Patent ID: 6179424
Filing Date: 2001-01-30
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
An optical apparatus comprising:a reflection-type spatial light modulator having a plurality of minute variable-reflection-angle mirrors, the mirrors individually deflecting light incident thereon in one of two different directions, namely in a first direction or in a second direction, in accordance with a signal fed in;an optical system to which light deflected in the first direction by the modulator is directed;a prism disposed between the modulator and the optical system so as to direct the light deflected in the first direction by the modulator to the optical system and direct light deflected in the second direction by the modulator to a side face of the prism; anda light-expelling member having a polyhedral shape and disposed with an entrance face thereof kept in close contact with the side face of the prism, the light-expelling member being so designed that the light deflected in the second direction by the modulator enters the light-expelling member through the entrance face thereof and exits from the light-expelling member through a face thereof other than the entrance face.