Wavelength-selective polarization conversion element for generating two light components having polarization directions and wavelength regions different from each other, illumination optical system, and image projection apparatus including the element

The wavelength-selective polarization conversion element includes a plurality of polarization splitting surfaces each of which separates entering light into two polarized light components having polarization directions different from each other, a plurality of phase plates that causes a polarization direction of one polarized light component in the two polarized light components from the polarization splitting surfaces to coincide with a polarization direction of the other polarized light component. The element further includes a plurality of dichroic surfaces that is disposed closer to a light entrance side than the plurality of polarization splitting surfaces or between the plurality of polarization splitting surfaces and the plurality of phase plates, each dichroic surface separating entering light into two wavelength region components different from each other. The element is capable of generating light components having different polarization directions and different wavelength regions from non-polarized light while preventing a reduction of light use efficiency.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a wavelength-selective polarization conversion element that generates two light components having polarization directions and wavelength regions different from each other from light entering thereinto, an illumination optical system equipped therewith and an image projection apparatus.

A so-called three-panel projector (image projection apparatus) performs a color-separation to separate white light emitted from a light source into three color light components (for example, a red light component, a green light component and a blue light component). And then, the color light components are introduced to three image-forming elements such as liquid crystal panels.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-9933 discloses the following three-panel projector. That is, in order to perform color-separation through a color separation optical system, the three-panel projector is provided with an illumination optical system. The illumination optical system generates two wavelength components having polarization directions different from each other (for example, P-polarized green light and S-polarized red and blue light) from non-polarized white light emitted from a light source.

The illumination optical system separates the non-polarized white light emitted from the light source into S-polarized red and green light and P-polarized blue light with a polarization splitting surface of a polarization beam splitting prism. And further, a half wave plate converts the P-polarized light into S-polarized light. The S-polarized red, green and blue light impinges on a polarization conversion dichroic mirror. The polarization conversion dichroic mirror converts only the S-polarized green light into P-polarized light. Thus, the P-polarized green light and the S-polarized red and blue light proceed to the color separation optical system.

The polarization conversion dichroic mirror includes a dichroic surface, a quarter-wave plate and a mirror surface in this order from a light entrance side. The dichroic surface transmits the S-polarized green light, and reflects the S-polarized red and blue light. The S-polarized green light passes through the dichroic surface, and passes twice through the quarter-wave plate before and after the reflection by the mirror surface. Thereby, the quarter-wave plate converts the S-polarized green light into P-polarized green light. With this arrangement, the P-polarized green light and the S-polarized red and blue light emerge from the polarization conversion dichroic mirror.

However, in the illumination optical system disclosed in the Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-9933, the red light component, green light component and blue light component entering into the polarization conversion dichroic mirror have to be previously converted into S-polarized light by the polarization beam splitting prism and the half wave plate. Guiding the light from the light source to the polarization conversion dichroic mirror via the polarization beam splitting prism and the half wave plate as described above decreases the use efficiency of the light. Also, since the configuration in which the light from the light source is reflected via the polarization beam splitting prism and the polarization conversion dichroic mirror is employed, the designing flexibility of the illumination optical system is restricted and the size of the illumination optical system tends to become larger.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a wavelength-selective polarization conversion element capable of generating a plurality of light components having polarization directions and wavelength regions different from each other from non-polarized light while preventing a reduction of the use efficiency of the light with a compact configuration, an illumination optical system equipped therewith and an image projection apparatus.

The present invention provides, according to one aspect, a wavelength-selective polarization conversion element including a plurality of polarization splitting surfaces each of which separates entering light into two polarized light components having polarization directions different from each other, a plurality of phase plates that causes a polarization direction of one polarized light component in the two polarized light components from the polarization splitting surfaces to coincide with a polarization direction of the other polarized light component, and a plurality of dichroic surfaces that is disposed closer to a light entrance side than the plurality of polarization splitting surfaces or between the plurality of polarization splitting surfaces and the plurality of phase plates, each dichroic surface separating entering light into two wavelength region components different from each other.

The present invention provides, according to another aspect, a wavelength-selective polarization conversion element including a plurality of polarization splitting surfaces that is disposed along a first direction, a plurality of dichroic surfaces that is disposed along the first direction, and a plurality of phase plates that is disposed along the first direction. The plurality of polarization splitting surfaces and the plurality of dichroic surfaces separate non-polarized white light into a plurality of first light fluxes and a plurality of second light fluxes, the first light flux including light of a first color as S-polarized light, light of a second color as S-polarized light and light of a third color as P-polarized light, and the second light flux including light of the first color as P-polarized light, light of the second color as P-polarized light and light of the third color as S-polarized light. The plurality of phase plates causes a polarization direction of one light flux in the first and second light fluxes to coincide with a polarization direction of the other light flux.

The present invention provides, according to still another aspect, a wavelength-selective polarization conversion element including in order from a light entrance side, a plurality of first optical surfaces that is disposed along a first direction, a plurality of second optical surfaces that is disposed along the first direction, and a plurality of half-phase plate disposed along the first direction. Of the first optical surface and the second optical surface, one is a polarization splitting surface and the other is a dichroic surface. The half-phase plates are disposed at positions corresponding to every other second optical surface in the plurality of second optical surfaces disposed along the first direction.

The present invention provides, according to yet still another aspect, an illumination optical system including a lens array that divides light from a light source into a plurality of light fluxes, one of the above-described wavelength-selective polarization conversion elements into which the plurality of light fluxes from the lens array enters, and a collective optical system that collects the plurality of light fluxes from the wavelength-selective polarization conversion element so as to overlap the light fluxes with each other on an illumination surface.

The present invention provides, according to further still another aspect, an image projection apparatus including the illumination optical system, three image-forming elements each of which forms an original image, a color separating/combining optical system that separates two wavelength region components having polarization directions different from each other entering from the illumination optical system into three light components having wavelengths different from each other to introduce the three light components to the three image-forming elements, and combines the three light components from the three image-forming elements, and a projection optical system that projects the combined light from the color separating/combining optical system onto a projection surface.

Other aspects of the present invention will be apparent from the embodiments described below with reference to the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanied drawings.

FIG. 18illustrates the configuration of an optical unit in a projector (image projection apparatus) that employs a wavelength-selective polarization conversion element (hereinafter, referred to as a dichroic polarization conversion array) which is a first embodiment (Embodiment 1) of the present invention. In the following description, reference symbol R denotes red (red light including a wavelength region from 620 to 650 nm), reference symbol G denotes green (green light including a wavelength region from 520 to 550 nm), and reference symbol B denotes blue (blue light including a wavelength region from 450 to 480 nm). The blue light, red light and green light may be referred to as light of a first color, light of a second color and light of a third color, respectively.

Reference numeral101denotes a light source such as an ultra-high pressure mercury discharge tube that emits a white (substantially white) light flux having no specific polarization direction (non-polarized light). Reference numeral102denotes a reflector that collimates the light flux emitted from the light source101. The light source101and the reflector102integrally constitute a light source lamp. The light source lamp is replaceable independently from the optical unit and is not a constituent element of the optical unit.

Reference numeral103denotes a first lens array,104a second lens array, and106the dichroic polarization conversion array as the wavelength-selective polarization conversion element. Reference numeral107denotes a condenser lens as a collective optical system. The constituent elements from the first lens array103through the condenser lens107constitute an illumination optical system.

Reference numeral117denotes a dichroic mirror (an optical element having a dichroic surface). Reference numeral108denotes an RB polarization beam splitter (hereinafter, referred to as an RB-PBS). This RB-PBS has the polarization splitting function of transmitting one of S-polarized light and P-polarized light in the wavelength regions of the red light and blue light and reflecting the other. The RB-PBS need not necessarily have that polarization splitting function in the wavelength region of the green light. Reference numeral109denotes a G polarization beam splitter (hereinafter, referred to as a G-PBS). Reference numeral110denotes a G reflective image-forming element,111an R reflective image-forming element, and112a B reflective image-forming element. A reflective liquid crystal display element is used as each of the image-forming elements. This embodiment gives an example in which a liquid crystal display element is used as the image-forming element. However, the present invention is not limited to the above, but a DMD (digital micro-mirror device) may be used as the image-forming element.

Each of the image-forming elements110to112is connected to a drive circuit150. The drive circuit150is connected to an image supply apparatus160such as a personal computer, a DVD player, a TV tuner or the like. Receiving image signals from the image supply apparatus160, the drive circuit150drives the respective image-forming elements110to112based on the image signals and causes the respective image-forming elements110to112to form respective color original images. The image supply apparatus160and a projector constitute an image display system.

The non-polarized white light emitted from the light source101and entering into the illumination optical system via the reflector102is divided into a plurality of light fluxes by the first fly-eye lens103. The plurality of light fluxes enters into the dichroic polarization conversion array106through the second fly-eye lens104.

The dichroic polarization conversion array106is disposed at or adjacent to convergent points of the light fluxes converged by the first lens array103.

In this embodiment, the dichroic polarization conversion array106generates two wavelength region components (two light components) from the non-polarized white light entering thereinto. That is, P-polarized R light (Rp) and S-polarized BG light (BGs) which have polarization directions different from each other are generated. The generated two light components emerge from the dichroic polarization conversion array106. The configuration and optical function of the dichroic polarization conversion array106will be described later.

The plurality of light fluxes emerging from the dichroic polarization conversion array106proceeds to the dichroic mirror117through the condenser lens107. The condenser lens107has a function to overlap the plurality of light fluxes with each other on each of the three image-forming elements110to112as illumination surfaces.

The dichroic mirror117transmits the G light (Gs) in the light coming from the condenser lens107and reflects the R light (Rp) and the B light (Bs) to thereby separate the G light and the R and B light from each other.

Practically, a dichroic film (dichroic surface) and a polarization splitting film (polarization splitting surface) in the dichroic polarization conversion array106are arranged to have the following relationship. That is, each of the dichroic film and polarization splitting film is twisted by 90° around an optical axis with respect to the dichroic mirror117inFIG. 18. With this arrangement, each of the polarized state of the respective color light components with respect to the dichroic mirror is exchanged. That is, the light entering the dichroic mirror117is separated into P-polarized G light (Gp), S-polarized R light (Rs) and P-polarized B light (Bp).

The G light is transmitted through the G-PBS109, passes through the half-phase plate113and then enters into the G image-forming element110. The G image-forming element110modulates the G light according to the original image and reflects the same. The modulated G light passes through the half-phase plate113again and enters into the G-PBS109as S-polarized light. The G-PBS109reflects the S-polarized G light toward the color-combining prism116.

The R light reflected by the dichroic mirror117is reflected by the RB-PBS108. The reflected R light passes through the half-phase plate114and enters into the R image-forming element111. The R image forming element111modulates the R light according to the original image and reflects the same. The modulated R light passes through the half-phase plate114again and enters into the RB-PBS108as P-polarized light. The P-polarized R light is transmitted through the RB-PBS108to enter into the color-combining prism116.

The B light reflected by the dichroic mirror117is transmitted through the RB-PBS108, passes through the half-phase plate115and then enters into the B image-forming element112. The B image-forming element112modulates the B light according to the original image and reflects the same. The modulated B light passes through the half-phase plate115again and enters into the RB-PBS108as S-polarized light. The RB-PBS108reflects the S-polarized B light toward the color-combining prism116.

The color-combining prism116reflects the entering G light and transmits the entering R light and B light to combine the G light, R light and B light. The combined light emerges from the color-combining prism116toward the projection lens (projection optical system)118. The projection lens118projects the combined light onto a projection surface such as a screen (not shown). The optical elements from the dichroic mirror117to the color-combining prism116constitute a color separating/combining optical system.

As described above, the dichroic polarization conversion array106, the dichroic mirror117and the RB-PBS108separate the non-polarized white light from the light source101into three light components having wavelength regions and polarization directions different from each other.

FIG. 1illustrates the configuration of the dichroic polarization conversion array106that is used in the above-described optical unit.

Referring toFIG. 1, reference numeral1denotes a polarization splitting array portion (first element portion), and2a dichroic array portion (second element portion). Reference numeral3denotes a half-phase plate provided at an exit surface side of the dichroic array portion2. Reference numeral4denotes a light-shielding mask provided at an entrance surface side of the polarization splitting array portion1. The polarization splitting array portion1and the dichroic array portion2are shown in a separated state inFIG. 1. However, actually, the polarization splitting array portion1and the dichroic array portion2are integrated being bonded or the like and are handled as one unit element.

The dichroic polarization conversion array106of this embodiment includes a plurality of polarization splitting films (polarization splitting surfaces)13, a plurality of dichroic films (dichroic surfaces)23and a plurality of half-phase plates (half-wave plates)3which are disposed in this order from the light entrance side.

The plurality of polarization splitting films13, the plurality of dichroic films23and the plurality of half-phase plates3are disposed along a direction (first direction, a vertical direction) perpendicular to a light-entering direction (from the left to the right inFIG. 1). Each polarization splitting film13and each dichroic film23are disposed being inclined (by 45°) with respect not only to the light-entering direction but also to a direction perpendicular to the light-entering direction. The half-phase plates3are disposed perpendicular to the light-entering direction (parallel to the direction perpendicular to the light-entering direction).

The polarization splitting surface and the dichroic surface are not limited to have a film structure, but may have a minute periodic structure or other structures. The half-phase plate may be formed as, not limited to a plate-like element, a film (single layered film or multi-layered film) or may have a minute periodic structure.

The polarization splitting array portion1has an entrance surface11and an exit surface12parallel to the entrance surface11. Between the entrance surface11and the exit surface12, the plurality of polarization splitting films13and the plurality of reflective films (reflective surface)14are provided. Each of these films13and14is formed to be inclined at an angle of 45° with respect to the entrance surface11. The polarization splitting films13and the reflective films14are formed alternately in the direction perpendicular to the light-entering direction (first direction) and are parallel to each other. The polarization splitting films13can be replaced with the reflective films14.

The entrance surface11includes a plurality of slit-like light-passing areas C. The light enters into the polarization splitting array portion1through the plurality of slit-like light-passing areas C and enters the plurality of polarization splitting films13. In addition to the plurality of slit-like light-passing areas C, the entrance surface11includes a plurality of areas provided with the light-shielding masks4. Like the half-phase plates, the plurality of light-shielding masks4is disposed along the direction perpendicular to the light-entering direction. Each of the light-shielding masks4is disposed parallel to the direction perpendicular to the light-entering direction.

The dichroic array portion2includes an entrance surface21and an exit surface22parallel to the entrance surface21. Between the entrance surface21and the exit surface22, the plurality of dichroic films23is provided in the direction perpendicular to the light-entering direction. Each of the dichroic films23is formed to be inclined at an angle of 45° with respect to the entrance surface21. The exit surface22includes a plurality of slit-like light-passing areas D and E. From the plurality of slit-like light-passing areas D, the light transmitted through the plurality of dichroic film23emerge. From the plurality of slit-like light-passing areas E, the light reflected by the plurality of dichroic films23emerge.

Each of the light-passing areas E is provided with the half-phase plate3. With this arrangement, the plurality of dichroic films23is disposed between the plurality of polarization splitting films13and the plurality of phase plates3.

A pitch b between the polarization splitting film13and the reflective film14in the polarization splitting array portion1and a pitch a between the dichroic films23in the dichroic array portion2are equal to each other. Slit-like light-passing areas B1on the exit surface12of the polarization splitting array portion1and slit-like light-passing areas A on the entrance surface21of the dichroic array portion2are disposed closely facing each other. The light transmitted through the polarization splitting film13emerges from the slit-like light-passing area B1and enters the dichroic array portion2through the slit-like light-passing area A.

Slit-like light-passing areas F on the exit surface12of the polarization splitting array portion1and slit-like light-passing areas H on the entrance surface21of the dichroic array portion2are also disposed closely facing each other. The light reflected by the polarization splitting film13and the reflective film14emerges from the slit-like light-passing area F and enters the dichroic array portion2through the slit-like light-passing area H.

The polarization splitting film13of the polarization splitting array portion1has a function to separate the entering light into two polarized light components having polarization directions different from each other. To be more precisely, the polarization splitting film13has a characteristic to transmit the P-polarized light included in the entering light, and to reflect the S-polarized light included in the same. Therefore, the reflective film14reflects the S-polarized light.

The dichroic film23of the dichroic array portion2separates the entering light into two wavelength region components different from each other. To be more precisely, the dichroic film23transmits the R light included in the entering light and reflects the B and G light included in the same as shown inFIG. 5.

The half-phase plate3converts the polarization direction of one polarized light component of the two polarized light components from the polarization splitting film13to cause the polarization direction of the one polarized light component to coincide with that of the other polarized light component. In this embodiment, the half-phase plate3is arranged so that its fast axis is inclined to a direction of 45° with respect to a longitudinal direction of the light-passing area E.

With this arrangement, the half-phase plate3rotates the polarization direction of the light entering thereinto as P-polarized light by 90° and allows the light to emerge therefrom as S-polarized light. And the half-phase plate3rotates the polarization direction of the light entering thereinto as S-polarized light by 90° and allows the light to emerge therefrom as P-polarized light.

Next, the optical function of the dichroic polarization conversion array106is described below with reference toFIGS. 2 to 4.

Referring toFIG. 2, reference symbol Wn denotes non-polarized white light. The polarization splitting film13of the polarization splitting array portion1separates the non-polarized white light Wn into P-polarized white light Wp and S-polarized white light Ws. The P-polarized white light Wp, after being transmitted through the polarization splitting film13, emerges from the light-passing area B1on the exit surface12of the polarization splitting array portion1.

On the other hand, the S-polarized white light Ws is, after being reflected by the polarization splitting film13, reflected by the reflective film14toward the same direction as that of the P-polarized white light Wp. The S-polarized white light Ws emerges from the light-passing area F next to the light-passing area B1from which the P-polarized white light Wp emerges.

Referring toFIG. 3, the P-polarized white light Wp enters into the dichroic array portion2through the light-passing area A on the entrance surface21thereof. The dichroic film23separates the P-polarized white light Wp into P-polarized red light Rp and P-polarized blue and green light (hereinafter, the blue and green light is referred to as blue/green light) BGp. The P-polarized red light Rp, after being transmitted through the dichroic film23, emerges from the light-passing area D on the exit surface22of the dichroic array portion2.

On the other hand, the P-polarized blue/green light BGp is, after being reflected by the dichroic film23, reflected by the next dichroic film23toward the same direction as that of the P-polarized red light Rp. The P-polarized blue/green light BGp emerges from the light-passing area E next to the light-passing area D on the exit surface22of the dichroic array portion2from which the P-polarized red light Rp emerges. The P-polarized blue/green light BGp is converted into S-polarized light blue/green light BGs by passing through the half-phase plate3.

Referring toFIG. 4, the S-polarized white light Ws enters into the dichroic array portion2through the light-passing area H different from the light-passing area through which the P-polarized white light Wp enters. The dichroic film23separates the S-polarized white light Ws into S-polarized red light Rs and S-polarized blue/green light BGs. The S-polarized red light Rs, after being transmitted through the dichroic film23, emerges from the light-passing area E on the exit surface22of the dichroic array portion2. The S-polarized red light Rs is converted into P-polarized red light Rp by passing through the half-phase plate3.

The S-polarized blue/green light BGs is, after being reflected by the dichroic film23, reflected by the dichroic film23next thereto toward the same direction as that of the S-polarized red light Rs and then emerges from the light-passing area D next to the light-passing area E from which the S-polarized red light Rs emerges.

As described above with reference toFIGS. 2 to 4, the S-polarized blue light (light of the first color), the S-polarized green light (light of the second color) and the P-polarized red light (light of the third color) pass through the light-passing area D as one light flux (first light flux). As a result, each of these color light components emerges from the dichroic polarization conversion array106while maintaining its polarized state before passing through the light-passing area D (polarized state when being combined as the first light flux).

The P-polarized blue light (light of the first color), the P-polarized green light (light of the second color) and the S-polarized red light (light of the third color) enter as one light flux (second light flux) into the light-passing area E where the half-phase plate3is disposed. As a result, the polarization direction of each of these color light components is rotated by 90° by the function of the half-phase plate3. Thereby, the P-polarized blue light, the P-polarized green light and the S-polarized red light are converted into S-polarized blue light (light of the first color), S-polarized green light (light of the second color) and P-polarized red light (light of the third color). These S-polarized blue light, the S-polarized green light and the P-polarized red light emerge from the wavelength-selective polarization conversion array106.

As described above, at a point immediately before the light passes through the light-passing areas D and E, the light flux passing through the light-passing area D and the light flux passing through the light-passing area E are respectively converted into the first light flux in which three color light components are combined and the second light flux in which three color light components having polarization directions different from those in the first light flux are combined. One of the two light fluxes (first and second light fluxes) that enters into the light-passing area D or E is given with a 90° phase difference by the function of the half-phase plate3; thereby the polarization directions of the light components of the same color in the two light fluxes are coincided with each other.

As described above, the P-polarized red light Rp and the S-polarized blue/green light BGs are generated from the non-polarized white light Wn. Thus, the dichroic polarization conversion array106of this embodiment can efficiently use the light from the light source101.

In this embodiment, each of the blue light (light of the first color) and the green light (light of the second color) is converted into S-polarized light, and the red light (light of the third color) is converted into P-polarized light. However, the present invention is not limited to the above. The S-polarized light and the P-polarized light may be exchanged each other. Also, it may be arranged so that only the blue light is converted into S-polarized light and the green light and the red light are converted into P-polarized light. Here, the “S-polarized light” and the “P-polarized light” mean S-polarized light and P-polarized light with respect to the polarization splitting surface of the dichroic polarization conversion array106.

Recently, there has been proposed a film element having the similar function to that of the dichroic polarization conversion array106. However, the dichroic polarization conversion array106of this embodiment can use a base member made of glass. Therefore, the dichroic polarization conversion array106has a high heat resistance in a high-intensity projector.

Generally, a stretched film is used for the half-phase plate3. However, in order to increase the heat resistance, a grating element having a sub-wavelength structure may be employed.

In this embodiment, along the first direction (it may be a direction across the optical axis of the illumination optical system), the plurality of light-shielding masks (light shielding members), the plurality of polarization splitting surfaces (first optical surfaces), the plurality of dichroic surfaces (second optical surfaces) and the plurality of half-phase plates are disposed in this order from the light entrance side.

The plurality of polarization splitting surfaces disposed closer to the light entrance side than the plurality of dichroic surfaces is disposed alternately with the plurality of reflective surfaces. The dichroic surfaces disposed closer to the light exit side than the polarization splitting surfaces are continuously disposed such that the reflective surface is not interposed therebetween. The light-shielding masks and the half-phase plates are disposed at the positions corresponding to those of the plurality of reflective surfaces; i.e., the positions corresponding to the positions where no polarization splitting surfaces (first optical surfaces) exists.

That is, the light-shielding masks and the half-phase plates are disposed at the positions corresponding to every other one of the plurality of dichroic surfaces disposed along the first direction. In other words, when the half-phase plate is disposed on the light exit side of the dichroic surface disposed at a certain position, the half-phase plate is not disposed on the light exit side of the two dichroic surfaces each neighboring to the dichroic surface disposed at the certain position. In further other words, the half-phase plate is disposed on the light exit side of the dichroic surface neighboring to the dichroic surface on the light exit side of which no half-phase plate is disposed.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first optical surface disposed on the light entrance side is the polarization splitting surface, and the second optical surface disposed on the light exit side is the dichroic surface. However, the order of the polarization splitting surface and the dichroic surface may be inverted (refer to Embodiment 3 described later, for example). That is, the dichroic surfaces as the first optical surfaces disposed on the light entrance side may be disposed alternately with the reflecting surfaces, and the plurality of polarization splitting surfaces as the second optical surfaces may be continuously disposed such that no reflective surface is interposed therebetween at positions closer to the light exit side than the dichroic surfaces.

FIG. 6illustrates a dichroic polarization conversion array that is a second embodiment (Embodiment 2) of the present invention. Compared to the dichroic polarization conversion array106of Embodiment 1, the dichroic polarization conversion array106A of this embodiment is different in the light-passing areas where the half-phase plates3are provided. The dichroic polarization conversion array106A of this embodiment generates S-polarized red light and P-polarized blue and green light. The other configurations of the dichroic polarization conversion array106A are identical to those of the dichroic polarization conversion array106of Embodiment 1. Constituent elements in this embodiment identical to those in Embodiment 1 are denoted with the same reference numerals as those in Embodiment 1.

The dichroic polarization conversion array106A of this embodiment is used in an optical unit similar to that of the projector described in Embodiment 1 excepting the relationship between the reflection and the transmission at the polarization beam splitter due to the difference of the polarization directions.

The optical function of the dichroic polarization conversion array106A of this embodiment is described with reference toFIGS. 7 to 9.

Referring toFIG. 7, non-polarized white light Wn is first separated into P-polarized white light Wp and S-polarized white light Ws by the polarization splitting films (polarization splitting surfaces)13of the polarization splitting array portion1. The P-polarized white light Wp transmitted through the polarization splitting film13emerges from the light-passing area B1on the exit surface12of the polarization splitting array portion1.

On the other hand, the S-polarized white light Ws reflected by the polarization splitting film13is reflected by the reflective film14toward the same direction as that of the P-polarized white light Wp. The S-polarized white light Ws emerges from the light-passing area F next to the light-passing area B1from which the P-polarized white light Wp emerges.

Referring toFIG. 8, the P-polarized white light Wp enters into the dichroic array portion2through the light-passing area A on the entrance surface21. The entering P-polarized white light Wp is separated into P-polarized red light Rp and P-polarized blue/green light BGp by the dichroic film (dichroic surface)23. The P-polarized red light Rp transmitted through the dichroic film23emerges from the light-passing area D on the exit surface22of the dichroic array portion2. The P-polarized red light Rp is converted into S-polarized red light Rs by passing through the half-phase plate3.

On the other hand, the P-polarized blue/green light BGp reflected by the dichroic film23is reflected by the dichroic film23next thereto toward the same direction as that of the P-polarized red light Rp. The P-polarized blue/green light BGp emerges from the light-passing area E next to the light-passing area D from which the P-polarized red light Rp emerges on the exit surface22of the dichroic array portion2.

As shown inFIG. 9, the S-polarized white light Ws enters into the dichroic array portion2through a light-passing area H different from the light-passing area through which the P-polarized white light Wp enters. The S-polarized white light Ws is separated into S-polarized red light Rs and S-polarized blue/green light BGs by the dichroic film23. The S-polarized red light Rs transmitted through the dichroic film23emerges from the light-passing area E on the exit surface22of the dichroic array portion2. The S-polarized blue/green light BGs reflected by the dichroic film23is reflected by the dichroic film23next thereto toward the same direction as that of the S-polarized red light Rs.

The S-polarized blue/green light BGs emerges from the light-passing area D next to the light-passing area E from which the S-polarized red light Rs emerges. The S-polarized blue/green light BGs is converted into P-polarized blue/green light BGp by passing through the half-phase plate3.

As described above, the S-polarized red light Rs and the P-polarized blue/green light BGp are generated from the non-polarized white light Wn. Thus, the light from the light source101can be efficiently used by the dichroic polarization conversion array106A of this embodiment.

FIG. 10illustrates a dichroic polarization conversion array that is a third embodiment (Embodiment 3) of the present invention. The dichroic polarization conversion array106B of this embodiment is used in an optical unit same as that used in the projector described in Embodiment 1.

Referring toFIG. 10, reference numeral31denotes a dichroic array portion (first element portion), and32a polarization splitting array portion (second element portion). Reference numeral33denotes half-phase plates provided on an exit surface side of the polarization splitting array portion32, and34light-shielding masks provided on an entrance surface side of the dichroic array portion31.

FIG. 10illustrates the dichroic array portion31and the polarization splitting array portion32in a state being separated from each other. However, actually, the dichroic array portion31and the polarization splitting array portion32are integrated by adhesion or the like and are handled as one unit element.

The dichroic polarization conversion array106B of this embodiment includes a plurality of dichroic films (dichroic surfaces)43, a plurality of polarization splitting films (polarization splitting surfaces)53and a plurality of half-phase plates33that are disposed from the light entrance side in this order.

The dichroic array portion31includes an entrance surface41and an exit surface42that is parallel to the entrance surface41. Between the entrance surface41and the exit surface42, the plurality of dichroic films43is provided in a direction perpendicular to a light-entering direction (the left to the right in the figure). The dichroic films43are formed with an angle of 45° with respect to the entrance surface41and in parallel to each other. The plurality of light-shielding masks34is attached to the entrance surface41in a plurality of areas other than slit-like light-passing areas through which the light enters into the dichroic film43.

The polarization splitting array portion32includes an entrance surface51and an exit surface52that is parallel to the entrance surface51. Between the entrance surface51and the exit surface52, the plurality of polarization splitting films53is formed in the direction perpendicular to the light-entering direction. The plurality of polarization splitting films53are formed with an angle of 45° with respect to the entrance surface51. The exit surface52includes a plurality of slit-like light-passing areas D and a plurality of slit-like light-passing areas E. From the light-passing area D, the light transmitted through the polarization splitting film53emerges. From the light-passing area E, the light reflected by the dichroic films43emerges.

The plurality of half-wave plates33are attached to the light-passing areas E. With this arrangement, the plurality of dichroic films43is disposed closer to the light entrance side than the plurality of polarization splitting films53.

A pitch e between the dichroic films43in the dichroic array portion31and a pitch f between the polarization splitting films53in the polarization splitting array portion32are equal to each other. The light transmitted through the dichroic film43emerges from a slit-like light-passing area B1on the exit surface42of the dichroic array portion31. The light emerging from the slit-like light-passing area B1enters the polarization splitting array portion32through a slit-like light-passing area A on the entrance surface51of the polarization splitting array portion32. The slit-like light-passing area B1and the slit-like light-passing area A are disposed closely facing each other.

The light reflected by the dichroic film43emerges from a slit-like light-passing area F on the exit surface42of the dichroic array portion31. The light from the slit-like light-passing area F enters the polarization splitting array portion32through a slit-like light-passing area H on the entrance surface51thereof. The slit-like light-passing area F and the slit-like light-passing area H are disposed closely facing each other.

The dichroic film43in the dichroic array portion31separates the entering light into two wavelength region components different from each other. To be more precisely, the dichroic film43has a characteristic to transmit R light in the entering light and reflects the B and G light in the same as shown inFIG. 5.

The polarization splitting film53in the polarization splitting array portion32has a function to separate the entering light into two polarized light components having polarization directions different from each other. To be more precisely, the polarization splitting film53has a characteristic to transmit the P-polarized light in the entering light and to reflect the S-polarized light in the same.

The half-phase plate33converts the polarization direction of one polarized light component of the two polarized light components from the polarization splitting film53to cause the polarization direction of the one polarized light component to coincide with that of the other polarized light component.

In this embodiment, the half-phase plate33is provided such that its fast axis is inclined to a direction of 45° with respect to a longitudinal direction of the slit light-passing area E. With this arrangement, the half-phase plate33rotates the polarization direction of the light entering thereinto as S-polarized light by 90° and allows the light to emerge therefrom as P-polarized light.

The optical function of the dichroic polarization conversion array106B is described with reference toFIGS. 11 to 13.

Referring toFIG. 11, reference symbol Wn denotes non-polarized white light. The non-polarized white light Wn enters into the dichroic array portion31through the light-passing area on the entrance surface41of the dichroic array portion31. The dichroic film43separates the entering light into non-polarized red light Rn and non-polarized blue/green light BGn. The non-polarized red light Rn transmitted through the dichroic film43emerges from the light-passing area B1on the exit surface42of the dichroic array portion31.

The non-polarized blue/green light BGn reflected by the dichroic film43is reflected again by the dichroic film43next thereto toward the same direction as that of the non-polarized red light Rn. The non-polarized blue/green light BGn emerges from the light-passing area F next to the light-passing area B1from which the non-polarized red light Rn emerges.

Referring toFIG. 12, the non-polarized red light Rn enters into the polarization splitting array portion32through the light-passing area A on the entrance surface51of the polarization splitting array portion32. The polarization splitting film53separates the entering light into P-polarized red light Rp and S-polarized red light Rs. The P-polarized red light Rp transmitted through the polarization splitting film53emerges from the light-passing area D on the exit surface52of the polarization splitting array portion32.

On the other hand, the S-polarized red light Rs reflected by the polarization splitting film53is reflected again by the polarization splitting film53next thereto toward the same direction as that of the P-polarized red light Rp. The S-polarized red light Rs emerges from the light-passing area E next to the light-passing area D from which the P-polarized red light Rp emerges. The S-polarized red light Rs is converted into P-polarized red light Rp by passing through the half-phase plate33.

Referring toFIG. 13, the non-polarized blue/green light BGn enters into the polarization splitting array portion32through the light-passing area H different from the light-passing area where the red light Rn enters therethrough. The polarization splitting film53separates the non-polarized blue/green light BGn into P-polarized blue/green light BGp and S-polarized blue/green light BGs. The P-polarized blue/green light BGp transmitted through the polarization splitting film53emerges from the light-passing area E on the exit surface52. The P-polarized blue/green light BGp passes through the half-phase plate33, thereby being converted into S-polarized blue/green light BGs.

The S-polarized blue/green light BGs reflected by the polarization splitting film53is reflected again by the polarization splitting film53next thereto toward the same direction as that of the P-polarized blue/green light BGp. The S-polarized blue/green light BGs emerges from the light-passing area D next to the light-passing area E from which the P-polarized blue/green light BGp emerges.

As described above, the P-polarized red light Rp and the S-polarized blue/green light BGs are generated from the non-polarized white light Wn. Thus, the dichroic polarization conversion array106B of this embodiment enables efficient use of the light from the light source101.

In the above-described embodiments, the cases in which the red light and the blue/green light having different polarization directions are generated were described. However, depending on the characteristics of the dichroic film formed in the dichroic polarization conversion array, any combinations of the color light that is separated and the polarization direction thereof can be selected.

FIG. 14illustrates a dichroic polarization conversion array that is a fourth embodiment (Embodiment 4) of the present invention. The dichroic polarization conversion array106D of this embodiment is manufactured as an integral element unlike those of Embodiment 1 (to 3) in which the polarization splitting array portion and the dichroic array portion are joined to each other afterward. The optical function of the dichroic polarization conversion array106D is identical to that of the dichroic polarization conversion array106of Embodiment 1.

A manufacturing method of the dichroic polarization conversion array106D of this embodiment 4 is briefly described. First, a substrate71is prepared in which polarization splitting film portions PB and dichroic film portions DC are formed alternately in a specific direction (first direction) on the same surface of a glass substrate as shown inFIG. 15. Further, a substrate72is prepared in which reflective film portions RF and dichroic film portions DC are formed alternately in the specific direction on the same surface of another glass substrate.

Then, as shown inFIG. 16, the substrates71and72are attached (overlapped) alternately to each other so that the positions of the polarization splitting film portion PB (or positions of the reflective film portion RF) and the dichroic film portion DC are displaced by a half pitch as viewed from a vertical direction V inFIG. 16.

The attached substrates71and72are cut in a direction of 45° with respect to the overlapping direction along dotted lines shown inFIG. 16. The width of the films PB, RF and DC is set to be twice the thickness k of each substrate.

With this manufacturing method, the dichroic polarization conversion array having an optical function similar to that in Embodiment 1 (to 3) can be easily manufactured.

FIG. 17illustrates a dichroic polarization conversion array that is a fifth embodiment (Embodiment 5) of the present invention. In this dichroic polarization conversion array106E, polarization splitting films91in a polarization splitting array portion81and dichroic films92in a dichroic array portion82are disposed so as to be inclined with respect to a light-entering direction in directions opposite to each other. That is, the polarization splitting film91and the dichroic film92are disposed to form an angle of 90° with each other. The optical function of the dichroic polarization conversion array106E of this embodiment is identical to that of the dichroic polarization conversion array106of Embodiment 1.

The above configuration reduces the displacement amount between the separated light components (Δ inFIG. 4, and Δ′ inFIG. 17: Δ′<Δ), so that the optical unit including the dichroic polarization conversion array106E can be prevented from becoming larger in size.

As described above, each of the embodiments achieves a wavelength-selective polarization conversion element capable of efficiently using light and generating two wavelength region components having polarization directions from each other from non-polarized light while having a compact configuration. Therefore, an illumination optical system, an optical unit and an image projection apparatus using the wavelength-selective polarization conversion element can efficiently use light from a light source to project bright images.

This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-161918, filed on Jun. 19, 2007, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.