic material. The first phase difference element 61 and the second phase difference element 62 can be made of birefringent crystals such as quartz and sapphire. Also, the first phase difference element 61 and the second phase difference element 62 can each be made of an obliquely evaporated film formed on a light-transmitting substrate.

[0028] The first phase difference element 61 and the second phase difference element 62 may be made of an organic material. More specifically, the first phase difference element 61 and the second phase difference element 62 may be made of a sheet member to which anisotropy has been imparted by stretching or photo-orienting an organic polymer such as polycarbonate, polyvinyl alcohol, polysulfone, or polycycloolefin. In this case, the first phase difference element 61 and the second phase difference element 62 are each used in a state of being attached to a light-transmitting substrate.

[0029] In this embodiment, when the wavelength of light incident on the liquid crystal panel 100 is λ, the first phase difference element 61 and the second phase difference element 62 each satisfy the following conditions: 0 <R<λ / 4 Preferably, λ / 12 <R<λ / 6 For example, the first phase difference element 61 and the second phase difference element 62 each have a phase difference R of λ / 8.

[0030] The phase difference R will be described below with reference to Fig. 4, Fig. 5, and Fig. 6. In the absence of the first phase difference element 61 and the second phase difference element 62, the first linearly polarized light emitted from the first polarizing element 51 enters the liquid crystal panel 100 as shown in Fig. 4. Here, when a pixel is in an off state corresponding to a black display, the first linearly polarized light is emitted from the liquid crystal panel 100 and is not emitted from the second polarizing element 52.

[0031] On the other hand, when the pixel is in an on state corresponding to white display, the liquid crystal panel 100 emits the second linearly polarized light, which is then emitted from the second polarizing element 52 .

[0032] The amount of emitted light I at this time is expressed by the following formula. I = I0 sin 2 (2θ) sin 2 (n Δnd / λ) Equation (1) I0=incident light intensity θ = angle between the alignment direction of the liquid crystal layer and the polarization axis of the polarizing element n = refractive index of liquid crystal layer Δnd = retardation of the liquid crystal layer λ = wavelength of incident light

[0033] Therefore, the amount of emitted light I is affected by the angle θ between the alignment direction of the liquid crystal layer and the polarization axis of the polarizing element. Here, the polarization axis of the polarizing element corresponds to the optical axis direction of the first linearly polarized light incident on the liquid crystal panel 100. Therefore, if the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules is disturbed by the transverse electric field, this influence is exerted on the amount of emitted light I, resulting in the occurrence of black areas on a white screen.

[0034] On the other hand, in a 1 / 4λ phase difference element having a phase difference of λ / 4, when linearly polarized incident light is incident with its vibration direction at an angle of θ=+45° with respect to the slow axis of the 1 / 4λ phase difference element, the light emitted from the 1 / 4λ phase difference element becomes right-handed circularly polarized light. In contrast, when the vibration direction of the incident light and the slow axis of the 1 / 4λ phase difference element form an angle of θ=-45°, the light becomes left-handed circularly polarized light. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, in a liquid crystal panel 100, the first linearly polarized light emitted from the first polarizing element 51 is incident on the first phase difference element 61, and right-handed circularly polarized light is incident on the liquid crystal panel 100. Here, when the pixel is in an off state corresponding to black display, right-handed circularly polarized light is emitted from the liquid crystal panel 100, and as a result, right-handed circularly polarized light is incident on the second phase difference element 62. Therefore, the first linearly polarized light is emitted from the second phase difference element 62, and no light is emitted from the second polarizing element 52.

[0035] In contrast, when the pixel is in an on state corresponding to white display, left-handed circularly polarized light is emitted from the liquid crystal panel 100, and as a result, the left-handed circularly polarized light is incident on the second phase difference element 62. Therefore, the second phase difference element 62 emits a second linearly polarized light, which is then emitted from the second polarizing element 52.

[0036] Here, when the light incident on the liquid crystal panel 100 is circularly polarized light, the sin 2 Since there is no term (2θ), the amount of emitted light I is expressed by the following formula. Therefore, even if the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules is disturbed by the transverse electric field, this does not affect the amount of emitted light I, so it is possible to prevent black areas from appearing on a white screen. Therefore, if the phase difference of the first phase difference element 61 and the second phase difference element 62 is set to λ / 4, the effect of poor alignment can be most effectively prevented. I = I0 sin 2 (n Δnd / λ) Equation (2)

[0037] However, in the case of circularly polarized light, light leakage is likely to occur due to a phase change when light incident on liquid crystal panel 100 is reflected off the side surface of the wiring, etc., and the contrast ratio is likely to decrease, as will be described below with reference to FIG. 6.

[0038] FIG. 6 shows the influence on the alignment defect of the electro-optical device 1 and the change in the contrast ratio when the phase difference R of the first phase difference element 61 and the second phase difference element 62 is changed from 0 to λ / 4. The horizontal axis is the contrast ratio, the right side indicates a high contrast ratio, and the vertical axis is the degree of alignment defect, the upper side indicates a large influence of alignment defect. As shown in FIG. 6, when the phase difference R of the first phase difference element 61 and the second phase difference element 62 is 0, the contrast ratio is high, but the influence of alignment defect is large. In addition, when the phase difference R of the first phase difference element 61 and the second phase difference element 62 is brought closer to λ / 4, the influence of alignment defect is suppressed, but the contrast ratio decreases. Based on such results, in this embodiment, the phase difference R of the first phase difference element 61 and the second phase difference element 62 is set to the following condition. 0 <R<λ / 4

[0039] Therefore, it is possible to suppress the influence of poor alignment and to suppress the decrease in the contrast ratio. Here, it is preferable that the phase difference R of the first phase difference element 61 and the second phase difference element 62 is set to satisfy the following condition. λ / 12 <R<λ / 6

[0040] For example, it is preferable to set the phase difference R of the first phase difference element 61 and the second phase difference element 62 to λ / 8. With such a configuration, in the electro-optical device 1, it is possible to more appropriately suppress the influence of alignment defects and more effectively prevent a decrease in the contrast ratio.

[0041] 2. Second embodiment 7 is an explanatory diagram of an electro-optical device 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment and the embodiments described below have the same basic configuration as the first embodiment. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used to denote common parts, and their description will be omitted.

[0042] 7, in the electro-optical device 1 of this embodiment, the first phase difference element 61 and the second phase difference element 62 are each fixed to the liquid crystal panel 100. In this embodiment, the first light-transmitting plate 41 and the second light-transmitting plate 42 for dust prevention are fixed to the liquid crystal panel 100 by an adhesive or the like, and therefore the first phase difference element 61 and the second phase difference element 62 are each fixed to the liquid crystal panel 100 via the first light-transmitting plate 41 and the second light-transmitting plate 42.

[0043] More specifically, the first phase difference element 61 is fixed to a surface of the first light-transmitting plate 41 opposite to the liquid crystal panel 100, and the second phase difference element 62 is fixed by adhesion or the like to a surface of the second light-transmitting plate 42 opposite to the liquid crystal panel 100. Here, the first phase difference element 61 and the second phase difference element 62 are directly fixed to the first light-transmitting plate 41 and the second light-transmitting plate 42, for example. Alternatively, the first phase difference element 61 and the second phase difference element 62 may each be attached to a light-transmitting support plate, and the support plate may be fixed to the first light-transmitting plate 41 and the second light-transmitting plate 42.

[0044] Alternatively, the first phase difference element 61 may be fixed between the first light-transmitting plate 41 and the liquid crystal panel 100, and the second phase difference element 62 may be fixed between the second light-transmitting plate 42 and the liquid crystal panel 100. In this case, the first phase difference element 61 is fixed to both the first light-transmitting plate 41 and the second substrate 20 of the liquid crystal panel 100 with an adhesive or the like, and the second phase difference element 62 is fixed to both the second light-transmitting plate 42 and the first substrate 10 of the liquid crystal panel 100 with an adhesive or the like.

[0045] 2-1. Modification of the second embodiment Fig. 8 is an explanatory diagram of an electro-optical device 1 according to a modified example of the second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 8, when fixing the first phase difference element 61 and the second phase difference element 62 to the liquid crystal panel 100, the first phase difference element 61 and the second phase difference element 62 may be formed by an inorganic film obliquely deposited on the surface of the first light-transmitting plate 41 opposite to the liquid crystal panel 100 and the surface of the second light-transmitting plate 42 opposite to the liquid crystal panel 100.

[0046] Alternatively, the first phase difference element 61 may be fixed between the first light-transmitting plate 41 and the liquid crystal panel 100, and the second phase difference element 62 may be fixed between the second light-transmitting plate 42 and the liquid crystal panel 100. In this case, the inorganic film constituting the first phase difference element 61 is formed on the first light-transmitting plate 41 or the second substrate 20 of the liquid crystal panel 100, and the inorganic film constituting the second phase difference element 62 is formed on the second light-transmitting plate 42 or the first substrate 10 of the liquid crystal panel 100.

[0047] 3. Third embodiment 9 is an explanatory diagram of an electro-optical device 1 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 9, in the electro-optical device 1 of this embodiment, a first retardation element 61 and a first λ / 2 retardation element 66 are disposed between a first polarizing element 51 and a liquid crystal panel 100, and a second retardation element 62 and a second λ / 2 retardation element 67 are disposed between a second polarizing element 52 and a liquid crystal panel 100. For example, a first λ / 2 retardation element 66 is disposed between the first polarizing element 51 and the first retardation element 61, and a second λ / 2 retardation element 67 is disposed between the second polarizing element 52 and the second retardation element 62. Therefore, a wideband retardation element capable of being adapted to a wide area can be configured by the first retardation element 61 and the first λ / 2 retardation element 66, and a wideband retardation element capable of being adapted to a wide area can be configured by the second retardation element 62 and the second λ / 2 retardation element 67.

[0048] Here, the first phase difference element 61 and the first λ / 2 phase difference element 66 are each made of an inorganic material or an organic material, and the second phase difference element 62 and the second λ / 2 phase difference element 67 are each made of an inorganic material or an organic material.

[0049] 3-1. Modification 1 of the third embodiment Fig. 10 is an explanatory diagram of an electro-optical device 1 according to a first modified example of the third embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 10, in the electro-optical device 1 of this embodiment, similarly to the third embodiment, a first retardation element 61 and a first λ / 2 retardation element 66 are disposed between a first polarizing element 51 and a liquid crystal panel 100, and a second retardation element 62 and a second λ / 2 retardation element 67 are disposed between a second polarizing element 52 and a liquid crystal panel 100. Here, the first retardation element 61 and the first λ / 2 retardation element 66 are fixed to the liquid crystal panel 100 as an integrated optical element 68, and the second retardation element 62 and the second λ / 2 retardation element 67 are fixed to the liquid crystal panel 100 as an integrated optical element 69. More specifically, the first phase difference element 61 and the first λ / 2 phase difference element 66 are fixed to the liquid crystal panel 100 as an integrated optical element 68 via the first light-transmitting plate 41, and the second phase difference element 62 and the second λ / 2 phase difference element 67 are fixed to the liquid crystal panel 100 as an integrated optical element 69 via the second light-transmitting plate 42.

[0050] In this embodiment, in the optical element 68, the first phase difference element 61 and the first λ / 2 phase difference element 66 are fixed directly or via a translucent support plate, and in the optical element 69, the second phase difference element 62 and the second λ / 2 phase difference element 67 are fixed directly or via a translucent support plate.

[0051] Alternatively, an optical element 68 including the first phase difference element 61 and the first λ / 2 phase difference element 66 may be disposed between the first light-transmitting plate 41 and the liquid crystal panel 100, and an optical element 69 including the second phase difference element 62 and the second λ / 2 phase difference element 67 may be disposed between the second light-transmitting plate 42 and the liquid crystal panel 100. In this case, the optical element 68 including the first phase difference element 61 and the first λ / 2 phase difference element 66 is fixed to both the first light-transmitting plate 41 and the second substrate 20 of the liquid crystal panel 100 by an adhesive or the like, and the optical element 69 including the second phase difference element 62 and the second λ / 2 phase difference element 67 is fixed to both the second light-transmitting plate 42 and the first substrate 10 of the liquid crystal panel 100 by an adhesive or the like.

[0052] 3-2. Modification 2 of the third embodiment Fig. 11 is an explanatory diagram of an electro-optical device 1 according to Modification 2 of the third embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 11, in forming the optical element 68 shown in Fig. 10, an aspect in which an obliquely evaporated film constituting the first phase difference element 61 and an obliquely evaporated film constituting the first λ / 2 phase difference element 66 are laminated can be adopted. In addition, in forming the optical element 69 shown in Fig. 10, an aspect in which an obliquely evaporated film constituting the second phase difference element 62 and an obliquely evaporated film constituting the second λ / 2 phase difference element 67 are laminated can be adopted.

[0053] 4. Fourth embodiment FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of an electro-optical device 1 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 12, the electro-optical device 1 may be provided with one or more types of optical compensation elements 71 made of a C plate, an O plate, or an A plate to improve contrast and viewing angle characteristics. As for the arrangement of the optical compensation plate, it is optically preferable to arrange it between the panel and the retardation plate, which enhances the compensation effect. However, when it is necessary to provide the retardation plate 61 first for manufacturing purposes, or when it is necessary to provide a compensation plate separately outside the retardation plate 61, it is possible to obtain a compensation effect to some extent even with this arrangement.

[0054] For the C plate, O plate, and A plate, the index ellipsoid showing the three-dimensional distribution of refractive index is defined as follows. Here, the coordinate axes in the substrate plane of the first substrate 10 or the second substrate 20 are the XY axes, and the normal direction is the Z axis. The principal refractive index in the X-axis direction is Nx, the principal refractive index in the Y-axis direction is Ny, and the principal refractive index in the Z-axis direction is Nz.

[0055] The A plate (positive A plate) satisfies the following condition: Nx>Ny=Nz Meet the following.

[0056] The C plate (negative C plate) satisfies the following condition: Nx=Ny>Nz Meet the following.

[0057] The O-plate has an index ellipsoid itself tilted with respect to the substrate, for example, tilted at a certain angle from the substrate normal with the Y-axis as the rotation axis for Nx>Ny>Nz, and when viewed from the substrate normal, the slow axis in the cross section of the ellipsoid in the XY plane is in the Y-axis direction. However, this is not limited to the above conditions, and the Y-axis direction may be the fast axis depending on the shape of the ellipsoid and its tilt.

[0058] The optical compensation element 71 is made of an inorganic material or an organic material. When the optical compensation element 71 is a C-plate made of an inorganic material, the optical compensation element 71 is made of, for example, an inorganic film in which high-refractive index layers and low-refractive index layers are alternately laminated. The high-refractive index layers are made of tantalum oxide films, niobium oxide films, titanium oxide films, silicon nitride films, silicon oxynitride films, etc. For example, the high-refractive index layers are formed of niobium oxide films with a refractive index of 2.3, and the low-refractive index layers are formed of silicon oxide films with a refractive index of 1.5. When the optical compensation element 71 is an O-plate made of an inorganic material, the optical compensation element 71 is formed by obliquely evaporating an inorganic film such as a tantalum oxide film.

[0059] 4-1. Modification of the fourth embodiment FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of an electro-optical device 1 according to a first modified example of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 13, in the electro-optical device 1, a lens array 22 having a plurality of microlenses 220 overlapping with each of the plurality of pixel electrodes 9a in a one-to-one relationship in a planar view is provided on the second substrate 20 to improve light utilization efficiency. In forming the lens array 22, a plurality of lens surfaces made of concave curved surfaces overlapping with each of the plurality of pixel electrodes 9a in a one-to-one relationship in a planar view are formed on one surface 29s of the substrate body 29. In addition, a light-transmitting lens layer 23 is laminated between one surface 29s of the substrate body 29 and the flattening layer 24, and the surface of the lens layer 23 opposite to the substrate body 29 is a flat surface. The substrate body 29 and the lens layer 23 have different refractive indices, and the lens surface and the lens layer 23 form a microlens 220. In this embodiment, the refractive index of the lens layer 23 is greater than that of the substrate body 29. For example, the substrate body 29 is made of a quartz substrate (silicon oxide, SiO2) and has a refractive index of 1.48, whereas the lens layer 23 is made of a silicon oxynitride film (SiON) and has a refractive index of 1.58 to 1.68. Therefore, the microlens 220 has a positive power that converges the light from the light source.

[0060] Here, the optical compensation element 71 is provided at a position avoiding a space between the lens array 22 and the liquid crystal layer 5. For example, the optical compensation element 71 is an inorganic film laminated between the lens layer 23 and the planarization layer 24. According to this embodiment, the incident angles of light are equal between the optical compensation element 71 and the liquid crystal layer 5, so that the optical compensation element 71 can appropriately perform optical compensation for the liquid crystal layer 5. Note that the optical compensation element 71 may be provided, for example, between the pixel electrode 9a and the insulating film 13 on the first substrate 10.

[0061] 5. Fifth embodiment Fig. 14 is an explanatory diagram of an electro-optical device 1 according to a fifth embodiment. As shown in Fig. 14, in the electro-optical device 1 of this embodiment, an anti-reflection layer 80 made of a laminated film of a low refractive index layer and a high refractive index layer is formed on the surface of each optical member that contacts air. This makes it possible to suppress reflection at the interface between each optical member and air, thereby suppressing loss of display light and generation of stray light due to reflection.

[0062] In this embodiment, since both surfaces of the first polarizing element 51 and the second polarizing element 52 are in contact with air, an antireflection layer 80 is formed on both surfaces of the first polarizing element 51 and the second polarizing element 52. In addition, since the surface of the first phase difference element 61 facing the first polarizing element 51 and the surface of the second phase difference element 62 facing the second polarizing element 52 are in contact with air, an antireflection layer 80 is formed on the surface of the first phase difference element 61 facing the first polarizing element 51 and the surface of the second phase difference element 62 facing the second polarizing element 52.

[0063] 6. Sixth embodiment 15 is an explanatory diagram of an electro-optical device 1 according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. In the electro-optical device 1 according to the first to fourth embodiments, the first phase difference element 61 and the second phase difference element 62 are provided, so that it is possible to more appropriately suppress the influence of poor alignment while more appropriately avoiding a decrease in contrast ratio. Here, when displaying an image using the electro-optical device 1 in business electronic devices, characters and lines are often displayed, and the display defect caused by the liquid crystal orientation defect described above causes the characters and lines to become thick, which is a problem. Therefore, it is preferable to more appropriately suppress the influence of poor alignment by providing the first phase difference element 61 and the second phase difference element 62.

[0064] In contrast, when an image is displayed by the electro-optical device 1 in a home electronic device, the images are mainly natural images and animations, so that the thickness of characters and lines is difficult to recognize, and the contrast ratio is more important. In that case, as can be seen from Fig. 6, if the first phase difference element 61 and the second phase difference element 62 are not provided, the contrast ratio is high.

[0065] Therefore, in this embodiment, a switching mechanism is provided that switches between a first state in which the first phase difference element 61 and the second phase difference element 62 are not fixed to other optical members and are positioned on the optical path from the first polarizing element 51 to the second polarizing element 52 via the liquid crystal panel 100, and a second state in which the first phase difference element 61 is positioned off the optical path. For example, as shown in Fig. 15, a switching mechanism 91 including a guide 910 and the like that moves the first phase difference element 61 to a position off the optical path from the first polarizing element 51 to the liquid crystal panel 100, and a switching mechanism 92 including a guide 920 and the like that moves the second phase difference element 62 to a position off the optical path from the liquid crystal panel 100 to the second polarizing element 52 are provided. Therefore, when the electro-optical device 1 is used primarily to display characters and lines, the first phase difference element 61 and the second phase difference element 62 are placed on the optical path, and when the electro-optical device 1 is used primarily to display natural images, animations, etc., the first phase difference element 61 and the second phase difference element 62 can be removed from the optical path using the switching mechanisms 91, 92.

[0066] 7. Seventh embodiment 16 is an explanatory diagram of an electro-optical device 1 according to a seventh embodiment. In this embodiment, when each of the first phase difference element 61 and the second phase difference element 62 is switched between a first state in which the first phase difference element 61 and the second phase difference element 62 are located on the optical path from the first polarizing element 51 to the second polarizing element 52 via the liquid crystal panel 100, and a second state in which the first phase difference element 61 and the second phase difference element 62 are off the optical path, the first phase difference element 61 and the second phase difference element 62 are rotated along an in-plane direction.

[0067] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 16, for example, the switching mechanism 95 has a frame 96 that supports the first phase difference element 61 and the first polarizing element 51, and the frame 96 supports the support plate 60 on which the first phase difference element 61 is provided by an elastic body 98 such as a spring or rubber. The frame 96 is also provided with adjustment screws 97 at two opposing positions. Therefore, the angle position of the first phase difference element 61 can be adjusted by pressing the end of the support plate 60 with the adjustment screws 97. The second phase difference element 62 is also provided with a similar switching mechanism 95. Therefore, when the electro-optical device 1 is mainly used to display characters and lines, the first phase difference element 61 and the second phase difference element 62 are set in the optical path so that the slow axis of the first phase difference element 61 forms an angle of 45° with the polarization axis of the first polarizing element 51, and the second phase difference element 62 forms an angle of 45° with the polarization axis of the second polarizing element 52. On the other hand, when the electro-optical device 1 is mainly used to display natural images, animations, etc., the first phase difference element 61 and the second phase difference element 62 are rotated in the in-plane direction using the switching mechanism 95, and the first phase difference element 61 and the second phase difference element 62 are set in the optical path so that the slow axis of the first phase difference element 61 is perpendicular or parallel to the polarization axis of the first polarizing element 51, and the second phase difference element 62 is set so that the slow axis of the first phase difference element 61 is perpendicular or parallel to the polarization axis of the second polarizing element 52. As a result, even if the first phase difference element 61 and the second phase difference element 62 are not removed from the optical path, the same state as when the first phase difference element 61 and the second phase difference element 62 are removed from the optical path is achieved. Therefore, a configuration suitable for displaying natural images, animations, etc. can be achieved without providing extra space around the optical path.

[0068] 8. Examples of installation in electronic devices Fig. 17 is a schematic diagram of a projection display device using an electro-optical device 1 to which the present invention is applied. The projection display device shown in Fig. 17 is an example of an electronic device using the electro-optical device 1. Note that in the following description, a plurality of electro-optical devices 1 to which light of different wavelength ranges is supplied are used, but each of the electro-optical devices uses the electro-optical device 1 to which the present invention is applied.

[0069] 17 is a forward projection type projector 210 that projects an image onto a screen 211 provided in front. The projection type display device 210 includes a light source 212, dichroic mirrors 213 and 214, three light valves constituting an electro-optical device to which the present invention is applied (a red light electro-optical device 1(r), a green light electro-optical device 1(g), and a blue light electro-optical device 1(b)), a projection optical system 218, an optical path shift element 240, a cross dichroic prism 219 (a color synthesis optical system), and a relay system 230.

[0070] The light source 212 is composed of, for example, an extra-high pressure mercury lamp or a semiconductor laser that supplies light including red light, green light, and blue light. The dichroic mirror 213 is configured to transmit the red light Lr from the light source 212 and reflect the green light Lg and blue light Lb. The dichroic mirror 214 is configured to transmit the blue light Lb of the green light Lg and blue light Lb reflected by the dichroic mirror 213 and reflect the green light Lg. In this way, the dichroic mirrors 213 and 214 constitute a color separation optical system that separates the light emitted from the light source 212 into the red light Lr, the green light Lg, and the blue light Lb. Between the dichroic mirror 213 and the light source 212, an integrator 221 and a polarization conversion element 222 are arranged in this order from the light source 212. The integrator 221 uniforms the illuminance distribution of the light irradiated from the light source 212. The polarization conversion element 222 converts the light from the light source 212 into linearly polarized light having a specific vibration direction, such as s-polarized light.

[0071] The red electro-optical device 1(r) modulates the red light Lr that has passed through the dichroic mirror 213 and been reflected by the reflecting mirror 223 in accordance with an image signal, and emits the modulated red light Lr toward the cross dichroic prism 219. The red electro-optical device 1(r) has the configuration described with reference to Figs. 1 to 16. For example, the red electro-optical device 1(r) includes a first polarizing element 51(R), a first dust-proof light-transmitting plate 41(r), a liquid crystal panel 100(r), a dust-proof second light-transmitting plate 42(r), and a second polarizing element 52(r). The red electro-optical device 1(r) also includes a first phase difference element 61(r) and a second phase difference element 62(r).

[0072] The green electro-optical device 1(g) modulates the green light LG, which is reflected by the dichroic mirror 213 and then by the dichroic mirror 214, in accordance with an image signal, and emits the modulated green light LG toward the cross dichroic prism 219. The green electro-optical device 1(g) has the configuration described with reference to Figs. 1 to 16. For example, the green electro-optical device 1(g) includes a first polarizing element 51(g), a first light-transmitting plate 41(g) for dust prevention, a liquid crystal panel 100(g), a second light-transmitting plate 42(g) for dust prevention, and a second polarizing element 52(g), similar to the red electro-optical device 1(r). The green electro-optical device 1(g) also includes a first phase difference element 61(g) and a second phase difference element 62(g).

[0073] The blue electro-optical device 1(b) modulates the blue light Lb that is reflected by the dichroic mirror 213, transmitted through the dichroic mirror 214, and then passed through the relay system 230 according to an image signal, and emits the modulated blue light Lb toward the cross dichroic prism 219. The blue electro-optical device 1(b) has the configuration described with reference to Figs. 1 to 16. For example, the blue electro-optical device 1(b) includes a first polarizing element 51(b), a first light-transmitting plate 41(b) for dust prevention, a liquid crystal panel 100(b), a second light-transmitting plate 42(b) for dust prevention, and a second polarizing element 52(b), similar to the red electro-optical device 1(r) and the green electro-optical device 1(g). The blue electro-optical device 1(b) also includes a first phase difference element 61(b) and a second phase difference element 62(b).

[0074] The relay system 230 includes relay microlenses 224a and 224b and reflecting mirrors 225a and 225b. The relay microlenses 224a and 224b are provided to prevent light loss due to the long optical path of the blue light Lb. The relay microlens 224a is disposed between the dichroic mirror 214 and the reflecting mirror 225a.

[0075] The relay microlens 224b is disposed between the reflecting mirrors 225a and 225b. The reflecting mirror 225a is disposed so as to reflect, toward the relay microlens 224b, the blue light Lb that has passed through the dichroic mirror 214 and is emitted from the relay microlens 224a. The reflecting mirror 225b is disposed so as to reflect, toward the blue light electro-optical device 1(b), the blue light Lb that is emitted from the relay microlens 224b.

[0076] The cross dichroic prism 219 is a color synthesis optical system in which two dichroic films 219a and 219b are arranged orthogonally in an X-shape. The dichroic film 219a reflects the blue light Lb and transmits the green light Lg. The dichroic film 219b reflects the red light Lr and transmits the green light Lg.

[0077] Therefore, the cross dichroic prism 219 is configured to combine the red light Lr, green light Lg, and blue light Lb modulated by the red light electro-optical device 1(r), the green light electro-optical device 1(g), and the blue light electro-optical device 1(b), respectively, and emit the combined light toward the projection optical system 218. The projection optical system 218 has a projection microlens (not shown), and is configured to project the light combined by the cross dichroic prism 219 onto the screen 211.

[0078] In the projection type display device 210 configured in this manner, since light of different wavelengths is incident on the green electro-optical device 1(g) and the blue electro-optical device 1(b), in at least two electro-optical devices among the red electro-optical device 1(r), the green electro-optical device 1(g), and the blue electro-optical device 1(b), the phase differences of the first phase difference element 61 and the second phase difference element 62 may be made different for each electro-optical device. Also, in the red electro-optical device 1(r), the green electro-optical device 1(g), and the blue electro-optical device 1(b), the phase differences of the first phase difference element 61 and the second phase difference element 62 may be made different for each electro-optical device. For example, the central wavelength of the red light incident on the red light electro-optical device 1(r) may be 610 nm, the central wavelength of the green light incident on the green light electro-optical device 1(g) may be 550 nm, and the central wavelength of the blue light incident on the blue light electro-optical device 1(b) may be 470 nm, and the phase differences of the first phase difference element 61 and the second phase difference element 62 used in each electro-optical device 1 may be set to appropriate values.

[0079] Furthermore, the projection optical system 218 includes a light path shift element 240. The electro-optical device 1 modulates light from the light source 212 to generate an image. The light path shift element 240 shifts the projection position of the generated image onto the screen 211 at predetermined intervals, thereby increasing the resolution of the projected image. Thus, by applying the electro-optical device 1, the projector 210 can suppress a decrease in contrast ratio while mitigating the effects of disclination and disturbance of the alignment of liquid crystal molecules due to a lateral electric field or the like, and display an image with high resolution and quality.

[0080] 8-1.Other electronic devices An electro-optical device 1 to which the present invention is applied may be configured in a projection display device so that an LED light source, a laser light source, or the like that emits light of each color is used as the light source section, and each color light emitted from such a light source is supplied to a separate electro-optical device.

[0081] Furthermore, the electro-optical device 1 is not limited to being used in a front projection projector that projects an image from the observation side, but may also be used in a rear projection projector that projects an image from the opposite side to the observation side.

[0082] Furthermore, electronic devices to which the electro-optical device 1 can be applied are not limited to the projection display device 210. The electro-optical device 1 may be used, for example, as a display unit of a projection-type HUD (head-up display) or a direct-viewing type HMD (head-mounted display), or an information terminal device such as an electronic book, a personal computer, a digital still camera, an LCD television, a viewfinder-type or monitor-direct-viewing type video recorder, a car navigation system, an electronic notebook, or a POS. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 1...electro-optical device, 5...liquid crystal layer, 5a...liquid crystal molecules, 9a...pixel electrode, 10...first substrate, 10a...display area, 16...first alignment film, 20...second substrate, 21...common electrode, 22...lens array, 26...second alignment film, 41...first light-transmitting plate, 42...second light-transmitting plate, 51...first polarizing element, 52...second polarizing element, 60...support plate, 61...first retardation element, 62...second retardation element, 66...first λ / 2 retardation element, 67...second λ / 2 phase difference element, 68, 69...optical element, 71...optical compensation element, 80...anti-reflection layer, 91, 92, 95...switching mechanism, 96...frame, 97...adjustment screw, 98...elastic body, 100...liquid crystal panel, 210...projector, 211...screen, 212...light source, 218...projection optical system, 219...cross dichroic prism, 220...microlens, 240...optical path shift element, 910, 920...guide

Claims

1. A first polarizing element; A second polarizing element; and a liquid crystal panel disposed between the first polarizing element and the second polarizing element; A first retardation element and a first λ / A two-phase difference element; A second retardation element and a second λ / A two-phase difference element; having When the wavelength of light incident on the liquid crystal panel is λ, the first phase difference element and the second phase difference element The phase difference elements are each 0<R<λ / 4 The electro-optical device has a phase difference R that satisfies the above formula.

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

3. 3. The electro-optical device according to claim 1, The first phase difference element and the second phase difference element each have a phase difference R of λ / 8. An electro-optical device comprising:

4. 4. The electro-optical device according to claim 1, The first phase difference element and the second phase difference element have their slow axes perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to each other. Electro-optical device comprising:

5. 2. The electro-optical device according to claim 1, the first phase difference element and the first λ / 2 phase difference element are configured as an integrated optical element, The second phase difference element and the second λ / 2 phase difference element are configured as an integrated optical element. Electro-optical device comprising:

6. 6. The electro-optical device according to claim 1, The first phase difference element and the second phase difference element are each made of an inorganic material. An electro-optical device.

7. 6. The electro-optical device according to claim 1, The first phase difference element and the second phase difference element are each made of an organic material. An electro-optical device.

8. 8. The electro-optical device according to claim 1, The first phase difference element and the second phase difference element are each fixed to the liquid crystal panel. Electro-optical device comprising:

9. 9. The electro-optical device according to claim 1, At least one of the first phase difference element and the second phase difference element has a light incident surface and and an anti-reflection layer is provided on the surface of the light exit side that is in contact with air. An electro-optical device.

10. 10. The electro-optical device according to claim 1 , The optical compensation element is provided between the first phase difference element and the second phase difference element. An electro-optical device.

11. 11. The electro-optical device according to claim 10, The liquid crystal panel includes a first substrate, a second substrate, and a liquid crystal display disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. a liquid crystal layer disposed on at least one of the first substrate and the second substrate; and a lens array, The optical compensation element is located in a position in a light emission direction from the lens array. An electro-optical device.

12. A first polarizing element; A second polarizing element; and a liquid crystal panel disposed between the first polarizing element and the second polarizing element; a first retardation element disposed between the first polarizing element and the liquid crystal panel; a second retardation element disposed between the liquid crystal panel and the second polarizing element; The first retardation element and the second retardation element are guided from the first polarizing element to the liquid crystal panel. In a first state, the light beam is positioned on the optical path leading to the second polarizing element via the polarizer, and in a second state, the light beam is positioned off the optical path. A switching mechanism for switching between the first and second states; having When the wavelength of light incident on the liquid crystal panel is λ, the first phase difference element and the second phase difference element The phase difference elements are each 0<R<λ / 4 The electro-optical device has a phase difference R that satisfies the above formula.

13. A first polarizing element; A second polarizing element; and a liquid crystal panel disposed between the first polarizing element and the second polarizing element; a first retardation element disposed between the first polarizing element and the liquid crystal panel; a second retardation element disposed between the liquid crystal panel and the second polarizing element; The first retardation element and the second retardation element are guided from the first polarizing element to the liquid crystal panel. a switching mechanism for rotating the optical path to the second polarizing element via the having When the wavelength of light incident on the liquid crystal panel is λ, the first phase difference element and the second phase difference element The phase difference elements are each 0<R<λ / 4 The electro-optical device has a phase difference R that satisfies the above formula.

14. An electro-optical device comprising the electro-optical device according to any one of claims 1 to 13. Child equipment.

15. A light source; an electro-optical device that modulates light from the light source to generate an image; a projection optical system that projects an image generated by the electro-optical device; a light path shift element for shifting a projection position of the image; The electro-optical device includes: A first polarizing element, a second polarizing element, and a polarizing element disposed between the first polarizing element and the second polarizing element. a liquid crystal panel having a first polarizing element and a first retardation element disposed between the first polarizing element and the liquid crystal panel; a first λ / 2 retardation element and a second polarizing element disposed between the liquid crystal panel and the second polarizing element; a second phase difference element and a second λ / 2 phase difference element, When the wavelength of light incident on the liquid crystal panel is λ, the first phase difference element and the second phase difference element A projector, characterized in that each phase difference R of the phase difference elements is 0<R<λ / 4. 。

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