U.S. patent application number 10/772842 was filed with the patent office on 2004-08-12 for light emitting devices.
This patent application is currently assigned to Rohm Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Sai, Hironobu, Tanaka, Haruo.
Application Number | 20040155580 10/772842 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27573623 |
Filed Date | 2004-08-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040155580 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tanaka, Haruo ; et
al. |
August 12, 2004 |
Light emitting devices
Abstract
It is an object of the present invention to provide a surface
light-emitting device that can realize a lightweight and
compact-profile optical input/output device with reasonable price,
especially the one that emits light. The beam generator 12
comprises a surface light-emitting device having a stacked-layer
formed of a cathode 2, a luminescent layer 4 made of organic
material(s) and an anode 6 in that order, the stacked-layer being
located adjacent to a glass substrate 8. The anode 6 is a
transparent electrode that is formed to correspond to a hologram
pattern of a condensing lens. When a DC voltage is applied between
the cathode 2 and the anode 6 with the DC power source, the
luminescent layer 4 illuminate corresponding to the hologram
pattern of the condensing lens, and the light will converge to a
focal point of the condensing lens. Therefore, the surface
light-emitting device can play the both roles of the light source
and the condensing lens. Thus, the use of this surface
light-emitting device permits realization of a lightweight and
compact-profile beam generator with reasonable price.
Inventors: |
Tanaka, Haruo; (Ukyo-ku,
JP) ; Sai, Hironobu; (Ukyo-ku, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MERCHANT & GOULD PC
P.O. BOX 2903
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55402-0903
US
|
Assignee: |
Rohm Co., Ltd.
Ukyo-ku
JP
|
Family ID: |
27573623 |
Appl. No.: |
10/772842 |
Filed: |
February 4, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10772842 |
Feb 4, 2004 |
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10175172 |
Jun 18, 2002 |
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6713787 |
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10175172 |
Jun 18, 2002 |
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09421022 |
Oct 19, 1999 |
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6429461 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
313/506 ;
313/504; G9B/7.103; G9B/7.108; G9B/7.113 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G11B 7/127 20130101;
H01S 5/18369 20130101; H01S 5/18341 20130101; H01S 5/36 20130101;
H01L 51/5265 20130101; H01S 5/423 20130101; H01S 5/04256 20190801;
H01S 5/2063 20130101; G11B 7/123 20130101; H01S 2301/18 20130101;
H01S 5/18308 20130101; H01L 51/5262 20130101; G11B 7/1353
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
313/506 ;
313/504 |
International
Class: |
H01J 063/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 19, 1998 |
JP |
10-296659 |
Oct 19, 1998 |
JP |
10-296663 |
Nov 13, 1998 |
JP |
10-322981 |
Nov 4, 1998 |
JP |
10-313221 |
Nov 4, 1998 |
JP |
10-313226 |
Nov 4, 1998 |
JP |
10-313228 |
Dec 7, 1998 |
JP |
10-347387 |
Dec 7, 1998 |
JP |
10-347281 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A surface light-emitting device including a luminescent layer
and an electrode, the luminescent layer emitting light as a result
of applying a voltage to the electrode, wherein the electrode is
substantially formed in a shape corresponding to a pattern of
interference fringes of a hologram.
2. The surface light-emitting device according to claim 1, wherein
the electrode is composed of a pair of electrode layers interposing
the luminescent layer therebetween, and wherein one of the
electrode layers is formed as a transparent electrode layer
substantially having the shape corresponding to the pattern of
interference fringes of the hologram, and wherein the light from
the luminescent layer is emitted through said transparent
electrode.
3. The surface light-emitting device according to claim 2, wherein
a supporting member is provided to a position outside of the other
one of the electrode layers, and wherein the light from the
luminescent layer is emitted through said one electrode layer.
4. The surface light-emitting device according to claim 2, wherein
a supporting member having transparency is provided to a position
outside of said one electrode layer, and wherein the light from the
luminescent layer is emitted through said one electrode layer and
the supporting member.
5. The surface light-emitting device according to claim 1, wherein
the electrode is composed of a pair of electrode layers interposing
the luminescent layer therebetween, and wherein one of the
electrode layers is formed in a shape substantially corresponding
to a pattern of interference fringes of a hologram while forming
the other one of the electrode layers as a transparent electrode
layer, and wherein light from the luminescent layer is emitted
through the other electrode layer.
6. The surface light-emitting device according to claim 5, wherein
a supporting member having transparency is provided to a position
outside of the other electrode layer, and wherein the light from
the luminescent layer is emitted through the other electrode layer
and the supporting member.
7. A surface light-emitting device including a luminescent layer
and an electrode, the luminescent layer emitting light as a result
of applying a voltage to the electrode, wherein a shielding layer
formed in a shape substantially corresponding to a pattern of
interference fringes of a hologram is provided at a position
outside of the luminescent layer, and wherein the light from the
luminescent layer is emitted through the shielding layer.
8. The surface light-emitting device according to claim 7, wherein
the electrode is composed of a pair of electrode layers interposing
the luminescent layer therebetween, and wherein one of the
electrode layers is formed as a transparent electrode layer while
providing the shielding layer at a position outside of said one
electrode layer.
9. The surface light-emitting device according to claim 8, wherein
a supporting member having transparency is provided to a position
outside of the shielding layer, and wherein the light from the
luminescent layer is emitted through said one electrode layer, the
shielding layer and the supporting member.
10. A surface light-emitting device including a luminescent layer
and an electrode, the luminescent layer emitting light as a result
of applying a voltage to the electrode, wherein an uneven
transparent layer formed unevenly in thickness corresponding to a
pattern of interference fringes, is disposed at a position outside
of the luminescent layer, and wherein the light from the
luminescent layer is emitted through the uneven transparent
layer.
11. The surface light-emitting device according to claim 10,
wherein the electrode is composed of a pair of electrode layers
interposing the luminescent layer therebetween, and wherein one of
the electrode layers is formed as a transparent electrode layer
while providing the uneven transparent layer at a position outside
of said one electrode layer.
12. The surface light-emitting device according to claim 11,
wherein the uneven transparent layer is a supporting member having
transparency, and wherein the light from the luminescent layer is
emitted through said one electrode layer and the supporting
member.
13. The surface light-emitting device according to claim 11,
wherein the uneven transparent layer is a passivation layer having
transparency, and wherein the light from the luminescent layer is
emitted through said one electrode layer and the passivation
layer.
14. The surface light-emitting device according to claim 1, wherein
the light generated by the luminescent layer is emitted in a
direction substantially perpendicular to the luminescent layer as a
laser beam after carrying out resonation of the light.
15. A surface light-emitting device including a luminescent layer
and an electrode, the luminescent layer emitting light as a result
of applying a voltage to the electrode and the light being emitted
in a direction substantially perpendicular to the luminescent layer
through a predetermined optical path as a laser beam after carrying
out resonation of the emitted light, wherein a hologram layer
formed substantially corresponding to a pattern of interference
fringes of a hologram is formed as a layer one of related to light
emission and provided on the predetermined optical path.
16. The surface light-emitting device according to claim 14, the
device comprising: a plurality of reflecting mirrors, each having a
reflective plane substantially parallel to the luminescent layer,
provided at positions interposing the luminescent layer, wherein
the reflecting mirrors resonate the light generated by the
luminescent layer in a direction substantially perpendicular to the
luminescent layer.
17. The surface light-emitting device according to claim 1, wherein
the pattern of the interference fringes is formed as a hologram
pattern of an optical element.
18. A beam generator for generating a predetermined beam with the
surface light-emitting device defined in claim 17.
19. A surface light-emitting device including a luminescent layer
and an electrode, the luminescent layer emitting light as a result
of applying a voltage to the electrode and the light being emitted
through a predetermined optical path, wherein a hologram layer
formed substantially corresponding to the patterns of interference
fringes of a hologram is formed as a layer one of related to light
emission and provided on the predetermined optical path, and
wherein the light from the luminescent layer directed to other than
the predetermined optical path is emitted to a direction other than
the predetermined optical path.
20. The surface light-emitting device according to claim 19,
wherein the electrode is composed of a pair of electrode layers
interposing the luminescent layer therebetween, and wherein both
the electrode layers are formed as transparent electrode
layers.
21. A surface light-emitting device including a luminescent layer
and an electrode, the luminescent layer emitting light as a result
of applying a voltage to the electrode and the light being emitted
through a predetermined optical path, wherein a hologram layer
formed substantially corresponding to a pattern of interference
fringes of a hologram is formed as a layer one of related to light
emission and provided on the predetermined optical path, and
wherein the light from the luminescent layer directed to other than
the predetermined optical path is reflected and incorporated with
another light from the luminescent layer directed to the
predetermined optical path so as to intensify a resulting
light.
22. The surface light-emitting device according to claim 21,
wherein the electrode is composed of a pair of electrode layers
interposing the luminescent layer therebetween, and wherein one of
the electrode layers is formed as a transparent electrode layer
while forming the other one of electrode layers as an electrode
capable of reflecting light on its surface, and wherein the light
from the luminescent layer that is directed to said one electric
layer and the light reflected on the surface of the other electrode
layer is incorporated and emitted.
23. The surface light-emitting device according to claim 22,
wherein an optical distance u1 from a luminescent part of the
luminescent layer to the surface of the other electrode layer is
defined as the following equation; u1.apprxeq.(2n-1).lambda./4
wherein "n" is a positive integer, and ".lambda." represents to a
wavelength of a desired light emitted from the device.
24. A surface light-emitting device including a luminescent layer
and an electrode, the luminescent layer emitting light as a result
of applying a voltage to the electrode and the light being emitted
through a predetermined optical path, wherein a hologram layer
formed substantially corresponding to a pattern of interference
fringes of a hologram is formed as a layer one of related to light
emission and provided on the predetermined optical path, and
wherein the light from the luminescent layer is resonated and
emitted.
25. The surface light-emitting device according to claim 24,
wherein the electrode is composed of a pair of electrode layers
interposing the luminescent layer therebetween, and wherein one of
the electrode layers is formed as a transparent electrode layer
while forming the other one of electrode layers as an electrode
capable of reflecting light on its surface, and wherein dielectric
reflective layer not less than one is provided to a position
outside of said one electrode layer, and wherein the light is
resonated between the surface of the other electrode layer and a
reflective plane of the dielectric reflective layer, and is then
emitted therefrom.
26. The surface light-emitting device according to claim 25,
wherein an optical distance u2 from the reflective plane of the
dielectric reflective layer to the surface of the other electrode
layer is defined as the following equation; U2.apprxeq.n.lambda./2
wherein ".lambda." represents a wavelength of a desired light
emitted from the device.
27. The surface light-emitting device according to claim 19,
wherein the light generated by the luminescent layer is emitted in
a direction substantially perpendicular to the luminescent layer as
a laser beam after carrying out resonation of the light.
28. A surface light-emitting device including a luminescent layer
and an electrode, the luminescent layer emitting light as a result
of applying a voltage to the electrode and the light being emitted
through a predetermined optical path, wherein a hologram layer
formed substantially corresponding to the patterns of interference
fringes of a hologram is formed as a layer one of related to light
emission and provided on the predetermined optical path, and
wherein the hologram layer is formed alone with a part located
periphery of interference fringes of the hologram.
29. A surface light-emitting device including a luminescent layer
and an electrode, the luminescent layer emitting light as a result
of applying a voltage to the electrode and the light being emitted
through a predetermined optical path, wherein a hologram layer
formed substantially corresponding to a pattern of interference
fringes of a hologram is formed as a layer one of related to light
emission and provided on the predetermined optical path, and
wherein the hologram layer includes a light-pattern and a
dark-pattern, and wherein a width of the light-pattern is
substantially formed in a range of a wavelength of the light or
less than said range.
30. The surface light-emitting device according to claim 29,
wherein the hologram layer is formed alone with a part located
periphery of interference fringes of the hologram.
31. The surface light-emitting device according to claim 28,
wherein the hologram layer is composed by forming the electrode in
a shape substantially correspond to the pattern of the interference
fringes.
32. The surface light-emitting device according to claim 28,
wherein the hologram layer is composed by forming the luminescent
layer in a shape substantially correspond to the pattern of the
interference fringes.
33. The surface light-emitting device according to claim 28,
wherein the hologram layer is composed by forming a shielding layer
in a shape substantially correspond to the pattern of the
interference fringes at a position outside of the luminescent
layer, and wherein the light from the luminescent layer is emitted
through the shielding layer.
34. The surface light-emitting device according to claim 28,
wherein the hologram layer is composed by forming an uneven
transparent layer formed unevenly in thickness substantially
corresponding to the pattern of the interference fringes at a
position outside of the luminescent layer, and wherein the light
from the luminescent layer is emitted through the uneven
transparent layer.
35. The surface light-emitting device according to claim 28,
wherein the light generated by the luminescent layer is emitted in
a direction substantially perpendicular to the luminescent layer as
a laser beam after carrying out resonation of the light.
36. The surface light-emitting device according to claim 28, the
pattern of the interference fringes of holograms is formed as a
hologram pattern of an optical element.
37. A beam generator for generating a predetermined beam with the
surface light-emitting device defined in claim 36.
38. A surface light-emitting device including a luminescent layer
and an electrode, the luminescent layer emitting light as a result
of applying a voltage to the electrode and the light being emitted
through a predetermined optical path, wherein a hologram layer
formed substantially corresponding to the pattern of the
interference is formed as a layer one of related to light emission
and provided on the predetermined optical path, and wherein the
hologram layer includes a light-pattern and a dark-pattern, and
wherein the light-pattern is formed in a fixed width, and wherein
information containing light intensity of the holograms is
reproduced in accordance with brightness of a portion generating
light where corresponding to the light-pattern.
39. The surface light-emitting device according to claim 38,
wherein the hologram layer is composed by forming the electrode in
a shape substantially correspond to the pattern of the interference
fringes.
40. The surface light-emitting device according to claim 38,
wherein the hologram layer is composed by forming the luminescent
layer in a shape substantially correspond to the pattern of the
interference fringes.
41. The surface light-emitting device according to claim 39,
wherein brightness of the portion where corresponding to the
light-pattern is controlled by adjusting a current value flowing
through the luminescent layer.
42. The surface light-emitting device according to claim 38,
wherein the hologram layer is composed by providing a shielding
layer formed in a shape substantially corresponding to a pattern of
interference fringes of a hologram at a position outside of the
luminescent layer, and wherein the light from the luminescent layer
is emitted through the shielding layer.
43. The surface light-emitting device according to claim 38,
wherein the light-pattern is substantially formed in a width, a
range of which is one of wavelength of the light or less than said
range.
44. The surface light-emitting device according to claim 38,
wherein the light generated by the luminescent layer is emitted in
a direction substantially perpendicular to the luminescent layer as
a laser beam after carrying out resonation of the light.
45. The surface light-emitting device according to claim 38,
wherein the pattern of the interference fringes is formed as a
hologram pattern of an optical element.
46. A beam generator for generating a predetermined beam with the
surface light-emitting device defined in claim 45.
47. A surface light-emitting device including a luminescent layer
and an electrode, the luminescent layer emitting light as a result
of applying a voltage to the electrode and the light being emitted
through a predetermined optical path, wherein a hologram layer
formed substantially corresponding to a pattern of interference
fringes of a hologram is formed as a layer one of related to light
emission and provided on the predetermined optical path, and
wherein the device is fabricated so that the light once emitted
through the optical path returns through the hologram layer as a
reflected light.
48. The surface light-emitting device according to claim 47,
wherein the hologram layer includes a light-pattern and a
dark-pattern, and wherein a portion generating light where
corresponding to the light-pattern is formed so that light travels
in a forward-direction to the optical path but not proceeds in a
backward-direction thereto, and wherein a portion not generating
light where corresponding to the dark-pattern is formed so that
light proceeds in a backward-direction to the optical path.
49. The surface light-emitting device according to claim 48,
wherein the electrode is the hologram layer.
50. The surface light-emitting device according to claim 49,
wherein the electrode is composed of a pair of electrode layers
interposing the luminescent layer therebetween, and wherein one of
the electrode layers disposed at a position behind the optical path
is formed as the hologram layer, and wherein the other one of
electrode layers disposed at a position in front of the optical
path is formed as a transparent electrode.
51. The surface light-emitting device according to claim 48,
wherein the luminescent layer is the hologram layer.
52. The surface light-emitting device according to claim 51,
wherein the electrode is composed of a pair of electrode layers
interposing the luminescent layer therebetween, and wherein one of
the electrode layers disposed at a position in front of the optical
path is formed as a transparent electrode.
53. The surface light-emitting device according to claim 50,
wherein a non-light transmission layer formed in a shape
corresponding to the light-pattern, is disposed at a position
back-side of said one electrode layer situated behind the optical
path.
54. The surface light-emitting device according to claim 47,
wherein the light generated by the luminescent layer is emitted in
a direction substantially perpendicular to the luminescent layer as
a laser beam after carrying out resonation of the light.
55. The surface light-emitting device according to claim 47,
wherein the pattern of the interference fringes is formed as a
hologram pattern of an optical element.
56. A device for monitoring reflected light using the device
defined in claim 55, wherein an optical sensor is disposed at a
position behind the hologram layer.
57. A surface light-emitting device including a luminescent layer
and an electrode, the luminescent layer emitting light as a result
of applying a voltage to the electrode and the light being emitted
through a predetermined optical path, wherein a hologram layer
formed substantially corresponding to a patterns of interference
fringes of a hologram is formed as a layer one of related to light
emission and provided on the predetermined optical path, and
wherein a plurality of element regions are included in the hologram
layer, and wherein brightness of portions corresponding to the
element regions is determined in accordance with the patterns of
the interference fringes, and wherein the corresponding portions
are controlled so as to turn into an illumination-state
corresponding to the determined brightness substantially at the
same time.
58. The surface light-emitting device according to claim 57,
wherein the corresponding portions are capable of maintaining the
illumination-state, and wherein the corresponding portions are
controlled so as to sequentially turn into the illumination-state
corresponding to the determined brightness and to maintain the
illumination-state.
59. The surface light-emitting device according to claim 57,
wherein the hologram layer is composed by forming the electrode
with element electrodes substantially forming said pluralities of
element regions.
60. The surface light-emitting device according to claim 57,
wherein the hologram layer is composed by forming the luminescent
layer with element luminescent layers substantially forming said
pluralities of element regions.
61. The surface light-emitting device according to claim 59,
wherein brightness of portions corresponding to the element regions
is respectively controlled by adjusting current values flowing
through the luminescent layer corresponding to each of the element
regions.
62. The surface light-emitting device according to claim 61,
wherein a storing part for storing current values flowing through
the luminescent layer which correspond to each of the element
regions respectively, is provided.
63. The surface light-emitting device according to claim 57,
wherein the hologram layer is formed by substantially providing a
plurality of element shielding layers outside of the luminescent
layer. and wherein the light from the luminescent layer is emitted
through the element shielding layers.
64. The surface light-emitting device according to claim 57,
wherein the element regions are formed so that a maximum width
thereof is one of a range of 10 through 100 nano-meters and another
range of equal to or less said range.
65. The surface light-emitting device according to claim 57,
wherein the light generated by the luminescent layer is emitted in
a direction substantially perpendicular to the luminescent layer as
a laser beam after carrying out resonation of the light.
66. A surface light-emitting device including a luminescent layer
and an electrode, the luminescent layer emitting light as a result
of applying a voltage to the electrode and the light being emitted
through a predetermined optical path, wherein a hologram layer
formed substantially corresponding to a pattern of interference
fringes of a hologram is formed as a layer one of related to light
emission and provided on the predetermined optical path, and
wherein more than one pattern of interference fringes are prepared
and light corresponding to one of patterns selected is emitted
through the predetermined optical path.
67. The surface light-emitting device according to claim 66,
wherein the hologram layer is composed of a plurality of element
regions, and wherein brightness of portions corresponding to the
element regions is determined in accordance with the pattern of the
interference fringes, and wherein the corresponding portions are
controlled so as to turn into an illumination-state corresponding
to the determined brightness.
68. The surface light-emitting device according to claim 67,
wherein at least one of the element regions has a part
substantially formed in circular arc shape.
69. The surface light-emitting device according to claim 68,
wherein the element regions are substantially disposed in a
concentric manner.
70. The surface light-emitting device according to claim 68,
wherein a width of the element region is one of ranges of 10
through 100 nano-meters and another range of equal to or less than
said range.
71. The surface light-emitting device according to claim 68,
wherein the element regions are formed in a uniform width, and
wherein information containing light intensity of the hologram is
reproduced by the brightness of the portions corresponding to the
element regions.
72. The surface light-emitting device according to claim 67,
wherein a plurality of the element regions are substantially
disposed in a matrix manner.
73. The surface light-emitting device according to claim 72,
wherein the element regions are formed so that a maximum width
thereof is one of a range of 10 through 100 nano-meters and another
range of equal to or less than said range.
74. The surface light-emitting device according to claim 72,
wherein information containing light intensity of the hologram is
reproduced by the brightness of the portions corresponding to the
element regions.
75. The surface light-emitting device according to claim 67,
wherein brightness of portions corresponding to the element regions
is respectively controlled by adjusting current values flowing
through the luminescent layer corresponding to each of the element
regions.
76. The surface light-emitting device according to claim 67,
wherein the corresponding portions are controlled so as to turn
into the illumination-state corresponding to the determined
brightness substantially at the same time.
77. The surface light-emitting device according to claim 76,
wherein the corresponding portions are capable of maintaining the
illumination-state, and wherein the corresponding portions are
controlled so as to sequentially turn into the illumination-state
corresponding to the determined brightness and to maintain the
illumination-state.
78. The surface light-emitting device according to claim 66,
wherein the light generated by the luminescent layer is emitted in
a direction substantially perpendicular to the luminescent layer as
a laser beam after carrying out resonation of the light.
79. The surface light-emitting device according to claim 66,
wherein the pattern of the interference fringes is formed as a
hologram pattern of an optical element.
80. A beam generator for generating a beam in a desired form by
selecting one of the hologram pattern of the optical element with
the surface light-emitting device defined in claim 79.
81. The beam generator according to claim 80, wherein beams
corresponding to a scanning path are generated sequentially so as
to draw a track thereof along with the scanning path.
82. A plotting device for carrying out plotting with the beam
generator defined in claim 80, wherein a pattern is plotted with
beams corresponding to the pattern to be plotted which are
generated in sequential manner.
83. A light scanning and reading device using the beam generator
defined in claim 81.
84. An image display device having a surface light-emitting device
including a luminescent layer and an electrode, the luminescent
layer emitting light as a result of applying a voltage to the
electrode and the light being emitted through a predetermined
optical path, wherein a hologram layer formed substantially
corresponding to a pattern of interference fringes of a hologram is
formed as a layer one of related to light emission and provided on
the predetermined optical path, and wherein a predetermined
holographic image is displayed with the light from the luminescent
layer.
85. The image display device according to claim 84, wherein the
hologram layer is composed by forming the electrode in a shape
substantially corresponding to the pattern of the interference
fringes.
86. The image display device according to claim 84, wherein the
hologram layer is composed by forming the luminescent layer in a
shape substantially corresponding to the pattern of the
interference fringes.
87. The image display device according to claim 84, wherein the
hologram layer is composed by forming a shielding layer in a shape
substantially corresponding to the pattern of the interference
fringes of at a position outside of the luminescent layer, and
wherein the light from the luminescent layer is emitted through the
shielding layer.
88. The image display device according to claim 84, wherein the
hologram layer is composed by forming an uneven transparent layer
formed unevenly in thickness substantially corresponding to the
patterns of the interference fringes at a position outside of the
luminescent layer, and wherein the light from the luminescent layer
is emitted through the uneven transparent layer.
89. The image display device according to claim 84, wherein the
light from the luminescent layer directed to other than the
predetermined optical path is emitted to a direction other than the
predetermined optical path.
90. The image display device according to claim 84, wherein the
light from the luminescent layer directed to other than the
predetermined optical path is reflected and incorporated with
another light from the luminescent layer directed to the
predetermined optical path so as to intensify the resulting
light.
91. The image display device according to claim 84, wherein the
light generated by the luminescent layer is emitted after carrying
out resonation of the light.
92. The image display device according to claim 84, wherein the
hologram layer is formed alone with a pattern located periphery of
the interference fringes.
93. The image display device according to claim 84, wherein the
hologram layer includes a light-pattern and a dark-pattern, and
wherein a width of the light-pattern is substantially formed in one
of a range of wavelength of the light and less than said range.
94. The image display device according to claim 84, wherein the
hologram layer includes a light-pattern and a dark-pattern, and
wherein the light-pattern is formed in a fixed width, and wherein
information containing light intensity of the hologram is
reproduced by the brightness of portions generating light where
corresponding to the light-pattern.
95. The image display device according to claim 84, wherein a
plurality of element regions are included in the hologram layer,
and wherein brightness of portions corresponding to the element
regions is determined in accordance with the pattern of
interference fringes, and wherein the corresponding portions are
controlled so as to turn into an illumination-state corresponding
to the determined brightness substantially at the same time.
96. The image display device according to claim 84, wherein more
than one pattern of interference fringes are prepared and light
corresponding to one of patterns selected is emitted through the
predetermined optical path.
97. The image display device according to claim 84, wherein the
light generated by the luminescent layer is emitted in a direction
substantially perpendicular to the luminescent layer as a laser
beam after carrying out resonation of the light.
98. An IC card using the image display device defined in claim
84.
99. The surface light-emitting device according to claim 7, wherein
the light generated by the luminescent layer is emitted in a
direction substantially perpendicular to the luminescent layer as a
laser beam after carrying out resonation of the light.
100. The surface light-emitting device according to claim 10,
wherein the light generated by the luminescent layer is emitted in
a direction substantially perpendicular to the luminescent layer as
a laser beam after carrying out resonation of the light.
101. The surface light-emitting device according to claim 99,
wherein a plurality of reflecting mirrors, each having a reflective
plane substantially parallel to the luminescent layer, is provided
at positions so as to interpose the luminescent layer, and wherein
the mirrors resonate the light generated by the luminescent layer
in a direction substantially perpendicular to the luminescent
layer.
102. The surface light-emitting device according to claim 100,
wherein a plurality of reflecting mirrors, each having a reflective
plane substantially parallel to the luminescent layer, is provided
at positions so as to interpose the luminescent layer, and wherein
the mirrors resonate the light generated by the luminescent layer
in a direction substantially perpendicular to the luminescent
layer.
103. The surface light-emitting device according to claim 15,
wherein a plurality of reflecting mirrors, each having a reflective
plane substantially parallel to the luminescent layer, is provided
at positions so as to interpose the luminescent layer, and wherein
the mirrors resonate the light generated by the luminescent layer
in a direction substantially perpendicular to the luminescent
layer.
104. The surface light-emitting device according to claim 7,
wherein the pattern of the interference fringes is formed as a
hologram pattern of an optical element.
105. The surface light-emitting device according to claim 10,
wherein the pattern of the interference fringes of holograms is
formed as a hologram pattern of an optical element.
106. The surface light-emitting device according to claim 15,
wherein the pattern of the interference fringes of holograms is
formed as a hologram pattern of an optical element.
107. A beam generator for generating a predetermined beam with the
surface light-emitting device defined in claim 104.
108. Abeam generator for generating a predetermined beam using the
surface light-emitting device defined in claim 105.
109. A beam generator for generating a predetermined beam using the
surface light-emitting device defined in claim 106.
110. The surface light-emitting device according to claim 21,
wherein the light generated by the luminescent layer is emitted in
a direction substantially perpendicular to the luminescent layer as
a laser beam after carrying out resonation of the light.
111. The surface light-emitting device according to claim 24,
wherein the light generated by the luminescent layer is emitted in
a direction substantially perpendicular to the luminescent layer as
a laser beam after carrying out resonation of the light.
112. The surface light-emitting device according to claim 29,
wherein the hologram layer is composed by forming the electrode in
a shape substantially correspond to the pattern of the interference
fringes.
113. The surface light-emitting device according to claim 29,
wherein the hologram layer is composed by forming the luminescent
layer in a shape substantially corresponding to the pattern of the
interference fringes.
114. The surface light-emitting device according to claim 29,
wherein the hologram layer is composed by forming a shielding layer
in a shape substantially corresponding to the patterns of
interference fringes of holograms at a position outside of the
luminescent layer, and wherein the light from the luminescent layer
is emitted through the shielding layer.
115. The surface light-emitting device according to claim 29,
wherein the light generated by the luminescent layer is emitted in
a direction substantially perpendicular to the luminescent layer as
a laser beam after carrying out resonation of the light.
116. The surface light-emitting device according to claim 29,
wherein the pattern of the interference fringes is formed as a
hologram pattern of an optical element.
117. A beam generator for generating a predetermined beam using the
surface light-emitting device defined in claim 116.
118. The surface light-emitting device according to claim 40,
wherein brightness of the portion where corresponding to the
light-pattern is controlled by adjusting a current value flowing
through the luminescent layer.
119. The surface light-emitting device according to claim 52,
wherein a non-light transmission layer formed in a shape
corresponding to the light-pattern is disposed at a position
back-side of said one electrode layer situated behind the optical
path.
120. The surface light-emitting device according to claim 60,
wherein brightness of portions corresponding to the element regions
is respectively controlled by adjusting current values flowing
through the luminescent layer corresponding to each of the element
regions.
121. The surface light-emitting device according to claim 120,
wherein a storing part for storing current values flowing through
the luminescent layer which corresponding to each of the element
regions respectively, is provided.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] All the contents disclosed in Japanese Patent Application
No. H10-296659 (filed on Oct. 19, 1998), No. H10-296663 (filed on
Oct. 19, 1998), No. H10.sup.-313221 (filed on Nov. 4, 1998), No.
H10-313226 (filed on Nov. 4, 1998), No. H10-313228 (filed on Nov.
4, 1998), No. H10-322981 (filed on Nov. 13, 1998), No. H10-347281
(filed on Dec. 7, 1998), and No. H10-347287 (filed on Dec. 7, 1998)
including specification, claims, drawings and abstract and summary
is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to surface light-emitting
devices, more specifically to a surface light-emitting device
capable of using for an optical-input/output device and an image
display device including a surface light-emitting device.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Various devices for inputting/outputting light are known as
light-input/output devices. In the light-input/output devices, both
of beam generators such as flashlights, turn-signals used for an
vehicle, optical pointers using laser beams and beam output part
and the like in a laser printer, and image display devices and so
on displaying visual information including images and characters in
fixed manner and/or in dynamic manner, are used as devices for
outputting light.
[0006] On the contrary, both of an optical pickup device and a
bar-code reader and so on are used as a device for outputting light
therefrom and inputting reflected light therethrough among the
light-input/output devices. The optical pickup device and the
bar-code reader may also be used as the beam generator because
these include a beam output part.
[0007] Details of such light-input/output devices will be described
hereunder by using an optical pickup device as an example. The
optical pickup device is a device for reading out information
recorded on a compact disc (hereinafter referred to as CD) and the
like.
[0008] FIG. 41 is a conceptual view for describing a prior art
optical pickup device PU. The optical pickup device PU comprises a
laser diode LD, a half-mirror HM, a lens L, coils FC for carrying
out auto-focus, a photo-detector S, and a control circuit CT.
[0009] A laser beams emitted from the laser diode LD and pass
through the half-mirror HM reaches to the recording layer (not
shown) of the CD after focusing with the lens L. Both the laser
diode LD and the lens L form the beam output part. The light
reflected by the recording layer is focused again with the lens L,
and a part of the light reaches to the photo-detector S as a result
of reflecting with the half-mirror HM. The data recorded on the
recording layer are read out with the photo-detector S by detecting
the amount of light detected thereby. The focal point of the laser
beam can automatically be located on the recording layer of the CD
by moving the lens L in a direction of X shown in the drawing with
the coils FC.
[0010] The control circuit CT controls operations of all the laser
diode LD, the coils FC and the photo-detector S according to a
command from the outside while outputting the data read out
thereby.
[0011] The conventional optical pickup device, however, has the
following problems to be solved. The beam output part in the
optical pickup device PU requires the lens L for focusing the laser
beams in addition to the laser diode LD acting as the light source
in consideration of such part. In order to carry out a proper
focusing, positioning between the laser diode LD and the lens L
need to be performed. Accordingly, it is difficult to make the beam
output part smaller in size, and the manufacturing cost thereof may
also be increased rapidly in accordance with its size.
[0012] FIG. 42 is a conceptual view for describing another prior
art optical pickup device PU. The pickup device PU depicted in FIG.
42 includes a laser diode LD, a half-mirror HM, a lens L, a
photo-detector S, and a control circuit CT.
[0013] A laser beams emitted from the laser diode LD and pass
through the half-mirror HM reaches on the recording layer (not
shown) of the CD after focusing by the lens L. Both the laser diode
LD and the lens L form the beam output part. Light reflected by the
recording layer is focused again with the lens L, and a part of the
light reaches to the photo-detector S as a result of reflecting
with the half-mirror HM. The data recorded on the recording layer
are read out with the photo-detector S by detecting the amount of
light detected thereby.
[0014] The control circuit CT controls operations of all the laser
diode LD, the coils FC and the photo-detector S according to a
command from the outside while outputting the data read out
thereby.
[0015] The conventional optical pickup device, however, also has
the following problems to be solved. The optical pickup device PU
requires the lens L for focusing the laser beams and the
half-mirror acting as a beam-splitter in addition to the laser
diode LD acting as the light source and the photo-detector S for
detecting light because the pickup device PU outputs light to the
outside thereof and receives reflected light thereby. In other
words, the pickup device PU requires a lot of components. In order
to carry out proper focusing, positioning among these components
need to be performed. Accordingly, it is difficult to make the
pickup device PU smaller in size, and the manufacturing cost
thereof may also be increased rapidly in accordance with its
size.
[0016] FIG. 43 is a conceptual view for describing a prior art
laser printer LP. Laser printers are used for printing images
and/or characters on a printing paper and the like.
[0017] The laser printer LP comprises a laser diode LD, a
collimator lens CL, a polygon mirror (which has flat reflective
surfaces around the perimeter) PM, a condensing lens L, and a
photosensitive drum SD formed in a cylindrical shape. The surface
of the drum SD is charged with electrostatic, and a part of the
electrostatic on the drum is eliminated when light is directed on
that part.
[0018] A laser beam emitted from the diode LD is collimated with
the lens CL, and is reflected with the polygon mirror PM.
Thereafter, the reflected beam reaches on the drum SD by focusing
with the lens L. The diode LD, the lens CL, the mirror PM, and the
lens L form the beam output part described earlier.
[0019] A laser beam is repeatedly scanned on the drum SD along with
scanning lines SL in a direction such as top to bottom in the
drawing because the polygon mirror PM is in rotation of a R2
direction. The drum SD, on the contrary, is rotated in a R3
direction synchronistical with the rotation of the polygon mirror
PM as shown in the drawing. In this way, the laser beam is scanned
all over the surface of the drum SD. As a result, the laser beam
can be directed on predetermined areas of the drum SD by blinking
the laser beam at a proper timing. In other words, electrostatic on
the predetermined areas of the drum SD can be eliminated.
[0020] This allows printing of images and/or characters on a paper
and the like by fixing images and/or characters after attracting
toner on the area corresponding to existence of electrostatic on
the surface of the drum SD.
[0021] The prior art laser printer, however, has the following
drawbacks. Various optical components are needed such as the lens
CL for collimating the beam, the polygon mirror PM for scanning the
beam, and the lens L for focusing the beam, in addition to the
diode LD acting as the light source in consideration of the beam
output part in the printer LP. In order to carry out proper
focusing, positioning among these components need to be conducted.
Accordingly, it is hard to make the printer LP smaller in size, and
the manufacturing cost thereof may also be increased rapidly in
accordance with its size.
[0022] Mechanical rotation of the polygon mirror PM suppresses its
rotation speed and decreases durability of the printer LP.
[0023] In addition to laser printers, image display devices for
displaying visual information including images and characters in
fixed manner and/or in dynamic manner such as light-emitting diode
display (LED) devices, liquid crystal display (LCD) devices, plasma
display devices, fluorescent display devices, are known. FIG. 44 is
a view illustrating an image displayed on a screen D in one of such
conventional display devices. The transfer of information and/or
propagation thereof such as advertisement can be carried out
through the screen D.
[0024] However, the prior art image display devices described above
have the following disadvantages. In these display devices, images
and/or characters are just displayed on the screen D itself. In
other words, these visual informations can not be reproduced on the
screen D in three-dimensional manner through the display devices.
It is, therefore, cubic objects can not be displayed in
three-dimensional manner, and images and/or characters can not be
displayed in a manner such that these looks like coming up to the
viewer. With the images and/or characters displayed on the screen
under flat display manner, not much advertising impacts are
expected.
[0025] On the other hand, a lightweight and compact-profiled image
display device suitable for mobile and portable use of individual
users with a reasonable price is expected.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0026] It is an object of the present invention to overcome the
above-mentioned problems and to provide a surface light-emitting
device utilizing holograms which can realize a lightweight,
compact-profile, and reasonable-price optical-input/output device
capable of outputting light. It is another object of the present
invention to provide a surface light-emitting device including a
light source suitable for reproduction of holograms. It is another
object of the present invention to provide a surface light-emitting
device comprising a hologram layer suitable for reproduction of
holograms. It is far another object of the present invention to
provide a surface light-emitting device including a hologram layer
capable of forming easily.
[0027] Further, it is still another object of the present invention
to overcome the above mentioned problems and to provide a surface
light-emitting device capable of realizing a lightweight,
compact-profile, and reasonable price optical-input/output device,
especially, the device outputs light while using the reflected
light as incident light.
[0028] Still further, it is yet another object of the present
invention to overcome the above mentioned problems and to provide a
surface light-emitting device capable of realizing a lightweight,
compact-profile, and a reasonable price optical-input/output device
which especially outputs light, as well as a surface light-emitting
device carrying out reproduction of holograms with certainty.
[0029] It is another object of the present invention to overcome
the above mentioned problems and to provide a surface
light-emitting device capable of realizing a lightweight,
compact-profiled, and reasonable priced optical-input/output device
which especially outputs light, yet enables high-speed operation
with high-durability.
[0030] Further, its is far another object of the present invention
to overcome the above mentioned problems and to provide a
lightweight, compact-profile, and reasonable price image display
device capable of displaying visual information in
three-dimensional manner.
[0031] In other words, it is the principal object of the present
invention to provide a surface light-emitting device capable of
realizing a lightweight, compact-profile, and reasonable-price
optical-input/output device, and to provide an image display device
including a lightweight, compact-profiled, and reasonable-priced
surface light-emitting device.
[0032] In accordance with characteristics of the present invention,
there is provided a surface light-emitting device including a
luminescent layer and an electrode, the luminescent layer emitting
light as a result of applying a voltage to the electrode,
[0033] wherein the electrode is substantially formed in a shape
corresponding to a pattern of interference fringes of a
hologram.
[0034] Further, in accordance with characteristics of the present
invention, there is provided a surface light-emitting device
including a luminescent layer and an electrode, the luminescent
layer emitting light as a result of applying a voltage to the
electrode,
[0035] wherein a shielding layer formed in a shape substantially
corresponding to a pattern of interference fringes of a hologram is
provided at a position outside of the luminescent layer,
[0036] and wherein the light from the luminescent layer is emitted
through the shielding layer.
[0037] Still further, in accordance with characteristics of the
present invention, there is provided a surface light-emitting
device including a luminescent layer and an electrode, the
luminescent layer emitting light as a result of applying a voltage
to the electrode,
[0038] wherein an uneven transparent layer formed unevenly in
thickness corresponding to a pattern of interference fringes, is
disposed at a position outside of the luminescent layer,
[0039] and wherein the light from the luminescent layer is emitted
through the uneven transparent layer.
[0040] In accordance with characteristics of the present invention,
there is provided a surface light-emitting device including a
luminescent layer made of an organic material and an electrode, the
luminescent layer emitting light as a result of applying a voltage
to the electrode and the light being emitted in a direction
substantially perpendicular to the luminescent layer through a
predetermined optical path as a laser beam after carrying out
resonation of the emitted light,
[0041] wherein a hologram layer formed substantially corresponding
to the patterns of interference fringes of a hologram is formed as
a layer one of related to light emission and provided on the
predetermined optical path.
[0042] Further, in accordance with characteristics of the present
invention, there is provided a surface light-emitting device
including a luminescent layer and an electrode, the luminescent
layer emitting light as a result of applying a voltage to the
electrode and the light being emitted through a predetermined
optical path,
[0043] wherein a hologram layer formed substantially corresponding
to the patterns of interference fringes of a hologram is formed as
a layer one of related to light emission and provided on the
predetermined optical path,
[0044] and wherein the light from the luminescent layer directed to
other than the predetermined optical path is emitted to a direction
other than the predetermined optical path.
[0045] In accordance with characteristics of the present invention,
there is provided a surface light-emitting device including a
luminescent layer and an electrode, the luminescent layer emitting
light as a result of applying a voltage to the electrode and the
light being emitted through a predetermined optical path,
[0046] wherein a hologram layer formed substantially corresponding
to a pattern of interference fringes of a hologram is formed as a
layer one of related to light emission and provided on the
predetermined optical path,
[0047] and wherein the light from the luminescent layer directed to
other than the predetermined optical path is reflected and
incorporated with another light from the luminescent layer directed
to the predetermined optical path so as to intensify a resulting
light.
[0048] Further, in accordance with characteristics of the present
invention, there is provided a surface light-emitting device
including a luminescent layer and an electrode, the luminescent
layer emitting light as a result of applying a voltage to the
electrode and the light being emitted through a predetermined
optical path,
[0049] wherein a hologram layer formed substantially corresponding
to a pattern of interference fringes of a hologram is formed as a
layer one of related to light emission and provided on the
predetermined optical path,
[0050] and wherein the light from the luminescent layer is
resonated and emitted.
[0051] Still further, in accordance with characteristics of the
present invention, there is provided a surface light-emitting
device including a luminescent layer and an electrode, the
luminescent layer emitting light as a result of applying a voltage
to the electrode and the light being emitted through a
predetermined optical path,
[0052] wherein a hologram layer formed substantially corresponding
to the patterns of interference fringes of a hologram is formed as
a layer one of related to light emission and provided on the
predetermined optical path,
[0053] and wherein the hologram layer is formed alone with a part
located periphery of interference fringes of the hologram.
[0054] In accordance with characteristics of the present invention,
there is provided a surface light-emitting device including a
luminescent layer and an electrode, the luminescent layer emitting
light as a result of applying a voltage to the electrode and the
light being emitted through a predetermined optical path,
[0055] wherein a hologram layer formed substantially corresponding
to a pattern of interference fringes of a hologram is formed as a
layer one of related to light emission and provided on the
predetermined optical path,
[0056] and wherein the hologram layer includes a light-pattern and
a dark-pattern,
[0057] and wherein a width of the light-pattern is substantially
formed in a range of a wavelength of the light or less than said
range.
[0058] Further, in accordance with characteristics of the present
invention, there is provided a surface light-emitting device
including a luminescent layer and an electrode, the luminescent
layer emitting light as a result of applying a voltage to the
electrode and the light being emitted through a predetermined
optical path,
[0059] wherein a hologram layer formed substantially corresponding
to the pattern of the interference is formed as a layer one of
related to light emission and provided on the predetermined optical
path,
[0060] and wherein the hologram layer includes a light-pattern and
a dark-pattern,
[0061] and wherein the light-pattern is formed in a fixed width,
and wherein information containing light intensity of the holograms
is reproduced in accordance with brightness of a portion generating
light where corresponding to the light-pattern.
[0062] Still further, in accordance with characteristics of the
present invention, there is provided a surface light-emitting
device including a luminescent layer and an electrode, the
luminescent layer emitting light as a result of applying a voltage
to the electrode and the light being emitted through a
predetermined optical path,
[0063] wherein a hologram layer formed substantially corresponding
to a pattern of interference fringes of a hologram is formed as a
layer one of related to light emission and provided on the
predetermined optical path,
[0064] and wherein the device is fabricated so that the light once
emitted through the optical path returns through the hologram layer
as a reflected light.
[0065] In accordance with characteristics of the present invention,
there is provided a surface light-emitting device including a
luminescent layer and an electrode, the luminescent layer emitting
light as a result of applying a voltage to the electrode and the
light being emitted through a predetermined optical path,
[0066] wherein a hologram layer formed substantially corresponding
to a patterns of interference fringes of a hologram is formed as a
layer one of related to light emission and provided on the
predetermined optical path,
[0067] and wherein a plurality of element regions is included in
the hologram layer,
[0068] and wherein brightness of portions corresponding to the
element regions is determined in accordance with the patterns of
the interference fringes,
[0069] and wherein the corresponding portions are controlled so as
to turn into an illumination-state corresponding to the determined
brightness substantially at the same time.
[0070] Further, in accordance with characteristics of the present
invention, there is provided a surface light-emitting device
including a luminescent layer and an electrode, the luminescent
layer emitting light as a result of applying a voltage to the
electrode and the light being emitted through a predetermined
optical path,
[0071] wherein a hologram layer formed substantially corresponding
to a pattern of interference fringes of a hologram is formed as a
layer one of related to light emission and provided on the
predetermined optical path,
[0072] and wherein more than one pattern of interference fringes is
prepared and light corresponding to one of patterns selected is
emitted through the predetermined optical path.
[0073] Still further, in accordance with characteristics of the
present invention, there is provided an image display device having
a surface light-emitting device including a luminescent layer and
an electrode, the luminescent layer emitting light as a result of
applying a voltage to the electrode and the light being emitted
through a predetermined optical path,
[0074] wherein a hologram layer formed substantially corresponding
to a pattern of interference fringes of a hologram is formed as a
layer one of related to light emission and provided on the
predetermined optical path,
[0075] and wherein a predetermined holographic image is displayed
with the light from the luminescent layer.
[0076] Other objects and features of the present invention will be
more apparent to those skilled in the art on consideration of the
accompanying drawings and following specification wherein are
disclosed several exemplary embodiments of the invention with the
understanding that such variations, modifications and elimination
of parts may be made therein as fall within the scope of the
appended claims without departing from the spirit of the
invention.
BRIEF DESCRITION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0077] FIG. 1 is a sectional view for describing the structure of a
beam generator 12 according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0078] FIGS. 2A through 2D are sectional views showing layer
structures of the surface light-emitting devices;
[0079] FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing a molecular alignment of
organic materials in a luminescent layer 4;
[0080] FIG. 4A is a graph illustrating a relationship between both
voltages applied between a cathode 2 and an anode 6, and electric
current density flowing through the luminescent layer 4;
[0081] FIG. 4B is a graph illustrating a relationship between both
voltages applied between the cathode 2 and the anode 6, and light
intensity of the luminescent layer 4;
[0082] FIGS. 5A through 5C are sectional views showing examples of
the structures of surface light-emitting devices applicable to the
present invention;
[0083] FIGS. 6A and 6B are sectional views showing another examples
of the structures of surface light-emitting devices applicable to
the present invention;
[0084] FIG. 7 is a sectional view showing far another examples of
the structure of surface light-emitting device applicable to the
present invention;
[0085] FIGS. 8A and 8B are sectional views showing still another
examples of the structures of surface light-emitting devices
applicable to the present invention;
[0086] FIG. 9 is a sectional view for describing an embodiment of a
surface light-emitting device realizing a light source much
suitable for reproduction of holograms;
[0087] FIG. 10A is a sectional view showing the structure of
embodiment of the surface light-emitting device realizing the light
source much suitable for reproduction of holograms;
[0088] FIG. 10B is a graph illustrating the functions of said
surface light-emitting device;
[0089] FIG. 11A is a sectional view showing the structure of
another embodiment of the surface light-emitting device realizing
the light source much suitable for reproduction of holograms;
[0090] FIG. 11B is a graph illustrating the functions of said
surface light-emitting device;
[0091] FIGS. 12A and 12B are graphs illustrating the function of
the surface light-emitting device shown in FIG. 11A.
[0092] FIG. 13A is a sectional view showing the structure of still
another embodiment of the surface light-emitting device realizing
the light source much suitable for reproduction of holograms;
[0093] FIG. 13B is a view illustrating the functions of said
surface light-emitting device;
[0094] FIG. 14 is a sectional view for describing the structure of
yet another beam generator 40 according to another embodiment of
the present invention;
[0095] FIG. 15 is a plan view illustrating typical planar structure
of hologram layers;
[0096] FIG. 16 is a view illustrating typical patterns of
interference fringes themselves corresponding to the hologram
layers shown in FIG. 15;
[0097] FIG. 17 is a view illustrating a typical condition in which
collimated light is directed to ordinary transmission-type
holograms HG in a direction of arrows extending from the left-hand
side to the right-hand side in the drawing;
[0098] FIG. 18 is a sectional view for describing the structure of
an optical pickup device 50 in another embodiment of the present
invention;
[0099] FIGS. 19A through 19C are sectional views showing another
examples of the structures of surface light-emitting devices
applicable to the present invention;
[0100] FIG. 20 is a sectional view for describing the structure of
far another beam generator 60 according to another embodiment of
the present invention;
[0101] FIG. 21 is a sectional view showing an example of the
structure of another surface light-emitting device applicable to
the present invention;
[0102] FIG. 22 is an exploded perspective view of the beam
generator 60;
[0103] FIG. 23 is a circuit diagram showing part of a circuit in
the beam generator 60;
[0104] FIG. 24 is a view for describing a series of operations to
display an alphabetical character "F" with the beam generator
60;
[0105] FIG. 25 is a sectional view for describing the structure of
another beam generator 66 according to another embodiment of the
present invention;
[0106] FIG. 26 is a view for describing the structure of a barcode
reader 70 according to another embodiment of the present
invention;
[0107] FIG. 27 is a conceptual view for describing an example of a
prior art barcode reader BR;
[0108] FIG. 28 is a sectional view for describing the structure of
another beam generator 80 according to another embodiment of the
present invention;
[0109] FIG. 29 is a view showing an example of a surface
light-emitting device of another embodiment of the present
invention;
[0110] FIGS. 30A and 30B are views illustrating patterns of
hologram obtained by the surface light-emitting device shown in
FIG. 29;
[0111] FIG. 31 is a sectional view for describing the structure of
an image display device 90 according to another embodiment of the
present invention;
[0112] FIG. 32 is a sectional view showing an example of the
structure of another surface light-emitting devices applicable to
the present invention;
[0113] FIG. 33 is a view showing appearance of an IC card 94, an
example of applying the image display device 90;
[0114] FIG. 34 is a sectional view showing the overall structure of
an example of a surface-emitting laser device;
[0115] FIG. 35 is a view for describing the structure of another
beam generator 100 according to far another embodiment of the
present invention;
[0116] FIG. 36 is a plan view for describing the structure of the
beam generator 100;
[0117] FIGS. 37A and 37B are sectional views for describing a
manufacturing method of a surface light-emitting device composing
the beam generator 100;
[0118] FIGS. 38A and 38B are sectional views for describing the
manufacturing method of the surface light-emitting device composing
the beam generator 100;
[0119] FIG. 39 is a view for describing the structure of another
beam generator 130 according to another embodiment of the present
invention;
[0120] FIG. 40 is a sectional view for describing the structure of
another beam generator 140 according to another embodiment of the
present invention;
[0121] FIG. 41 is a conceptual view for describing a prior art
optical pickup device PU;
[0122] FIG. 42 is a conceptual view for describing another prior
art optical pickup device PU;
[0123] FIG. 43 is a conceptual view for describing a prior art
laser printer LP;
[0124] FIG. 44 is a view illustrating an image displayed on a
screen D in one of such prior art image display devices.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0125] Chapter 1
[0126] FIG. 1 is a sectional view for describing the structure of a
beam generator 12 according to an embodiment of the present
invention. The beam generator 12 comprises stacked-layers formed of
a cathode 2 acting as an electrode layer, a luminescent layer 4 and
an anode 6 forming another electrode layer in that order, the
stacked-layers being located adjacent to a glass substrate 8
forming a supporting body. A DC power source 10 is connected
between the cathode 2 and the anode 6. All the components of the
beam generator 12 except for the DC power source 10 form a surface
light-emitting device.
[0127] The anode 6 is a transparent electrode formed in a shape so
as to substantially correspond to patterns of interference fringes
of holograms. In this embodiment, description of the present
invention will be made under an assumption in which the beam
generator 12 is applied to an optical pickup device. It is also
assumed that patterns of holograms of a condensing lens forming an
optical element are used as the patterns of interference fringes of
holograms. In other words, arrangement of portions 6a, 6b, 6, 6d,
and so on composing the anode 6 respectively correspond to the
patterns of interference fringes of holograms.
[0128] In order to fabricate a surface light-emitting device
composing the beam generator 12, the following steps need to be
carried out. A layer made of metal and the like (its details will
be described later) which is used for forming the cathode 2 is
formed on the surface of the glass substrate 8 by carrying out
evaporation method or the like. On the metal layer thus formed,
another layer made of organic materials (its details will be
described later) composing the luminescent layer 4 is formed with
vacuum evaporation method and the similar method. Far another layer
made of transparent metal oxide electrode which is used for forming
the anode 6 is formed on the organic layer by using a shadow mask
under evaporation method and the like. Subsequently, the operation
of the beam generator 12 will be described hereunder. The portions
in the luminescent layer 4, interposed between the cathode 2 and
the portions 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d and so on composing the anode 6, emit
light when a DC voltage is applied between the cathode 2 and the
anode 6. As described earlier, the portions 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d and so
on composing the anode 6, are located at positions correspondent to
the patterns of holograms of the condensing lens. In this way, the
light emitted from the luminescent layer 4 is focused on a focal
point of the condensing lens by traveling in a forward-direction (a
direction in which a compact disc CD and the like is allocated) and
pass through these portions 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, and so on.
[0129] The compact disc CD is allocated at a position so that the
focal point of the condensing lens is on the recording layer (not
shown) thereof. The data recorded on the recording layer are read
out by detecting the amount of light reflected thereby.
[0130] As described above, the anode 6 is formed in a shape so as
to correspond substantially to the patterns of holograms of the
condensing lens in this embodiment. In this way, a part of the
luminescent layer 4 emits light corresponding to the patterns of
holograms of the condensing lens as a result of applying a voltage
between the cathode 2 and the anode 6.
[0131] Consequently, this surface light-emitting device alone can
play both roles as the light source and the condensing lens. In
other words, the beam generator 12 can be made as a lightweight,
compact-profiled, yet reasonable priced device by using the surface
light-emitting device.
[0132] As described earlier, the luminescent layer 4 composing a
part of the surface light-emitting device is made of organic
materials. Although, no specific limitation on the materials of the
organic materials, for example electro-luminescent materials having
a small molecule such as materials Et-DSB, BczVBi, DPVBi and so on
of distyrylarylene, oxadiazole, pyrazoloquinolin, Zn (BOX) 2 of
benzoxazole, BA lq 1 of aluminum chelate may be used. In addition,
electro-luminescent materials having high molecular may also be
used for the luminescent layer 4.
[0133] The use of organic materials to the luminescent layer 4
permits the formation thereof with a very thin in thickness (in a
range of 10 nano-meters through 100 nano-meters) in comparison with
wavelength of the emitted light therefrom. In this way, the active
thickness of the portions emitting light in the luminescent layer 4
can be formed in a thickness, which is negligible (about 5
nano-meters) in comparison with the wavelength of the emitted light
(a range of 400 nano-meters through 700 nano-meters in visible
light). In addition, the minimum planar dimension of the
luminescent layer 4 can dramatically be smaller (in a range of 10
nano-meters through 100 nano-meters) in comparison with the
wavelength of the emitted light. It is, therefor, possible to
provide a luminescent layer 4 suitable for reproduction of
holograms by using organic materials therefor.
[0134] The use of organic materials further permits the luminescent
layer 4 to emit light at a low DC voltage.
[0135] Although, no specific limitation on the material of the
anode 6, for example, transparent metal electrode such as indium
tin oxide (ITO), indium oxide, zinc oxide and the like may be used
for the anode 6. Other metals having a large work function such as
Au can also be used in view of improving the efficiency of
injection of positive holes.
[0136] Although, no specific limitation on the material of the
cathode 2, for example metals having a small work function such
there is as groups of Mg, Li, Ca can also be used in view of
improving the efficiency of injection of electrons. It is further
preferred to make alloys of different metals such as Mg: Ag, Mg:
Al, Al:Li, to increase its stabilization. Because such alloys
become hard to be oxidized even when each of the metals has a small
work function.
[0137] Although, the surface light-emitting device having a
structural feature of in which the luminescent layer 4 is
interposed between the cathode 2 and the anode 6, is described in
the above, the structural feature thereof is not limited to that.
Surface light-emitting devices having structural features according
to the present invention are exampled in FIGS. 2A through 2D. The
structural feature described in the above is shown in FIG. 2A.
[0138] FIG. 2B shows a structure in which a hole transport layer
(HTL) 14 is further interposed between the luminescent layer 4 and
the anode 6 shown in FIG. 2A.
[0139] Although, there is no specific limitation on the materials
of the hole transport layer 14, materials having a high capability
of hole injection into the luminescent layer 4 while no injection
of electrons thereto from the luminescent layer 4, is preferred
therefor. A materials made of amin may be used therefor.
[0140] FIG. 2C shows a structure in which an electron transport
layer (ETL) 16 is interposed between the cathode 2 and the
luminescent layer 4 shown in FIG. 2B.
[0141] Although, there is no specific limitation on the materials
of the electron transport layer 16, for example an aluminum chelate
material such as A lq and the like, or oxadiazole derivatives and
the like may also be used therefor.
[0142] FIG. 2D shows a structure in which a hole injection layer 18
is interposed between the hole transportation layer 14 and the
anode 6 shown in FIG. 2C.
[0143] Although, there is no specific limitation on the materials
of the hole injection layer 18, materials having a low hole
injection barrier against the anode 6 is preferred therefor. For
instance, materials made of amin or that of phthalocyanine may be
used therefor.
[0144] FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing a molecular alignment of
an organic material in the luminescent layer 4. Although, no
specific limitation in the direction of molecular alignment of the
organic material in the light-emitting material 4, the molecular
alignment in a direction substantially parallel to both the cathode
2 and the anode 6 permits stronger light-emitting intensity even
when a low voltage is applied.
[0145] FIG. 4A is a graph illustrating a relationship between both
voltages applied between the cathode 2 and the anode 6, and
electric current density flowing through the luminescent layer 4.
In the graph, black dots indicate the relationship therebetween
when the molecular alignment is in a direction substantially
parallel to both the cathode 2 and the anode 6, and white dots
indicate the relationship therebetween when the molecular alignment
is in a direction substantially perpendicular to both the cathode 2
and the anode 6. It is clearly understood that the electric current
density shows a sharp increase at low voltages when molecular
alignment is in the parallel direction.
[0146] FIG. 4B is a graph illustrating a relationship between both
voltages applied between the cathode 2 and the anode 6, and light
intensity of the luminescent layer 4. In the graph, black dots
indicate the relationship therebetween when the molecular alignment
is in a direction substantially parallel to both the cathode 2 and
the anode 6, and white dots indicate the relationship therebetween
when the molecular alignment is in a direction substantially
perpendicular to both the cathode 2 and the anode 6. It is, also,
clearly understood that light intensity of the luminescent layer 4
shows a sharp increase at low voltages when molecular alignment is
in the parallel direction.
[0147] The structure of the surface light-emitting device
applicable to the present invention is not limited to that depicted
in FIG. 1. FIGS. 5A through 8C are sectional views showing examples
of the structures of surface light-emitting devices applicable to
the present invention. FIG. 5A shows the structure of the surface
light-emitting device shown in FIG. 1.
[0148] In all the surface light-emitting devices shown in FIGS. 5A
through 6B, either one of the anode 6 or the cathode 2 thereof is
formed in a shape substantially corresponding to the patterns of
interference fringes of holograms.
[0149] In this way, the shape corresponding to the patterns of
interference fringes of holograms can be formed easily and
accurately because both the anode 6 and the cathode 2 are
easy-to-form electrodes.
[0150] In the structure of the surface light-emitting devices shown
in FIGS. 5A through 5C out of the drawings mentioned above, all the
anodes 6 are formed as transparent electrodes in a shape
substantially corresponding to the patterns of interference fringes
of holograms and the light from the luminescent layer 4 is emitted
through the anode 6.
[0151] In this way, the light emitted correspondingly to the
patterns of interference fringes from the luminescent layer 4 comes
out externally through the anode 6 formed in a shape substantially
corresponding to the patterns of interference fringes as a result
of applying a voltage between the anode 6 and the cathode 2.
Consequently, light reproduced with high fidelity to the patterns
of interference fringes may be obtained.
[0152] In the surface light-emitting devices shown in FIGS. 5A and
5B out of the drawings mentioned above, all of these devices
dispose the glass substrates 8 at a position outside of the
cathodes 2 while emitting the light from the luminescent layer 4
through the anodes 6.
[0153] In this way, the light from the luminescent layer 4 can be
emitted externally without passing through the glass substrate 8.
As a consequence, the light comes out without much degradation of
the light amount.
[0154] In the surface light-emitting device depicted in FIG. 5A out
of the drawings, the anode 6 alone is formed in a shape
substantially corresponding to the patterns of interference
fringes.
[0155] In this manner, the anode 6 can be formed in a shape
substantially corresponding to the patterns of interference fringes
easily and more precisely because no patterning of the remaining
layers is required.
[0156] Both the anode 6 and the luminescent layer 4 are formed in
the patterns of interference fringes in the surface light-emitting
device depicted in FIG. 5B.
[0157] In the surface light-emitting devices shown in FIG. 5C, the
glass substrate 8 having transparency is disposed at a position
outside of the anode 6, and the light from the luminescent layer 4
is emitted through the anode 6 and the glass substrate 8.
[0158] Consequently, the anode 6 formed in the patterns of
interference fringes can be provided on the glass substrate 8 after
disposing the substrate 8 prior to providing the anode 6 thereon.
As a result, the anode 6 can be formed easily and more precisely to
the patterns of the interference fringes.
[0159] In both the surface light-emitting devices shown in FIGS. 6A
and 6B, the cathodes 2 are formed substantially in the patterns of
interference fringes and the anodes 6 are formed as transparent
electrodes while emitting the light from the luminescent layers 4
through the anodes 6.
[0160] Under the structure described above, the cathode 2 formed in
a shape corresponding to the patterns of interference fringes not
to be transparent electrodes. In this way, the cathode 2 can be
formed with an easy-to-form material. Consequently, the cathode 2
can easily and accurately be formed in the patterns of interference
fringes.
[0161] In both the surface light-emitting devices shown in FIGS. 6A
and 6B, the glass substrate 8 having transparency is disposed at a
position outside of the anode 6 and the light from the luminescent
layer 4 is emitted through the anode 6 and the glass substrate
8.
[0162] Consequently, these surface light-emitting devices can
easily be fabricated by using an element including transparent
electrodes formed on the glass substrate 8 readily available.
[0163] In the surface light-emitting device shown in FIG. 6A out of
the drawings mentioned above, just the cathode 2 alone is formed in
a shape substantially corresponding to the patterns of interference
fringes of holograms.
[0164] Consequently, the cathode 2 can further be formed in the
patterns of interference fringes easily and accurately because the
layers other than the cathode 2 are not necessary to be
patterned.
[0165] In the surface light-emitting device shown in FIG. 6B, both
the cathode 2 and the luminescent layer 4 are formed in a shape
substantially corresponding to the patterns of interference
fringes.
[0166] Further, in a surface light-emitting device shown in FIG. 7,
a shielding layer 20 formed in a shape substantially corresponding
to the patterns of interference fringes of holograms, is disposed
at a position outside of the luminescent layer 4 and the light from
the luminescent layer 4 is emitted through the shielding layer
20.
[0167] In this way, light corresponding to the patterns of
interference fringes can easily be emitted by using the shielding
layer 20 as a mask for the light emitted from the luminescent layer
4.
[0168] As a consequence, the shielding layer 20 may be formed with
an easy-to-form material because not many restrictions exist on the
material for the shielding layer 20. Consequently, the shielding
layer 20 can easily and accurately be formed in the patterns of
interference fringes. Although, there is no specific limitation on
the materials of the shielding layer 20, for example, Au and the
like may be used for the layer 20.
[0169] Further, the anode 6 is formed as a transparent electrode
while disposing the shielding layer 20 at a position outside of the
anode 6 in the surface light-emitting device shown in FIG. 7. In
this manner, the entire portion of the luminescent layer 4
illuminates by applying a voltage between the anode 6 and the
cathode 2, so that a part of the resulting light can be emitted
through the shielding layer 20 formed corresponding to the patterns
of interference fringes as a mask. Consequently, light reproduced
with high fidelity to the patterns of interference fringes may be
obtained.
[0170] Still further, the glass substrate 8 having transparency is
disposed at a position outside of the shielding layer 20 and the
light from the luminescent layer 4 is emitted through the anode 6,
the shielding layer 20, and the glass substrate 8 in the surface
light-emitting device depicted in FIG. 7.
[0171] In this manner, the shielding layer 8 formed in a shape
corresponding to the patterns of interference fringes can be formed
on the glass substrate 8 prepared before forming the shielding
layer. Consequently, a shape corresponding to the patterns of
interference fringes can easily and accurately be obtained.
[0172] In both the surface light-emitting devices shown in FIGS. 8A
and 8B, an uneven transparent layer formed unevenly in thickness
substantially corresponding to the patterns of interference
fringes, is disposed at a location outside of the luminescent layer
4, and the light from the luminescent layer 4 is emitted through
the transparent layer.
[0173] In this way, light corresponding to the patterns of
interference fringes can be emitted as a result of illuminating the
light from the luminescent layer 4 through the uneven transparent
layer. In addition, easy-to-form material(s) can be selected from
various materials for the uneven transparent layer because the
uneven transparent layer has not many restrictions on its material.
As a consequence, the uneven transparent layer can easily and
accurately be formed in a shape corresponding to the patterns of
interference fringes.
[0174] Further, the structures of the surface light-emitting
devices depicted in FIGS. 8A and 8B are characterized in that, the
anode 6 is formed as a transparent electrode and the uneven
transparent layer is disposed at a position outside of the anode
6.
[0175] In this manner, the entire portion of the luminescent layer
4 illuminates by applying a voltage between the anode 6 and the
cathode 2, so that the resulting light can be emitted through the
uneven transparent layer formed unevenly in thickness substantially
corresponding to the patterns of interference fringes.
Consequently, light reproduced with high fidelity to the patterns
of interference fringes may be obtained.
[0176] In the surface light-emitting device shown in FIG. 8A out of
the drawings, the uneven transparent layer is formed as a glass
substrate 22 having transparency and the light from the luminescent
layer 4 is emitted through the anode 6 and the glass substrate
22.
[0177] As a consequence, a shape corresponding to the patterns of
interference fringes can easily and accurately be obtained by just
forming convex/concave patterns corresponding to the patterns of
interference fringes on the surface of the glass substrate 22
having transparency.
[0178] In the surface light-emitting device shown in FIG. 8B, on
the other hand, the uneven transparent layer is formed as a
passivation layer 24 having transparency and the light from the
luminescent layer 4 is emitted through the anode 6 and the layer
24.
[0179] Consequently, a shape corresponding to the patterns of
interference fringes can be obtained easily and accurately by just
forming concave and convex corresponding to the patterns of
interference fringes on the surface of the layer 24.
[0180] Subsequently, embodiments of the present invention to
realize a light source suitable for the reproduction of holograms
will be described.
[0181] One of such embodiments will be described with reference to
FIG. 9 through FIG. 10B. As shown in FIG. 9, an active thickness
(optical depth) v of the luminescent part 26 emitting light in the
luminescent layer 4 can be formed in a thickness negligible
(approximately 5 nano-meters) in comparison with the wavelength of
the emitted light (as described above) when the luminescent layer 4
is made of organic material(s).
[0182] However, an imaginary light source 28 created by reflection
of the light directed to the backside (a direction other than a
predetermined optical path) is located at a position apart from the
luminescent part 26. The light source can not keep its optical
depth narrow if the imaginary light source 28 is located at such a
position. In other words, the depth of the imaginary light source
28 substantially becomes approximately to 2u1 unexpectedly when an
optical distance between the luminescent part 26 and a reflective
plane 30 forming the surface of the cathode 2 is defined as u1.
[0183] There might be too many restrictions on the reproduction of
holograms if the optical distance is in an unexpected depth. The
restriction might cause the following problems such as; 1) the
spatial coherence is unexpectedly lowered, 2) the holograms need to
be handled as thick holograms and so on.
[0184] In order to avoid such restrictions, the anode 6 is formed
as a transparent electrode and the reflective plane 30 is disposed
on the surface of the cathode 2 so that both the light go through
the anode 6 and the light reflected on the reflective plane 30 are
incorporated so as to intensify the resulting light as shown in
FIG. 10A.
[0185] For example, an optical distance u1 between the luminescent
part 26 and the reflective plane 30 of the cathode 2 may be defined
as the following equation;
u1=.apprxeq.(2n-1).lambda./4
[0186] wherein "n" is a positive integer, and ".lambda." equals to
a wavelength of the light desirably emitted from the device.
[0187] As shown in FIG. 10B, phase of reflected light of the light
directed to the backside (to the cathode 2) of the luminescent
layer 4 therefrom (see FIG. 10B (b)) and that directed to the
front-side (to the anode 6) therefrom (see FIG. 10B (a)) are nearly
matched. It is, therefore, possible to emit light suitable for the
reproduction of holograms.
[0188] Amplitude of the resulting light Hc (see FIG. 10B (c)) may
be calculated under the equation below when amplitude of the lights
directed to the front-side and reflected light of the light
directed to the back-side of the luminescent layer 4 therefrom
respectively defined as "Ha" and "Hb";
Hc.apprxeq.Ha+Hb.
[0189] In other words, the resulting light having a higher
intensity than that of the light emitted from the luminescent layer
4 can be obtained by forming the device as shown in FIG. 10A.
Consequently, it is possible to provide a surface light-emitting
device realizing the light source much suitable for the
reproduction of holograms.
[0190] Subsequently, another embodiment realizing a light source
much suitable for the reproduction of holograms will be described
with reference to FIGS. 11A through 12B.
[0191] As shown in FIG. 11A, in this embodiment, an anode 6 in the
device is formed as transparent electrodes, and a cathode 2 is
formed as an electrode reflecting lights access thereto. Both a
light-emitting layer 4 and a hole transport layer 14 are disposed
between the cathode 2 and the anode 6 in that order. In addition,
four pairs of dielectric mirrors 36 forming a dielectric reflective
layer are disposed at a position outside (at the side light emits
therefrom) of the anode 6 so as to build up a stacked layer. Each
of the mirrors 36 is formed of a stacked-structure composed of an
oxide titanium layer 32 and a silicon oxidation layer 34 formed in
that order.
[0192] By forming the device as described above, the light from the
luminescent layer 4 is resonated between the reflective plane 30 of
the cathode 2 and reflective planes of the mirrors 36 (inner planes
of the mirrors 36), and the light thus resonated is emitted.
[0193] For example, another optical distance u2 between the
reflective plane 30 of the cathode 2 and one of the reflective
planes of the mirror 36 may be defined as the following
equation;
U2.apprxeq.n.lambda./2
[0194] wherein ".lambda." represents a wavelength of the light
desirably emitted from the device.
[0195] The device fabricated under the structure described above
can obtain monochromatic radiation having a high intensity
effectively with a simple structure. Also, light having a high
directivity can be obtained with the device as well. Lights having
similar phase can further be obtained. In other words, it is
possible to provide a surface light-emitting device realizing the
light source suitable for reproduction of holograms.
[0196] FIGS. 11A through 12B are views illustrating a case in which
the wavelength .lambda. of the light desirably emitted from the
device is 490 nano-meters. In these examples, the oxide titanium
layer 32 and the silicon oxidation layer 34 both composing a pair
of the mirror 36 are respectively formed 61 nano-meters and 96
nano-meters in thickness. The optical distance of the two pairs of
the mirrors 36 provided adjacent to the anode 6 is approximately
1.1 .lambda. because index of refraction of the both the oxide
titanium layer 32 and the silicon oxidation layer 34 is
respectively 2.3 and 1.45.
[0197] The luminescent layer 4, the hole transport layer 14, and
the anode 6 are respectively formed as 30 nano-meters, 40
nano-meters, and 40 nano-meters in thickness. A sum total of the
optical distance across the luminescent layer 4, the hole transport
layer 14, and the anode 6 becomes approximately 0.4 .lambda.
because index of refraction of both the luminescent layer 4 and
that of the hole transport layer 14 is 1.7, and that of the anode 6
(ITO layer) is 1.9.
[0198] As a result, an optical distance between the reflective
plane 30 of the cathode 2 and the reflective plane in the third
pair of the mirror 36 becomes approximately 3/2.lambda.. In other
words, it is apparent that the emitted light is in a resonant
condition. Light having similar phase further can be obtained by
making the emitted light in the resonant condition.
[0199] FIG. 11B is a graph illustrating spectra of the emitted
light from the device shown in FIG. 11A using radiation degrees of
the light as parameters. It is apparent from the graph that these
lights have a narrower frequency range (much like monochromatic
radiation) with higher light intensity in comparison with the
lights without providing the mirrors 36.
[0200] FIG. 12A is a graph illustrating radiation patterns of the
emitted lights from the device shown in FIG. 11A. Also, FIG. 12B is
a graph illustrating radiation patterns of emitted lights from the
device without the mirrors 36. It is apparent from both the graphs
shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B that directivity of the emitted lights
becomes keen by providing the mirrors 36 thereto.
[0201] Subsequently, another embodiment of the present invention to
realize a light source suitable for the reproduction of holograms
will be described with reference to FIGS. 13A and 13B.
[0202] As shown in FIG. 13A, both an anode 6 and a cathode 2 in a
device of this embodiment are formed as transparent electrodes. In
addition, a luminescent layer 4 is disposed between the anode 6 and
the cathode 2.
[0203] Most of lights (shown in a dotted line) directed to the
backside (other direction than a predetermined optical path) out of
the lights emitted from a luminescent part 26 are not reflected and
go straight to the backside by forming both the anode 6 and the
cathode 2 as transparent electrodes as a result of suppressing its
reflection factors in a lower level. In this way, the light source
never widens its practical optical depth.
[0204] As a consequence, localization of an imaginary light source
created by reflection of the lights directed to the backside to a
position other than that of the luminescent part 26 may be avoided
by permitting the travel of most of the lights go to the backside
from the luminescent layer 4 in the backward-direction.
[0205] As a result, the light source can keep its optical depth
narrow. There is no probability to interfere phase of the lights
directed to the front-side (shown in actual line) with reflection
of the lights directed to the backside (shown in dotted line). It
is, therefor, possible to obtain the lights suitable for
reproduction of holograms.
[0206] Although, glass substrates are used as the supporting member
in the embodiments described earlier, there is no limitation to use
the glass substrates as the supporting member. Any other substrates
appropriate such as substrates made of synthetic resin may also be
used as the supporting member. In addition, substrates having no
transparency may also be used for the supporting member.
[0207] Although, the electrodes in the embodiments described
earlier are formed as pairs of electrode layers (anode 6 and
cathode 2) so as to interpose the light-emitting players 4, any
other structures may also be employed.
[0208] Alternatively, organic materials forming the luminescent
layers are disposed in a direction substantially parallel to the
electrodes in the embodiments described earlier, the molecular
alignment of the organic materials is not limited to that
direction. For example, organic materials forming the luminescent
layers may also be disposed in a direction substantially
perpendicular to the electrodes.
[0209] Although, organic materials are used for the luminescent
layers in the earlier embodiments, the materials of the luminescent
layers are not limited to organic materials. For example, inorganic
material(s) may also be used for the luminescent layers.
[0210] The anode 6, the cathode 2, the shielding layer 20 and so on
are exampled as hologram layers corresponding to the patterns of
interference fringes of holograms in the earlier embodiments. The
hologram layers are not limited to these layers. For example, the
luminescent layer 4, the hole transport layer 14, the electron
transport layer 16, and the hole injection layer 18 and so on may
also be used as the hologram layers. In addition, the hologram
layer may be formed by combining any of these layers. In short, a
hologram layer formed substantially corresponding to the patterns
of interference fringes of holograms should be disposed either on a
layer related to light emission or on an optical path for emitting
lights from the luminescent layer.
[0211] Although, patterns of holograms of a condensing lens forming
an optical element are exmapled in the earlier embodiments, the
hologram patterns of the optical element are not limited to these
patterns. Hologram patterns of other lenses such as that of a
collimator lens, a concave lens and so on may also be used as the
patterns of holograms. In addition to hologram patterns of those
lenses, hologram patterns of any other optical elements for
example, hologram patterns of mirrors such as a flat-surface
mirror, a curved-surface mirror and so on, hologram patterns of
transparent glasses, that of diffusing board such as frosted
glasses may also be used depending on the usage. Hologram patterns
combining any of these elements can also be used as the patterns of
holograms.
[0212] In the earlier embodiments, hologram patterns of the optical
elements are used as the patterns of interference fringes of
holograms, the usage of the patterns of interference fringes of
holograms is not limited to the hologram patterns of the optical
elements. It is, therefore, possible to use the patterns of
interference fringes of holograms, for example, created by a
combination of optical element(s) and another object(s), and that
created by object(s) other than the optical element(s) as the
patterns of interference fringes of holograms.
[0213] Although, the beam generators are used for the optical
pickup devices in the above-described embodiments, the usage of
those beam generators is not limited to that. As applicable items
of the beam generator, for example, barcode-readers, laser
printers, flash lights, turn signals for an automobile and other
vehicles, laser pointers using laser beams may be exampled.
[0214] Further, the usage of the surface light-emitting devices
according to the present invention is not limited to the device
used for the beam generator, it can also applicable generally to a
surface light-emitting device for an optical-input/output device,
for example, one for an image display device.
[0215] Chapter 2
[0216] FIG. 14 is a sectional view for describing the structure of
another beam generator 40 according to another embodiment of the
present invention. The beam generator 40 comprises stacked-layers
formed of a cathode 2 acting as an electrode layer, a luminescent
layer 4 and an anode 6 forming another electrode layer in that
order, the stacked-layers being located adjacent to a glass
substrate 8 forming a supporting body.
[0217] The cathode 2 is formed in a shape substantially
corresponding to the patterns of interference fringes of holograms.
The cathode 2 forms a hologram layer. In other words, arrangement
of portions 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, and so on composing the cathode 2
correspond to the patterns of interference fringes of
holograms.
[0218] Each of the portions 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, and so on composing the
cathode 2, and the anode 6 are connected to a control part 42. A DC
voltage is applied to both the portions 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, and so on,
and the anode 6 in accordance with the control of the control part
42. All the components of the beam generator 40 except for the
control part 42 form a surface light-emitting device.
[0219] In this embodiment, description of the present invention
will be made under an assumption in which the beam generator 40 is
applied to an optical pickup device. It is also assumed that
patterns of holograms of a condensing lens forming an optical
element, are used as the patterns of interference fringes of
holograms.
[0220] FIG. 15 is a plan view illustrating typical planar structure
of hologram layers (the cathode 2, in this embodiment). FIG. 16 is
a view illustrating typical patterns of interference fringes
themselves corresponding to the hologram layers shown in FIG.
15.
[0221] The hologram layer shown in FIG. 15 includes both
light-pattern 44 and dark-pattern 46. In this embodiment, the
light-pattern 44 correspond to the portions 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, and so
on, shown in FIG. 14. The dark-pattern 46 correspond to the parts
situated between the portions 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, and so on. Portions
corresponding to the light-pattern 44 shown in FIG. 15 out of the
luminescent layer 4 emit light when a DC voltage is applied between
the cathode 2 and the anode 6 shown in FIG. 14, so that portions
corresponding to the dark-pattern 46 not illuminates light.
[0222] It is known that holograms can be reproduced even with a
part of the interference fringes of the holograms. In this
embodiment, a hologram layer is formed by using patterns located
periphery (see FIG. 16) of the interference fringes of the
holograms alone.
[0223] The reason of using the peripheral patterns is described
with reference to FIG. 17. FIG. 17 is a view illustrating a typical
condition in which collimated light is directed to ordinary
transmission-type holograms HG on which a hologram pattern of the
condensing lens is formed in a direction of arrows extending from
the left-hand side to the right-hand side of the drawing.
[0224] It is known that directivity of lights after passing through
holograms HG (on the side of a light path toward the holograms HG)
depending upon the conditions of the lights before passing
therethrough (on the opposite side of the light path toward the
holograms HG) and a distance between the interference fringes of
the holograms HG.
[0225] According to the principle, directivity of lights after
passing through holograms HG receives much influence of the
conditions of the lights before passing therethrough than that
created by a distance d of the fringe because the distance d is
wider (d=d2) at vicinity of the center of fringes (bottom of FIG.
17). In this way, the directivity must directly reflect the
conditions of the lights before passing the holograms HG at
positions adjacent to the center of the fringes.
[0226] The directivity of lights after passing through holograms
HG, on the other hand, receives much influence of the distance d of
the fringes than that created by the conditions of the lights
before passing therethrough because the distance d is narrower
(d=d1) at vicinity of the periphery of fringes (top of FIG.
17).
[0227] As a consequence, directivity of lights possibly be
controlled in accordance with the distance d departing from the
conditions of the lights before passing through the hologram HG at
positions adjacent to the center of the fringes.
[0228] In other words, it is possible to realize a hologram layer
suitable for the reproduction of holograms by using the patterns
located periphery of the interference fringes of the holograms
alone.
[0229] In this embodiment, a width Ax of the light-pattern 44 is
substantially formed in a range of a wavelength of the light or
less than said range as shown in FIG. 15. As a consequence, the
width Ax of the light-pattern 44 could be narrower than that of the
interference fringes originally recorded on the hologram layers
shown in FIG. 16 in some places. The distance (pitch) d between the
light-patterns 44 is equal to a distance d between the originally
recorded interference fringes shown in FIG. 16.
[0230] The reason of narrowing the width Ax of the light-pattern 44
will be described with reference to FIG. 17. It is known that the
directivity of lights after passing through the holograms HG, also,
depending upon conditions of the lights before passing therethrough
as well as the width of transparent portions TP out of the
interference fringes of the holograms HG.
[0231] According to the theory, the directivity of lights after
passing through holograms HG receives much influence of the
conditions of the lights before passing therethrough at a
transparent portion TP having a wider width (x=x2), particularly at
a portion adjacent to the center of the interference fringes of the
holograms HG. In this way, the light directivity must be largely
influenced by the conditions of the lights before passing through
the hologram HG at the portion having a wider width x.
[0232] The light directivity, on the contrary, receives not much
influence of the conditions of the lights before passing
therethrough at a transparent portion TP having a narrower width
(x=x1), particularly at a portion located periphery of the
interference fringes of the holograms HG.
[0233] It is considered that the light directivity can be
controlled regardless of the conditions of the lights before
passing through the hologram layer if the hologram layer is formed
so as to narrow the width Ax of the light-pattern 44 as shown in
FIG. 15. In other words, a hologram layer much suitable for
reproduction of holograms may be realized.
[0234] In addition, light intensity of the holograms is reproduced
by adjusting brightness of the portions in the luminescent layer 4
corresponding to the light-pattern 44 while narrowing each
light-pattern 44 in a fixed width Ax as shown in FIG. 15 in this
embodiment.
[0235] The brightness of the portions in the luminescent layer 4
where correspond to each light-pattern 44 is controlled by
adjusting a current value flowing through the portions out of the
luminescent layer 4.
[0236] In a concrete form, the brightness of the portions where
corresponding to each light-pattern 44 is controlled by
respectively adjusting current values flowing through the
luminescent layer 4 via each of the portions 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, and so
on composing the cathode 2 in accordance with the control of the
control part 42 shown in FIG. 14. Information containing phase of
the holograms may be reproduced by allocating each light-pattern 44
(pattern element).
[0237] In this way, the hologram layer can be formed by just
allocating each of the light-patterns 44 having the fixed width
.DELTA.x at proper locations. Consequently, the hologram layer can
be formed easily. Further, the information containing light
intensity of the holograms may easily be reproduced by just
controlling current values flow through the portions out of the
luminescent layer 4 corresponding to each of the light-patterns 44.
In other words, it is possible to realize a hologram layer suitable
for the reproduction of holograms.
[0238] In order to fabricate a surface light-emitting device used
for the beam generator 40 depicted in FIG. 14, the following steps
need to be carried out. A layer made of metals and the like for
forming the cathode 2 is formed on the surface of the glass
substrate 8 by evaporation method or the like. Then, the metal
layer is patterned in a shape corresponding to the interference
fringes by etching process or the like. On the patterned metal
layer, another layer made of organic materials for forming the
luminescent layer 4 is formed by vacuum evaporation process or the
like, and another layer made of oxide materials for transparent
electrodes for forming the anode 6 is formed on the organic layer
by evaporation method.
[0239] The operation of the beam generator 40 will be described.
Electric currents, each having a predetermined value flow
respectively through the portions 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, and SQ on
composing the cathode 2. In this way, portions out of the
luminescent layer 4 between the portions 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, and so on
composing the cathode 2 and the anode 6 illuminate light.
[0240] As described earlier, allocation of the portions 2a, 2b, 2c,
2d, and so on corresponds to that of the interference fringes of
holograms on the condensing lens (see FIG. 16), and the current
values flowing through the portions 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, and so on
respectively correspond to the information containing light
intensity of the holograms of the condensing lens. As a
consequence, the light from the luminescent layer 4 is focused on
the focal point of the condensing lens as a result of proceeding
the light in a direction of optical path (a direction in which a
compact disc CD and the like is allocated) through the anode 6.
[0241] The compact disc CD is allocated at a position so that the
focal point of the condensing lens is on the recording layer (not
shown) thereof. The data recorded on the recording layer are read
out by detecting the amount of light reflected thereby.
[0242] As described above, the cathode 2 is formed in a shape
substantially corresponding to the hologram patterns of the
condensing lens. In this way, a part of the luminescent layer 4
illuminates light correspondingly to the hologram patterns of the
condensing lens by flowing appropriate electric currents through
the cathode 2 and the anode 6.
[0243] As a consequence, the surface light-emitting device alone
can be used for both the light source and the condensing lens.
Consequently, the beam generator 40 can be manufactured with
compact-profile and in reasonable cost by using the surface
light-emitting device according to the present invention.
[0244] Although, the width of the light-pattern composing the
hologram layer is substantially formed in a range of a wavelength
of the light or less than said range in the above embodiment, the
width can be formed in a range substantially exceeding the
wavelength.
[0245] Although, light intensity of the holograms is reproduced by
adjusting brightness of the portions corresponding to the
light-pattern while making each light-pattern in a fixed width in
the above embodiment, the brightness of the portions may be fixed
to a certain degree while making the width of the each
light-pattern in a width corresponding to that of the interference
fringes of the holograms originally recorded.
[0246] In the above embodiment, the hologram layer is formed alone
with a part located periphery of interference fringes of the
hologram, any other portions may also be used for forming the
hologram layer forms the hologram layer.
[0247] All the descriptions in the chapter 1 are applied to this
chapter unless otherwise they are not clearly applicable to this
chapter. For example, the description on materials of the
luminescent layer 4, the anode 6 and that of the cathode 2, each
composing the surface light-emitting device, and the description on
stacked layer structure of the device referring to FIGS. 2 through
13 may also be applicable to this chapter.
[0248] Chapter 3
[0249] FIG. 18 is a sectional view for describing the structure of
an optical pickup device 50 forming not only a light-input/output
device but also a device for monitoring reflected light using a
surface light-emitting device according the present invention. The
optical pickup device 50 comprises a stacked-layer formed of a
non-light-transparent layer 52, a cathode 2 acting as an electrode
layer, a luminescent layer 4 and an anode 6 forming another
electrode layer in that order, the stacked-layer being located
adjacent to a glass substrate 8 forming a supporting body.
[0250] The non-light-transparent layer 52 includes a plurality of
portions 52a, 52b and so on. The cathode 2 also comprises a
plurality of portions 2a, 2b and so on. The luminescent layer 4
includes a plurality of portions 4a, 4b and so on. The anode 6 is
composed of a plurality of portions 6a, 6b and so on.
[0251] The stacked-layer including the non-light-transparent layer
52, the cathode 2, the luminescent layer 4 and the anode 6 is
substantially formed in patterns corresponding to the patterns of
the interference fringes of the holograms. Three layers such as the
cathode layer 2, the luminescent layer 4 and the anode layer 6 out
of layers in the stacked-layer form the hologram layer. The
hologram patterns of the condensing lens forming the optical
element are used as the patterns of the interference fringes of the
holograms. Each of the portions 2a, 2b and so on forming the
cathode 2 and the portions 6a, 6b and so on composing the anode 6
are respectively connected a control part 54. A direct current flow
through each of the portions 2a, 2b and so on and the portions 6a,
6b and so on under the control of the control part 54. As described
earlier, the portions 52a, 52b and so on composing the
non-light-transparent layer 52 are disposed between the portions
2a, 2b and so on forming the cathode 2 and the glass substrate
8.
[0252] A detector 56 forming an optical sensor is allocated at a
position behind the glass substrate 8 (on the left-hand side in the
drawing). The detector 56 is controlled by the control part 54. The
data read out with the detector 56 is outputted externally through
the control part 54. All the components of the optical pickup
device 50 except for both the control part 54 and the detector 56
form the surface light-emitting device.
[0253] For simplicity, it is assumed that FIG. 15 is a plan view
illustrating typical planar structure of hologram layers (a
stacked-layer composed of the cathode 2, the luminescent layer 4,
and the anode 6, in this embodiment), and another assumption is
made that FIG. 16 is a typical view illustrating the patterns of
interference fringes of the holograms themselves corresponding to
the hologram layer depicted in FIG. 15.
[0254] The hologram layer depicted in FIG. 15 is composed of the
light-pattern 44 and the dark-pattern 46. In this embodiment, for
example, a stacked body composed of the portion 2a forming the
cathode 2, the portion 4a of the luminescent layer 4, and the
portion 6a forming the anode 6, and another stacked body composed
of the portion 2b of the cathode 2, the portion 4b forming the
luminescent layer 4, and the portion 6a of the anode 6, and so on
depicted in FIG. 18 form the light-pattern 44. On the other hand,
the portions between the stacked bodies form the dark-pattern 46.
As a consequence, both the light-pattern 44 and the dark-pattern 46
make patterns corresponding to the hologram patterns of the
condensing lens.
[0255] The portion corresponding to the light-pattern 44
illuminates light and that corresponding to the dark-pattern 46 not
illuminates light when a direct voltage is applied between the
cathode 2 and the anode 6 shown in FIG. 18, both the portions being
depicted in FIG. 15.
[0256] In addition, the light from the luminescent layer 4 travels
in a forward-direction (on the right-hand side in the drawing) to
the optical path but not proceeds in a backward-direction thereto
because the non-light-transparent layer 52 is disposed at the
portions corresponding to the light-pattern 44. On the contrary,
the light penetrates the portions corresponding to the dark pattern
46 and travels in the backward-direction because none of the
non-light-transparent layer 52 is formed thereon.
[0257] In order to fabricate a surface light-emitting device
composing the pickup device 50 depicted in FIG. 18, the following
steps need to be carried out. A layer made of metal and the like
which is used for the non-light-transparent layer 52 is formed on
the surface of the glass substrate 8, and then another layer made
of metal and the like which is used the cathode 2 is disposed
thereon by evaporation method or the like. These metal layers thus
formed are patterned in a shape corresponding to the interference
fringes by carrying out etching process or the like. On the
patterned metal layers, another layer made of organic material(s)
for forming the luminescent layer 4 and another layer made of oxide
material(s) for transparent electrodes for forming the anode 6 are
formed by vacuum evaporation method or evaporation method and
similar method by utilizing a shadow mask(s) or the like.
[0258] Subsequently, the operation of the pickup device 50 will be
described with reference to FIG. 18. Electric currents each having
a predetermined value respectively flow between the portions 2a, 2b
and so on composing the cathode 2 and the portions 6a, 6b and so on
forming the anode 6. In this way, each of the portions 4a, 4b and
so on composing the luminescent layer 4 illuminate the light.
[0259] As described earlier, allocation of the portions 4a, 4b and
so on composing the luminescent layer 4 corresponds to that of the
interference fringes of holograms on the condensing lens (see FIG.
16), and the current values flowing through the portions 4a, 4b and
so on respectively correspond to the information containing light
intensity of the holograms of the condensing lens. As a
consequence, the light from the luminescent layer 4 (indicated as
solid lines in FIG. 18) is focused on the focal point of the
condensing lens as a result of traveling the light in a direction
of optical path (a direction in which a compact disc CD and the
like is allocated) through the anode 6. The light from the
luminescent layer 4 never travels in a backward-direction (to the
left-hand side in the drawing) to the optical path because of the
existence of the non-light-transparent layer 52 as described
earlier.
[0260] The compact disc CD is allocated at a position so that the
focal point of the condensing lens is focused on the recording
layer (not shown) thereof. The reflected light from the recording
layer (indicated as dotted lines in FIG. 18) travels in the
backward-direction to the optical path and returns to the hologram
layer. A part of the reflected light pass through the dark-pattern
46 and further travels in the backward-direction to the optical
path.
[0261] As described earlier, not only the light-patter 46, but also
the dark-pattern 46 are patterns corresponding to the hologram
patterns of the condensing lens. The reflected light passing
through the dark-pattern 46 is focused on another focal pint of the
condensing lens located in the backward-direction to the optical
path of the hologram layer. The detector 56 is disposed at a
position so that the optical sensing portion thereof (not shown) is
situated on the focal point. The data recorded on the recording
layer of the CD and other data recording mediums are read out by
detecting the amount of light reflected thereby with the detector
56.
[0262] The stacked layer composed of the cathode 2, the luminescent
later 4, and anode 6, is used as the hologram layer while the light
once emitted is returns through the hologram layer in this
embodiment.
[0263] In this way, the light source, lens and the half mirror can
be replaced with just the surface light-emitting device by making
the patterns of interference fringes of holograms with the hologram
patterns of optical elements such as lens, for example. In other
words, the optical pickup device 50 can be manufactured with
compact-profile and in reasonable cost by using the surface
light-emitting device according to the present invention.
Followings are features of the surface light-emitting device used
in this embodiment: the hologram layer is composed of the
light-pattern 44 and the dark-pattern 46; the light travels in a
forward-direction to the optical path but not travels in a
backward-direction thereto at the portions corresponding to the
light-pattern 44; and the light travels in the backward-direction
to the optical path at the portions corresponding to the
dark-pattern 46.
[0264] The light emitted from the light-pattern 44 only travels in
the forward-direction and reflected by the recording layer of the
CD. The reflected light passes through the dark-pattern 46 and
travels to the backward-direction of the optical path. As a
consequence, the pickup device 50 with compact-profile and in
reasonable cost can easily be realized by composing the hologram
layer with both the light-pattern 44 and the dark-pattern 46
described above.
[0265] Further, the non-light-transparent layer 52 formed in a
shape corresponding to the light-pattern 44, is disposed at a
position in the backward-direction of the optical path of the
cathode 2.
[0266] In this way, leakage of the light from the light-pattern 44
in the backward-direction may certainly be avoided. Under the
circumstances, any electrode material(s) for the cathode 2 having
superior capabilities of electric charge-injection and formability
may be selected without concerning the capability of light
shielding of the cathode 2.
[0267] The structure of the surface light-emitting device capable
of applying to the present invention is not limited to that shown
in FIG. 18.
[0268] FIGS. 19A through 19C are sectional views showing examples
of the structures of other surface light-emitting devices
applicable to the present invention. The structure of a surface
light-emitting device depicted in FIG. 19 A is the surface
light-emitting device removing the non-light-transparent layer 52
from the device shown in FIG. 18.
[0269] The cathode 2 of the surface light-emitting device is made
of material(s), which is hard to pass through light. In this way,
the structure of the surface light-emitting device may be
simplified.
[0270] The structure of a surface light-emitting device depicted in
FIG. 19B is similar to that of the device shown in FIG. 19A in view
of forming the cathode 2 with material(s) which is hard to pass
through light, but the surface light-emitting device shown in FIG.
19B includes both a luminescent layer 4 and an anode 6 each formed
as a complete layer. In this way, layers can further be formed
easily and accurately in a shape corresponding to the patterns of
interference fringes of holograms because no patterning of the
layers except for the cathode 2 is required. In this case, the
cathode 2 corresponds to the hologram layer. Further, the
luminescent layer 4 has a certain transparency.
[0271] In a surface light-emitting device depicted in FIG. 19C, a
luminescent layer 4 is used as the hologram layer. In other words,
the luminescent layer 4 is formed in a shape corresponding to the
patterns of interference fringes of holograms. Both the cathode 2
and the anode 6 are electrodes having transparency.
[0272] A non-light-transparent layer 52 is disposed at a position
in the backward-direction to the optical path via the cathode 2.
The arrangement of the non-light-transparent layer 52 is exactly
the same as that of the luminescent layer 4.
[0273] All the description in the earlier chapters may be applied
to this chapter unless otherwise they are not clearly applicable to
this chapter. For example, the description on materials of the
luminescent layer 4, the anode 6 and that of the cathode 2, each
composing the surface light-emitting device, and the description on
layered structure of the device with FIGS. 2 through 4, FIGS. 9
through 12, and FIGS. 15 through 17 may also be applicable to this
chapter.
[0274] Chapter 4
[0275] FIG. 20 is a sectional view for describing the structure of
far another beam generator 60 forming a light-input/output device
using a surface light-emitting device according to another
embodiment of the present invention. The beam generator 60
comprises a stacked-layer formed of a cathode 2 acting as an
electrode layer, a luminescent layer 4 and an anode 6 forming
another electrode layer in that order, the stacked-layer being
located adjacent to a glass substrate 8 forming a supporting body.
The cathode 2 forming the hologram layer is composed of portions
2a, 2b, 2c, 2d and so on. Each of the portions 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d and
so on respectively forms element region (element electrode).
[0276] FIG. 22 is an exploded perspective view of the beam
generator 60 for describing the structure thereof. As apparent from
FIG. 22, all the portions 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d and so on are formed
identical in shape and are allocated in matrix manner. The portions
2a, 2b, 2c and so on are formed on the glass substrate 8, and
thin-Film-Transistor (TFT) circuits 64a, 64b and so on are disposed
on the glass substrate 8 correspondingly to the portions 2a, 2b,
2c, 2d and so on. The TFT circuits 64a, 64b and so on form a
storing part.
[0277] Selection lines SL0, SL1 and so on for selecting rows in the
matrix composed of the portions 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d and so on and data
lines for providing information containing brightness of the
portions 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d and so on, are further arranged on the
glass substrate 8.
[0278] FIG. 23 is a circuit diagram showing a part of the circuits
in the beam generator 60. The TFT circuit 64a includes a total of
two transistors and one capacitor. Electric charges corresponding
to information containing its brightness provided through the data
line DL0, are stored in the capacitor while flowing an electric
current corresponding to the information through a portion
corresponding to the portion 2a out of the luminescent layer 4 when
the selection line SL0 is selected. In this way, the portion
corresponding to the portion 2a illuminates light under the
brightness responding to the information provided through the data
line DL0. The corresponding portion maintains its brightness for a
predetermined time period (at least a period until selection of all
the selection lines of the surface light-emitting device is
completed) because of the function of the capacitor even when the
selection of the selection line SL0 is cancelled. The remaining TFT
circuits 64b and so on have the same structure as well as the same
function to that of the TFT circuit 64a.
[0279] As a consequence, portions in the luminescent layer 4
corresponding to each of the portions 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, and so on
composing a row belong to the selection line SL0 simultaneously
illuminate in a predetermined brightness while maintaining their
brightness. Thereafter, the portions corresponding to the selection
line SL1 out of the luminescent layer 4 simultaneously illuminate
in the predetermined brightness when the selection line SL1 is in
selection.
[0280] In this way, the number of portions illuminating light in
the luminescent layer 4 is sequentially increased under the basis
of the portion corresponding to one complete selection line. The
portions in the luminescent layer 4 corresponding to all the
portions 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d and so on of the cathode 2 simultaneously
illuminate in the predetermined brightness (could be brightness at
0, in other words, there are portions show no illumination) when
all the selection lines are selected.
[0281] Reproduction of the holograms can be assured by
simultaneously illuminating each of the portions corresponding to
the portions 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d and so on where brightness thereof are
previously determined corresponding to the interference fringes of
a desired hologram.
[0282] A control part 62 depicted in FIG. 20 comprises the TFT
circuits 64a, 64b and so on. The control part 62 is designed so as
to provide information containing brightness corresponding to one
of the selected patterns out of more than one patterns of
interference fringes to the TFT circuits 64a, 64b and so on. A
direct voltage is applied between each of the portions 2a, 2b, 2c,
2d and so on composing the cathode 2 and the anode 6 in accordance
with the control of the control part 62. All the components of the
beam generator 60 except for the control part 62 form the surface
light-emitting device.
[0283] In this embodiment, a plotting device using the beam
generator 60 will be described. Under the circumstances, it is
assumed that plurality hologram patterns of the condensing lens
forming an optical element, are prepared as the patterns of
interference fringes of holograms.
[0284] Each of the patterns of holograms is designed so as to
locate the focal point of the emitted light from the beam generator
60 on any desired point of grid points GR defined on a
photosensitive plate SP included in the device depicted in FIG. 20.
The focal point of the emitted light can be located any desired
point of the grid points GR by selecting an appropriate hologram
pattern and then emitting light.
[0285] It is known that using even a part of the interference
fringes of the holograms may reproduce the holograms. In this
embodiment, the holograms are reproduced by using even a part
located periphery of the interference fringes. As a consequence,
the holograms can be reproduced much accurately as described above
(see FIG. 17).
[0286] Further, the maximum width of each of the portions 2a, 2b,
2c, 2d and so on respectively for meters through 100
nano-meters.
[0287] It is considered that the light directivity can be
controlled regardless of the conditions of the lights before
passing through the hologram layer if the hologram layer is formed
so as to narrow the maximum width of the element regions (see FIG.
17). In other words, a hologram layer much suitable for
reproduction of holograms may be realized.
[0288] In order to fabricate the beam generator 60 shown in FIG.
20, the following steps need to be carried out. A layer made of
metals and the like for forming the cathode 2 is formed on the
surface of the glass substrate 8 by evaporation method or the like.
Then, the metal layer is patterned in a shape corresponding to the
interference fringes by etching process or the like. On the
patterned metal layer, another layer made of organic materials for
forming the luminescent layer 4 is formed by vacuum evaporation
process or the like, and another layer made of oxide materials for
transparent electrodes for forming the anode 6 is formed on the
organic layer by evaporation method.
[0289] Subsequently, the operation of the beam generator 60 will be
described hereunder. Detailed operation thereof, to print an
alphabetical character "F" shown in FIG. 24, is exampled. For
simplicity, it is assumed that a total of 96 dots from points P
(1,1) through P (12,8) in maximum (12 longitudinal dots by 8
lateral dots) are required to do so. Each of the pitches defined
among the points P (1,1) through P (12,8) corresponds to that
defined among the grid points GR shown in FIG. 20.
[0290] In order to print the character "F", a total of 34 dots
(shown as black dots in the drawing) out of the 96 dots such as
from points P (2,2) through P (11, 3) are used.
[0291] As described earlier, the patterns of holograms of the
condensing lens thus prepared are designed so as to locate the
focal point of the emitted light from the beam generator 60 on any
desired dots of grid points GR defined on a photosensitive plate SP
included in the device depicted in FIG. 20. The surface of the
photosensitive plate SP is precharged and the electric charges on a
certain part are eliminated when the light is emitted to the
part.
[0292] At first, the control part 62 shown in FIG. 20 selects a
hologram pattern by which the focal point of the emitted light is
located on a grip point GR corresponding to the point P (2,2) (see
FIG. 24). Then, electric currents corresponding to the selected
hologram pattern respectively flow through each of the portions 2a,
2b, 2c, 2d, and so on composing the cathode 2 in accordance with
the control of the control part 62.
[0293] As a consequence, the parts in the luminescent layer 4
interposed between the portions 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, and so on and the
anode 6 illuminates light correspondingly to the selected hologram
pattern. The light illuminated from the luminescent layer 4 travels
in a forward-direction (a direction in which the photosensitive
plate SP is allocated) through the anode 6, and then the light is
focused on the grid point GR corresponding to the point P (2,2)
(see FIG. 24). In this way, a grid point GR corresponding to the
point P (2,2) can be exposed.
[0294] Subsequently, the control part 62 selects another hologram
pattern by which the focal point of the emitted light is located on
another grid point GR corresponding to the point P (2,3) shown in
FIG. 24. By carrying similar steps to the exposure of the grid
point GR corresponding to the point P (2,2), the grid point GR
corresponding to the point P (2,3) shown in FIG. 24 is exposed. All
the grid points corresponding to the points P (2,4) through P (11,
3) shown in FIG. 24 are expected by performing the similar steps
described earlier.
[0295] As a consequence, electric charges on the grid points GR
defined on the photosensitive plate SP composing the character "F"
can be eliminated.
[0296] Thereafter, toner is attracted onto a certain area of the
photosensitive plate SP in accordance with the presence of electric
charges thereon, so that the character "F" may be printed on the
printing paper and the like.
[0297] In the embodiment described above, the cathode 2 is formed
as a hologram layer capable of corresponding to the hologram
pattern of the condensing lens while emitting light through a
predetermined optical path as a result of selecting one of hologram
patterns provided to the beam generator, the emitted light
corresponding to the selected hologram pattern. In this way, the
beam generator 60 alone functions as both the light source and the
condensing lens.
[0298] In the above embodiment, location of the focal point can be
moved easily on a two-dimensional basis by selecting one of the
hologram patterns out of more than one hologram patterns of the
condensing lens. By constructing that way, no mechanical components
for mechanical movements such as polygon mirror(s) and
photosensitive drum are required. Consequently, the focal point can
be moved easily and speedy on a two-dimensional basis.
[0299] Further, in the conventional type laser printer using both
the polygon mirror and the photo-conductive drum, light need to be
scanned all over the drum even to the grid points where no exposure
is required. Under the circumstances, a longer period of time is
spent for the exposure than it actually required therefor if not
many grid points to be exposed are existed on the drum. In the
embodiment described above, on the contrary, the exposure can be
performed by just selecting a hologram pattern capable of focusing
the light on each of the grid points to be exposed, so that an
exact time period required for the exposure is spent therefor. In
this way, a less time period than that required by the conventional
one is spent for the exposure, so that the exposure can be
performed speedy.
[0300] In other words, a plotting device characterizing a
lightweight, lower-profile, lower-cost, and high-speed operation
with durability may be realized by utilizing the beam generator
60.
[0301] Further, in the embodiment described above, the hologram
layer is composed of portions 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, and so on (element
regions), and brightness of portions in the luminescent layer 4
corresponding to each of the element regions is determined
correspondingly to the hologram pattern of the condensing lens
while illuminating the portions in the luminescent layer 4 in the
predetermined brightness.
[0302] In this way, a plotting device capable of using a variety of
hologram patterns of a condensing lens can be manufactured by just
using one single beam generator 60 by carrying out the following
steps: 1) forming the element regions in a simple shape used
various purposes, and 2) correspondingly determining brightness of
the portions in the luminescent layer 4 corresponding to each of
the element regions to the hologram pattern of the condensing lens
thus selected. As a consequence, the focal point can be moved
flexibly on a two-dimensional basis in the former example.
[0303] In addition, pluralities of the element regions are
substantially disposed in a matrix manner in this embodiment. As a
result of forming the beam generator in that way, a plotting device
capable of using more variety of hologram patterns of the
condensing lens can be manufactured by just using one single beam
generator 60 by utilizing the element regions disposed in a matrix
manner which can be applied more wide variety purposes.
Consequently, the focal point can further be moved flexibly on a
two-dimensional basis in the former example.
[0304] Further, in the embodiment described above, information
containing light intensity of the holograms is reproduced in
accordance with brightness of the portions in the luminescent layer
4 where corresponding to the element regions. In this case,
information containing phase of the holograms may be reproduced in
accordance with positions of the element regions corresponding to
the portions under an illumination-state in the luminescent layer
4. In this way, the holograms can be reproduced by varying the
brightness of the portions corresponding to the element regions in
the luminescent layer 4.
[0305] In addition, brightness of the portions in the luminescent
layer 4 corresponding to the element regions is respectively
controlled by adjusting current values flowing through the portions
in the luminescent layer 4 corresponding to each of the element
regions in this embodiment. In this way, information containing
light intensity of the holograms can easily be reproduced by just
adjusting the current values. Consequently, reproduction of the
holograms can easily be performed.
[0306] Further, the portions in the luminescent layer 4
corresponding to the element regions are controlled so as to turn
into an illumination-state corresponding to the determined
brightness substantially at the same time. In this way,
reproduction of the holograms can be performed with certainty.
[0307] Still further, the portions in the luminescent layer 4
corresponding to the element regions are capable of maintaining
their illumination-state, and the corresponding portions under a
row basis of the matrix are controlled so as to sequentially turn
into the illumination-state corresponding to the determined
brightness and to maintain the illumination-state in the
above-described embodiment.
[0308] In this way, the portions in the luminescent layer 4
corresponding to the element regions are simultaneously turned into
an illumination-state corresponding to the determined brightness at
the end of scanning for all the lines by sequentially scanning the
portions in the luminescent layer 4 corresponding to the element
regions under the row basis. Consequently, reproduction of the
holograms can easily be performed with certainty.
[0309] Yet further, the plotting device described earlier is a
plotting device using the beam generator 60 and is characterized in
that, a pattern is plotted with beams corresponding to the pattern
to be plotted which are generated in sequential manner. In this
way, a plotting device characterizing lightweight, lower-profile,
lower-cost, and high-speed operation with durability may be
realized.
[0310] Further, the TFT circuits 64a, 64b, and so on for
respectively storing current values flowing through the luminescent
layer corresponding to each of the element regions are provided in
the embodiment described earlier. In this way, illumination-state
of each portion corresponding to each element region can be
maintained by just storing the current values. Consequently,
simultaneous illumination corresponding to the determined
brightness of the portions in the luminescent layer 4 corresponding
to the element region can further be carried out easily.
[0311] Although, the beam generator 60 capable of applying to the
plotting device using a photosensitive plate SP is described in the
earlier embodiment, the present invention is not limited to that.
The beam generator according to the present invention may also be
applied to another plotting device using a photosensitive drum SD
depicted in FIG. 43 instead of the photosensitive plate SP.
[0312] FIG. 25 is a sectional view for describing the structure of
another beam generator 66 according to another embodiment of the
present invention. The structure of the beam generator 66 is almost
the same to that of the beam generator 60 shown in FIG. 20.
Although, the focal point of the light is moved on a
two-dimensional basis in the beam generator 60, the focal point of
the emitted light is moved only on one-dimensional basis in the
beam generator 66.
[0313] In other words, the hologram patterns designed so as to
locate the focal point of the emitted light on any desired point of
grid points GR on the photosensitive plate SP are prepared as
hologram patterns of the condensing lens in the beam generator 60
depicted in FIG. 20. However, hologram patterns designed so as to
locate the focal point of the emitted light on any desired point of
a scanning line SL defined on the photosensitive drum SD are
prepared as hologram patterns of the condensing lens in the beam
generator 66 shown in FIG. 25.
[0314] In this way, light focused with the condensing lens may be
directed to any desired point of the scanning line SL by generating
the light after selecting the hologram pattern in an appropriate
manner.
[0315] In this case, the light can be directed to any desired point
on the drum SD by rotating the drum SD in direction shown as
R3.
[0316] As a consequence, electric charges on the drum SD
corresponding to the points P (2, 2) through P (11, 3) (see FIG.
24) composing the character "F" can be eliminated.
[0317] Thereafter, toner is attracted onto a certain area of the
photosensitive drum SD in accordance with the presence of electric
charges thereon, so that the character "F" may be printed on a
printing paper and the like.
[0318] Although, the maximum width of each element region may be in
a range of 10 nano-meters through 100 nano-meters in the
embodiments described earlier, the maximum width of the element
regions may also be defined either of a range less than 10
nano-meters or greater than 100 nano-meters.
[0319] The surface light-emitting devices composed of a plurality
of element regions disposed in a matrix manner and including TFT
circuits are exampled in the embodiments described above. The
present invention is not limited to the surface light-emitting
device including the TFT circuits. In addition, the present
invention is not limited to the surface light-emitting devices
composed of a plurality of element regions disposed in a matrix
manner.
[0320] Still further, information containing light intensity of the
holograms is reproduced in accordance with the brightness of the
portions corresponding to the element regions in the devices
described in the above. The information may be reproduced by the
number of the element regions illuminating light under the
condition that the portions corresponding to the element regions
are made to certain brightness.
[0321] Yet further, the portions corresponding to the element
regions are controlled so as to sequentially turn into the
illumination-state corresponding to the determined brightness and
to maintain the illumination-state in the embodiments described
earlier. The corresponding portions can be controlled so as to turn
into an illumination-state corresponding to the determined
brightness substantially at the same time.
[0322] Although, the holograms are reproduced by using only a part
located periphery of the interference fringes in the embodiment
described above, the holograms can also be reproduced by using
other part of the fringes.
[0323] The structure of the surface light-emitting device
applicable to the present invention is not limited to that depicted
in FIG. 20. For example, the surface light-emitting devices having
the structures shown in FIGS. 5A through 6B, and a surface
light-emitting device having another structure depicted in FIG. 21
may also be applied to the present invention.
[0324] In the surface light-emitting devices shown in FIGS. 5A
through 6B, the hologram layer is composed either of the anode 6 or
the cathode 2. In this way, the element regions can be formed
easily and appropriately because formation of a certain kind of
electrodes such as the anode 6 or the cathode 2 is relatively
easier than others.
[0325] In the surface light-emitting device depicted in FIG. 21, a
shielding layer 20 forming the hologram layer is provided at a
position outside of the luminescent layer 4, and the light from the
luminescent layer 4 is emitted through the shielding layer 20.
[0326] In this way, the light corresponding to the shape of the
element regions can be emitted by passing the emitted light through
the shielding layer 20 used as a mask. Material(s) for forming the
shielding layer 20 may be selected from a wide variety of materials
capable of easily forming the layer because not much restriction is
existed for the materials of the layer. Consequently, the element
regions can be formed easily and appropriately.
[0327] There is no specific restriction on the material(s) of the
shielding layer 20, so that liquid crystal or similar material(s)
may be used therefor. In the case of using liquid crystal for the
shielding layer, the orientation of molecular should be conducted
for each of portions 20a, 20b, 20c and so on of the layer 20 so as
to correspond to the hologram pattern.
[0328] The structure of the surface light-emitting device shown in
FIG. 21 is characterized in that the anode 6 is formed as a
transparent electrode layer while providing the shielding layer 20
at a position outside of the anode 6.
[0329] In this manner, the entire portion of the luminescent layer
4 illuminates by applying a voltage between the anode 6 and the
cathode 2, so that a part of the resulting light can be emitted by
using the shielding layer 20 forming the hologram layer as a mask.
Consequently, light reproduced with high fidelity to the patterns
of interference fringes may be obtained.
[0330] In the surface light-emitting device depicted in FIG. 21, a
glass substrate 8 having transparency is disposed at a position
outside of the shielding layer 20, and the light from the
luminescent layer 4 is emitted through the anode 6, the shielding
layer 20 and the glass substrate 8.
[0331] In this way, the shielding layer 8 forming the hologram
layer can be formed on the glass substrate 8 after preparing the
glass substrate 8 having transparency. Consequently, the element
regions can be formed easily and appropriately.
[0332] Although, more than one pattern of interference fringes are
prepared and light corresponding to one of patterns selected is
emitted through the predetermined optical path in the embodiments
described earlier, the present invention may be applicable to a
surface light-emitting device preparing just one pattern of
interference fringes.
[0333] All the descriptions in the chapters described earlier are
applied to this chapter unless otherwise they are not clearly
applicable to this chapter. For example, the descriptions on
materials of the luminescent layer 4, the anode 6 and that of the
cathode 2, each composing the surface light-emitting devices, and
the descriptions on stacked layer structure of the devices
referring to FIGS. 2 through 6, FIGS. 9 through 13, and FIG. 17 may
also be applicable to this chapter.
[0334] Chapter 5
[0335] Subsequently, FIG. 26 is a view for describing the structure
of a barcode reader 70 (light scanning and reading device)
according to another embodiment of the present invention. The
barcode reader 70 comprises a beam generator 71, a half-mirror 74,
a lens 76, and a detector 78.
[0336] The beam generator 71 in the reader, has almost the same
structure to that of the beam generator 60 described earlier (see
FIG. 20), patterns of holograms of a condensing lens forming an
optical element are prepared as the patterns of interference
fringes of holograms.
[0337] In the beam generator 71, however, has a hologram pattern by
which the focal point of the light emitted from the beam generator
71 is located on any of points of a scanning line SL defined on bar
codes BC shown in FIG. 26 unlike to the earlier described beam
generator 60 having a hologram pattern by which the focal point of
the light emitted therefrom is located on any desired point of grid
points GR defined on a photosensitive plate SP included in the
device depicted in FIG. 20.
[0338] In this way, the light thus focused can be sequentially
directed to the points on the scanning line SL defined on the bar
codes BC along with a predetermined scanning direction by selecting
appropriate hologram patterns of the condensing lens in accordance
with the function of a control part 72 while emitting the
light.
[0339] The structure of the beam generator 71 except for the
control part 72 is exactly the same to that of the beam generator
60 shown in FIG. 20.
[0340] Subsequently, the operation of the barcode reader 70 will be
described hereunder. As described above, all the pluralities of the
hologram pattern of the condensing lens are patterns by which the
focal point of the light emitted from the beam generator 71 is
located on any of points of a scanning line SL defined on bar codes
BC shown in FIG. 26.
[0341] The control part 72 depicted FIG. 26 controls other
components so as to sequentially direct the light focused to the
points on the scanning line SL defined on the bar codes BC along
with the scanning direction. In other words, a part of the light
emitted from the beam generator 71 is focused to the points on the
scanning line SL defined on the bar codes BC sequentially as a
result of passing through the half-mirror 74.
[0342] A part of the light reflected by the barcodes BC reaches to
the detector 78 as a result of being focused with the lens 76 after
reflecting the reflected light with the half-mirror 74. The data
recorded on the barcodes BC are read out with the detector 78 by
detecting the amount of light detected thereby sequentially.
[0343] For the record purpose, a conceptual view for describing an
example of a prior art barcode reader BR is shown in FIG. 27. The
prior art barcode reader BR comprises a laser diode LD, a
half-mirror HM, a rotary plate RD, and a detector S. A plurality of
holograms HG1, HG2 and so on are installed on the same
circumference of the plate RD. Further, the reader is designed to
rotate the plate RD in a direction R1.
[0344] All the holograms are formed in accordance with the hologram
pattern of a condensing lens. The reader is designed to focus the
lights passing through the holograms HG1, HG2 and so on, on the
scanning line SL defined on the bar codes BC shown in FIG. 27
sequentially with a predetermined scanning direction when the
lights emitted from the laser diode LD respectively pass through
the holograms in a sequence of the holograms HG1, HG2 and so
on.
[0345] In other words, the laser beams emitted from the laser diode
LD and then passing through the half-mirror HM are respectively
focused on the points of the scanning line SL defined on the
barcode BC through the holograms HG1, HG2 and so on installed on
the plate RD in a sequential manner.
[0346] A part of the laser beams reflected by the barcodes BC
return to the half-mirror HM via the holograms HG1, HG2 and so on.
The lights thus returned travel to the detector S as a result of
the reflection with the half-mirror HM. The code printed as the
barcode BC is read out with the detector S by detecting the amount
of light detected thereby.
[0347] The prior art barcode reader, however, has the following
problems to solve. The plate RD installing the hologram HG1, HG2
and so on is rotated mechanically in the barcode reader BR. It is,
therefore, neither possible to operate the reader at high-speed nor
to assure its durability. To make the matter worse, it is hard to
make the reader compact and to manufacture it with a low
manufacturing cost.
[0348] The barcode reader 70 shown in FIG. 26 is a barcode reader
which solve the above-mentioned problems as well as realizing the
following features such as lightweight, compact-profile,
reasonable-cost highly durable, yet capable of operating at a high
speed.
[0349] Beams are moved along with the scanning line SL by
sequentially generating the beams, the focal point of which is
located on any desired point of the scanning line SL without
carrying out mechanical movement of the components in the barcode
reader 70 depicted in FIG. 26. In this way, a lightweight,
compact-profile, low-cost barcode reader capable of operating at a
high-speed with durability can be realized.
[0350] Although, the barcode reader in which just one scanning line
SL being defined has been described in this embodiment, the present
invention may be applied to a barcode reader including more than
one scanning lines SL, the scanning lines SL, for example, three
lines SL being separately defined at 120 degree with one another.
In this case, the barcode reader sequentially scans these scanning
lines SL according to the function of the control part 72 depicted
FIG. 26.
[0351] FIG. 28 is a sectional view for describing the structure of
another beam generator 80 forming an optical-input/output device
using the surface light-emitting device according to another
embodiment of the present invention. The beam generator 80, has
almost the same structure to that of the beam generator 60
described earlier (see FIG. 20), and patterns of holograms of a
lens forming an optical element are prepared as the patterns of
interference fringes of holograms.
[0352] In the beam generator 80, however, has hologram patterns by
which the light emitted from the beam generator 80 has different
radiation degree unlike to the earlier described beam generator 60
having a hologram pattern by which the focal point of the light
emitted therefrom is located on any desired point of the grid
points GR defined on a photosensitive plate SP included in the
device depicted in FIG. 20.
[0353] Upon selecting a desired beam with a beam-selecting switch
(not shown), a control part 82 performs a series operation as the
followings; 1) selecting a hologram pattern appropriates for the
desired beam and then 2) controlling so as to emit light. In this
way, beams having different radiation degrees can be obtained
depending upon its purpose with the beam generator 80 alone.
[0354] The structure of the beam generator 80 except for the
control part 82 that is corresponding to a surface light-emitting
device is exactly the same to that of the beam generator 60 shown
in FIG. 20.
[0355] The usage of the beam generator 80 is not limited to any
particular purposes, it may be applicable to the followings, for
example, laser pointers, signals for an automobile and other
vehicles, flashlights and the like.
[0356] The surface light-emitting devices composed of a plurality
of element regions disposed in a matrix manner and including TFT
circuits are exampled in the embodiments described earlier. The
present invention is neither limited to the surface light-emitting
device including the TFT circuits nor to the surface light-emitting
device composed of a plurality of element regions disposed in a
matrix manner.
[0357] For example, a surface light-emitting device shown in FIG.
29 can be used for the surface light-emitting device for the beam
generator 80 depicted in FIG. 28. The surface light-emitting device
shown in FIG. 29 comprises a plurality of element regions 84
(corresponding to the portions 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d and so on shown in
FIG. 28) substantially disposed in a concentric manner unlike to
the element regions being allocated in matrix manner (the portions
2a, 2b, 2c, 2d and so on depicted in FIG. 22) shown in FIG. 22.
[0358] In this embodiment, each of the element regions 84 depicted
in FIG. 29 is formed in a range of 10 nano-meters through 100
nano-meters in width. Further, information containing light
intensity of the holograms is reproduced in accordance with
brightness of the portions corresponding to the regions 84 by
forming the width of the regions 84 and its distance in fixed
manner in this embodiment.
[0359] For example, a control part 86 controls which one of the
element regions 84 depicted in FIG. 29 should be turn on and which
one of he element regions 84 should be turn off. By changing the
element regions 84 illuminating light, hologram patterns for
plurality kinds of lens can be realized. In this case, beams having
different radiation degrees can be obtained with the hologram
patterns shown in FIGS. 30A and 30B.
[0360] As described above, the beam generator 80 in this embodiment
is composed of the surface light-emitting device including a
plurality of the element patterns 84 disposed in a concentric
manner. In this way, beams having various modes and different focal
points can be realized by using just one surface light-emitting
device as a result of correspondingly determining brightness of the
portions corresponding to each of the element regions 84 disposed
in a concentric manner depending upon the interference fringes of
the selected hologram.
[0361] Further, the surface light-emitting device in this
embodiment, each of the element regions 84 is formed in a range of
10 nano-meters through 100 nano-meters in width. In this way, the
element regions 84 each having a very narrow in width can be
realized. Although, the directivity of lights after passing through
the hologram is largely influenced by both the conditions of the
lights before passing through the hologram and the width of the
element regions 84 composing the hologram layer, the directivity
receives not much influence of the conditions of the lights before
passing therethrough if the width of the element regions 84 is
formed in narrower in width.
[0362] It is considered that the light directivity can be
controlled regardless of the conditions of the lights before
passing through the hologram layer by forming the hologram layer
with the element regions 84 having a very narrow width. In other
words, a hologram layer much suitable for reproduction of holograms
may be realized.
[0363] Further, the surface light-emitting device in this
embodiment, the information containing light intensity of the
holograms is reproduced in accordance with brightness of the
portions corresponding to the regions 84 while forming the width of
the regions 84 in fixed manner. As a consequence, the regions 84
formed in a fixed width can easily form a hologram layer capable of
using various purposes.
[0364] In this case, information containing phase of the holograms
may be reproduced in accordance with positions of the element
regions corresponding to the portions under an illumination-state
in the element regions 84. In this way, the holograms can be
reproduced by varying the brightness of the element regions 84.
[0365] Although, the surface light-emitting device comprising a
plurality of the element regions 84 disposed in a concentric manner
is described in the embodiment described above, a surface
light-emitting device comprising a plurality of the element regions
84 each having a part substantially formed in circular arc shape
may be formed. Here, the element regions 84 each having a part
substantially circular arc shape includes a concept in which the
element region 84 formed in an oval shaped is included therein. By
forming the element regions 84 in that shape, beams not only having
different focal points but also capable of directing the beams in
different directions having various modes can be realized.
[0366] Alternatively, each of the element regions 84 is formed in a
range of 10 nano-meters through 100 nano-meters in width in the
embodiment described above, the width of the light-pattern may be
formed in less than 10 nano-meters or more than 100 nano-meters in
width.
[0367] In the embodiment described above, though the width of each
of the element regions 84 is formed in fixed manner, the width of
each region 84 may be formed differently.
[0368] Although, the portions corresponding to the element regions
are controlled so as to turn into an illumination-state
corresponding to the determined brightness substantially at the
same time in the embodiments described earlier, the portions
corresponding to the element regions may be controlled so as to
turn into the illumination-state corresponding to the determined
brightness not substantially at the same time.
[0369] Further, a plurality of element regions capable of using
various purposes are used for the hologram layer in the embodiments
described earlier, the hologram layer may not be formed with such
regions capable of using various purposes. The hologram layer also
may be formed with dedicated pattern regions correspondingly formed
with the patterns of the interference fringes corresponding to
predetermined beams. In such a case, a desired beam can be obtained
by illuminating one of the dedicated pattern regions.
[0370] The beam generators are applied to the following items such
as plotting devices, barcode-readers, light pointers, turn signals
for an automobile and other vehicles, flash lights in the
embodiments described earlier. The usage of the beam generator is
not limited to these devices, it can also applicable to an
optical-pickup device and the like, for example.
[0371] All the description in the earlier chapters may be applied
to this chapter unless otherwise they are not clearly applicable to
this chapter. For example, the description on materials of the
luminescent layer 4, the anode vice 6 and that of the cathode 2,
each composing the surface light-emitting device, and the
description on layered structure of the device with FIGS. 2 through
6, FIGS. 9 through 13, FIG. 17 and FIGS. 21 through 23 may also be
applicable to this chapter.
[0372] Chapter 6
[0373] FIG. 31 is a sectional view for describing the structure of
an image display device 90 using a surface light-emitting device
according to another embodiment of the present invention. The image
display device 90 comprises stacked-layers formed of a cathode 2
acting as an electrode layer, a luminescent layer 4 and an anode 6
forming another electrode layer in that order, the stacked-layers
being located adjacent to a glass substrate 8 forming a supporting
body.
[0374] The cathode 2 is formed in a shape substantially
corresponding to the patterns of interference fringes of holograms.
The cathode 2 forms a hologram layer. In other words, arrangement
of portions 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d and so on composing the cathode 2
correspond to the patterns of interference fringes of
holograms.
[0375] Each of the portions 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, and so on composing the
cathode 2, and the anode 6 are connected to a control part 92. ADC
voltage is applied to between the portions 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, and so
on, and the anode 6 in accordance with the control of the control
part 92. All the components of the image display device 90 except
for the control part 92 form a surface light-emitting device.
[0376] It is assumed that a three-dimensional object (for example,
a miniature of a bus) is used as the patterns of interference
fringes of holograms. In other words, the structure of the image
display device 90 except for using the hologram pattern of the
three-dimensional object is almost the same to that of the beam
generator 40 shown in FIG. 14, for example.
[0377] Subsequently, the operation of the image display device 90
will be described. Electric currents, each having a predetermined
value flow respectively through the portions 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, and so
on composing the cathode 2. In this way, portions between the
portions 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, and so on composing the cathode 2 and the
anode 6 illuminate light out of the luminescent layer 4.
[0378] As described earlier, allocation of the portions 2a, 2b, 2c,
2d, and so on corresponds to that of the interference fringes of
holograms of the three-dimensional object (see FIG. 16), and the
current values flowing through the portions 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, and so
on respectively correspond to the information containing light
intensity of the holograms of the three-dimensional object. As a
consequence, the light from the luminescent layer 4 under the
three-dimensional manner displays a holographic image Q
corresponding to the three-dimensional object.
[0379] As described above, the cathode 2 is formed in a shape
substantially corresponding to the hologram patterns of the
three-dimensional object. In this way, a part of the luminescent
layer 4 illuminate light correspondingly to the hologram patterns
of the three-dimensional object by flowing appropriate electric
currents through the cathode 2 and the anode 6.
[0380] As a consequence, the surface light-emitting device alone
can play both roles as the light source and the three-dimensional
hologram. Consequently, the image display device 90 can be
manufactured with compact-profile and in reasonable cost by using
the surface light-emitting device according to the present
invention.
[0381] Although, the hologram patterns of the three-dimensional
object is formed as the hologram pattern in the above embodiment,
the hologram pattern is not limited to the three-dimensional
hologram pattern. Hologram pattern formed under pictures, planar
drawings, character and so on can be used as the hologram pattern
of this embodiment. Further, combination of those can also be used
as the hologram pattern.
[0382] The image display device according to the present invention
can be manufactured so as to selectively display a plurality of
images such as either of static images or dynamic images such as
animations. In such case, the image display device shown in FIG. 22
may be used instead of the image display device 90 depicted in FIG.
31.
[0383] In this case, the TFT circuits 64a, 64b and so on are
included in the control part 92 shown in FIG. 31. The control part
92 is designed so as to provide information containing brightness
corresponding to one of the selected patterns out of more than one
patterns of interference fringes to the TFT circuits 64a, 64b and
so on. A DC voltage is applied between each of the portions 2a, 2b,
2c, 2d and so on composing the cathode 2 and the anode 6 in
accordance with the control of the control part 92. All the
components of the image display device 90 except for the control
part 92 form the surface light-emitting device.
[0384] Three-dimensional objects can be reproduced in dynamic
manner by sequentially reproducing a variety of hologram patterns
corresponding to each motion of the three-dimensional object, which
is previously prepared.
[0385] In the embodiments described earlier, the hologram layer is
composed of portions 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d and so on (element regions)
forming the cathode 2, and brightness of the portions in the
luminescent layer 4 corresponding to each of the element regions is
determined correspondingly to the hologram pattern of the
three-dimensional object while illuminating the portions in the
luminescent layer 4 in the predetermined brightness.
[0386] In this way, a variety of holograms can be reproduced with
just one image display device 90 by forming the element regions in
a simple shape capable of using various purposes while determining
the brightness of the portions in the luminescent layer 4
corresponding to each of the element regions correspondingly to the
selected hologram pattern. As a consequence, three-dimensional
objects can easily be reproduced in dynamic manner in the previous
case.
[0387] Moreover, pluralities of the element regions are
substantially disposed in a matrix manner in the embodiment
described earlier. In this way, more variety of holograms can be
reproduced with just one image display device 90 by using the
element regions substantially disposed in a matrix manner capable
of using various purposes. Consequently, more variety of dynamic
images can be reproduced in the previous case.
[0388] Information containing light intensity of the holograms is
reproduced in accordance with brightness of the portions in the
luminescent layer 4 where corresponding to the element regions. In
this case, information containing phase of the holograms may be
reproduced in accordance with positions of the element regions
corresponding to the portions under an illumination-state in the
luminescent layer 4. In this way, the holograms can be reproduced
by varying the brightness of the portions in the luminescent layer
4 corresponding to the element regions.
[0389] In addition, brightness of the portions in the luminescent
layer 4 corresponding to the element regions is respectively
controlled by adjusting current values flowing through the portions
in the luminescent layer 4 corresponding to each of the element
regions in this embodiment. In this way, information containing
light intensity of the holograms can easily be reproduced by just
adjusting the current value's. Consequently, reproduction of the
holograms can easily be performed.
[0390] Further, the portions in the luminescent layer 4
corresponding to the element regions are controlled so as to turn
into an illumination-state corresponding to the determined
brightness substantially at the same time in the embodiment
described above. In this way, reproduction of the holograms can be
performed with certainty.
[0391] Still further, the portions in the luminescent layer 4
corresponding to the element regions are capable of maintaining
their illumination-state and the corresponding portions under a row
basis of the matrix are controlled so as to sequentially turn into
the illumination-state corresponding to the determined brightness
and to maintain the illumination-state in the above-described
embodiment.
[0392] In this way, the portions in the luminescent layer 4
corresponding to the element regions are simultaneously turned into
the illumination-state corresponding to the determined brightness
at the end of scanning for all the lines by sequentially scanning
the portions in the luminescent layer 4 corresponding to the
element regions under the row basis. Consequently, reproduction of
the holograms can easily be performed with certainty.
[0393] Yet further, the TFT circuits 64a, 64b, and so on for
respectively storing current values flowing through the luminescent
layer corresponding to each of the element regions are provided in
the embodiment described earlier. In this way, the
illumination-state of each portion in the luminescent layer 4
corresponding to each element region can be maintained by just
storing the current values. Consequently, simultaneous illumination
of the portions in the luminescent layer 4 corresponding to the
element region can further be carried out easily.
[0394] The structure of the surface light-emitting device
applicable to the image display device capable of selectively
displaying a plurality of images is not limited to that depicted in
FIG. 31. The surface light-emitting devices have shown in FIGS. 5A
through 6B can also be applied to the image display device. In
addition, the surface light-emitting device depicted FIG. 32 can
further be applied to such image display device.
[0395] In the surface light-emitting device depicted in FIG. 32, a
shielding layer 21 forming the hologram layer is disposed at a
position outside of the luminescent layer 4 and the light from the
luminescent layer 4 is emitted through the shielding layer 21.
[0396] Although, no specific limitations on the material of the
shielding layer 21, for example, liquid crystal may be used
therefor. In the case of using liquid crystal for the shielding
layer, molecular alignment of the liquid crystal may be determined
respectively to portions 21a, 21b, 21c in the shielding layer 21 in
accordance with hologram patterns. The reason of carrying out such
step is to utilize the feature of the liquid crystal in which light
transmission vary depending upon molecular alignment thereto.
[0397] FIG. 33 is a view showing appearance of an IC card 94, an
example of applying the image display device 90. In the IC card 94,
a microcomputer, a memory and peripherals are installed, the card
94, for example, is used as a credit card and the like. Such IC
card 94 is a contact type card and supply of its electric power and
data communications are performed through a terminal 98.
[0398] The image display device 90 is installed in the IC card 94,
the surface of the surface light-emitting device composing the
image display device 90 is exposed from the surface of the card 94
as an image display part 96. The holographic image Q is displayed
on the image display part 96 in three-dimensional manner.
[0399] In this embodiment, the IC card 94 is characterized in using
the image display device 90. In this way, a lightweight,
compact-profile with reasonable price IC card capable of
reproducing visual information in three-dimensional manner can be
realized. With the IC card 94, a higher advertising-effect and
difficulties in forgery can be expected because visual information
is reproduced in three-dimensional manner.
[0400] Although, the contact type IC card 94 is exampled as a card
in this embodiment, the present invention may also be applied to a
non-contact type IC card. The usage of the image display device
according to the present invention is not limited to IC cards.
[0401] Although, the surface light-emitting devices composed of a
plurality of element regions disposed in a matrix manner and
including TFT circuits is exampled in the embodiment described
above, the present invention can be applied to any surface
light-emitting device except for the device including the TFT
circuits. The present invention can further be applied to any
surface light-emitting device except for the device composed of a
plurality of element regions disposed in a matrix manner.
[0402] Further, information containing light intensity of the
holograms is reproduced in accordance with the brightness of the
portions corresponding to the element regions in the devices
described in the above. The information may be reproduced by the
number of the element regions illuminating light under the
condition that the portions corresponding to the element regions
are made to certain brightness.
[0403] Yet further, the portions corresponding to the element
regions are controlled so as to sequentially turn into the
illumination-state corresponding to the determined brightness and
to maintain the illumination-state in the embodiments described
earlier. The corresponding portions can be controlled so as to turn
into an illumination-state corresponding to the determined
brightness substantially at the same time.
[0404] All the description in the earlier chapters may be applied
to this chapter unless otherwise they are not clearly applicable to
this chapter. For example, the description on materials of the
luminescent layer 4, the anode vice 6 and that of the cathode 2,
each composing the surface light-emitting device, and the
description on layered structure of the device with FIGS. 2 through
13, FIGS. 15 through 17, and FIGS. 22 and 23 may also be applicable
to this chapter.
[0405] Chapter 7
[0406] Luminescent layers composing surface light-emitting devices
are made of organic material(s) in all the chapters described
earlier. Inorganic material(s) may also be used for the luminescent
layer as described above. There is no specific limitation on the
inorganic material(s) used for the luminescent layers, for example,
a semi-conducting substance may be used. An example of using a
semi-conducting substance for a luminescent layer composing a
surface light-emitting device will be described hereunder.
[0407] FIG. 34 is a sectional view showing the overall structure of
an example of a surface-emitting laser device. The surface-emitting
laser device depicted in FIG. 34 is a kind of semiconductor-laser
devices in which light radiated from a luminescent layer 112 is
emitted in a direction of Y1 as a laser beam after resonation of
the radiated light in a direction perpendicular to the luminescent
layer 112 (shown as Y in the drawing).
[0408] The laser device depicted in FIG. 34, roughly comprises
stacked-layers formed of a substrate 102 made of a semi-conductor
substance, a Distributed Bragg Reflector located at a lower
position (hereinafter referred to as lower DDR layer) 104, the
luminescent layer 112 made of a semiconductor substance, another
Distributed Bragg Reflector located at an upper position
(hereinafter referred to as upper DBR layer) 114 in that order.
[0409] The substrate 102 is made of a semi-conducting chemical
compound, for example, an n type gallium and arsenic (Ga As).
[0410] The lower DBR layer 104, for example, also has
stacked-layers in which pluralities of pairs (a total of thirty
four (34) pairs in this embodiment) each including two kinds of
thin films both having a different refractive index such as quarter
of .lambda. thin film (thin films each having an equivalent
thickness of .lambda./4 of wavelength of laser beam emitted from
the laser, the thin films hereinafter referred to as .lambda./4
thin films). As for materials for forming these two .lambda./4 thin
films, for example, a chemical compound of aluminum and arsenic (Al
As), another chemical compound of aluminum, gallium and arsenic (Al
Ga As) are used. In order to provide conductivity to these
.lambda./4 thin films composing the lower DBR layer 104, n-type
impurities are added to the films.
[0411] The upper DBR layer 114 also has almost the same structures
to that of the lower DBR layer 104. However, P-type impurities are
added to the two kinds of .lambda./4 thin films composing upper DBR
layer 114 in order to provide conductivity thereto. A total of
twenty two (22) pairs of the .lambda./4 thin films are included in
the upper DBR layer 114 in this embodiment.
[0412] The luminescent layer 112 forming a composite
semi-conducting substance comprises a stacked-layer formed of an
n-clad layer 106 forming a first semi-conductor layer, a
Multi-Quantum Well layer (hereinafter referred to as MQW layer)
108, a p-clad layer 110 forming a second semi-conductor layer in
that order.
[0413] The n-clad layer 106, for example, is made of a
semi-conducting chemical compound of Al Ga As adding n-type (first
conductive type) impurities therein. The p-clad layer 110, for
example, is made of a semi-conducting chemical compound of Al Ga As
adding p-type (second conductive type) impurities therein. Both the
n-clad layer 106 and the p-clad layer 110 are respectively formed
in a thickness of approximately 0.1 .mu.m, for example.
[0414] The MQW layer is a semiconductor layer having double-layer
structure made of Al Ga As/Ga As with no impurities. The MQW layer
108 is also referred to as an active layer and is formed in a
thickness of approximately 6 nano-meters, for example.
[0415] The MQW layer 108, very thin in its thickness and situated
adjacent to the boundary between the p-clad layer 110 and the
n-clay layer 106 illuminates when a direct current is applied to
the surface-emitting laser device having such structure by the DC
power source 10. The light illuminated from the MQW layer 108 is
reflected by the.lambda./4 thin films composing both the lower DBR
layer 104 and the upper DBR layer 114, and the reflected light is
resonated in the direction of Y thereby, both the lower DBR layer
104 and the upper DBR layer 114 being located at both sides of the
luminescent layer 112. The resulting laser beam by the resonation
is emitted in the direction of Y1 through the upper DBR layer
114.
[0416] The upper DBR layer 114 comprises a plurality of reflecting
mirrors while functioning a part of an electrode for applying an
electric current to the p-clad layer 110. The lower DBR layer 104
comprises a plurality of reflecting mirrors while functioning as a
part of an electrode for providing a electric current to the n-clad
layer 106.
[0417] FIG. 35 is a view for describing the structure of another
beam generator 100 forming an optical-input/output device using the
surface light-emitting device according to far another embodiment
of the present invention. The beam generator 100 uses the
surface-emitting laser device depicted in FIG. 34.
[0418] In the beam generator 100, a lower DBR layer 104, a
luminescent layer 112, an upper reflecting mirror portion 115
forming the hologram layer, an insulating part 116, and an aluminum
wire 118 are formed on a substrate 102.
[0419] The structure of the substrate 102, the lower DBR layer 104,
and the luminescent layer 112 is similar to that of these included
in the surface-emitting laser device shown in FIG. 34.
[0420] The upper reflecting mirror portion 115 includes a plurality
of portions 115a, 115b, and so on. The portions 115a, 115b and so
on corresponds to a part of the upper DBR layer 114 shown in FIG.
34. As will be subsequently described, the insulating part 116,
however, may be formed by making other part of the upper DBR layer
114 shown in FIG. 34 as an insulated part. The portions 115a, 115b,
and so on respectively forms element region (element
electrode).
[0421] FIG. 36 is a plan view for describing the structure of the
beam generator 100. As apparent form FIG. 36, all the portions
115a, 115b, and so on are formed identical in shape (in this
embodiment, round shape in plane) and are allocated in matrix
manner.
[0422] Among the portions 115a, 115b, and so on are insulated one
another with the insulating part 116.
[0423] The aluminum wirings 118 each having doughnut shape are
disposed on the boundaries between the portions 115a, 115b and so
on and the insulating part 116, the boundaries being exposed from
the surface. In this way, lower ends of the aluminum wirings 118
are electrically connected to upper ends located peripheries of the
portions 115a, 115b and so on.
[0424] The portions 115a, 115b and so on composing the mirror
portion 115 are respectively connected to a control part 120 via
the wirings 118. Further, the substrate 102 is connected to control
part 120 as well. A DC voltage is applied between both the portions
115a, 115b and so on composing the upper reflecting mirror portion
115 and the substrate 102 in accordance with the control of the
control part 120. In other words, a laser beam is emitted in the
direction Y1 from any desired portions 115a, 115b and so on in
accordance with the control of the control part 120. All the
components of the beam generator 100 except for the control part
120 form a surface light-emitting device.
[0425] Subsequently, a manufacturing method of a surface
light-emitting device included in the beam generator 100 will be
described with reference to FIGS. 37A through 38B. At first, the
lower DBR layer 104, the luminescent layer 112 (including the
n-clad layer 106, the MQW layer 108, and the p-clad layer 110), and
the upper DBR layer 114 are formed on the substrate 102 in that
order with epitaxial process and the like as shown in FIG. 37A.
[0426] Substantially, a silicon oxidation layer 124 is formed on
the upper DBR layer 114 as shown in FIG. 37B. The silicon oxidation
layer 124 is then patterned so as to cover the portions to be
turned into the portions 115a, 115b, and so on. Thereafter, proton
is implanted ionically into the upper DBR layer 114 by using the
resulting silicon oxidation layer 124 as a mask.
[0427] Next, the resulting silicon oxidation layer 124 is removed
as shown in FIG. 38A. The portions implanting proton lose their
conductivity so that these portions are turned into the insulating
part 116. The portions not implanting proton, on the other hand,
not lose their conductivity. The portions not losing their
conductivity are turned into the upper reflecting mirror portion
116. In this way, the mirror portion 115 (hologram portion) having
a desired pattern (a pattern in matrix manner in this embodiment)
can easily be formed.
[0428] Subsequently, the aluminum wirings 118 are wired as shown in
FIG. 38B. AS described earlier, the aluminum wirings 118 each
having doughnut shape are disposed on the boundaries between the
portions 115a, 115b and so on and the insulating part 116, the
boundaries being exposed from the surface (see FIG. 36). By
performing these steps, the surface light-emitting device used for
the beam generator 100 is manufactured.
[0429] FIG. 39 is a sectional view for describing the structure of
another beam generator 130 forming an optical-input/output device
using the surface light-emitting device according to another
embodiment of the present invention. The beam generator 130 uses
the surface-emitting laser device depicted in FIG. 34 and has the
similar structure to that of the beam generator 100 shown in FIG.
35.
[0430] However, the beam generator 130 shown in FIG. 39 differs
from the beam generator 100 shown in FIG. 35 in view of forming an
insulating part 132 with other material, for example,
polyimide.
[0431] In order to fabricate the beam generator 130 shown in FIG.
39, the upper DBR layer 114 is etched so as to leave the portions
115a, 115b and so on composing the upper reflecting mirror portion
115 after carrying out the step shown in FIG. 37A. Thereafter,
insulation material(s) such as polyimide is applied so as to
fulfill the spaces formed among the portions 115a, 115b, and so on
forming the mirror portion 115. The step for disposing the aluminum
wirings 118 is also carried out similar to the manufacturing steps
of the beam generator 100 shown in FIG. 35.
[0432] FIG. 40 is a sectional view for describing the structure of
another beam generator 140 forming an optical-input/output device
using the surface light-emitting device according to another
embodiment of the present invention. The beam generator 140 also
uses the surface-emitting laser device depicted in FIG. 34 and has
the similar structure to that of the beam generator 100 shown in
FIG. 35.
[0433] However, the beam generator 140 shown in FIG. 40 differs
from the beam generator 100 shown in FIG. 35 in view of the
followings: 1) remaining the upper DBR layer 114 as it is, 2)
providing a shielding layer 142 having a shape corresponding to
interference fringes of holograms so as to cover the shielding
layer 142, and 3) emitting a laser beam from the spaces formed
among the shielding layer 142.
[0434] Further, a DC power supply 10 is used instead of the control
part in the beam generator 140 shown in FIG. 40. In other words,
laser beams having desired shape can be realized by emitting a
laser beam from the spaces formed among the shielding layer 142 out
of the generated laser beam as a result of applying a DC voltage
between the upper DBR layer 114 and the substrate 102 in the beam
generator 140 shown in FIG. 40.
[0435] In this way, desired laser beams and the like can be
obtained by just forming the shielding layer 142 in the shape
corresponding to the interference fringes of the holograms without
providing the control part as well as complicated wirings.
[0436] In this embodiment, electric resistance of the upper most
plane of the upper DBR layer is lowered, and a cable from the power
supply 10 is connected to the uppermost plane thus lowered in
electric resistance. It is preferred to design in this way because
electric potential is in stable all over the upper DBR layer
114.
[0437] As described above, the luminescent layer 112 comprise a
stacked-layer formed of the n-clad layer 106, the MQW layer 108,
the p-clad layer 110 in that order, and the light radiated from the
MQW layer 108 is emitted in a direction perpendicular to the
luminescent layer 112 as a laser beam after resonation of the
radiated light in the embodiments described in this chapter.
[0438] In this way, it is possible to realize a surface
light-emitting device much suitable for reproduction of holograms
by using the emitted laser beams. Moreover, a desired illumination
pattern may easily be obtained by emitting the laser beam in the
direction perpendicular to the luminescent layer 112. In other
words, a desired hologram pattern can easily be obtained. Further,
laser oscillation can easily be performed by employing a
semi-conducting substance having a high heat resistance for the
luminescent layer 112.
[0439] Both the lower DBR layer 104 and the upper DBR layer 114 (or
the upper reflecting mirror portion 115) each provided so as to
interpose the luminescent layer 112 and having reflecting planes
substantially parallel to the luminescent layer 112 are included in
the generators in the embodiments described in this chapter, and
light radiated from the luminescent layer 112 is resonated in a
direction perpendicular to the luminescent layer 112.
[0440] As a consequence, the volume of areas interposed between the
lower DBR layer 104 and the upper DBR layer 114 (or the upper
reflecting mirror portion 115) can be reduced. In this way, the
threshold value for initiating the laser oscillation can be
lowered. In other words, a surface light-emitting device and the
like with low-power consumption can be realized. In addition, the
upper DBR layer 114 can further be patterned in detail. In other
words, hologram pattern with finer patterning may easily be
obtained.
[0441] The surface-emitting laser device comprising a plurality of
reflecting mirrors for resonating the generated light in the
direction substantially perpendicular to the luminescent layer in
the embodiments described in this chapter. The usage of the present
invention is not limited to the surface-emitting laser device. The
present invention may also be applicable to a surface-emitting
laser device comprising two reflecting mirrors one of which is used
for resonating the generated light beam in the direction
substantially parallel to the luminescent layer and the other one
is used for emitting the resulting laser beam resonated with the
former mirror in a direction substantially perpendicular to the
luminescent layer. The semi-conducting material(s) conductive
material(s), insulation material(s) composing the luminescent layer
are not limited to those mentioned in the embodiments described
earlier.
[0442] The shape of the luminescent layer is not limited to those
described in the embodiments described earlier.
[0443] The surface-emitting laser devices emitting laser beams by
using the luminescent layer made of a semi-conducting substance are
described in the embodiments described in this chapter. The present
invention is not limited to semi-conducting substance. A
surface-emitting laser device emitting laser beams by using the
luminescent layer made of inorganic material(s) other than
semi-conducting substance and/or organic material(s) and the like
may also be applicable to the present invention. For example, laser
beams may be obtained by a surface-emitting laser device using the
luminescent layer made of organic material(s) instead of
semi-conducting substance.
[0444] All the descriptions in each of the chapters described
earlier are applied to this chapter unless otherwise they are not
clearly applicable to this chapter. The surface-emitting laser
device described in this chapter (laser devices emitting laser
beams in a direction substantially perpendicular to the luminescent
layer) may also be used as the light source of the device/beam
generators and the like in the chapters described earlier. In other
words, the surface-emitting laser devices described in this chapter
can be applicable to the surface light-emitting devices, the beam
generators, the device for monitoring reflected light, the plotting
devices, the light scanning and reading device, image display
devices, and the IC cards described earlier chapters.
[0445] The surface light-emitting device according to the present
invention is characterized in that, the electrode is substantially
formed in a shape corresponding to a pattern of interference
fringes of a hologram.
[0446] In this way, the luminescent layer emits light corresponding
to the patterns of hologram as a result of applying a voltage to
the electrodes. As a consequence, the surface light-emitting device
alone can play both roles as the light source and the optical
elements by making the patterns of interference fringes of
holograms with the hologram patterns of optical elements such as
lens, for example. In other words, a lightweight and
compact-profile optical input/output device with reasonable price
can be realized by using the surface light-emitting device
according to the present invention.
[0447] The shape corresponding to the patterns of interference
fringes of holograms can be formed easily and accurately because
both the electrodes are made of easy-to-form material.
[0448] The surface light-emitting device according to the present
invention is characterized in that, a pair of electrode layers
interposing the luminescent layer therebetween,
[0449] and wherein one of the electrode layers is formed as a
transparent electrode layer substantially having the shape
corresponding to the pattern of interference fringes of the
hologram,
[0450] and wherein the light from the luminescent layer is emitted
through said transparent electrode.
[0451] In this way, the light emitted correspondingly to the
patterns of interference fringes from the luminescent layer comes
out externally through the transparent electrode formed in a shape
substantially corresponding to the patterns of interference fringes
as a result of applying a voltage between the electrodes.
Consequently, light reproduced with high fidelity to the patterns
of interference fringes may be obtained.
[0452] The surface light-emitting device according to the present
invention is characterized in that, a supporting member is provided
to a position outside of the other one of the electrode layers,
[0453] and wherein the light from the luminescent layer is emitted
through said one electrode layer.
[0454] In this way, the light from the luminescent layer can be
emitted externally without passing through the supporting member.
As a consequence, the light comes out without much degradation of
the light amount.
[0455] The surface light-emitting device according to the present
invention is characterized in that, a supporting member having
transparency is provided to a position outside of said one
electrode layer,
[0456] and wherein the light from the luminescent layer is emitted
through said one electrode layer and the supporting member.
[0457] Consequently, the transparent electrode formed in the
patterns of interference fringes can be provided on the supporting
member after disposing the supporting member prior to providing the
transparent electrode thereon. As a result, it is possible to
obtain a shape corresponding to the pattern of interference fringes
of the hologram easily and more precisely.
[0458] The surface light-emitting device according to the present
invention is characterized in that, the electrode is composed of a
pair of electrode layers interposing the luminescent layer
therebetween,
[0459] and wherein one of the electrode layers is formed in a shape
substantially corresponding to a pattern of interference fringes of
a hologram while forming the other one of the electrode layers as a
transparent electrode layer,
[0460] and wherein light from the luminescent layer is emitted
through the other electrode layer.
[0461] In this way, the electrode layers formed in a shape
corresponding to the patterns of interference fringes not necessary
to be transparent electrodes. As a consequence, an easy-to-form
material for the electrodes can be selected. In other words, it is
possible to obtain a shape corresponding to the pattern of
interference fringes of the hologram easily and more precisely.
[0462] The surface light-emitting device according to the present
invention is characterized in that, a supporting member having
transparency is provided to a position outside of the other
electrode layer,
[0463] and wherein the light from the luminescent layer is emitted
through the other electrode layer and the supporting member.
[0464] Consequently, the surface light-emitting device can easily
be fabricated by using an element including transparent electrodes
formed on the supporting member having transparency and readily
available.
[0465] The surface light-emitting device according to the present
invention is characterized in that, a shielding layer formed in a
shape substantially corresponding to a pattern of interference
fringes of a hologram is provided at a position outside of the
luminescent layer,
[0466] and wherein the light from the luminescent layer is emitted
through the shielding layer.
[0467] In this way, light corresponding to the patterns of
interference fringes can easily be emitted by using the shielding
layer as a mask for the light emitted from the luminescent layer.
As a consequence, the surface light-emitting device alone can play
both roles as the light source and the optical elements by making
the patterns of interference fringes of holograms with the hologram
patterns of optical elements such as lens, for example. In other
words, a lightweight, compact-profile optical-input/output device
with reasonable price capable of emitting light can be realized
easily by using the surface light-emitting device.
[0468] Further, the shielding layer may be formed with an
easy-to-form material because not many restrictions exist on the
material therefor. Consequently, the shape corresponding to the
patterns of interference fringes of holograms can be formed easily
and accurately.
[0469] The surface light-emitting device according to the present
invention is characterized in that, the electrode is composed of a
pair of electrode layers interposing the luminescent layer
therebetween,
[0470] and wherein one of the electrode layers is formed as a
transparent electrode layer while providing the shielding layer at
a position outside of said one electrode layer.
[0471] In this manner, the entire portion of the luminescent layer
illuminates by applying a voltage between a pair of the electrode,
so that a part of the resulting light can be emitted through the
shielding layer 20 formed corresponding to the patterns of
interference fringes as a mask. Consequently, light reproduced with
high fidelity to the patterns of interference fringes may be
obtained.
[0472] The surface light-emitting device according to the present
invention is characterized in that, a supporting member having
transparency is provided to a position outside of the shielding
layer,
[0473] and wherein the light from the luminescent layer is emitted
through said one electrode layer, the shielding layer and the
supporting member.
[0474] In this way, the shielding layer formed in the patterns of
interference fringes can be provided on the supporting member after
disposing the supporting member prior to providing the shielding
layer thereon. As a result, it is possible to obtain a shape
corresponding to the pattern of interference fringes of the
hologram easily and more precisely.
[0475] The surface light-emitting device according to the present
invention is characterized in that, an uneven transparent layer
formed unevenly in thickness corresponding to a pattern of
interference fringes, is disposed at a position outside of the
luminescent layer,
[0476] and wherein the light from the luminescent layer is emitted
through the uneven transparent layer.
[0477] In this way, light corresponding to the patterns of
interference fringes can easily be emitted by using the uneven
transparent layer as a mask for the light emitted from the
luminescent layer. As a consequence, the surface light-emitting
device alone can play both roles as the light source and the
optical elements by making the patterns of interference fringes of
holograms with the hologram patterns of optical elements such as
lens, for example. In other words, a lightweight, compact-profile
optical-input/output device with reasonable price capable of
emitting light can be realized easily by using the surface
light-emitting device.
[0478] Further, the uneven transparent layer may be formed with an
easy-to-form material because not many restrictions exist on the
material therefor. Consequently; the shape corresponding to the
patterns of interference fringes of holograms can be formed easily
and accurately.
[0479] The surface light-emitting device according to the present
invention is characterized in that, the electrode is composed of a
pair of electrode layers interposing the luminescent layer
therebetween,
[0480] and wherein one of the electrode layers is formed as a
transparent electrode layer while providing the uneven transparent
layer at a position outside of said one electrode layer.
[0481] In this manner, the entire portion of the luminescent layer
illuminates by applying a voltage between a pair of the electrode,
so that the resulting light can be emitted through the uneven
transparent layer formed unevenly in thickness substantially
corresponding to the pattern of the interference fringes.
Consequently, light reproduced with high fidelity to the patterns
of interference fringes may be obtained.
[0482] The surface light-emitting device according to the present
invention is characterized in that, the uneven transparent layer is
a supporting member having transparency,
[0483] and wherein the light from the luminescent layer is emitted
through said one electrode layer and the supporting member.
[0484] As a consequence, a shape corresponding to the patterns of
interference fringes can easily and accurately be obtained by just
forming convex/concave patterns corresponding to the patterns of
interference fringes on the surface of the supporting member having
transparency.
[0485] The surface light-emitting device according to the present
invention is characterized in that, the uneven transparent layer is
a passivation layer having transparency,
[0486] and wherein the light from the luminescent layer is emitted
through said one electrode layer and the passivation layer.
[0487] As a consequence, a shape corresponding to the patterns of
interference fringes can easily and accurately be obtained by just
forming convex/concave patterns corresponding to the patterns of
interference fringes on the surface of the passivation layer having
transparency.
[0488] The surface light-emitting device according to the present
invention is characterized in that, the luminescent layer is made
of an organic material.
[0489] The use of organic materials to the luminescent layer
permits the formation thereof with a very thin in thickness in
comparison with wavelength of the emitted light therefrom. In this
way, the active thickness of the portions emitting light in the
luminescent layer can be formed in a thickness, which is negligible
in comparison with the wavelength of the emitted light. In
addition, the minimum planar dimension of the luminescent layer can
dramatically be smaller in comparison with the wavelength of the
emitted light. It is, therefor, possible to provide a luminescent
layer suitable for reproduction of holograms by using organic
materials therefor.
[0490] A lightweight, compact-profile optical-input/output device
with reasonable price capable of emitting light can further be
realized easily because the device can be operated at a low DC
voltage.
[0491] The surface light-emitting device according to the present
invention is characterized in that, molecular alignment of organic
material is in parallel to the electrodes. This permits stronger
light-emitting intensity even when a low voltage is applied.
[0492] The beam generator according to the present invention is
characterized in that, a predetermined beam is generated by
utilizing the surface light-emitting device. In this way, the beam
generator can be made as a lightweight, compact-profiled, yet
reasonable priced device.
[0493] The surface light-emitting device according to the present
invention is characterized in that, a hologram layer formed
substantially corresponding to the patterns of interference fringes
of a hologram is formed as a layer one of related to light emission
and provided on the predetermined optical path,
[0494] and wherein the light from the luminescent layer directed to
other than the predetermined optical path is emitted to a direction
other than the predetermined optical path.
[0495] In this way, the surface light-emitting device alone can
play both roles as the light source and the optical elements by
making the patterns of interference fringes of holograms with the
hologram patterns of optical elements such as lens, for example. In
other words, a lightweight and compact-profile optical input/output
device with reasonable price can be realized by using the surface
light-emitting device according to the present invention.
[0496] As a consequence, localization of an imaginary light source
created by reflection of the lights directed to the backside to a
position other than that of the luminescent part may be avoided by
permitting the travel of most of the lights go to the backside from
the luminescent layer in the backward-direction. Consequently, the
light source can keep its substantial optical depth narrow. It is,
therefor, possible to obtain the lights suitable for reproduction
of holograms.
[0497] The surface light-emitting device according to the present
invention is characterized in that, the electrode is composed of a
pair of electrode layers interposing the luminescent layer
therebetween,
[0498] and wherein both the electrode layers are formed as
transparent electrode layers.
[0499] In this way, the light from the luminescent layer directed
to other than the predetermined optical path may be emitted in that
direction by forming both the electrode layers as transparent
electrode layers.
[0500] The surface light-emitting device according to the present
invention is characterized in that, a hologram layer formed
substantially corresponding to a pattern of interference fringes of
a hologram is formed as a layer one of related to light emission
and provided on the predetermined optical path,
[0501] and wherein the light from the luminescent layer directed to
other than the predetermined optical path is reflected and
incorporated with another light from the luminescent layer directed
to the predetermined optical path so as to intensify a resulting
light.
[0502] In this way, the surface light-emitting device alone can
play both roles as the light source and the optical elements by
making the patterns of interference fringes of holograms with the
hologram patterns of optical elements such as lens, for example. In
other words, a lightweight and compact-profile optical input/output
device with reasonable price can be realized by using the surface
light-emitting device according to the present invention.
[0503] The resulting light having a higher intensity can be
obtained by reflecting the light from the luminescent layer
directed to other than the predetermined optical path and
incorporating the reflected light with another light from the
luminescent layer directed to the predetermined optical path so as
to intensify a resulting light. In other words, the light source
much suitable for the reproduction of holograms can be
obtained.
[0504] The surface light-emitting device according to the present
invention is characterized in that, the electrode is composed of a
pair of electrode layers interposing the luminescent layer
therebetween,
[0505] and wherein one of the electrode layers is formed as a
transparent electrode layer while forming the other one of
electrode layers as an electrode capable of reflecting light on its
surface,
[0506] and wherein the light from the luminescent layer that is
directed to said one electric layer and the light reflected on the
surface of the other electrode layer is incorporated and
emitted.
[0507] In this way, both the light from the luminescent layer
directed to other than the predetermined optical path as a result
of reflection on the surface and another light from the luminescent
layer directed to the predetermined optical path can easily be
incorporated and emitted by forming one of the electrode layers as
the transparent electrode layer while forming the other one of
electrode layers as the electrode capable of reflecting light on
its surface.
[0508] The surface light-emitting device according to the present
invention is characterized in that, an optical distance u1 from a
luminescent part of the luminescent layer to the surface of the
other electrode layer is defined as the following equation;
[0509] u1.apprxeq.(2n-1).lambda./4
[0510] wherein "n" is a positive integer, and ".lambda." represents
to a wavelength of a desired light emitted from the device.
[0511] In this way, phase of reflected light of the light from the
luminescent layer directed to other than the predetermined optical
path and that of the light emitted therefrom being directed to the
predetermined optical path are nearly matched. It is, therefore,
possible to emit light suitable for the reproduction of
holograms.
[0512] The surface light-emitting device according to the present
invention is characterized in that, a hologram layer formed
substantially corresponding to a pattern of interference fringes of
a hologram is formed as a layer one of related to light emission
and provided on the predetermined optical path,
[0513] and wherein the light from the luminescent layer is
resonated and emitted.
[0514] In this way, the surface light-emitting device alone can
play both roles as the light source and the optical elements by
making the patterns of interference fringes of holograms with the
hologram patterns of optical elements such as lens, for example. In
other words, a lightweight and compact-profile optical input/output
device with reasonable price can be realized by using the surface
light-emitting device according to the present invention.
[0515] The device fabricated under the structure described above
can obtain monochromatic radiation having a high intensity
effectively with a simple structure. Also, light having a high
directivity can be obtained with the device as well. Lights having
similar phase can further be obtained. In addition, it is possible
to provide a surface light-emitting device realizing the light
source suitable for reproduction of holograms.
[0516] The surface light-emitting device according to the present
invention is characterized in that, the electrode is composed of a
pair of electrode layers interposing the luminescent layer
therebetween,
[0517] and wherein one of the electrode layers is formed as a
transparent electrode layer while forming the other one of
electrode layers as an electrode capable of reflecting light on its
surface,
[0518] and wherein dielectric reflective layer not less than one is
provided to a position outside of said one electrode layer,
[0519] and wherein the light is resonated between the surface of
the other electrode layer and a reflective plane of the dielectric
reflective layer, and is then emitted therefrom.
[0520] In this way, the light from the luminescent layer can easily
be emitted after resonation thereof by providing both the
electrodes capable of reflecting light on its surface and the
dielectric reflective layer not less than one.
[0521] The surface light-emitting device according to the present
invention is characterized in that, wherein an optical distance u2
from the reflective plane of the dielectric reflective layer to the
surface of the other electrode layer is defined as the following
equation;
U2.apprxeq.n.lambda./2
[0522] wherein ".lambda." represents a wavelength of a desired
light emitted from the device.
[0523] In this way, the light emitted from the luminescent layer
can further be emitted effectively as a result of performing
effective resonation.
[0524] The surface light-emitting device according to the present
invention is characterized in that, the luminescent layer is made
of an organic material.
[0525] The use of organic materials to the luminescent layer
permits the formation thereof with a very thin in thickness in
comparison with wavelength of the emitted light therefrom. In this
way, the active thickness of the portions emitting light in the
luminescent layer can be formed in a thickness, which is negligible
in comparison with the wavelength of the emitted light. In
addition, the minimum planar dimension of the luminescent layer can
dramatically be smaller in comparison with the wavelength of the
emitted light. It is, therefor, possible to provide a luminescent
layer suitable for reproduction of holograms by using organic
materials therefor.
[0526] A lightweight, compact-profile optical-input/output device
with reasonable price capable of emitting light can further be
realized easily because the device can be operated at a low DC
voltage.
[0527] The surface light-emitting device according to the present
invention is characterized in that, a hologram layer formed
substantially corresponding to the patterns of interference fringes
of a hologram is formed as a layer one of related to light emission
and provided on the predetermined optical path,
[0528] and wherein the hologram layer is formed alone with a part
located periphery of interference fringes of the hologram.
[0529] In this way, the surface light-emitting device alone can
play both roles as the light source and the optical elements by
making the patterns of interference fringes of holograms with the
hologram patterns of optical elements such as lens, for example. In
other words, a lightweight and compact-profile optical input/output
device with reasonable price can be realized by using the surface
light-emitting device according to the present invention.
[0530] The hologram layer can be formed with only the part where is
narrow in distance between the fringes by using the peripheral part
of the interference fringes of the holograms.
[0531] The directivity of lights after passing through holograms HG
receives much influence of both the conditions of the lights before
passing therethrough and the distance between the fringes. However,
more influence of the distance than that of the condition of the
lights before passing through the hologram layer may be expected at
the part where is narrow in distance
[0532] In this way, it is assumed that the light directivity can be
controlled in accordance with the distance of the fringes
regardless of the conditions of the lights before passing through
the hologram layer if the hologram layer is formed with the part
where is narrow in distance between the fringes alone.
[0533] In other words, a hologram layer much suitable for
reproduction of holograms may be realized.
[0534] The surface light-emitting device according to the present
invention is characterized in that, hologram layer formed
substantially corresponding to a pattern of interference fringes of
a hologram is formed as a layer one of related to light emission
and provided on the predetermined optical path,
[0535] and wherein the hologram layer includes a light-pattern and
a dark-pattern,
[0536] and wherein a width of the light-pattern is substantially
formed in a range of a wavelength of the light or less than said
range.
[0537] In this way, the surface light-emitting device alone can
play both roles as the light source and the optical elements by
making the patterns of interference fringes of holograms with the
hologram patterns of optical elements such as lens, for example. In
other words, a lightweight and compact-profile optical input/output
device with reasonable price can be realized by using the surface
light-emitting device according to the present invention.
[0538] The light-pattern very narrow in width can be realized by
forming the width of the light-pattern substantially equal to or
less than the wavelength of the light.
[0539] The light directivity of lights after passing through
holograms receives much influence of both the conditions of the
lights before passing therethrough and the width of the
light-patters. However, not much influence is expected on the
conditions of the lights before passing therethrough if the width
of the light-patterns is in narrow.
[0540] As a consequence, it is considered that the light
directivity can be controlled regardless of the conditions of the
lights before passing through the hologram layer if the hologram
layer is formed so as to narrow the width of the light-pattern. In
other words, a hologram layer much suitable for reproduction of
holograms may be realized.
[0541] The surface light-emitting device according to the present
invention is characterized in that, the hologram layer is formed
alone with a part located periphery of interference fringes of the
hologram. In this way, it is possible to realize a hologram layer
much suitable for the reproduction of holograms.
[0542] The surface light-emitting device according to the present
invention is characterized in that, the hologram layer is composed
by forming the electrode in a shape substantially correspond to the
pattern of the interference fringes.
[0543] In this way, a shape corresponding to the patterns of
interference fringes of holograms can be formed easily and
accurately by forming the hologram layer with easy-to-form
electrodes.
[0544] The surface light-emitting device according to the present
invention is characterized in that, the hologram layer is composed
by forming the luminescent layer in a shape substantially
correspond to the pattern of the interference fringes.
[0545] Light reproduced with high fidelity to the patterns of
interference fringes may be obtained by utilizing the luminescent
layer itself as the hologram layer.
[0546] The surface light-emitting device according to the present
invention is characterized in that, the hologram layer is composed
by forming a shielding layer in a shape substantially correspond to
the pattern of the interference fringes at a position outside of
the luminescent layer,
[0547] and wherein the light from the luminescent layer is emitted
through the shielding layer.
[0548] In this way, a hologram layer made of an easy-to-form
material can be formed by using the shielding layer with not many
restrictions exist on its material as the hologram layer. As a
consequence, a shape corresponding to the patterns of interference
fringes of holograms can be formed easily and accurately.
[0549] The surface light-emitting device according to the present
invention is characterized in that, the hologram layer is composed
by forming an uneven transparent layer formed unevenly in thickness
substantially corresponding to the pattern of the interference
fringes at a position outside of the luminescent layer,
[0550] and wherein the light from the luminescent layer is emitted
through the uneven transparent layer.
[0551] In this way, a hologram layer made of an easy-to-form
material can be formed by using the uneven transparent layer with
not many restrictions exist on its material as the hologram layer.
As a consequence, a shape corresponding to the patterns of
interference fringes of holograms can be formed easily and
accurately.
[0552] The surface light-emitting device according to the present
invention is characterized in that, the luminescent layer is made
of an organic material.
[0553] The use of organic materials to the luminescent layer
permits the formation thereof with a very thin in thickness in
comparison with wavelength of the emitted light therefrom. In this
way, the active thickness of the portions emitting light in the
luminescent layer can be formed in a thickness, which is negligible
in comparison with the wavelength of the emitted light. In
addition, the minimum planar dimension of the luminescent layer can
dramatically be smaller in comparison with the wavelength of the
emitted light. It is, therefor, possible to provide a luminescent
layer much suitable for reproduction of holograms by using organic
materials therefor.
[0554] A lightweight, compact-profile optical-input/output device
with reasonable price capable of emitting light can further be
realized easily because the device can be operated at a low DC
voltage.
[0555] The beam generator according to the present invention is
characterized in that, generating a predetermined beam with said
surface light-emitting device. In this way, a lightweight,
compact-profile beam generator with reasonable price can further be
realized.
[0556] The surface light-emitting device according to the present
invention is characterized in that, a hologram layer formed
substantially corresponding to the pattern of the interference is
formed as a layer one of related to light emission and provided on
the predetermined optical path,
[0557] and wherein the hologram layer includes a light-pattern and
a dark-pattern,
[0558] and wherein the light-pattern is formed in a fixed
width,
[0559] and wherein information containing light intensity of the
holograms is reproduced in accordance with brightness of a portion
generating light where corresponding to the light-pattern.
[0560] In this way, the surface light-emitting device alone can
play both roles as the light source and the optical elements by
making the patterns of interference fringes of holograms with the
hologram patterns of optical elements such as lens, for example. In
other words, a lightweight and compact-profile optical input/output
device with reasonable price can be realized by using the surface
light-emitting device according to the present invention.
[0561] Further, information containing phase of the holograms may
be reproduced by allocating pattern elements as a result of forming
the device as the followings. 1) forming the light-pattern in a
fixed width, and 2) reproducing information containing light
intensity of the hologram by the brightness of the portions
corresponding to the element regions.
[0562] In this way, the hologram layer can be formed by just
allocating each of the element regions having a fixed width. In
other words, formation of the hologram layer may easily be carried
out.
[0563] The surface light-emitting device according to the present
invention is characterized in that, the hologram layer is composed
by forming the electrode in a shape substantially correspond to the
pattern of the interference fringes.
[0564] In this way, a shape corresponding to the patterns of
interference fringes of holograms can be formed easily and
accurately by forming the hologram layer with easy-to-form
electrodes.
[0565] The surface light-emitting device according to the present
invention is characterized in that, wherein the hologram layer is
composed by forming the luminescent layer in a shape substantially
correspond to the pattern of the interference fringes.
[0566] Light reproduced with high fidelity to the patterns of
interference fringes may be obtained by utilizing the luminescent
layer itself as the hologram layer.
[0567] The surface light-emitting device according to the present
invention is characterized in that, brightness of the portion where
corresponding to the light-pattern is controlled by adjusting a
current value flowing through the luminescent layer.
[0568] In this way, light intensity of the holograms can easily be
reproduced by adjusting the current value. As a consequence,
reproduction of the holograms may easily be carried out.
[0569] The surface light-emitting device according to the present
invention is characterized in that, the hologram layer is composed
by providing a shielding layer formed in a shape substantially
corresponding to a pattern of interference fringes of a hologram at
a position outside of the luminescent layer,
[0570] and wherein the light from the luminescent layer is emitted
through the shielding layer.
[0571] In this way, a hologram layer made of an easy-to-form
material can be formed by using the shielding layer with not many
restrictions exist on its material as the hologram layer. As a
consequence, a shape corresponding to the patterns of interference
fringes of holograms can be formed easily and accurately.
[0572] The surface light-emitting device according to the present
invention is characterized in that, the light-pattern is
substantially formed in a width, a range of which is one of
wavelength of the light or less than said range.
[0573] In this way, the light-pattern very narrow in width can be
realized. The light directivity of lights after passing through
holograms receives much influence of both the conditions of the
lights before passing therethrough and the width of the
light-patterns. However, not much influence is expected on the
conditions of the lights before passing therethrough if the width
of the light-patterns is in narrow.
[0574] As a consequence, it is considered that the light
directivity can be controlled regardless of the conditions of the
lights before passing through the hologram layer if the hologram
layer is formed so as to narrow the width of the light-pattern. In
other words, a hologram layer much suitable for reproduction of
holograms may be realized.
[0575] The surface light-emitting device according to the present
invention is characterized in that, the luminescent layer is made
of an organic material.
[0576] The use of organic materials to the luminescent layer
permits the formation thereof with a very thin in thickness in
comparison with wavelength of the emitted light therefrom. In this
way, the active thickness of the portions emitting light in the
luminescent layer can be formed in a thickness, which is negligible
in comparison with the wavelength of the emitted light. In
addition, the minimum planar dimension of the luminescent layer can
dramatically be smaller in comparison with the wavelength of the
emitted light. It is, therefor, possible to provide a luminescent
layer suitable for reproduction of holograms by using organic
materials therefor.
[0577] A lightweight, compact-profile optical-input/output device
with reasonable price capable of emitting light can further be
realized easily because the device can be operated at a low DC
voltage.
[0578] The beam generator according to the present invention is
characterized in that, generating a predetermined beam with said
surface light-emitting device. In this way, a lightweight,
compact-profile beam generator with reasonable price can further be
realized.
[0579] The surface light-emitting device according to the present
invention is characterized in that, a hologram layer formed
substantially corresponding to a pattern of interference fringes of
a hologram is formed as a layer one of related to light emission
and provided on the predetermined optical path,
[0580] and wherein the device is fabricated so that the light once
emitted through the optical path returns through the hologram layer
as a reflected light.
[0581] In this way, the surface light-emitting device alone can
play roles as the light source, lens and the half-mirror by making
the patterns of interference fringes of holograms with the hologram
patterns of optical elements such as lens, for example. In other
words, a lightweight and compact-profile optical input/output
device outputting light while using the reflected light as incident
light with reasonable price can be realized by using the surface
light-emitting device according to the present invention.
[0582] The surface light-emitting device according to the present
invention is characterized in that, the hologram layer includes a
light-pattern and a dark-pattern,
[0583] and wherein a portion generating light where corresponding
to the light-pattern is formed so that light travels in a
forward-direction to the optical path but not proceeds in a
backward-direction thereto,
[0584] and wherein a portion not generating light where
corresponding to the dark-pattern is formed so that light proceeds
in a backward-direction to the optical path.
[0585] The light emitted from the light-pattern only travels in the
forward-direction and reflected by an object. The reflected light
passes through the dark-pattern and travels to the
backward-direction of the optical path. As a consequence, the
optical input/output device outputting light while using the
reflected light as incident light with compact-profile and in
reasonable cost can easily be realized by composing the hologram
layer with both the light-pattern and the dark-pattern.
[0586] The surface light-emitting device according to the present
invention is characterized in that, the electrode is the hologram
layer. In this way, a shape corresponding to the patterns of
interference fringes of holograms can be formed easily and
accurately by forming the hologram layer with easy-to-form
electrodes.
[0587] The surface light-emitting device according to the present
invention is characterized in that, the electrode is composed of a
pair of electrode layers interposing the luminescent layer
therebetween,
[0588] and wherein one of the electrode layers disposed at a
position behind the optical path is formed as the hologram
layer,
[0589] and wherein the other one of electrode layers disposed at a
position in front of the optical path is formed as a transparent
electrode.
[0590] In this way, the electrode layers formed in a shape
corresponding to the patterns of interference fringes not necessary
to be transparent electrodes. As a consequence, an easy-to-form
material for the electrodes can be selected. In other words, it is
possible to obtain a shape corresponding to the pattern of
interference fringes of the hologram easily and more precisely.
[0591] The surface light-emitting device according to the present
invention is characterized in that, the luminescent layer is the
hologram layer.
[0592] In this way, light reproduced with high fidelity to the
patterns of interference fringes may be emitted to the
forward-direction by utilizing the luminescent layer itself as the
hologram layer. The light reflected may also be transmitted
correspondingly to the dark-pattern with fidelity in the
backward-direction.
[0593] The surface light-emitting device according to the present
invention is characterized in that, a non-light transmission layer
formed in a shape corresponding to the light-pattern, is disposed
at a position back-side of said one electrode layer situated behind
the optical path.
[0594] In this way, leakage of the light from the light-pattern in
the backward-direction may certainly be avoided. Under the
circumstances, any electrode material(s) for the electrode having
superior capabilities of electric charge-injection and formability
may be selected without concerning the capability of light
shielding thereof.
[0595] The surface light-emitting device according to the present
invention is characterized in that, the luminescent layer is made
of an organic material.
[0596] The use of organic materials to the luminescent layer
permits the formation thereof with a very thin in thickness in
comparison with wavelength of the emitted light therefrom. In this
way, the active thickness of the portions emitting light in the
luminescent layer can be formed in a thickness, which is negligible
in comparison with the wavelength of the emitted light. In
addition, the minimum planar dimension of the luminescent layer can
dramatically be smaller in comparison with the wavelength of the
emitted light. It is, therefor, possible to provide a luminescent
layer suitable for reproduction of holograms by using organic
materials therefor.
[0597] A lightweight, compact-profile optical-input/output device
with reasonable price capable of emitting light can further be
realized easily because the device can be operated at a low DC
voltage.
[0598] The device for monitoring reflected light according to the
present invention is characterized in that, device for monitoring
reflected light using an optical sensor is disposed at a position
behind the hologram layer.
[0599] In this way, a lightweight, compact-profile, low-cost
monitoring device can be realized.
[0600] The surface light-emitting device according to the present
invention is characterized in that, a hologram layer formed
substantially corresponding to a patterns of interference fringes
of a hologram is formed as a layer one of related to light emission
and provided on the predetermined optical path,
[0601] and wherein a plurality of element regions are included in
the hologram layer,
[0602] and wherein brightness of portions corresponding to the
element regions is determined in accordance with the patterns of
the interference fringes,
[0603] and wherein the corresponding portions are controlled so as
to turn into an illumination-state corresponding to the determined
brightness substantially at the same time.
[0604] In this way, the surface light-emitting device alone can
play both roles as the light source and the optical elements by
making the patterns of interference fringes of holograms with the
hologram patterns of optical elements such as lens, for example. In
other words, a lightweight and compact-profile optical input/output
device with reasonable price can be realized by using the surface
light-emitting device according to the present invention.
[0605] Further, reproduction of the holograms can be performed with
certainty because the portions corresponding to the element regions
are controlled so as to turn into an illumination-state
corresponding to the determined brightness substantially at the
same time.
[0606] In addition, the element regions may be formed in a simple
shape, and information containing light intensity of the holograms
can be reproduced in accordance with the brightness of the element
regions because the hologram layer includes a plurality of element
regions and the brightness of portions corresponding to the element
regions is determined in accordance with the patterns of the
interference fringes. By forming the device in this way,
information containing phase of the holograms may be reproduced in
accordance with positions of the element regions. Consequently,
formation of the hologram layer may easily be carried out.
[0607] The surface light-emitting device according to the present
invention is characterized in that, the portions corresponding to
the element regions are capable of maintaining the
illumination-state,
[0608] and wherein the corresponding portions are controlled so as
to sequentially turn into the illumination-state corresponding to
the determined brightness and to maintain the
illumination-state.
[0609] In this way, the corresponding portions are simultaneously
turned into an illumination-state corresponding to the determined
brightness at the end of scanning for all the lines by sequentially
scanning the corresponding portions. Consequently, reproduction of
the holograms can easily be performed with certainty.
[0610] The surface light-emitting device according to the present
invention is characterized in that, the hologram layer is composed
by forming the electrode with element electrodes substantially
forming said pluralities of element regions.
[0611] The shape of the element regions may easily be reproduced
correctly by forming the element regions with easy-to-form
electrodes.
[0612] The surface light-emitting device according to the present
invention is characterized in that, the hologram layer is composed
by forming the luminescent layer with element luminescent layers
substantially forming said pluralities of element regions.
[0613] Light reproduced with high fidelity to the patterns of the
element regions may be obtained by utilizing the luminescent layer
itself as the element regions.
[0614] The surface light-emitting device according to the present
invention is characterized in that, brightness of portions
corresponding to the element regions is respectively controlled by
adjusting current values flowing through the luminescent layer
corresponding to each of the element regions.
[0615] In this way, information containing light intensity of the
holograms can be reproduced by adjusting the current values.
Consequently, reproduction of the holograms can easily be
performed.
[0616] The surface light-emitting device according to the present
invention is characterized in that, a storing part for storing
current values flowing through the luminescent layer which
correspond to each of the element regions respectively, is
provided.
[0617] In this way, illumination-state of each portion
corresponding to each element region can be maintained by just
storing the current values. Consequently, simultaneous illumination
corresponding to the determined brightness of the portions
corresponding to the element region can further be carried out
easily.
[0618] The surface light-emitting device according to the present
invention is characterized in that, the hologram layer is formed by
substantially providing a plurality of element shielding layers
outside of the luminescent layer.
[0619] and wherein the light from the luminescent layer is emitted
through the element shielding layers.
[0620] In this way, element shielding layers made of an
easy-to-form material can be formed by using the shielding layers
with not many restrictions exist on its material as the element
region. As a consequence, the shape of the element region can be
formed easily and accurately.
[0621] The surface light-emitting device according to the present
invention is characterized in that, the element regions are formed
so that a maximum width thereof is one of a range of 10 through 100
nano-meters and another range of equal to or less said range.
[0622] In this way, element regions very narrow in width can be
realized. The light directivity of lights after passing through
holograms receives much influence of both the conditions of the
lights before passing therethrough and the width of each of the
element regions composing the hologram layer. However, not much
influence is expected on the conditions of the lights before
passing therethrough if the width of each of the element regions is
in narrow.
[0623] As a consequence, it is considered that the light
directivity can be controlled regardless of the conditions of the
lights before passing through the hologram layer if the hologram
layer is formed with the element regions very narrow in width. In
other words, a hologram layer much suitable for reproduction of
holograms may be realized.
[0624] The surface light-emitting device according to the present
invention is characterized in that, the luminescent layer is made
of an organic material.
[0625] The use of organic materials to the luminescent layer
permits the formation thereof with a very thin in thickness in
comparison with wavelength of the emitted light therefrom. In this
way, the active thickness of the portions emitting light in the
luminescent layer can be formed in a thickness, which is negligible
in comparison with the wavelength of the emitted light. In
addition, the minimum planar dimension of the luminescent layer can
dramatically be smaller in comparison with the wavelength of the
emitted light. It is, therefor, possible to provide a luminescent
layer suitable for reproduction of holograms by using organic
materials therefor.
[0626] A lightweight, compact-profile optical-input/output device
with reasonable price capable of emitting light can further be
realized easily because the device can be operated at a low DC
voltage.
[0627] The surface light-emitting device according to the present
invention is characterized in that, a hologram layer formed
substantially corresponding to a pattern of interference fringes of
a hologram is formed as a layer one of related to light emission
and provided on the predetermined optical path,
[0628] and wherein more than one pattern of interference fringes
are prepared and light corresponding to one of patterns selected is
emitted through the predetermined optical path.
[0629] In this way, the surface light-emitting device alone can
play both roles as the light source and the optical elements by
making the patterns of interference fringes of holograms with the
hologram patterns of optical elements such as lens, for
example.
[0630] Further, the surface light-emitting device can a play role
for varying positions between the light source and the optical
element as well as playing another role for modifications of the
light source and/or the optical element in the embodiment described
above, the surface light-emitting device being designed capable of
selecting a pattern of fringe out of more than one patterns.
[0631] As a consequence, those adjustments can be performed without
carrying out mechanical movement.
[0632] In other words, a lightweight, compact-profile, and
reasonable price optical-input/output device, yet enables
high-speed operation with high-durability can be realized with the
surface light-emitting device.
[0633] The surface light-emitting device according to the present
invention is characterized in that, the hologram layer is composed
of a plurality of element regions,
[0634] and wherein brightness of portions corresponding to the
element regions is determined in accordance with the pattern of the
interference fringes,
[0635] and wherein the corresponding portions are controlled so as
to turn into an illumination-state corresponding to the determined
brightness.
[0636] In this way, a surface light-emitting device capable of
using a variety of hologram patterns by itself can be manufactured
as a result of carrying out the following steps: 1) forming the
element regions in a simple shape used for various purposes, and 2)
correspondingly determining brightness of the portions
corresponding to each of the element regions to the hologram
pattern thus selected. As a consequence, the both roles for varying
positions between the light source and the optical element and for
modifications of the light source and/or the optical element can
further be performed with flexibility in the above example.
[0637] The surface light-emitting device according to the present
invention is characterized in that, at least one of the element
regions has a part substantially formed in circular arc shape.
[0638] In this way, a surface light-emitting device capable of
realizing beams having various modes such as different focal points
and/or radiating direction by itself can be manufactured by
correspondingly determining brightness of the portions
corresponding to the element regions having a part substantially
formed in circular arc shape to the pattern of the interference
fringes thus selected.
[0639] The surface light-emitting device according to the present
invention is characterized in that, the element regions are
substantially disposed in a concentric manner.
[0640] In this way, a surface light-emitting device capable of
realizing beams having various modes such as different focal points
by itself can be manufactured by correspondingly determining
brightness of the portions corresponding to the element regions
substantially disposed in a concentric manner to the pattern of the
interference fringes thus selected.
[0641] The surface light-emitting device according to the present
invention is characterized in that, a width of the element region
is one of ranges of 10 through 100 nano-meters and another range of
equal to or less than said range.
[0642] In this way, element regions very narrow in width can be
realized. The light directivity of lights after passing through
holograms receives much influence of both the conditions of the
lights before passing therethrough and the width of each of the
element regions composing the hologram layer. However, not much
influence is expected on the conditions of the lights before
passing therethrough if the width of each of the element regions is
in narrow.
[0643] As a consequence, it is considered that the light
directivity can be controlled regardless of the conditions of the
lights before passing through the hologram layer if the hologram
layer is formed with the element regions very narrow in width. In
other words, a hologram layer much suitable for reproduction of
holograms may be realized.
[0644] The surface light-emitting device according to the present
invention is characterized in that, the element regions are formed
in a uniform width, and wherein information containing light
intensity of the hologram is reproduced by the brightness of the
portions corresponding to the element regions.
[0645] In this way, a hologram layer capable of using various
purposes can be formed by making each of the element regions in a
fixed width.
[0646] In this case, information containing phase of the holograms
may be reproduced in accordance with positions of the element
regions corresponding to the portions under an illumination-state.
As a consequence, the holograms can be reproduced by varying the
brightness of the portions corresponding to the element
regions.
[0647] The surface light-emitting device according to the present
invention is characterized in that, a plurality of the element
regions are substantially disposed in a matrix manner.
[0648] In this way, a surface light-emitting device capable of
using more variety of hologram patterns by itself can be
manufactured as a result of using a plurality of the element
regions substantially disposed in a matrix manner and have more
variety of purposes. As a consequence, the both roles for varying
positions between the light source and the optical element and for
modifications of the light source and/or the optical element can
further be performed with higher flexibility in the above
example.
[0649] The surface light-emitting device according to the present
invention is characterized in that, the element regions are formed
so that a maximum width thereof is one of a range of 10 through 100
nano-meters and another range of equal to or less than said
range.
[0650] In this way, element regions very narrow in width can be
realized. The light directivity of lights after passing through
holograms receives much influence of both the conditions of the
lights before passing therethrough and the width of each of the
element regions composing the hologram layer. However, not much
influence is expected on the conditions of the lights before
passing therethrough if the width of each of the element regions is
in narrow.
[0651] As a consequence, it is considered that the light
directivity can be controlled regardless of the conditions of the
lights before passing through the hologram layer if the hologram
layer is formed with the element regions very narrow in width. In
other words, a hologram layer much suitable for reproduction of
holograms may be realized.
[0652] The surface light-emitting device according to the present
invention is characterized in that, information containing light
intensity of the hologram is reproduced by the brightness of the
portions corresponding to the element regions.
[0653] In this case, information containing phase of the holograms
may be reproduced in accordance with positions of the element
regions corresponding to the portions under an illumination-state.
As a consequence, the holograms can be reproduced by varying the
brightness of the portions corresponding to the element
regions.
[0654] The surface light-emitting device according to the present
invention is characterized in that, brightness of portions
corresponding to the element regions is respectively controlled by
adjusting current values flowing through the luminescent layer
corresponding to each of the element regions.
[0655] In this way, information containing light intensity of the
holograms can be reproduced by adjusting the current values.
Consequently, reproduction of the holograms can easily be
performed.
[0656] The surface light-emitting device according to the present
invention is characterized in that, the corresponding portions are
controlled so as to turn into the illumination-state corresponding
to the determined brightness substantially at the same time.
Consequently, reproduction of the holograms can be performed with
certainty.
[0657] The surface light-emitting device according to the present
invention is characterized in that, the corresponding portions are
capable of maintaining the illumination-state,
[0658] and wherein the corresponding portions are controlled so as
to sequentially turn into the illumination-state corresponding to
the determined brightness and to maintain the
illumination-state.
[0659] In this way, the portions corresponding to the element
regions are simultaneously turned into an illumination-state
corresponding to the determined brightness at the end of scanning
for all the lines by sequentially scanning the portions in the
luminescent layer corresponding to the element regions.
Consequently, reproduction of the holograms can easily be performed
with certainty.
[0660] The surface light-emitting device according to the present
invention is characterized in that, the luminescent layer is made
of an organic material.
[0661] The use of organic materials to the luminescent layer
permits the formation thereof with a very thin in thickness in
comparison with wavelength of the emitted light therefrom. In this
way, the active thickness of the portions emitting light in the
luminescent layer can be formed in a thickness, which is negligible
in comparison with the wavelength of the emitted light. In
addition, the minimum planar dimension of the luminescent layer can
dramatically be smaller in comparison with the wavelength of the
emitted light. It is, therefor, possible to provide a luminescent
layer suitable for reproduction of holograms by using organic
materials therefor.
[0662] A lightweight, compact-profile optical-input/output device
with reasonable price capable of emitting light can further be
realized easily because the device can be operated at a low DC
voltage.
[0663] The beam generator according to the present invention is
characterized in that, a beam in a desired form is generated by
selecting one of the hologram pattern of the optical element with
the surface light-emitting device.
[0664] In this way, a lightweight, compact-profile, and reasonable
price beam generator, yet enables high-speed operation with
high-durability can be realized.
[0665] The beam generator according to the present invention is
characterized in that, beams corresponding to a scanning path are
generated sequentially so as to draw a track thereof along with the
scanning path.
[0666] In this way, a lightweight, compact-profile, and reasonable
price beam scanning device, yet enables high-speed operation with
high-durability can be realized.
[0667] The plotting device according to the present invention is
characterized in that, the plotting device carries out plotting
with the beam generator described above, wherein a pattern is
plotted with beams corresponding to the pattern to be plotted which
are generated in sequential manner.
[0668] In this way, a lightweight, compact-profile, and reasonable
price plotting device, yet enables high-speed operation with
high-durability can be realized.
[0669] The light scanning and reading device is characterized in
that, the device uses the beam generator. In this way, a
lightweight, compact-profile, and reasonable price light scanning
and reading device, yet enables high-speed operation with
high-durability can be realized.
[0670] The image display device according to the present invention
is characterized in that, an image display device having a surface
light-emitting device including a luminescent layer emitting light
as a result of applying a voltage to the electrode and the light
being emitted through a predetermined optical path,
[0671] wherein a hologram layer formed substantially corresponding
to a pattern of interference fringes of a hologram is formed as a
layer one of related to light emission and provided on the
predetermined optical path,
[0672] and wherein a predetermined holographic image is displayed
with the light from the luminescent layer.
[0673] In this way, visual information can be reproduced in
three-dimensional manner only with the surface light-emitting
device if the interference fringes of the holograms are formed as
hologram patterns corresponding to visual information such as cubic
object(s) and/or character(s). In other words, a lightweight,
compact-profile, and reasonable price image display device capable
of reproducing visual information in three-dimensional manner can
be realized.
[0674] The image display device according to the present invention,
is characterized in that, the hologram layer is composed by forming
the electrode in a shape substantially corresponding to the pattern
of the interference fringes.
[0675] In this way, a shape corresponding to the patterns of
interference fringes of holograms can be formed easily and
accurately by forming the hologram layer with easy-to-form
electrodes.
[0676] The image display device according to the present invention
is characterized in that, the hologram layer is composed by forming
the luminescent layer in a shape substantially corresponding to the
pattern of the interference fringes.
[0677] Light reproduced with high fidelity to the patterns of
interference fringes may be obtained by utilizing the luminescent
layer itself as the hologram layer.
[0678] The image display device according to the present invention
is characterized in that, the hologram layer is composed by forming
a shielding layer in a shape substantially corresponding to the
pattern of the interference fringes of at a position outside of the
luminescent layer,
[0679] and wherein the light from the luminescent layer is emitted
through the shielding layer.
[0680] In this way, a hologram layer made of an easy-to-form
material can be formed by using the shielding layer with not many
restrictions exist on its material as the hologram layer. As a
consequence, a shape corresponding to the patterns of interference
fringes of holograms can be formed easily and accurately.
[0681] The image display device according to the present invention
is characterized in that, the hologram layer is composed by forming
an uneven transparent layer formed unevenly in thickness
substantially corresponding to the patterns of the interference
fringes at a position outside of the luminescent layer,
[0682] and wherein the light from the luminescent layer is emitted
through the uneven transparent layer.
[0683] In this way, a hologram layer made of an easy-to-form
material can be formed by using the uneven transparent layer with
not many restrictions exist on its material as the hologram layer.
As a consequence, a shape corresponding to the patterns of
interference fringes of holograms can be formed easily and
accurately.
[0684] The image display device according to the present invention
is characterized in that, the light from the luminescent layer
directed to other than the predetermined optical path is emitted to
a direction other than the predetermined optical path.
[0685] As a consequence, localization of an imaginary light source
created by reflection of the lights directed to other than the
predetermined optical path can be avoided. Consequently, the light
source can keep its substantial optical depth narrow. It is,
therefor, possible to obtain the lights suitable for reproduction
of holograms.
[0686] The image display device according to the present invention
is characterized in that, the light from the luminescent layer
directed to other than the predetermined optical path is reflected
and incorporated with another light from the luminescent layer
directed to the predetermined optical path so as to intensify the
resulting light.
[0687] In this way, the light incorporated can be obtained. It is,
therefor, possible to obtain the lights suitable for reproduction
of holograms.
[0688] The image display device according to the present invention
is characterized in that, the light generated by the luminescent
layer is emitted after carrying out resonation of the light.
[0689] In this way, light much like monochromatic radiation having
a high intensity effectively can be obtained. Also, light having a
high directivity can be obtained with the device as well. Lights
having similar phase can further be obtained. Consequently, it is
possible to obtain the lights suitable for reproduction of
holograms.
[0690] The image display device according to the present invention
is characterized in that, the hologram layer is formed alone with a
pattern located periphery of the interference fringes.
[0691] In this way, the hologram layer can be formed with only the
part where is narrow in distance between the fringes. The
directivity of lights after passing through the holograms receives
much influence of both the conditions of the lights before passing
therethrough and the distance between the fringes. However, more
influence of the distance than that of the condition of the lights
before passing through the hologram layer may be expected at the
part where is narrow in distance.
[0692] As a consequence, it is assumed that the light directivity
can be controlled in accordance with the distance of the fringes
regardless of the conditions of the lights before passing through
the hologram layer if the hologram layer is formed with the part
where is narrow in distance between the fringes alone. In other
words, a hologram layer much suitable for reproduction of holograms
may be realized.
[0693] The image display device according to the present invention
is characterized in that, the hologram layer includes a
light-pattern and a dark-pattern,
[0694] and wherein a width of the light-pattern is substantially
formed in one of a range of wavelength of the light and less than
said range.
[0695] In this way, the light-pattern very narrow in width can be
realized. The light directivity of lights after passing through
holograms receives much influence of both the conditions of the
lights before passing therethrough and the width of each of the
light-pattern. However, not much influence is expected on the
conditions of the lights before passing therethrough if the width
of each of the light-pattern is in narrow.
[0696] As a consequence, it is considered that the light
directivity can be controlled regardless of the conditions of the
lights before passing through the hologram layer if the hologram
layer is formed so as to narrow the width of the light-pattern. In
other words, a hologram layer much suitable for reproduction of
holograms may be realized.
[0697] The image display device according to the present invention
is characterized in that, the hologram layer includes a
light-pattern and a dark-pattern,
[0698] and wherein the light-pattern is formed in a fixed
width,
[0699] and wherein information containing light intensity of the
hologram is reproduced by the brightness of portions generating
light where corresponding to the light-pattern.
[0700] In this case, information containing phase of the holograms
may be reproduced by allocating pattern elements having the fixed
width. As a consequence, the hologram layer can be formed by just
allocating each of the element regions having the fixed width. In
other words, formation of the hologram layer may easily be carried
out.
[0701] The image display device according to the present invention
is characterized in that, a plurality of element regions are
included in the hologram layer,
[0702] and wherein brightness of portions corresponding to the
element regions is determined in accordance with the pattern of
interference fringes,
[0703] and wherein the corresponding portions are controlled so as
to turn into an illumination-state corresponding to the determined
brightness substantially at the same time.
[0704] In this way, reproduction of the holograms can be performed
with certainty because the portions corresponding to the element
regions are controlled so as to turn into an illumination-state
corresponding to the determined brightness substantially at the
same time.
[0705] In addition, the element regions may be formed in a simple
shape, and information containing light intensity of the holograms
can be reproduced in accordance with the brightness of the element
regions because the hologram layer includes a plurality of element
regions and the brightness of portions corresponding to the element
regions is determined in accordance with the patterns of the
interference fringes. By forming the display device in this way,
information containing phase of the holograms may be reproduced by
allocating pattern elements. Consequently, formation of the
hologram may easily be carried out.
[0706] The image display device according to the present invention
is characterized in that, more than one pattern of interference
fringes are prepared and light corresponding to one of patterns
selected is emitted through the predetermined optical path.
[0707] In this way, a variety of visual informations can be
reproduced in three-dimensional manner if the interference fringes
of the holograms are formed as hologram patterns corresponding to
visual information such as several kinds of objects and/or
characters. As a consequence an image display device capable of
utilizing in various purposes can be realized. In addition, images
can be reproduced dynamic manner by using the several kinds of
hologram patterns.
[0708] The image display device according to the present invention
is characterized in that, the luminescent layer is made of an
organic material.
[0709] The use of organic materials to the luminescent layer
permits the formation thereof with a very thin in thickness in
comparison with wavelength of the emitted light therefrom. In this
way, the active thickness of the portions emitting light in the
luminescent layer can be formed in a thickness, which is negligible
in comparison with the wavelength of the emitted light. In
addition, the minimum planar dimension of the luminescent layer can
dramatically be smaller in comparison with the wavelength of the
emitted light. It is, therefor, possible to provide a luminescent
layer suitable for reproduction of holograms by using organic
materials therefor.
[0710] A lightweight, compact-profile optical-input/output device
with reasonable price capable of emitting light can further be
realized easily because the device can be operated at a low DC
voltage.
[0711] The IC card according to the present invention is
characterized in that, the IC card uses the image display device.
In this way, a lightweight, compact-profile with reasonable price
IC card capable of reproducing visual information in
three-dimensional manner can be realized. With the IC card, a
higher advertising-effect and difficulties in forgery can be
expected because visual information is reproduced in
three-dimensional manner.
[0712] The surface light-emitting device, the beam generator, the
device for monitoring reflected light, the plotting device, the
light scanning and reading device, the image display device and the
IC card according to the present invention are characterized in
that, the light generated by the luminescent layer is emitted in a
direction substantially perpendicular to the luminescent layer as a
laser beam after carrying out resonation of the light.
[0713] In this way, it is possible to realize a surface
light-emitting device much suitable for reproduction of holograms
by using the emitted laser beams. Moreover, a desired illumination
pattern may easily be obtained by emitting the laser beam in the
direction perpendicular to the luminescent layer. Consequently, a
desired hologram pattern can easily be obtained.
[0714] The surface light-emitting device, the beam generator, the
device for monitoring reflected light, the plotting device, the
light scanning and reading device, the image display device and the
IC card according to the present invention are characterized in
that, a luminescent layer formed as a multiple semiconductor layer
in which a first semiconductor layer of first conductive type and a
second semiconductor layer of second conductive type are
substantially connected with each other, and wherein the light
generated adjacent of the connection is emitted in a direction
substantially perpendicular to the luminescent layer as a laser
beam after carrying out resonation of the light.
[0715] In this way, it is possible to realize a surface
light-emitting device much suitable for reproduction of holograms
by using the emitted laser beams. Moreover, a desired illumination
pattern may easily be obtained by emitting the laser beam in the
direction perpendicular to the luminescent layer. Consequently, a
desired hologram pattern can easily be obtained. Further, laser
oscillation can easily be performed by employing a semi-conducting
substance having a high heat resistance for the luminescent
layer.
[0716] The surface light-emitting device, the beam generator, the
device for monitoring reflected light, the plotting device, the
light scanning and reading device, the image display device and the
IC card according to the present invention are characterized in
that, a plurality of reflecting mirrors, each having a reflective
plane substantially parallel to the luminescent layer, is provided
at positions so as to interpose the luminescent layer,
[0717] and wherein the mirrors resonate the light generated by the
luminescent layer in a direction substantially perpendicular to the
luminescent layer.
[0718] In this way, the volume of areas interposed between the
mirrors can be reduced. As a consequence, the threshold value for
initiating the laser oscillation can be lowered. In other words, a
surface light-emitting device and the like with low-power
consumption can be realized. Further, the hologram layer can
further be patterned in detail. In other words, hologram pattern
with finer patterning may easily be obtained.
[0719] While the embodiments of the present invention, as disclosed
herein, constitute preferred forms, it is to be understood that
each term was used as illustrative and not restrictive, and can be
changed within the scope of the claims without departing from the
scope and spirit of the invention.
* * * * *