Patent ID: 7847915
Filing Date: 2010-12-07
Classification: G02B,G02F

Abstract:
1. An optical element, comprising: a liquid crystal layer made by forming and curing a film of a liquid crystalline material, the liquid crystal layer including a liquid crystal phase in a solidified state such that a molecular orientation of the liquid crystal phase is maintained even when an electrical force is applied; and a protective layer formed on the liquid crystal layer, the protective layer having a hardness sufficient to prevent the liquid crystal layer from being deformed by externally exerted forces, the protective layer having a thickness of 1.5 to 2.7 μm, and being formed by applying to the liquid crystal layer a material for the protective layer, drying the material, irradiating the material with ultraviolet light, and baking the material so that the protective layer is directly in contact with the liquid crystal layer.