Patent ID: 6357878
Filing Date: 2002-03-19
Classification: G02B,G03B

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 first 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 a second prism; and a light-absorbing member shaped like a plane-parallel plate and disposed with an entrance face thereof kept in close contact with the side face of the second prism, the light-absorbing member being so designed that the light deflected in the second direction by the modulator enters the light-absorbing member through the entrance face thereof but does not exit from the liht-absorbing member through the entrance face back into the second prism, and a non-planar heat-dissipating member disposed along a rear face of the light-absorbing member such that said light-absorbing member is between the heat-dissipating member and the second prism.