U.S. patent application number 16/512599 was filed with the patent office on 2019-11-07 for illuminating unit and projection display apparatus.
The applicant listed for this patent is SONY CORPORATION. Invention is credited to KOJI MIURA.
Application Number | 20190339603 16/512599 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55532994 |
Filed Date | 2019-11-07 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190339603 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MIURA; KOJI |
November 7, 2019 |
ILLUMINATING UNIT AND PROJECTION DISPLAY APPARATUS
Abstract
An illuminating unit of the disclosure includes a light source,
a plurality of optical members for illumination that guide light
from the light source to a predetermined optical path, and a
polarization split element that transfers, to a predetermined
illuminating position, a first polarized component included in the
light guided to the predetermined optical path. One or more of the
plurality of optical members for illumination have optical
properties, for the light at a predetermined wavelength band
outputted from the light source, of guiding the first polarized
component to the predetermined optical path, and guiding a second
polarized component that is different from the first polarized
component toward a direction deviated from the predetermined
optical path.
Inventors: |
MIURA; KOJI; (KANAGAWA,
JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SONY CORPORATION |
Tokyo |
|
JP |
|
|
Family ID: |
55532994 |
Appl. No.: |
16/512599 |
Filed: |
July 16, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15506889 |
Feb 27, 2017 |
10386707 |
|
|
PCT/JP2015/072866 |
Aug 12, 2015 |
|
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16512599 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G02B 27/141 20130101;
G03B 21/2013 20130101; H04N 9/3111 20130101; G03B 21/28 20130101;
G03B 21/2066 20130101; G03B 21/2033 20130101; H04N 5/74 20130101;
H04N 9/3105 20130101; G03B 21/00 20130101; G03B 33/06 20130101;
G03B 21/2073 20130101; G02B 27/14 20130101; G03B 21/14 20130101;
H04N 9/3167 20130101; G03B 21/006 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G03B 21/20 20060101
G03B021/20; H04N 9/31 20060101 H04N009/31; G03B 33/06 20060101
G03B033/06; G03B 21/00 20060101 G03B021/00; H04N 5/74 20060101
H04N005/74; G02B 27/14 20060101 G02B027/14 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 17, 2014 |
JP |
2014-189019 |
Claims
1. An illuminating unit, comprising: a light source; a plurality of
optical members that guide light from the light source to an
optical path; a panel that receives the light guided from the light
source; and a polarization split element that receives the light
through the panel to an external device.
2. The illuminating unit according to claim 1, wherein the light
source comprises a plurality of light sources that are disposed on
different optical paths from each other, the plurality of optical
members for illumination include an optical path combination
element that combines the optical paths of two or more of the
plurality of light sources, and in combining the optical paths, the
optical path combination element has optical properties, for the
light at the predetermined wavelength band, of guiding the first
polarized component to the predetermined optical path, and guiding
the second polarized component toward the direction deviated from
the predetermined optical path.
3. The illuminating unit according to claim 2, wherein the first
polarized component is S-polarized light with respect to the
polarization split element, and the second polarized component is
P-polarized light with respect to the polarization split
element.
4. The illuminating unit according to claim 3, wherein the optical
path combination element has polarizing properties of reflecting
the first polarized component and transmitting the second polarized
component for light at a first wavelength band serving as the light
at the predetermined wavelength band, and has properties of
transmitting light at a second wavelength band.
5. The illuminating unit according to claim 3, wherein the optical
path combination element has polarizing properties of transmitting
the first polarized component and reflecting the second polarized
component for light at a first wavelength band serving as the light
at the predetermined wavelength band, and has properties of
reflecting light at a second wavelength.
6. The illuminating unit according to claim 3, wherein the
polarization split element transfers the first polarized component
to the predetermined illuminating position by reflection.
7. The illuminating unit according to claim 2, wherein the first
polarized component is P-polarized light with respect to the
polarization split element, and the second polarized component is
S-polarized light with respect to the polarization split
element.
8. The illuminating unit according to claim 7, wherein the optical
path combination element has polarizing properties of reflecting
the first polarized component and transmitting the second polarized
component for light at a first wavelength band serving as the light
at the predetermined wavelength band, and has properties of
transmitting light at a second wavelength band.
9. The illuminating unit according to claim 7, wherein the optical
path combination element has polarizing properties of transmitting
the first polarized component and reflecting the second polarized
component for light at a first wavelength band serving as the light
at the predetermined wavelength band, and has properties of
reflecting light at a second wavelength.
10. The illuminating unit according to claim 7, wherein the
polarization split element transfers the first polarized component
to the predetermined illuminating position by transmission.
11. The illuminating unit according to claim 2, wherein an incoming
angle of the light at the predetermined wavelength band that enters
the optical path combination element from the light source is at
least 25 degrees but no more than 75 degrees.
12. The illuminating unit according to claim 1, wherein the light
through the panel includes a first polarized component and a second
polarized component.
13. The illuminating unit according to claim 1, wherein the
polarization split element transfers, to a predetermined
illuminating position, a first polarized component included in the
light guided to the predetermined optical path.
14. The illuminating unit according to claim 1, wherein one or more
of the plurality of optical members have optical properties, for
the light at a predetermined wavelength band outputted from the
light source, of guiding the first polarized component to the
predetermined optical path, and guiding a second polarized
component that is different from the first polarized component
toward a direction deviated from the predetermined optical path.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims priority from U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/506,889, filed on Feb. 27, 2017, which is a
U.S. National Phase of International Patent Application No.
PCT/JP2015/072866 filed on Aug. 12, 2015, which claims priority
benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. JP 2014-189019 filed in
the Japan Patent Office on Sep. 17, 2014. Each of the
above-referenced applications is hereby incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The disclosure relates to an illuminating unit, and to a
projection display apparatus that projects images with use of light
from the illuminating unit.
BACKGROUND ART
[0003] In recent years, a projector (projection display apparatus)
that projects images on a screen has been widely used in not only
offices but also homes. The projector carries out display operation
in such a manner that image light is generated by modulating light
from a light source with use of a light valve (spatial modulation
device) to project the resultant image light on a screen (for
example, see PTLs 1 and 2). Recently, a palm-sixed ultracompact
projector, a mobile phone with a built-in ultracompact projector,
or any other similar apparatus has begun to become widespread.
CITATION LIST
Patent Literature
[0004] PTL 1 Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No.
2011-128634
[0005] PTL 2 Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No.
2010-48903
[0006] PTL 3 Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No.
2003-44839
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In the projector as described above, it is generally desired
to enhance contrast for improving the display image quality.
Specifically, for example, when a reflective liquid crystal device
is used as the spatial modulation device, to enhance the contrast,
it is desired to reduce luminance at the time of black display by
suppressing leakage light from an optical system during the black
display.
[0008] In a liquid crystal projector, a method of improving the
contrast is generally used that raises a polarization ratio of
light incoming/outgoing into/from a liquid crystal device by
inserting a polarizing element (for example, an iodine polarizing
plate, a wire-grid polarizing plate, or any other similar element)
before or after the liquid crystal device acting as the spatial
modulation device. In this case, the number of components may
increase, leading to an increase in cost. Further, the polarizing
element may not achieve the necessary transmittance of 100% for the
light in a polarization direction, which may cause the light
utilization efficiency to be reduced, resulting in deterioration in
the brightness.
[0009] Accordingly, it is desirable to provide an illuminating unit
and a projection display apparatus that make it possible to improve
the contrast.
[0010] An illuminating unit according to an embodiment of the
disclosure includes: a light source; a plurality of optical members
for illumination that guide light from the light source to a
predetermined optical path; and a polarization split element that
transfers, to a predetermined illuminating position, a first
polarized component included in the light guided to the
predetermined optical path. One or more of the plurality of optical
members for illumination have optical properties, for the light at
a predetermined wavelength band outputted from the light source, of
guiding the first polarized component to the predetermined optical
path, and guiding a second polarized component that is different
from the first polarized component toward a direction deviated from
the predetermined optical path.
[0011] A projection display apparatus according to an embodiment of
the disclosure includes: a light source; a plurality of optical
members for illumination that guide light from the light source to
a predetermined optical path; a polarization split element that
transfers, to a predetermined illuminating position, a first
polarized component included in the light guided to the
predetermined optical path; a light valve that is disposed at the
predetermined illuminating position and modulates light on the
basis of image data; and a projection lens that projects, on a
projection surface, the modulated light from the light valve. One
or more of the plurality of optical members for illumination have
optical properties of, for light at a predetermined wavelength band
outputted from the light source, guiding the first polarized
component to the predetermined optical path, and guiding a second
polarized component that is different from the first polarized
component toward a direction deviated from the predetermined
optical path.
[0012] In the illuminating unit and the projection display
apparatus according to the respective embodiments of the
disclosure, one or more of the plurality of optical members for
illumination guide the first polarized component to the
predetermined optical path and guide the second polarized component
that is different from the first polarized component toward the
direction deviated from the predetermined optical path, for the
light at the predetermined wavelength band outputted from the light
source.
[0013] According to the illuminating unit and the projection
display apparatus of the respective embodiments of the disclosure,
an undesired polarized component is guided toward the direction
deviated from the predetermined optical path with use of the
optical members for illumination, which makes it possible to
improve the contrast.
[0014] It is to be noted that effects described herein are not
necessarily limited, and may be any of effects that will be
described in the disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating an example of
an overall configuration of a projection display apparatus
according to a first embodiment of the disclosure.
[0016] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of
an optical path at the time of white display of the projection
display apparatus according to the first embodiment.
[0017] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of
an optical path at the time of black display of the projection
display apparatus according to the first embodiment.
[0018] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of
a configuration and workings of a single optical member for
illumination in the projection display apparatus according to the
first embodiment.
[0019] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a
configuration example of a light source.
[0020] FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram illustrating the light
source illustrated in FIG. 5 as viewed from the
light-output-surface side.
[0021] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating another
configuration example of the light source.
[0022] FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram illustrating the light
source illustrated in FIG. 6 as viewed from the
light-output-surface side.
[0023] FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram illustrating another
configuration example of the light source illustrated in FIG.
6.
[0024] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating workings of a
polarization compensation element for an S-polarized component.
[0025] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of
a far-field pattern of a light source.
[0026] FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating workings of a
polarization compensation element for a P-polarized component.
[0027] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state of
light in a case where the S-polarized component and the P-polarized
component are mixed, and a polarization ratio is deteriorated.
[0028] FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a
configuration and workings of a single optical member for
illumination in a projection display apparatus according to a first
modification example.
[0029] FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of
an incoming angle of light at a predetermined wavelength band with
respect to the optical member for illumination in the first
modification example.
[0030] FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram illustrating another
example of the incoming angle of the light at the predetermined
wavelength band with respect to the optical member for illumination
in the first modification example.
[0031] FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of
the polarizing properties of the optical member for illumination
depending on the incoming angle.
[0032] FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a
configuration and workings of two optical members for illumination
in a projection display apparatus according to a second
modification example.
[0033] FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a
configuration and workings of two optical members for illumination
in a projection display apparatus according to a third modification
example.
[0034] FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a
configuration and workings of two optical members for illumination
in a projection display apparatus according to a fourth
modification example.
[0035] FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a
configuration and workings of two optical members for illumination
in a projection display apparatus according to a fifth modification
example.
[0036] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a
configuration example of a light source according to a sixth
modification example.
[0037] FIG. 23 is a configuration diagram illustrating the light
source illustrated in FIG. 22 as viewed from the
light-output-surface side.
[0038] FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view illustrating another
configuration example of the light source according to the sixth
modification example.
[0039] FIG. 25 is a configuration diagram illustrating the light
source illustrated in FIG. 24 as viewed from the
light-output-surface side.
[0040] FIG. 26 is a configuration diagram illustrating another
configuration example of the light source illustrated in FIG.
24.
[0041] FIG. 27 is a configuration diagram illustrating a
configuration example of a projection display apparatus according
to a second embodiment.
[0042] FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a
configuration and workings of a single optical member for
illumination in the projection display apparatus according to the
second embodiment.
[0043] FIG. 29 is a configuration diagram illustrating a
configuration example of a projection display apparatus according
to a third embodiment.
[0044] FIG. 30 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a
configuration and workings of a single optical member for
illumination in the projection display apparatus according to the
third embodiment.
[0045] FIG. 31 is a configuration diagram illustrating a
configuration example of an illuminating optical system in a
projection display apparatus according to a fourth embodiment.
[0046] FIG. 32 is a configuration diagram illustrating an example
of an overall configuration of a projection display apparatus
according to a fifth embodiment.
[0047] FIG. 33 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a
configuration and workings of a single optical member for
illumination in the projection display apparatus according to the
fifth embodiment.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0048] Hereinafter, some embodiments of the disclosure are
described in detail with reference to the drawings. It is to be
noted that the description is given in the following order.
[0049] 1. First Embodiment (a projection display apparatus that
makes light reflected by a polarization split element enter a light
valve) (FIGS. 1 to 26) [0050] 1.1 Configuration [0051] 1.1.1
Overall Configuration Example of Projection Display Apparatus
[0052] 1.1.2 Configuration Examples of Light Sources [0053] 1.1.3
Configuration Examples of Display Optical System [0054] 1.2
Operation and Workings [0055] 1.2.1 Basic Operation [0056] 1.2.2
Workings of Polarization Compensation Element [0057] 1.2.3
Description of Optical Member for Illumination for Improving
Polarization Ratio [0058] 1.3 Effects [0059] 1.4 Modification
Examples of First Embodiment [0060] 1.4.1 First Modification
Example (FIGS. 14 to 17) [0061] 1.4.2 Second Modification Example
(FIG. 18) [0062] 1.4.3 Third Modification Example (FIG. 19) [0063]
1.4.4 Fourth Modification Example (FIG. 20) [0064] 1.4.5 Fifth
Modification Example (FIG. 21) [0065] 1.4.6 Sixth Modification
Example (FIGS. 22 to 26)
[0066] 2. Second Embodiment (a projection display apparatus that
makes light passing through a polarization split element enter a
light valve) (FIGS. 27 and 28)
[0067] 3. Third Embodiment (a projection display apparatus that
makes light passing through a polarization split element enter a
light valve) (FIGS. 29 and 30)
[0068] 4. Fourth Embodiment (a projection display apparatus
provided with a polarizing mirror (FIG. 31)
[0069] 5. Fifth Embodiment (a projection display apparatus in which
an optical path from a light source to a light valve is not present
in the same plane) (FIGS. 32 and 33)
[0070] 6. Other Embodiments
1. First Embodiment
1.1 Configuration
1.1.1 Overall Configuration Example of Projection Display
Apparatus
[0071] FIG. 1 illustrates a simplified configuration of a projector
1 that serves as a projection display apparatus according to a
first embodiment of the disclosure, along with optical paths (thick
dashed lines) and optical axes (thin dashed lines). The projector 1
may carry out image display by projecting image light that is
generated on the basis of an inputted image signal on a reflective
screen 2.
[0072] It is to be noted that typically a Y-axis is oriented in a
vertical direction, and an X-axis is oriented in a horizontal
direction in FIG. 1. To the contrary, however, the Y-axis may be
oriented in the horizontal direction, and the X-axis may be
oriented in the vertical direction. Hereinafter, for descriptive
purposes, the description is provided on an assumption that the
Y-axis is oriented in the vertical direction, and the X-axis is
oriented in the horizontal direction. Further, in the following, a
"lateral direction" refers to the X-axis direction, and a
"longitudinal direction" refers to the Y-axis direction.
[0073] The projector 1 may include, for example, an illuminating
optical system 1A and a display optical system. The display optical
system may have a light valve 60, a polarization beam splitter 51,
a polarization compensation element 80, and a projection optical
system 70.
[0074] The illuminating optical system 1A may supply light flux
with which an illumination range 60A (a surface being irradiated)
of the light valve 60 is irradiated. It is to be noted that any
optical element may be provided as appropriate on a region of the
illuminating optical system 1A that light may pass through. For
example, a filter or any other optical element that reduces any
light other than visible light in the light from the illuminating
optical system 1A may be provided on the region of the illuminating
optical system 1 A that the light may pass through.
[0075] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the illuminating
optical system 1A may have a plurality of light sources (a first
light source 10A, a second light source 10B, and a third light
source 10C), and a plurality of optical members for illumination
that guide light from each of the plurality of light sources to a
predetermined optical path (an optical path leading to the
polarization beam splitter 51 and the light valve 60). As the
plurality of optical members for illumination, the illuminating
optical system 1A may have coupling lenses (directivity angle
conversion elements) 20A, 20B, and 20C, an optical path combination
element 30, an integrator (a fly-eye lens) 40, and a condenser lens
50.
[0076] Each of the first light source 10A, the second light source
10B, and the third light source 10C may emit light with a different
wavelength band from one another, and may be disposed on a
different optical path from one another.
[0077] The optical path combination element 30 may combine the
light from each of the first light source 10A, the second light
source 10B, and the third light source 100, and may include a first
optical path combination element 30A and a second optical path
combination element 30B. In the present embodiment, as described
hereinafter, the first optical path combination element 30A that is
one of the optical members for illumination may have the optical
property that, in combining optical paths, for light at a
predetermined wavelength band (for example, green light LG), guides
a first polarized component (for example, S-polarized component) to
a predetermined optical path, and guides a second polarized
component (for example, P-polarized component) toward a direction
deviated from the predetermined optical path, as illustrated in
FIG. 4.
[0078] The integrator 40 may uniform the illumination distribution
(luminance distribution) of light in the illumination range 60A,
and may include a single fly-eye lens here. However, the integrator
40 may include a pair of fly-eye lenses alternatively.
[0079] On an optical axis of the first light source 10A, the
coupling lens 20A, the optical path combination element 30, the
integrator 40, and the condenser lens 50 may be disposed in this
order from the first light source 10A side. An optical axis of the
second light source 10B may be orthogonal to the optical axis of
the first light source 10A in the first optical path combination
element 30A. On the optical axis of the second light source 10B,
the coupling lens 20B and the first optical path combination
element 30A may be disposed in this order from the second light
source 10B side. An optical axis of the third light source 10C may
be orthogonal to the optical axis of the first light source 10A in
the second optical path combination element 30B. On the optical
axis of the third light source 100, the coupling lens 20C and the
second optical path combination element 30B may be disposed in this
order from the third light source 10C side.
[0080] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the coupling lens 20A
may put the light that is emitted from the first light source 10A
into substantially parallelized light, and may convert a
directivity angle of the light that is emitted from the first light
source 10A to be equal to a directivity angle of parallel light, or
to be close to such a directivity angle. The coupling lens 20A may
be disposed at a position which the light within the range of the
directivity angle in the light that is emitted from the first light
source 10A may enter. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the
coupling lens 20B may put the light that is emitted from the second
light source 10B into substantially parallelized light, and may
convert a directivity angle of the light that is emitted from the
second light source 10B to be equal to a directivity angle of
parallel light, or to be close to such a directivity angle. The
coupling lens 20B may be disposed at a position which the light
within the range of the directivity angle in the light that is
emitted from the second light source 10B may enter. For example, as
illustrated in FIG. 1, the coupling lens 20C may put the light that
is emitted from the third light source 100 into substantially
parallelized light, and may convert a directivity angle of the
light that is emitted from the third light source 10C to be equal
to a directivity angle of parallel light, or to be close to such a
directivity angle. The coupling lens 20C may be disposed at a
position which the light within the range of the directivity angle
in the light that is emitted from the third light source 10C may
enter. In other words, the coupling lenses 20A, 20B, and 20C may be
disposed one-by-one for each of the light sources 10A, 10B, and 10C
(for each package), respectively. It is to be noted that each of
the coupling lenses 20A, 20B, and 20C may be configured of a single
lens or a plurality of lenses.
[0081] Each of the first optical path combination element 30A and
the second optical path combination element 30B may include a
single piece of mirror having the wavelength selectivity. It is to
be noted that the above-described mirror may be configured with use
of, for example, vapor deposition of a multi-layer interference
film. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the first optical path
combination element 30A may transmit the light entering from the
rear surface side of the mirror (the light entering from the first
light source 10A side) toward the front surface side of the mirror,
while reflecting a portion of the light entering from the front
surface side of the mirror (the light entering from the second
light source 10B side) with use of the mirror. Meanwhile, as
illustrated in FIG. 1, the second optical path combination element
30B may transmit the light entering from the rear surface side of
the mirror (the light from the light sources 10A and 10B that
enters from the first optical path combination element 30A side)
toward the front surface side of the mirror, while reflecting the
light entering from the front surface side of the mirror (the light
entering from the third light source 100 side) with use of the
mirror. Therefore, the optical path combination element 30 may
combine individual light fluxes that are emitted from the light
sources 10A, 10B, and 10C in a single light flux.
[0082] The integrator (fly-eye lens) 40 may include a plurality of
lenses that may be disposed, for example, in a predetermined array
state (for example, in a matrix pattern). Generally, the light flux
that is emitted from each of the light sources 10A, 10B, and 100
may have non-uniform intensity distribution (luminance
distribution) in a plane perpendicular to a traveling direction
thereof. Therefore, if these light fluxes are guided to the
illumination range 60A (the surface being irradiated) as they are,
the illumination distribution (luminance distribution) in the
illumination range 60A may become non-uniform. On the contrary, if
the light flux that is emitted from each of the light sources 10A,
10B, and 100 is divided into a plurality of light fluxes by the
integrator 40, and each of such divided light fluxes is guided to
the illumination range 60A in a superimposed manner, it is possible
to uniform the illumination distribution in the illumination range
60A (to reduce the non-uniformity of the illumination
distribution).
[0083] The condenser lens 50 may collect light fluxes from the
multiple light sources that are formed by the integrator 40 to
illuminate the illumination range 60A in a superimposed manner.
1.1.2 Configuration Examples of Light Sources
[0084] The first light source 10A may be a laser light source that
emits blue light L.sub.B at a wavelength of, for example, about 450
nm. A green laser 11G may be a laser light source that emits green
light L.sub.G at a wavelength of, for example, about 520 nm. The
red laser 11R may be a laser light source that emits red light
L.sub.R at a wavelength of, for example, about 640 nm.
[0085] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, each of
the first light source 10A, the second light source 10B, and the
third light source 10C may include a configuration that has a
plurality of chips 11A. For example, three chips 11A each of which
emits any of the red light L.sub.R, the green light L.sub.G, and
the blue light L.sub.B may be provided. Alternatively, for example,
as illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 9, each of the first light source 10A,
the second light source 10B, and the third light source 10C may
include a configuration that has the single chip 11A.
[0086] Each of the configuration examples illustrated in FIG. 5 and
FIG. 6, or FIGS. 7 to 9 may take a form of a can type where a
solid-state light-emitting device 11 that includes the single or
the plurality of edge-emitting chip(s) 11A is housed in an internal
space surrounded by a stem 13 and a cap 14. It is to be noted that
FIG. 6 illustrates the light source illustrated in FIG. 5 as viewed
from the light-output-surface side. FIG. 8 illustrates the light
source illustrated in FIG. 7 as viewed from the
light-output-surface side. FIG. 9 illustrates another configuration
example of the light source illustrated in FIG. 7.
[0087] The chip 11A may include, for example, a light-emitting
diode (LED), an organic EL light-emitting device (OLED), or a laser
diode (LD). The chip 11A that is included in each of the light
sources 10A, 10B, and 10C may emit the light at a different
wavelength band from one another for each of the light sources 10A,
10B, and 10C, for example. The chip 11A that is included in the
first light source 10A may emit the light (blue light L.sub.B) at a
wavelength within the range of, for example, about 400 nm to about
500 nm (for example, about 450 nm). The chip 11A that is included
in the second light source 10B may emit the light (green light
L.sub.G) at a wavelength within the range of, for example, about
500 nm to about 600 nm (for example, about 520 nm). The chip 11A
that is included in the third light source 10C may emit the light
(red light L.sub.R) at a wavelength within the range of, for
example, about 600 nm to about 700 nm (for example, about 640
nm).
[0088] The stem 13 may configure a package of the light source
together with the cap 14, and may have, for example, a support
substrate 13A that supports a sub-mount 15, an outer-frame
substrate 13B that is disposed on the backside of the support
substrate 13A, and a plurality of connection terminals 13C.
[0089] The sub-mount 15 may be made of a material having the
electrical conductivity and radiation performance. Each of the
support substrate 13A and the outer-frame substrate 13B may be
configured in such a manner that a single or a plurality of
insulating through-holes and a single or a plurality of conductive
through-holes are formed on a base material having the electrical
conductivity and radiation performance. Each of the support
substrate 13A and the outer-frame substrate 13B may be, for
example, in the shape of a circular disc, and both central axes
(not illustrated) may be stacked to overlap with each other. A
diameter of the outer-frame substrate 13B may be greater than a
diameter of the support substrate 13A. An outer edge of the
outer-frame substrate 13B may serve as a ring-like flange that
protrudes from the central axis of the outer-frame substrate 13B
toward a radiation direction in a plane using the central axis of
the outer-frame substrate 13B as a normal line. The flange may have
a role of defining a reference position in fitting the cap 14 to
the support substrate 13A in a manufacturing process.
[0090] The plurality of connection terminals 13C may run through at
least the support substrate 13A. Terminals excluding one or more
terminals among the plurality of connection terminals 13C
(hereinafter referred to as "terminals .alpha." for descriptive
purposes) may be electrically coupled one-by-one to electrodes (not
illustrated) of the individual chips 11A. For example, the
terminals .alpha. may protrude long toward the outer-frame
substrate 13B side, and may protrude short toward the support
substrate 13A side. Further, terminals other than the
above-described terminals .alpha. among the plurality of connection
terminals 13C (hereinafter referred to as "terminals .beta." for
descriptive purposes) may be electrically coupled to any other
electrodes (not illustrated) of all the chips 11A. For example, the
terminals .beta. may protrude long toward the outer-frame substrate
13B side, and an end edge of the terminals .beta. on the support
substrate 13A side may be embedded into the support substrate 13A.
A portion protruding long toward the outer-frame substrate 13B side
among the respective connection terminals 13C may correspond to a
portion embedded into a substrate or any other base material, for
example. In turn, a portion protruding short toward the support
substrate 13A side among the plurality of connection terminals 13C
may correspond to a portion that may be electrically coupled
one-by-one to the individual chips 11A through a wire 16. A portion
embedded into the support substrate 13A among the plurality of
connection terminals 13C may correspond to a portion that may be
electrically coupled to all the chips 11A through the support
substrate 13A and the sub-mount 15, for example. The terminals
.alpha. may be supported by the insulating through-holes that are
provided on the support substrate 13A and the outer-frame substrate
13B, and may be insulated and isolated from the support substrate
13A and the outer-frame substrate 13B by those through-holes.
Further, the individual terminals .alpha. may be insulated and
isolated from one another by the above-described insulating member.
On the other hand, the terminals .beta. may be supported by the
conductive through-holes that are provided on the support substrate
13A and the outer-frame substrate 13B, and may be electrically
coupled to those through-holes.
[0091] The cap 14 may seal the solid-state light-emitting device
11. The cap 14 may have, for example, a cylindrical section 14A
with apertures provided at an upper end and a lower end thereof.
For example, the lower end of the cylindrical section 14A may be in
contact with a side surface of the support substrate 13A, and the
solid-state light-emitting device 11 may be located at an internal
space of the cylindrical section 14A. The cap 14 may have a light
transmissive window 14B that is disposed to block the aperture on
the upper end side of the cylindrical section 14A. The light
transmissive window 14B may be disposed at a position facing a
light output surface of the solid-state light-emitting device 11,
and may have a function of transmitting the light that is outputted
from the solid-state light-emitting device 11.
[0092] As described above, in a case where the chip 11A is
configured of an edge-emitting device, the solid-state
light-emitting device 11 may emit light from a light output region
that includes a single or a plurality of dot-like light-emitting
spots, or a single or a plurality of non-dot-like light-emitting
spots. The solid-state light-emitting device 11 may include, for
example, the single chip 11A that emits light at a predetermined
wavelength band, or the plurality of chips 11A each of which emits
light at the same wavelength band. When the solid-state
light-emitting device 11 includes the plurality of chips 11A, these
chips 11A may be disposed on a line in a longitudinal direction (Y
direction and V direction), as illustrated in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6,
for example. When the solid-state light-emitting device 11 includes
the single chip 11A, a size (W.sub.V.times.W.sub.H) of the
solid-state light-emitting device 11 may be equal to a size
(W.sub.V1.times.W.sub.H1) of the single chip 11A, as illustrated in
FIG. 8, for example. However, as illustrated in an example in FIG.
9, when the solid-state light-emitting device 11 adopts a
monolithic structure, the size is as follows. That is, in an
example in FIG. 9, the size (W.sub.V.times.W.sub.H) of the
solid-state light-emitting device 11 may be equal to or greater
than 2W.sub.V1.times.W.sub.H1. On the other hand, if the
solid-state light-emitting device 11 includes the plurality of
chips 11A, the size of the solid-state light-emitting device 11 may
be equal to a size measured when all of the chips 11A are lumped
together, as illustrated in FIG. 6, for example. When the plurality
of chips 11A are disposed on a line in a longitudinal direction,
the size (W.sub.V.times.W.sub.H) of the solid-state light-emitting
device 11 may be equal to or greater than 3W.sub.V1.times.W.sub.H1
in an example in FIG. 6.
1.1.3 Configuration Examples of Display Optical System
[0093] The polarization beam splitter 51 may be a polarization
split element that transfers a predetermined polarized component
(for example, S-polarized light) included in the light to be guided
to a predetermined optical path to a predetermined illuminating
position (the light valve 60). The polarization beam splitter 51
may be configured in such a manner that prisms each of which is
coated with a multi-layer film are bonded to each other, for
example. Alternatively, examples of the polarization split element
may include an element having the polarizing property (a wire grid
or a polarizing film), or a beam splitter similar to prisms that
sandwich such an element in between.
[0094] The polarization beam splitter 51 may be disposed on an
optical path between the illuminating optical system 1A (the
condenser lens 50) and the light valve 60. The polarization beam
splitter 51 may be an optical member that selectively transmits the
specific polarized light (for example, the P-polarized light),
while selectively reflecting the other polarized light (for
example, the S-polarized light). This may ensure that the light
(for example, the S-polarized light) entering from the illuminating
optical system 1A side is reflected selectively in the polarization
beam splitter 51 to enter the light valve 60.
Light Valve 60
[0095] The light valve 60 may be a spatial modulation device that
may include, for example, a reflective liquid crystal device. The
light valve 60 may two-dimensionally modulate a light flux from the
illuminating optical system 1A on the basis of a color image signal
(an inputted image signal) corresponding to each wavelength
component of the light sources 10, 10B, and 10C, thereby generating
image light. The light valve 60 may include, for example, a liquid
crystal panel with use of TN (Twisted Nematic) liquid crystal
(liquid crystal molecules having the positive refractive-index
anisotropy). Specifically, the light valve 60 may have a structure
where a liquid crystal layer (not illustrated) with use of the
TN-mode liquid crystal is interposed between a pair of substrates
(not illustrated) to which a drive voltage based on an image signal
is applied for each of a plurality of pixels (not illustrated) that
are disposed in a matrix pattern.
[0096] In a case where the above-described TN-type liquid crystal
is used, the light valve 60 may perform light modulation in the
following manner when the drive voltage is not applied and when the
drive voltage is applied, respectively.
[0097] First, when the drive voltage is not applied (at the time of
white display to be hereinafter described), the light valve 60 may
have the property of outputting light in such a manner that a phase
difference in an entrance plane is given to entered light (image
light) by aligning the liquid crystal molecules in a twisted
manner, and a polarizing axis is rotated by about 90 degrees. In
other words, when no drive voltage is applied, the light valve 60
may perform the light modulation while reflecting polarized light
(for example, the S-polarized light or the P-polarized light) in
such a manner that the polarized light at the time of entrance and
the polarized light at the time of output may be different from
each other.
[0098] On the contrary, when the drive voltage is applied (at the
time of black display to be hereinafter described), the light valve
60 may have the property of outputting light in such a manner that
no phase difference in the entrance plane is given to entered light
(image light) by aligning the liquid crystal molecules in a body in
a thickness direction of the light valve 60, and the polarizing
axis is held. In other words, when the drive voltage is applied,
the light valve 60 may perform the light modulation while
reflecting polarized light (for example, the S-polarized light or
the P-polarized light) in such a manner that the polarized light at
the time of entrance and the polarized light at the time of output
may be (held to be) identical to each other.
[0099] In such a manner, the polarized light of the image light
that is outputted from the light valve 60 may be different from
each other at the time when no drive voltage is applied and at the
time when the drive voltage is applied. By combining such the
polarization property in the light valve 60 with the optical
property of the above-described polarization beam splitter 51, the
white display or the black display is achieved in the projector 1,
as described later.
[0100] Alternatively, the light valve 60 may include a liquid
crystal panel with use of, for example, VA (Vertical Alignment)
liquid crystal (liquid crystal molecules having the negative
refractive-index anisotropy) instead of the above-described TN-type
liquid crystal. In this case, the light valve 60 may have a
structure in which a liquid crystal layer (not illustrated) with
use of the VA-mode liquid crystal is interposed between the
above-described pair of substrates (not illustrated).
[0101] In a case where the above-described VA-type liquid crystal
is used, the light valve 60 may perform the light modulation in the
following manner when the drive voltage is not applied and when the
drive voltage is applied, respectively.
[0102] First, when the drive voltage is not applied (at the time of
the black display to be hereinafter described), the liquid crystal
molecules may be aligned almost vertically (in the thickness
direction of the light valve 60). Therefore, the light valve 60 may
have the property of outputting light in such a manner that no
phase difference in the entrance plane is given to the entered
light (image light), and the polarizing axis is held. In other
words, when no drive voltage is applied, the light valve 60 may
perform the light modulation while reflecting polarized light in
such a manner that the polarized light at the time of entrance and
the polarized light at the time of output may be (held to be)
identical to each other, in contrast with a case of the
above-described TN-type liquid crystal.
[0103] On the contrary, when the drive voltage is applied (at the
time of the white display to be hereinafter described), the liquid
crystal molecules may be aligned in a fallen state to become almost
horizontal. Therefore, the light valve 60 may have the property of
outputting light in such a manner that a phase difference in the
entrance plane is given to the entered light (image light), and the
polarizing axis is rotated by about 90 degrees. In other words,
also when the drive voltage is applied, the light valve 60 may
perform the light modulation while reflecting polarized light in
such a manner that the polarized light at the time of entrance and
the polarized light at the time of output may be different from
each other, in contrast with a case of the above-described TN-type
liquid crystal.
[0104] As described above, also when the VA-type liquid crystal is
used, the polarized light of the image light that is outputted from
the light valve 60 may be different from each other at the time
when no drive voltage is applied and at the time when the drive
voltage is applied, as with the case where the TN-type liquid
crystal is used. Therefore, in this case as well, by combining the
polarization property in the light valve 60 with the optical
property of the above-described polarization beam splitter 51, the
white display or the black display is achieved in the projector 1,
as described later. As described above, however, in a case of the
TN-type liquid crystal and a case of the VA-type liquid crystal,
there is an inverse relationship at the time when no drive voltage
is not applied or at the time when the drive voltage is applied,
and in that either the white display or the black display is
achieved at that time.
[0105] It is to be noted that the light valve 60 is not limited to
the liquid crystal panel with use of the above-described TN-type or
VA-type liquid crystal, and may include a liquid crystal panel with
use of any other method. Specifically, the light valve 60 may
include a liquid crystal panel with use of any of methods such as
an STN (Super Twisted Nematic) type, an IPS (In-Plane Switching)
type, an OCB (Optically Compensated Bend) type, an MVA
(Multi-domain Vertical Alignment) type, and an ASM (Axially
Symmetric-aligned Micro-cell) type. Alternatively, the light valve
60 may include a liquid crystal panel with use of smectic liquid
crystal (for example, ferroelectric liquid crystal) other than the
nematic liquid crystal.
[0106] The projection optical system 70 may be disposed between the
polarization beam splitter 70 and the screen 2, and may project on
the screen 2 the image light that is generated by the light valve
60, and thereafter enters the projection optical system 70 through
an optical path passing through the polarization compensation
element 80 and the polarization beam splitter 51. Such a projection
optical system may include, for example, a single or a plurality of
lenses (projection lenses).
Polarization Compensation Element 80
[0107] The polarization compensation element 80 may be disposed on
an optical path between the polarization beam splitter 51 and the
light valve 60, and be an element that varies a polarization state
of entered light by giving a phase difference to such light.
Specifically, to begin with, the polarization compensation element
80 may have a first surface (a light-passing surface on the side of
the polarization beam splitter 51) and a second surface (a
light-passing surface on the side of the light valve 60) that are
opposed to each other along an optical path. The polarization
compensation element 80 may give phase differences that are reverse
to each other in polarity (opposite directions) and include
substantially equivalent absolute values at the time of light
entrance from the polarization beam splitter 51 (the
above-described first surface) side (a light entrance direction d1)
and at the time of light entrance from the light valve 60 (the
above-described second surface) side (a light entrance direction
d2). In other words, the polarization compensation element 80 may
have the phase difference property (symmetric property of the phase
difference) that is independent of light entrance directions. As a
result, as will hereinafter to be described in detail, light
leakage coming into the side of the projection optical system 70 at
the time of the black display is reduced owing to summation of the
phase difference that is given at the time of light entrance from
the polarization beam splitter 51 side in the polarization
compensation element 80, the phase difference arising at the time
of light modulation in the light valve 60, and the phase difference
that is given at the time of light entrance from the light valve 60
side in the polarization compensation element 80.
1.2 Operation and Workings
1.2.1 Basic Operation
[0108] In the projector 1, light emitted from each of the light
sources 10A, 10B, and 100 in the illuminating optical system 1A may
be subjected to polarization split through the polarization beam
splitter 51, and one polarized light (for example, S-polarized
light) of the light may enter the light valve 60 through the
polarization compensation element 80. Further, this incoming light
may be modulated by the light valve 60 on the basis of an image
signal to generate image light, and the image light may enter the
projection optical system 70 through the polarization compensation
element 80 and the polarization beam splitter 51. Thereafter, this
incoming light may be projected on the screen 2 by the projection
optical system 70.
[0109] Here, in performing the white display on the basis of the
image signal, the operation may be carried out as illustrated in
FIG. 2, for example. More specifically, for example, P-polarized
light L1p of the light having entered the polarization beam
splitter 51 from the illuminating optical system 1A may pass
through a polarization split surface Ss directly. On the other
hand, for example, S-polarized light L1s may be reflected on the
polarization split surface Ss to enter the light valve 60. Here, in
performing the white display, no drive voltage is applied when the
TN-type liquid crystal is used for the light valve 60, while the
drive voltage is applied when the VA-type liquid crystal is used.
Therefore, even when any of the TN-type or VA-type liquid crystal
is used, the image light that is modulated in the light valve 60,
and is reflected to be outputted may be converted into P-polarized
light (P-polarized light L2p), as described previously. Therefore,
the P-polarized light L2p (image light) may pass through the
polarization split surface Ss of the polarization beam splitter 51
to be guided to the projection optical system 70 side, thereby
projecting the image light. In such a manner, the white display
based on the image signal is carried out.
[0110] Meanwhile, in performing the black display on the basis of
the image signal, the operation may be carried out as illustrated
in FIG. 3, for example. More specifically, first, as with the case
at the time of the white display as described above, for example,
the P-polarized light L1p may pass through the polarization split
surface Ss. On the other hand, for example, the S-polarized light
Ds may be reflected on the polarization split surface Ss to enter
the light valve 60. Here, in performing the black display, the
drive voltage is applied when the TN-type liquid crystal is used
for the light valve 60, while no drive voltage is applied when the
VA-type liquid crystal is used. Therefore, even when any of the
TN-type and VA-type liquid crystal is used, the image light that is
modulated in the light valve 60, and is reflected to be outputted
may be held in a state of S-polarized light (S-polarized light
L2s), as described previously. Therefore, the S-polarized light L2s
may be reflected on the polarization split surface Ss of the
polarization beam splitter 51 to be returned back to the
illuminating optical system 1A side. That is, in this case, no
image light is guided to the projection optical system 70 side,
resulting in no image light being projected. In such a manner, the
black display based on the image signal may be carried out.
Regarding Leakage Light at Black Display Time
[0111] Here, at the time of such black display, even when any of
the TN-type and VA-type liquid crystal is used for the light valve
60, it is likely that leakage light Lleak traveling from the
polarization beam splitter 51 to the projection optical system 70
side will arise, as illustrated in FIG. 3, for example. As
described above, since the image light that is generated in the
light valve 60 may be the S-polarized light (S-polarized light L2s)
at the time of the black display, the image light should be totally
reflected in the polarization beam splitter 51, and the leakage
light Lleak coming into the projection optical system 70 side
should not arise in nature.
[0112] However, for example, the S-polarized light L1s may be light
that is collected by the condenser lens 50, and therefore may also
include light of a component that obliquely comes in relative to an
entrance surface Sin of the polarization beam splitter 51. As a
result, in the image light (S-polarized light L2s) equivalent to
reflected light of such light of the component, the leakage light
Lleak may arise in the following manner. More specifically, such
obliquely-incoming light may be seen as a polarization component
that is rotated from an axis of the ideal S-polarized light
relative to the polarization split surface Ss, and the image light
may actually include a component of elliptically-polarized light.
Hence, due to inclusion of the component of the
elliptically-polarized light, a portion of the image light may not
be reflected on the polarization split surface Ss to pass through
the polarization split surface Ss, which may cause the leakage
light Lleak to occur. In an event of occurrence of such leakage
light Lleak, a portion of the image light may be projected on the
screen 2 even at the time of the black display, which may lead to
deterioration in the contrast, resulting in degradation in the
display image quality.
1.2.2 Workings of Polarization Compensation Element
[0113] In the projector 1 of the present embodiment, the
polarization compensation element 80 may give phase differences
that are reverse to each other in polarity (opposite directions)
and include substantially equivalent absolute values at the time of
light entrance from the polarization beam splitter 51 side (the
light entrance direction d1) and at the time of light entrance from
the light valve 60 side (the light entrance direction d2). In other
words, the polarization compensation element 80 may have the phase
difference property (symmetric property of the phase difference)
that is independent of light entrance directions. As a result, the
light leakage Lleak coming into the side of the projection optical
system 70 at the time of the black display is reduced owing to
summation of the phase difference that is given at the time of
light entrance from the polarization beam splitter 51 side in the
polarization compensation element 80, the phase difference arising
at the time of light modulation in the light valve 60, and the
phase difference that is given at the time of light entrance from
the light valve 60 side in the polarization compensation element
80.
[0114] Here, with reference to a schematic diagram (a diagram
schematically illustrating a change in a polarization state by
focusing attention on a certain light beam) as illustrated in FIG.
10, for example, detailed description is provided on the workings
of reducing the leakage light Lleak at the time of the black
display by summation of the phase differences as described above.
First, when S-polarized light (S-polarized light L1s (in)) enters
the polarization compensation element 80 from the polarization beam
splitter 51, the polarization compensation element 80 may give a
phase difference denoted with a rotational direction .gamma.1 in
the diagram, for example, to output S-polarized light L1s (out).
Next, when the S-polarized light L1s (out) that is outputted from
the polarization compensation element 80 is modulated and reflected
in the light valve 60, a small amount of phase difference (see a
rotational direction .gamma.2 in the diagram) is given to generate
image light (S-polarized light L2s (in)). Thereafter, when the
image light (S-polarized light L2s (in)) enters the polarization
compensation element 80 once again, a phase difference denoted with
a rotational direction .gamma.3 that is a reverse direction
(reverse polarity) of each of the above-described rotational
directions .gamma.1 and .gamma.2 may be given. With attention
focused on a certain light beam in such a manner, image light
(S-polarized light L2s (out)) that is outputted from the
polarization compensation element 80 may be converted into linear
polarized light having the same polarizing axis as that of the
original S-polarized light L1s (in). As a result, when entering the
polarization beam splitter 51, the image light (S-polarized light
L2s (out)) may be totally reflected on the polarization split
surface Ss to be returned back to the illuminating optical system
1A side, which reduces or avoids generation of the leakage light
Lleak coming into the projection optical system 70 side.
1.2.3 Description of Optical Member for Illumination for Improving
Polarization Ratio
[0115] As described above, when the polarization compensation
element 80 is inserted between the polarization beam splitter 51
and the light valve 60, if a polarization ratio (a ratio of
S-polarized light to P-polarized light) of light entering the
polarization compensation element 80 is deteriorated, this may
cause degradation in the contrast. As illustrated in FIG. 12, the
polarization compensation element 80 may have similar workings for
the P-polarized light as well, as with the case of the S-polarized
light (FIG. 10). More specifically, when P-polarized light L1p (in)
enters the polarization compensation element 80 from the
polarization beam splitter 51, the polarization compensation
element 80 may give a phase difference denoted with the rotational
direction .gamma.1 in the diagram, for example, to output
P-polarized light L1p (out). Next, when the P-polarized light L1p
(out) that is outputted from the polarization compensation element
80 is modulated and reflected in the light valve 60, a small amount
of phase difference (see the rotational direction .gamma.2 in the
diagram) is given to generate P-polarized light L2p (in).
Thereafter, when the P-polarized light L2p (in) enters the
polarization compensation element 80 once again, a phase difference
denoted with the rotational direction .gamma.3 that is a reverse
direction (reverse polarity) of each of the above-described
rotational directions .gamma.1 and .gamma.2 may be given. With
attention focused on a certain light beam in such a manner, light
(P-polarized light L2p (out)) that is outputted from the
polarization compensation element 80 may be converted into linear
polarized light having the same polarizing axis as that of the
original P-polarized light L1p (in).
[0116] As described above, because the polarization compensation
element 80 works on both the P-polarized light and the S-polarized
light, if the incoming light L1 entering the polarization
compensation element 80 from the polarization beam splitter 51
includes not only the S-polarized light L1s (in) but also the
P-polarized light L1p (in) as illustrated in FIG. 13, for example,
return light traveling back to the polarization beam splitter 51
may include not only the S-polarized light L2s (out) but also the
P-polarized light L2p (out) as well, which may cause degradation in
the contrast.
[0117] Further, the use of laser with a high polarization ratio for
the light sources 10A, 10B, and 10C may be very effective in
improving the contrast with use of the polarization compensation
element 80 because the high polarization ratio is obtained without
inserting a polarizing plate or any other similar optical element.
However, even a laser light source with the high polarization ratio
may typically have light of a component in an undesired
polarization direction, and therefore the contrast improvement
effect thereof may be insufficient.
[0118] Accordingly, it is preferable to provide one or more of a
plurality of optical members for illumination inside the
illuminating optical system 1A with the following properties. For
example, it is preferable to provide the first optical path
combination element 30A with the properties given below. In other
words, it is preferable to provide the first optical path
combination element 30A with the optical properties that, in
combining optical paths, for light at a predetermined wavelength
band, guides a first polarized component to a predetermined optical
path (an optical path leading to the polarization beam splitter 51
and the light valve 60), and guides a second polarized component
toward a direction deviated from the predetermined optical
path.
[0119] In particular, the first optical path combination element
30A may preferably have the polarizing properties that reflect the
first polarized component (S-polarized component L.sub.G (S)) while
transmitting the second polarized component (P-polarized component
L.sub.G (P)) for light at a first wavelength band (green light
L.sub.G) serving as the light at the predetermined wavelength band,
as illustrated in FIG. 4, for example. Further, the first optical
path combination element 30A may preferably have the properties
that transmit component of light at a second wavelength band (blue
light L.sub.B) (S-polarized component L.sub.B (5) and P-polarized
component L.sub.B (P)).
[0120] In other words, in combining the optical paths, the first
optical path combination element 30A may guide the S-polarized
component L.sub.G (5) in the green light L.sub.G to the
polarization beam splitter 51, and may not guide the P-polarized
component L.sub.G (P) to the polarization beam splitter 51. The
polarization beam splitter 51 may have the properties of reflecting
the S-polarized light and transmitting the P-polarized light;
however, may have a slight degree of reflective properties for the
P-polarized light. Therefore, if an incoming polarization ratio (a
ratio of the S-polarized light to the P-polarized light) is
deteriorated, light of both components of the S-polarized light and
the P-polarized light may be guided to the light valve 60. However,
the first optical path combination element 30A does not guide the
P-polarized light to the polarization beam splitter 51 (guides the
P-polarized light to an undesired optical path) for at least the
green light L.sub.G, and therefore the light with the high
polarization ratio (having almost only the S-polarized light) may
enter the polarization beam splitter 51, resulting in almost only
the S-polarized light being guided to the light valve 60 for at
least the green light L.sub.G.
[0121] At the time of the black display, because the polarized
light entering the light valve 60 may be outputted as it is without
giving any change in the phase, if incoming light entering the
light valve 60 has any P-polarized component, the P-polarized
component that is outputted from the light valve 60 may pass
through the polarization beam splitter 51 to become leakage light.
According to the present embodiment, the incoming light entering
the light valve 60 may be almost only the S-polarized light for at
least the green light L.sub.G, and therefore the polarized light
that is outputted from the light valve 60 may be also almost only
the S-polarized light at the time of the black display, which
reduces the leakage light to improve the contrast. Such effects are
achieved similarly even when the polarization compensation element
80 is not present.
[0122] In the present embodiment, for the light sources 10A, 10B,
and 10C, it is possible to use the LD light sources illustrated in
FIGS. 5 and 6, or FIGS. 7 to 9, for example, as described above.
Typically, the LD light source may have the high polarization ratio
in principle; however, some LD light sources may have the
properties as illustrated in FIG. 11 in terms of the intensity
distribution thereof. Specifically, for the intensity distribution
(FFP: Far-Field Pattern) of output light, most of components may be
a laser beam of single polarized light in the shape of Gaussian
distribution. Such a laser beam may be induced emission light to be
outputted from an LD chip, and a polarizing direction thereof may
correspond to an S-polarized light of the polarization beam
splitter 51: main light in X direction, as illustrated in the
diagram on the right side in FIG. 11, for example. The polarization
ratio of the S-polarized light to the P-polarized light may be, for
example, 1000:1 or more. However, some components other than the
above-described main light may exist at other portions such as a
sidelobe, and therefore the polarization ratio of a total light
flux may be deteriorated to be, for example, 500:1 or less.
Examples of components other than the main light may include
spontaneous-emission light to be outputted from the LD chip, as
well as scattered light or reflective stray light that may be
generated due to a packaging factor. The polarizing direction of
such components may correspond to a P-polarized light of the
polarization beam splitter 51: light in Y direction, or
non-polarized light including both of the S- and P-polarized light,
as illustrated in the diagram on the right side in FIG. 11, for
example. It is to be noted that the diagram on the right side in
FIG. 11 illustrates a far-field pattern inside an effective light
flux Da in a cross-sectional surface orthogonal to the optical path
each of the light sources 10A, 10B, and 10C.
[0123] The configuration illustrated in FIG. 4 in the above is
effective especially when the LD light source as described above is
used. For improvement of the contrast, to ensure that only the
S-polarized component corresponding to the polarization beam
splitter 51 is transmitted, for example, low-NA design may be made
for the coupling lenses 10A, 10B, and 100 to prevent the
P-polarized light from being captured. However, for improvement of
the light use efficiency, it may be necessary to adopt high-NA
design that captures all of light fluxes. If the NA is reduced,
desired peripheral light around the S-polarized light may be also
not captured, resulting in reduction in the light use efficiency.
The use of the configuration illustrated in FIG. 4 in the above
allows the polarization ratio to be raised while improving the
light use efficiency, which makes it possible to provide a
projector that achieves high luminance, low power consumption, and
improved contrast.
1.3 Effects
[0124] As described thus far, according to the present embodiment,
undesired polarized components are guided to the direction deviated
from the predetermined optical path with use of the optical members
for illumination, which allows for improvement of the contrast.
Further, even if each of the light sources 10A, 10B, and 100 is an
LD light source with a deteriorated polarization ratio, improvement
of the polarization ratio is achievable while performing
combination of optical paths, which makes it possible to improve
the contrast while maximizing the light use efficiency. In
addition, the necessity for adding parts such as a polarizing plate
or any other similar optical element to improve the polarization
ratio is eliminated, which allows to achieve size reduction,
improvement of the light use efficiency, and cost reduction. With
such effects, a small-sized, high-luminance, low-power, and
high-definition laser projector is achievable that makes it
possible to be built into a compact and lightweight electronic
apparatus.
[0125] It is to be noted that the effects described herein are
merely exemplified and non-limiting, and effects of the disclosure
may be other effects, or may further include other effects. The
same is true for other embodiments and modification examples to be
hereinafter described.
1.4 Modification Examples of First Embodiment
1.4.1 First Modification Example
[0126] FIG. 14 illustrates a configuration and workings of a single
optical member for illumination in a projection display apparatus
according to a first modification example. FIG. 4 in the above
illustrates an example of the first optical path combination
element 30A that includes a polarizing prism as an optical member
for illumination to improve the polarization ratio; however, a
first optical path combination element 31A that includes a
flat-plate polarizing mirror may be used alternatively, as
illustrated in FIG. 14. The polarizing properties of the first
optical path combination element 31A may be similar to those of the
first optical path combination element 30A as illustrated in FIG.
4. In other words, the first optical path combination element 31A
may have the polarizing properties that reflect the first polarized
component (S-polarized component L.sub.G (5)) while transmitting
the second polarized component (P-polarized component L.sub.G (P))
for light at the first wavelength band (green light L.sub.G)
serving as the light at a predetermined wavelength band. Further,
the first optical path combination element 31A may have the
properties that transmit component of light at the second
wavelength band (blue light L.sub.B) (S-polarized component L.sub.B
(S) and P-polarized component L.sub.B (P)).
[0127] Here, an incoming angle .theta. of the light at a
predetermined wavelength band (green light L.sub.G) that enters the
first optical path combination element 31A may be preferably at
least 25 degrees but no more than 75 degrees. More preferably, the
incoming angle .theta. may be at least 40 degrees but no more than
60 degrees.
[0128] FIG. 15 illustrates a configuration example in a case where
the incoming angle .theta. of the light at a predetermined
wavelength band with respect to the first optical path combination
element 31A is decreased (.theta.=25), and FIG. 16 illustrates a
configuration example in a case where the incoming angle .theta. is
increased (.theta.=75). FIG. 17 illustrates a difference in the
polarizing properties of the first optical path combination element
31A depending on the incoming angle .theta.. In FIG. 17, a
horizontal scale denotes a wavelength, and a vertical scale denotes
a reflectance. As an example, FIG. 17 illustrates the properties in
cases of the incoming angle .theta. at 45 degrees, 50 degrees, and
55 degrees.
[0129] As the incoming angle .theta. becomes lower, a bandwidth to
be divided into the S-polarized light and the P-polarized light may
become smaller, as illustrated in FIG. 17. Therefore, because of
restrictions concerning the properties of polarization split, the
incoming angle .theta. of the light at a predetermined wavelength
band with respect to the first optical path combination element 31A
may be preferably 25 degrees or more, and more preferably may be 40
degrees or more. Further, as the incoming angle .theta. becomes
greater, restrictions concerning arrangement of optical components
may arise, as illustrated in FIG. 16. Therefore, the incoming angle
.theta. may be preferably 75 degrees or less, and more preferably
may be 60 degrees or less.
[0130] Further, as illustrated in FIG. 17, if the incoming angle
.theta. is approximately 55 degrees, sufficient performance may be
obtainable for a bandwidth of the green light L.sub.G, and
therefore it may be preferable to adopt a configuration ensuring
that the incoming angle .theta. becomes approximately 55 degrees,
from the characteristic viewpoint of the polarization split.
[0131] It is to be noted that such a restriction concerning the
incoming angle .theta. may be similarly applicable to the first
optical path combination element 30A that includes a polarizing
prism.
1.4.2 Second Modification Example
[0132] FIG. 18 illustrates a configuration and workings of two
optical members for illumination in a projection display apparatus
according to a second modification example. As illustrated in FIG.
18, both the first optical path combination element 30A and the
second optical path combination element 30B in the configuration
example illustrated in FIG. 1 may be interchanged with a first
optical path combination element 31A and a second optical path
combination element 31B each of which includes a flat-plate mirror,
respectively. The first optical path combination element 31A may be
a polarizing mirror having properties similar to those of the
configuration example illustrated in FIG. 14. The second optical
path combination element 31B may be a dichroic mirror having the
properties similar to those of the second optical path combination
element 30B in the configuration example illustrated in FIG. 1. In
other words, the second optical path combination element 31B may
transmit the green light L.sub.G (S-polarized component L.sub.G
(5)) and the blue light L.sub.B (S-polarized component L.sub.B (5)
and P-polarized component L.sub.B (P)), and may reflect the red
light L.sub.R (S-polarized component L.sub.R (S) and P-polarized
component L.sub.R (P)), as illustrated in FIG. 18. In such a
manner, the second optical path combination element 31B may guide
each color light to a predetermined optical path leading to the
polarization beam splitter (PBS) 51.
1.4.3 Third Modification Example
[0133] FIG. 19 illustrates a configuration and workings of two
optical members for illumination in a projection display apparatus
according to a third modification example. In the configuration
example illustrated in FIG. 18, the second optical path combination
element 31B may be additionally provided with the polarizing
properties for the red light L.sub.R as a polarizing mirror. In
other words, as illustrated in FIG. 19, the second optical path
combination element 31B may have the properties that transmit the
green light L.sub.G (S-polarized component L.sub.G (S)) and the
blue light L.sub.B (S-polarized component L.sub.B (S) and
P-polarized component L.sub.B (P)), and that reflect the
S-polarized component L.sub.R (S) and transmit the P-polarized
component L.sub.R (P) for the red light L.sub.R. This makes it
possible to improve the polarization ratio for the red light
L.sub.R.
1.4.4 Fourth Modification Example
[0134] FIG. 20 illustrates a configuration and workings of two
optical members for illumination in a projection display apparatus
according to a fourth modification example. In the configuration
example illustrated in FIG. 19, the first optical path combination
element 31A may be additionally provided with the polarizing
properties for the blue light L.sub.B. In other words, as
illustrated in FIG. 20, the first optical path combination element
31A may have the polarizing properties that reflect the S-polarized
component L.sub.G (S)) and transmit the P-polarized component
L.sub.G (P) for the green light L.sub.G. In addition, the first
optical path combination element 31A may further have the
polarizing properties that transmit the S-polarized component
L.sub.G (S)) and reflect the P-polarized component L.sub.G (P) for
the blue light L.sub.B. This makes it possible to improve the
polarization ratio for the blue light L.sub.B.
1.4.5 Fifth Modification Example
[0135] FIG. 21 illustrates a configuration and workings of two
optical members for illumination in a projection display apparatus
according to a fifth modification example. As illustrated in FIG.
21, the first optical path combination element 31A may be
configured as a dichroic mirror having no polarizing properties,
and the second optical path combination element 31B may be
additionally provided with the polarizing properties for the green
light L.sub.G as a polarizing mirror. In other words, the first
optical path combination element 31A may have the properties that
transmit the blue light L.sub.B (S-polarized component L.sub.B (S)
and P-polarized component L.sub.B (P)), and reflect the green light
L.sub.G (S-polarized component L.sub.G (S) and P-polarized
component L.sub.G (P)). The second optical path combination element
31B may have the properties that reflect the blue light L.sub.B
(S-polarized component L.sub.B (S) and P-polarized component
L.sub.B (P)); transmit the red light L.sub.R (S-polarized component
L.sub.R (S) and P-polarized component L.sub.R (P)); reflect the
S-polarized component L.sub.G (S) and transmit the P-polarized
component L.sub.G (P) for the green light L.sub.G. In this case,
the polarization beam splitter (PBS) 51 may be disposed in a
direction reflecting the S-polarized component L.sub.G (S) of the
green light L.sub.G.
[0136] It is to be noted that, other than examples described in the
second to fifth modification examples, the arrangement of the
optical members for illumination may further take a variety of
forms.
1.4.6 Sixth Modification Example
[0137] In the above-described embodiment, as a configuration
example of the light sources, an example is given where the
plurality of chips 11A are disposed on a line in longitudinal
directions (Y direction and V direction) in a plane including the Y
axis (FIGS. 5 and 6). On the contrary, a configuration may be
employed in which the plurality of chips 11A are configured to be
disposed on a line in lateral directions (X direction and H
direction) in a plane including the X axis, as illustrated in FIGS.
22 and 23. Further, in the above-described embodiment, an example
is given where the single chip 11A is disposed in a plane including
the Y axis (FIGS. 7 to 9). On the contrary, a configuration may be
employed in which the single chip 11A is disposed in a plane
including the X axis, as illustrated in FIGS. 24 to 26.
[0138] It is to be noted that FIG. 23 illustrates the light source
illustrated in FIG. 22 as viewed from the light-output-surface
side. FIG. 25 illustrates the light source illustrated in FIG. 24
as viewed from the light-output-surface side. FIG. 26 illustrates
another configuration example of the light source illustrated in
FIG. 24.
[0139] In the present modification example, when the solid-state
light-emitting device 11 includes the single chip 11A, a size
(W.sub.V.times.W.sub.H) serving as the solid-state light-emitting
device 11 may be equal to a size (W.sub.V1.times.W.sub.H1) of the
single chip 11A, as illustrated in FIG. 25, for example. However,
as illustrated in an example in FIG. 26, when the solid-state
light-emitting device 11 adopts a monolithic structure, the size is
as follows. That is, in an example in FIG. 26, the size
(W.sub.V.times.W.sub.H) of the solid-state light-emitting device 11
may be equal to or greater than W.sub.V1.times.2W.sub.H1. On the
other hand, when the solid-state light-emitting device 11 includes
the plurality of chips 11A, the size of the solid-state
light-emitting device 11 may be equal to a size measured when all
of the chips 11A are lumped together, as illustrated in FIG. 23,
for example. When the plurality of chips 11A are disposed on a line
in a lateral direction, the size (W.sub.V.times.W.sub.H) of the
solid-state light-emitting device 11 may be equal to or greater
than W.sub.V1.times.3W.sub.H1 in an example in FIG. 23.
2. Second Embodiment
[0140] Next, the description is provided on a second embodiment of
the disclosure. Hereinafter, for any component parts having the
configuration and workings similar to those of the above-described
first embodiment, the related descriptions are omitted as
appropriate.
[0141] FIG. 27 illustrates a configuration example of a projector 3
that serves as a projection display apparatus according to the
present embodiment. FIG. 28 illustrates a configuration and
workings of a single optical member for illumination (first optical
path combination element 30A) in the projector 3 illustrated in
FIG. 27.
[0142] As illustrated in FIG. 27, it may be also possible to
dispose the light valve 60 at a position that is different by 90
degrees relative to a position specified in the above-described
first embodiment. In this case, the light having passed through the
polarization beam splitter 51 may be guided to the light valve 60.
As with the above-described first embodiment, the polarization beam
splitter 51 may have the properties of reflecting the S-polarized
light L1s, and transmitting the P-polarized light L1p. Therefore, a
polarizing direction of the light entering the light valve 60 may
correspond to the P-polarized light, and the properties of the
optical path combination element 30 may be configured to ensure a
state where a relationship between the S-polarized light and the
P-polarized light is interchanged with such a relationship in the
above-described first embodiment.
[0143] The first optical path combination element 30A may
preferably have the polarizing properties that reflect a first
polarized component (P-polarized component L.sub.G (P)) while
transmitting a second polarized component (S-polarized component
L.sub.G (S)) for light at a first wavelength band (green light
L.sub.G) serving as the light at a predetermined wavelength band,
as illustrated in FIG. 28, for example. Further, the first optical
path combination element 30A may preferably have the properties
that transmit component of light at a second wavelength band (blue
light L.sub.B) (S-polarized component L.sub.B (S) and P-polarized
component L.sub.B (P)).
[0144] In other words, a relationship between the S-polarized light
and the P-polarized light may be interchanged with such a
relationship in the above-described first embodiment. That is, in
combining optical paths, the first optical path combination element
30A may guide the P-polarized component L.sub.G (P) in the green
light L.sub.G to the polarization beam splitter 51, and may not
guide the S-polarized component L.sub.G (S) to the polarization
beam splitter 51.
3. Third Embodiment
[0145] Next, the description is provided on a third embodiment of
the disclosure. Hereinafter, for any component parts having the
configuration and workings similar to those of the above-described
first embodiment or second embodiment, the related descriptions are
omitted as appropriate.
[0146] FIG. 29 illustrates a configuration example of the projector
3 that serves as a projection display apparatus according to the
present embodiment. FIG. 30 illustrates a configuration and
workings of a single optical member for illumination (first optical
path combination element 30A) in the projector 3 illustrated in
FIG. 29.
[0147] It may be possible to dispose the plurality of light sources
(first light source 10A, second light source 10B, and third light
source 10C) in a different manner from the configuration examples
described thus far. Each of FIG. 29 and FIG. 30 illustrates a
configuration in which the arrangement of the first light source
10A and the second light source 10B is interchanged with such an
arrangement in the configuration example each in FIG. 27 and FIG.
28. In this case, the first optical path combination element 30A
may preferably have the polarizing properties that transmit a first
polarized component (P-polarized component L.sub.G (P)) while
reflecting a second polarized component (S-polarized component
L.sub.G (S)) for light at a first wavelength band (green light
L.sub.G) serving as the light at a predetermined wavelength band,
as illustrated in FIG. 30, for example. Further, the first optical
path combination element 30A may preferably have the properties
that reflect component of light at a second wavelength band (blue
light L.sub.B) (S-polarized component L.sub.B (S) and P-polarized
component L.sub.B (P)).
4. Fourth Embodiment
[0148] Next, the description is provided on a fourth embodiment of
the disclosure. Hereinafter, for any component parts having the
configuration and workings similar to those of the above-described
first embodiment to the third embodiment, the related descriptions
are omitted as appropriate.
[0149] FIG. 31 illustrates a configuration example of an
illuminating optical system 1B in a projection display apparatus
according to the present embodiment. Inside the illuminating
optical system 1B, a polarizing mirror 32 that bends an optical
path toward the polarization beam splitter 51 may be provided as an
optical member for illumination, as illustrated in FIG. 31. The
polarizing mirror 32 may have the optical properties that guide a
first polarized component (for example, S-polarized component) to a
predetermined optical path and guide a second polarized component
(for example, P-polarized component) toward a direction deviated
from the predetermined optical path, for light at a predetermined
wavelength band (for example, one or more of the red light L.sub.R,
green light L.sub.G, and blue light L.sub.B). It is to be noted
that FIG. 31 illustrates an example where the polarizing mirror 32
reflects each of the S-polarized components L.sub.R (S), L.sub.G
(S), and L.sub.B (S) toward the polarization beam splitter 51, and
transmits each of the P-polarized components L.sub.R (P), L.sub.G
(P), and L.sub.B (P) of the red light L.sub.R, green light L.sub.G,
and blue light L.sub.B, respectively toward a different direction
from the polarization beam splitter 51.
5. Fifth Embodiment
[0150] Next, the description is provided on a fifth embodiment of
the disclosure. Hereinafter, for any component parts having the
configuration and workings similar to those of the above-described
first embodiment to the fourth embodiment, the related descriptions
are omitted as appropriate.
[0151] FIG. 32 illustrates a configuration example of a projector 5
that serves as a projection display apparatus according to the
present embodiment. FIG. 33 illustrates a configuration and
workings of a single optical member for illumination (first optical
path combination element 30A) in the projector 5 illustrated in
FIG. 32.
[0152] The projector 5 according to the present embodiment may have
a mirror 33 that bends an optical path toward the polarization beam
splitter 51 inside an illuminating optical system 1C. Further, in
the projector 5, the arrangement of the first light source 10A and
the second light source 10B relative to the first optical path
combination element 30A may be different from such an arrangement
in the configuration example illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0153] In the above-described first embodiment to the fourth
embodiment, optical paths from the light sources to the light valve
60 that is located at a predetermined illuminating position may be
present on the same plane. In the projector 5, however, an optical
path leading to the light valve 60 may be bent toward another plane
direction by a polarization split surface of the polarization beam
splitter 51, and the optical paths from the light sources to the
light valve 60 may be not present on the same plane.
[0154] When the optical path is bent as illustrated in FIG. 32, the
first optical path combination element 30A may preferably have the
polarizing properties that transmit a first polarized component
(S-polarized component L.sub.G (S)) while reflecting a second
polarized component (P-polarized component L.sub.G (P)) for light
at a first wavelength band (green light L.sub.G) serving as the
light at a predetermined wavelength band, as illustrated in FIG.
33. Further, the first optical path combination element 30A may
preferably have the properties that reflect component of light at a
second wavelength band (blue light L.sub.B) (S-polarized component
L.sub.B (S) and P-polarized component L.sub.B (P)).
[0155] It is to be noted that, in the above-described first
embodiment to the fourth embodiment, the first polarized component
may be the S-polarized component (or the P-polarized component)
with respect to the polarization beam splitter 51, and the
S-polarized component (or the P-polarized component) with respect
to the optical path combination element 30 as well. On the
contrary, the present embodiment is different from any of the
above-described first embodiment to the fourth embodiment in that
there is a relationship where the first polarized component may be
the S-polarized component (or the P-polarized component) with
respect to the polarization beam splitter 51, and the P-polarized
component (or the S-polarized component) with respect to the
optical path combination element 30.
[0156] It is to be noted that, also in the present embodiment, the
optical path combination element 30 may be a polarizing mirror, as
with any of the above-described first embodiment to the fourth
embodiment. Further, in an example in FIG. 32, light reflected by
the polarization beam splitter 51 is made to enter the light valve
60; however, a configuration in which light passing through the
polarization beam splitter 51 is made to enter the light valve 60
may be adopted, as with the second or third embodiment.
[0157] Other than the methods mentioned in the above-described
respective embodiments, a variety of approaches may be considered
for a method of bending optical paths from the light sources to the
light valve 60. In any method, a direction of a first polarized
component may be defined as a direction of a polarized component
with respect to a polarization split element (the polarization beam
splitter 51). Further, in the above descriptions, it is assumed
that the polarization split element has the properties of
reflecting the S-polarized light and transmitting the P-polarized
light. However, the polarization split element may have the
properties of transmitting the S-polarized light and reflecting the
P-polarized light.
6. Other Example Embodiments
[0158] The technology of the disclosure is not limited to the
descriptions of the above-described respective example embodiments,
but various modifications may be made.
[0159] For example, the illuminating unit according to the
technology is also applicable to any apparatus involving
illumination apart from a projector. Further, the illuminating unit
is applicable even in a case of a single light source instead of a
plurality of light sources. When the single light source is used,
the optical path combination element 30 is unnecessary, and
therefore a configuration using a polarizing mirror that bends an
optical path may be adopted in the same manner as the configuration
example illustrated in FIG. 31, for example. Further, for example,
the technology may be configured as follows.
[0160] (1) [0161] An illuminating unit including: [0162] a light
source; [0163] a plurality of optical members for illumination that
guide light from the light source to a predetermined optical path;
and [0164] a polarization split element that transfers, to a
predetermined illuminating position, a first polarized component
included in the light guided to the predetermined optical path,
[0165] wherein one or more of the plurality of optical members for
illumination have optical properties, for the light at a
predetermined wavelength band outputted from the light source, of
guiding the first polarized component to the predetermined optical
path, and guiding a second polarized component that is different
from the first polarized component toward a direction deviated from
the predetermined optical path.
[0166] (2) [0167] The illuminating unit according to (1), wherein
[0168] the light source includes a plurality of light sources that
are disposed on different optical paths from each other, [0169] the
plurality of optical members for illumination include an optical
path combination element that combines the optical paths of two or
more of the plurality of light sources, and [0170] in combining the
optical paths, the optical path combination element has optical
properties, for the light at the predetermined wavelength band, of
guiding the first polarized component to the predetermined optical
path, and guiding the second polarized component toward the
direction deviated from the predetermined optical path.
[0171] (3) [0172] The illuminating unit according to (2), wherein
the first polarized component is S-polarized light with respect to
the polarization split element, and the second polarized component
is P-polarized light with respect to the polarization split
element.
[0173] (4) [0174] The illuminating unit according to (3), wherein
the optical path combination element has polarizing properties of
reflecting the first polarized component and transmitting the
second polarized component for light at a first wavelength band
serving as the light at the predetermined wavelength band, and has
properties of transmitting light at a second wavelength band.
[0175] (5) [0176] The illuminating unit according to (3), wherein
the optical path combination element has polarizing properties of
transmitting the first polarized component and reflecting the
second polarized component for light at a first wavelength band
serving as the light at the predetermined wavelength band, and has
properties of reflecting light at a second wavelength.
[0177] (6) [0178] The illuminating unit according to any one of (3)
to (5), wherein the polarization split element transfers the first
polarized component to the predetermined illuminating position by
reflection.
[0179] (7) [0180] The illuminating unit according to (2), wherein
the first polarized component is P-polarized light with respect to
the polarization split element, and the second polarized component
is S-polarized light with respect to the polarization split
element.
[0181] (8) [0182] The illuminating unit according to (7), wherein
the optical path combination element has polarizing properties of
reflecting the first polarized component and transmitting the
second polarized component for light at a first wavelength band
serving as the light at the predetermined wavelength band, and has
properties of transmitting light at a second wavelength band.
[0183] (9) [0184] The illuminating unit according to (7), wherein
the optical path combination element has polarizing properties of
transmitting the first polarized component and reflecting the
second polarized component for light at a first wavelength band
serving as the light at the predetermined wavelength band, and has
properties of reflecting light at a second wavelength.
[0185] (10) [0186] The illuminating unit according to any one of
(7) to (9), wherein the polarization split element transfers the
first polarized component to the predetermined illuminating
position by transmission.
[0187] (11) [0188] The illuminating unit according to any one of
(2) to (4), (6) to (8), and (10), wherein an incoming angle of the
light at the predetermined wavelength band that enters the optical
path combination element from the light source is at least 25
degrees but no more than 75 degrees.
[0189] (12) [0190] A projection display apparatus including: [0191]
a light source; [0192] a plurality of optical members for
illumination that guide light from the light source to a
predetermined optical path; [0193] a polarization split element
that transfers, to a predetermined illuminating position, a first
polarized component included in the light guided to the
predetermined optical path; [0194] a light valve that is disposed
at the predetermined illuminating position and modulates light on
the basis of image data; and [0195] a projection lens that
projects, on a projection surface, the modulated light from the
light valve, [0196] wherein one or more of the plurality of optical
members for illumination have optical properties of, for light at a
predetermined wavelength band outputted from the light source,
guiding the first polarized component to the predetermined optical
path, and guiding a second polarized component that is different
from the first polarized component toward a direction deviated from
the predetermined optical path.
[0197] This application claims the benefit of Japanese Priority
Patent Application No. 2014-189019 filed with Japan Patent Office
on Sep. 17, 2014, the entire contents of which are incorporated
herein by reference.
[0198] It should be understood by those skilled in the art that
various modifications, combinations, sub-combinations, and
alterations may occur depending on design requirements and other
factors insofar as they are within the scope of the appended claims
or the equivalents thereof.
* * * * *