Liquid crystal apparatus and electronic device

A liquid crystal apparatus includes an element substrate provided with a pixel electrode and a TFT, and a counter substrate disposed facing the element substrate. The element substrate includes a first microlens, a second microlens, and a third microlens corresponding to the pixel electrode. The first microlens is disposed further toward an incident side of light than the second microlens. A relationship between a lens power of the first microlens and a lens power of the second microlens is that the lens power of the first microlens is greater than or equal to the lens power of the second microlens.

The present application is based on, and claims priority from JP Application Serial Number 2018-203690, filed Oct. 30, 2018, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to liquid crystal apparatus device and an electronic device.

2. Related Art

As a liquid crystal apparatus, there is known a transmissive liquid crystal apparatus applied to a light valve of a projector. In such a liquid crystal apparatus, to facilitate effective utilization of light emitted from a light source and achieve a bright display, a configuration in which one microlens is provided to an element substrate and one microlens is provided to a counter substrate has been proposed.

However, when the element substrate and the counter substrate are bonded, the problem arises that a center of the micro lens of the element substrate and a center of the micro lens of the counter substrate deviate from each other, resulting in a reduction in brightness. Therefore, in JP-A-2015-228040, there is proposed a liquid crystal apparatus having a configuration in which two microlenses are provided to an element substrate and light is incident from the element substrate side.

Nevertheless, with future advances in high definition, the problem arises that further improvements in light utilization efficiency and improvements in a contrast ratio are demanded in a liquid crystal apparatus in which light is incident from the element substrate side.

SUMMARY

A liquid crystal apparatus according to the present application is a liquid crystal apparatus including a first substrate, a second substrate disposed facing the first substrate, and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. The first substrate includes a pixel electrode disposed in the first substrate, a switching element disposed between the first substrate and the pixel electrode, a first microlens disposed between the first substrate and the switching element, and a second microlens disposed between the first microlens and the switching element. The first microlens is disposed further toward an incident side of light than the second microlens. A relationship between a lens power of the first microlens and a lens power of the second microlens is that the lens power of the first microlens is greater than or equal to the lens power of the second microlens.

In the liquid crystal apparatus described above, the first microlens and the second microlens may be convex lenses protruding toward the incident side of the light.

A liquid crystal apparatus according to the present application is a liquid crystal apparatus including a first substrate, a second substrate disposed facing the first substrate, and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. The first substrate includes a pixel electrode disposed in the first substrate, a switching element disposed between the first substrate and the pixel electrode, a first microlens disposed between the first substrate and the switching element, a second microlens disposed between the first microlens and the switching element, and a third microlens disposed between the switching element and the pixel electrode.

In the liquid crystal apparatus described above, the first substrate may be disposed further toward an incident side of light than the second substrate, and the first microlens, the second microlens, and the third microlens may be convex lenses protruding toward the incident side of the light.

A liquid crystal apparatus according to the present application is a liquid crystal apparatus including a first substrate, a second substrate disposed facing the first substrate, and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. The first substrate includes a pixel electrode disposed in the first substrate, a switching element disposed between the first substrate and the pixel electrode, a first microlens disposed between the first substrate and the switching element, a second microlens disposed between the first microlens and the switching element, and a third microlens disposed between the switching element and the pixel electrode. The first substrate is disposed further toward an incident side of light than the second substrate, and a relationship between a lens power of the first microlens, a lens power of the second microlens, and a lens power of the third microlens is that the lens power of the first microlens is greater than or equal to the lens power of the second microlens, and the lens power of the second microlens is greater than or equal to the lens power of the third microlens.

In the liquid crystal apparatus described above, the first microlens, the second microlens, and the third microlens may be convex lenses protruding toward the incident side of the light.

An electronic device according to the present application includes the liquid crystal apparatus described above.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

With reference to the drawings, description is given below of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. The drawings used are appropriately scaled up or down or otherwise exaggerated to allow parts to be described in a fully recognizable manner. Other components than components needed to be described may sometimes be omitted.

Note that, in the exemplary embodiments below, the description “on the substrate”, for example, indicates that the component is disposed on and in contact with the substrate, disposed on the substrate via another component, or a part of the component is disposed on and in contact with the substrate and a part of the component is disposed on the substrate via another component.

A liquid crystal apparatus of the present exemplary embodiment will be described by taking, as an example, an active matrix liquid crystal apparatus including a Thin Film Transistor (TFT) as a switching element of a pixel. This liquid crystal apparatus can be used suitably as, for example, a liquid crystal light valve of a projector described below.

First Exemplary Embodiment

Next, a liquid crystal apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment will be described with reference toFIGS. 1 to 3.FIG. 1is a schematic plan view illustrating a configuration of the liquid crystal apparatus.FIG. 2is an equivalent circuit diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the liquid crystal apparatus.FIG. 3is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A′ of the liquid crystal apparatus illustrated inFIG. 1.

First, as illustrated inFIG. 1, a liquid crystal apparatus1according to the present exemplary embodiment includes an element substrate10as a first substrate, a counter substrate30as a second substrate disposed facing the element substrate10, a seal material42, and a liquid crystal layer40. The element substrate10is larger than the counter substrate30, and both substrates are bonded together via the seal material42disposed in a frame shape along an edge portion of the counter substrate30.

The liquid crystal layer40is configured by a liquid crystal having positive or negative dielectric anisotropy and encapsulated in a space surrounded by the element substrate10, the counter substrate30, and the seal material42. As the seal material42, for example, an adhesive such as a thermosetting or ultraviolet light curing epoxy resin is employed. A spacer (not illustrated) for maintaining a constant interval between the element substrate10and the counter substrate30is included in the seal material42.

A light shielding layer provided to the element substrate10and a light shielding layer provided to the counter substrate30are disposed on an inner side of the seal material42arranged in a frame shape. The light shielding layer includes a peripheral edge portion having a frame shape, and is formed by, for example, a metal or a metal oxide having a light shielding property. The inner side of the light shielding layer having a frame shape is a display region E in which a plurality of pixels P are arranged. The pixels P have a substantially polygonal planar shape. The pixels P have, for example, a substantially rectangular shape and are arranged in a matrix shape.

The display region E is a region that substantially contributes to display in the liquid crystal apparatus1. The light shielding layer provided to the element substrate10is provided in a lattice shape, for example, to partition the opening areas of the plurality of pixels P in a planar manner in the display region E. Note that the liquid crystal apparatus1may include a dummy region that is provided surrounding a periphery of the display region E and does not substantially contribute to display.

A data line driving circuit51and a plurality of external connection terminals54are provided to the element substrate10along a first side positioned on a lower side inFIG. 1. In addition, an inspection circuit53is provided on the display region E side of the seal material42along a second side facing the first side. Furthermore, a scanning line driving circuit52is provided on the inner side of the seal material42along each of the other two sides orthogonal to the first and second sides and facing each other.

On the display region E side of the seal material42of the second side provided with the inspection circuit53, a plurality of lines of wiring55configured to connect the two scanning line driving circuits52are provided. The lines of wiring connected to the data line driving circuit51and the scanning line driving circuits52are coupled to the plurality of external connection terminals54. In addition, corners of the counter substrate30are each provided with a vertical conduction portion56configured to establish electrical conduction between the element substrate10and the counter substrate30. Note that the arrangement of the inspection circuit53is not limited to the above, and the inspection circuit53may be provided at a position along the inner side of the seal material42between the data line driving circuit51and the display region E.

In the following description, an axis along the first side provided with the data line driving circuit51is referred to as an X axis, and an axis along the two other sides orthogonal to the first side and facing each other is referred to as a Y axis. The X axis is the axis along the line A-A′ inFIG. 1. Light shielding layers17,21are provided in a lattice shape along the X axis and the Y axis. The opening areas of the pixels P are defined in a lattice shape by the light shielding layers17,21, and are arranged in a matrix shape along the X axis and the Y axis.

Furthermore, an axis orthogonal to the X axis and the Y axis and extending toward the front inFIG. 1is referred to as a Z axis. Further, in the present specification, viewing from the normal direction of the surface of the liquid crystal apparatus1on the counter substrate30side is referred to as “plan view”.

As illustrated inFIG. 2, in the display region E of the element substrate10, scanning lines2and data lines3are formed to intersect each other, and the pixels P are provided correspondingly to the intersections of the scanning lines2and the data lines3. A pixel electrode23and a TFT19serving as the switching element are provided in each of the pixels P.

A source electrode of the TFT19is electrically coupled to the data line3extending from the data line driving circuit51. Image signals, that is, data signals S1, S2, . . . , Sn are line-sequentially supplied from the data line driving circuit51to the data lines3. A gate electrode of the TFT19is a portion of the scanning line2extending from the scanning line driving circuit52. Scanning signals G1, G2, . . . , Gm are line-sequentially supplied from the scanning line driving circuit52to the scanning lines2. Note that a drain electrode of the TFT19is electrically coupled to the pixel electrode23.

The image signals S1, S2, . . . , Sn are written to the pixel electrodes23via the data lines3at a predetermined timing by turning the TFT19on for a certain period of time. The image signals of a predetermined level thus written in the liquid crystal layer40via the pixel electrodes23are held for a certain period at a liquid crystal capacitor formed between the pixel electrodes23and a common electrode33provided to the counter substrate30and illustrated inFIG. 3.

Note that, to prevent the image signals S1, S2, . . . , Sn held from leaking, a storage capacitor5is formed between a capacitor line4formed along the scanning line2and the pixel electrode23and disposed in parallel with a liquid crystal capacitor. In this way, when a voltage signal is applied to the liquid crystal of each pixel P, an alignment state of the liquid crystal changes due to the applied voltage level. As a result, light incident on the liquid crystal layer40illustrated inFIG. 3is modulated to enable gradation display.

The liquid crystal constituting the liquid crystal layer40, an orientation and an order of molecular assembly are changed by a level of voltage to be applied and, accordingly, modulates the light and enables gradation display. For example, in a normally white mode, the transmittance for incident light decreases in accordance with the voltage applied in each pixel P. In a normally black mode, the transmittance for incident light increases in accordance with the voltage applied in each pixel P. Further, light having contrast in accordance with the image signal is emitted from the liquid crystal apparatus1as a whole.

As illustrated inFIG. 3, the liquid crystal apparatus1includes the element substrate10, the counter substrate30, and the liquid crystal layer40sandwiched between the element substrate10and the counter substrate30. In the present exemplary embodiment, light L is incident from the element substrate10side, passes through the liquid crystal layer40, and is emitted from the counter substrate30side.

The element substrate10includes a first base material1, a first lens layer12, a light transmitting layer13, an intermediate layer14, a second lens layer15, a light transmitting layer16, the light shielding layer17, an insulating layer18, the TFT19, an insulating layer20, the light shielding layer21, an insulating layer22, the pixel electrode23, and an alignment film24. The first lens layer12includes a plurality of first microlenses ML1. The second lens layer15includes a plurality of first microlenses ML2. The liquid crystal apparatus1of the present exemplary embodiment includes a two-stage microlens of the first microlens ML1and the second microlens ML2.

The first base material11is made of a material having light transmittance such as glass or quartz, for example. A plurality of recessed portions12aare provided to the first base material11. The recessed portion12ais provided on a per pixel P basis. The cross-sectional shape of the recessed portion12ais a curved surface such as a semicircle or a semi-ellipse, for example. The recessed portion12aconstitutes a lens surface of the first microlens ML1.

The first lens layer12is formed to fill the recessed portions12a. The first lens layer12is made of an inorganic material having light transmittance and having a refractive index different from that of the first base material11. In the present exemplary embodiment, the refractive index of the first lens layer12is greater than the refractive index of the first base material11and greater than the refractive index of the second lens layer15. Examples of such inorganic materials include SiON and the like.

The first microlens ML1is formed by embedding the recessed portion12awith the material that forms the first lens layer12. That is, of the first lens layer12, a portion filling the recessed portion12aand having a convex shape protruding toward the side on which the light L is incident is the first microlens ML1. The first microlens ML1is disposed on a per pixel P basis.

A light transmitting layer13is formed to cover the first lens layer12. The light transmitting layer13has light transmittance, and is made of an inorganic material such as SiO2, for example, having substantially the same refractive index as the first lens layer12. The light transmitting layer13serves to protect the first lens layer12and to bring a distance from the first microlens ML1to the second microlens ML2to a desired value. A layer thickness of the light transmitting layer13is set as appropriate based on optical conditions such as a focal length of the first microlens ML1corresponding to a wavelength of light.

The intermediate layer14is formed to cover the light transmitting layer13. The intermediate layer14has light transmittance, and is formed from an inorganic material such as SiO2, for example, having substantially the same refractive index as the light transmitting layer13.

A plurality of recessed portions15aare provided to the intermediate layer14. The recessed portion15ais provided on a per pixel P basis. The cross-sectional shape of the recessed portion15ais a curved surface such as a semicircle or a semi-ellipse, for example. The recessed portion15aconstitutes a lens surface of the second microlens ML2.

The second lens layer15is formed to fill the recessed portions15a. The second lens layer15has light transmittance and has a smaller refractive index than the refractive index of the first lens layer12. Examples of such inorganic materials include SiON and the like.

The second microlens ML2is formed by embedding the recessed portion15awith the material that forms the second lens layer15. That is, of the second lens layer15, a portion filling the recessed portion15aand having a convex shape protruding toward the side on which the light L is incident is the second microlens ML2. The second microlens ML2is disposed on a per pixel P basis.

Given that lens power is the ability of a microlens to bend light (the reciprocal of focal length), the relationship between the lens power of the first microlens ML1and the lens power of the second microlens ML2may be that the lens power of the second microlens is the same as the lens power of the first microlens ML1disposed on the incident side of the light L, or the lens power of the first microlens ML1is greater than the lens power ML2of the second microlens. Note that lens power expresses the degree of ability of the microlens to bend light, and depends on the refractive index and the angle of the lens.

In addition, in the present exemplary embodiment, the first microlens ML1having a convex shape, that is, a convex lens, and the second microlens ML2having a convex shape, that is, a convex lens, protruding toward the incident side of the light L, are disposed.

The light transmitting layer16is formed to cover the second lens layer15. The light transmitting layer16has light transmittance, and is made of an inorganic material such as SiO2, for example, having substantially the same refractive index as the second lens layer15. The light transmitting layer16serves to protect the second lens layer15and bring the distance from the second microlens ML2to the liquid crystal layer40to a desired value. A layer thickness of the light transmitting layer16is set as appropriate based on optical conditions such as a focal length of the second microlens ML2corresponding to a wavelength of light.

The light shielding layer17is provided on the light transmitting layer16. The light shielding layer17is formed in a lattice shape to overlap with the light shielding layer21of the upper layer in plan view. The light shielding layer17and the light shielding layer21are formed, for example, of a metal, a metal compound, or the like. The light shielding layer17and the light shielding layer21are disposed to sandwich the TFT19in a thickness direction (Z axis) of the element substrate10. The light shielding layer17overlaps at least a channel area of the TFT19in plan view.

The insulating layer18is provided to cover the light transmitting layer16and the light shielding layer17. The insulating layer18is made of an inorganic material such as SiO2, for example.

The TFT19is provided on the insulating layer18and is disposed in a region overlapping in plan view with the light shielding layer17and the light shielding layer21. The TFT19is a switching element that drives the pixel electrode23. The TFT19includes a semiconductor layer, a gate electrode, a source electrode, and a drain electrode (not illustrated). A source area, a channel area, and a drain area are formed in the semiconductor layer. A lightly doped drain (LDD) area may be formed at the channel area and the source area, or at an interface between the channel area and the drain area.

The gate electrode is formed in a region overlapping, via a portion of the insulating layer20, that is, via the gate insulating film, the channel area of the semiconductor layer in plan view in the element substrate10. Although not illustrated, the gate electrode is electrically coupled, via a contact hole, to a scanning line disposed on the lower layer side, and the TFT19is turned on and off by a scanning signal being applied.

The insulating layer20is provided to cover the insulating layer18and the TFT19. The insulating layer20is made of an inorganic material such as SiO2, for example. The insulating layer20includes a gate insulating film that insulates an area between the semiconductor layer and the gate electrode of the TFT19. The insulating layer20mitigates the surface irregularities caused by the TFT19.

The light shielding layer21described above is provided on the insulating layer20. Then, an insulating layer22made from an inorganic material such as SiO2is provided to cover the insulating layer20and the light shielding layer21.

The incidence of light on the TFT19from the first base material11side is suppressed by the light shielding layer17, and the incidence of light on the TFT19from the liquid crystal layer40is suppressed by the light shielding layer21, making it possible to suppress an increase in optical leakage current at the TFT19and a malfunction caused by light. The region within the opening portion surrounded by the light shielding layer17and the region within the opening portion surrounded by the light shielding layer21overlap in plan view, and is an opening area in the region of the pixel P through which light is transmitted.

The pixel electrode23is provided on the insulating layer22on a per pixel P basis. The pixel electrode23is disposed in a region overlapping in plan view with the opening portion of the pixel P. The pixel electrode23is made from a transparent conductive film such as Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) or Indium Ainc Oxide (IZO), for example. The alignment film24is provided covering the pixel electrode23. The liquid crystal layer40is encapsulated between the alignment film24on the element substrate10side and an alignment film34on the counter substrate30side. Note that the pixel electrode23and the TFT19are coupled by a tungsten plug (not illustrated). The coupling between the pixel electrode23and the TFT19may be configured by the coupling of a relay electrode of one or a plurality of layers.

The counter substrate30includes a second base material31, an insulating layer32, the common electrode33, and the alignment film34. The second base material31is made of a material having light transmittance such as glass or quartz, for example.

The insulating layer32is formed on an entire surface of the second base material31. The insulating layer32is formed from an inorganic material such as SiO2, for example. The common electrode33is provided covering the insulating layer32and is formed across the plurality of pixels P. Further, the common electrode23is made from a transparent conductive film such as ITO or IZO, for example. The alignment film34is provided covering the common electrode33.

Not that, although not illustrated, an electrode, lines of wiring, and a relay electrode for supplying electrical signals to the TFT19, a capacitor electrode constituting the storage capacitor5illustrated inFIG. 2, and the like are provided in a region overlapping the light shielding layer17and the light shielding layer21in plan view.

In the liquid crystal apparatus1according to the present exemplary embodiment, the light L emitted from a light source or the like is incident from the element substrate10side including the first microlens ML1and the second microlens ML2, and emitted from the counter substrate30side.

In this manner, by disposing the first microlens ML1and the second microlens ML2on the element substrate10and making the lens power of the first microlens ML1disposed on the incident side of the light L greater than that of the second microlens ML2, it is possible to improve light utilization efficiency. Furthermore, because two microlenses are disposed on the element substrate10, the occurrence of positional deviation when the element substrate10and the counter substrate30are bonded can be suppressed and, as a result, generation of diffraction light can be suppressed and contrast can be improved.

In addition, the first microlens ML1and the second microlens ML2are microlenses having a convex shape protruding on the incident side of the light L, and thus the same formation method can be used and positional deviation of the microlenses can be suppressed.

In addition, because two microlenses are disposed below the TFT19, that is, on the side opposite from the liquid crystal layer40, the light L can be emitted to the counter substrate30without being blocked by the TFT19, lines of wiring, or the like, and light utilization efficiency can be improved.

Electronic Device

Next, a configuration of a projector as an electronic device according to the present exemplary embodiment will be described.FIG. 4is a schematic view illustrating the configuration of the projector. Hereinafter, the configuration of the projector will be described with reference toFIG. 4.

As illustrated inFIG. 4, a projector100includes a polarization illumination apparatus110, two dichroic mirrors104,105, three reflective mirrors106,107,108, five relay lenses111,112,113,114,115, three liquid crystal light valves121,122,123, a cross dichroic prism116, and a projection lens117.

The polarization illumination apparatus110includes a lamp unit101as a light source including a white light source such as an extra-high pressure mercury lamp or a halogen lamp, an integrator lens102, and a polarization conversion element103. The lamp unit101, the integrator lens102, and the polarization conversion element103are disposed along a system optical axis Lx.

The dichroic mirror104reflects red light (R) of a polarized light flux emitted from the polarization illumination device110and transmits green light (G) and blue light (B). The other dichroic mirror105reflects the green light (G) transmitted by the dichroic mirror104and transmits the blue light (B).

The red light (R) reflected by the dichroic mirror104is reflected by the reflection mirror106and subsequently incident on the liquid crystal light valve121via the relay lens115. The green light (G) reflected by the dichroic mirror105is incident on the liquid crystal light valve122via the relay lens114. The blue light (B) transmitted by the dichroic mirror105is incident on the liquid crystal light valve123via a light guide system including the three relay lenses111,112,113and the two reflection mirrors107,108.

The transmissive liquid crystal light valves121,122,123serving as light conversion elements are each disposed facing an incident surface of each type of color light of the cross dichroic prism116. The color light incident on the liquid crystal light valves121,122,123is modulated based on video information (video signal) and exits toward the cross dichroic prism116.

In the cross dichroic prism116, four right-angle prisms are bonded together, and on inner surfaces of the prisms, a dielectric multilayer film configured to reflect the red light and a dielectric multilayer film configured to reflect the blue light are formed in a cross shape. The three types of color light are synthesized by these dielectric multilayer films, and light representing a color image is synthesized. The synthesized light is projected on a screen130by the projection lens117being the projection optical system, and the image is expanded and displayed.

The liquid crystal light valve121is disposed with a gap between a pair of light-polarization elements disposed in a crossed-Nicols on the incident side and the emission side of the color light. The same applies to the other liquid crystal light valves122,123. The liquid crystal light valves121,122,123are valves to which the liquid crystal apparatus1according to the first exemplary embodiment is applied.

As described above, according to the liquid crystal apparatus1and the projector100of the first exemplary embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

(1) According to the liquid crystal apparatus1of the first exemplary embodiment, by disposing the first microlens ML1and the second microlens ML2on the element substrate10and making the lens power of the first microlens ML1disposed on the incident side of the light L greater than or equal to the lens power of the second microlens ML2, it is possible to improve light utilization efficiency. Furthermore, because two microlenses are disposed on the element substrate10, the occurrence of positional deviation when the element substrate10and the counter substrate30are bonded can be suppressed and, as a result, generation of diffraction light can be suppressed and contrast can be improved.

(2) According to the projector100of the first exemplary embodiment, it is possible to provide the projector100capable of improving display quality such as contrast.

Second Exemplary Embodiment

FIG. 5is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a liquid crystal apparatus according to a second exemplary embodiment. The configuration of the liquid crystal apparatus of the second exemplary embodiment will be described below with reference toFIG. 5.

While in the liquid crystal apparatus1of the first exemplary embodiment, the two microlenses of the first microlens ML1and the second microlens ML2are disposed on the element substrate10, a liquid crystal apparatus201of the second exemplary embodiment differs in that three microlenses of the first microlens ML1, the second microlens ML2, and a third microlens ML3are disposed on an element substrate60. The other portions are substantially the same as those of the first exemplary embodiment and, therefore, in the second exemplary embodiment, portions different from those of the first exemplary embodiment will be described in detail, and descriptions of other overlapping portions will be omitted as appropriate.

As illustrated inFIG. 5, in the liquid crystal apparatus201of the second exemplary embodiment, a recessed portion61ais formed in the insulating layer22formed from an inorganic material disposed in an upper layer of the TFT19. A plurality of the recessed portions61aare provided in the insulating layer22, as described above. The recessed portion61ais provided on a per pixel P basis. The cross-sectional shape of the recessed portion61ais a curved surface such as a semicircle or a semi-ellipse, for example. The recessed portion61aconstitutes the lens surface of the third microlens ML3.

A third lens layer61is formed to fill the recessed portions61a. The third lens layer61has light transmittance and has a smaller refractive index than the refractive index of the second lens layer15. Examples of such inorganic materials include SiON and the like.

The third microlens ML3is formed by embedding the recessed portion61awith the material that forms the third lens layer61. That is, of the third lens layer61, a portion filling the recessed portion61aand having a convex shape protruding toward the side on which the light L is incident is the third microlens ML3. The third microlens ML3is disposed on a per pixel P basis. In other words, the third microlens ML3including the recessed portion61ais provided between the pixel electrodes23and the TFT19. Note that the pixel electrodes23and the TFT19are coupled by a tungsten plug (not illustrated). The coupling between the pixel electrode23and the TFT19may be configured by the coupling of a relay electrode of one or a plurality of layers.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the light L is incident from the element substrate60side including the first microlens ML1, the second microlens ML2, and the third microlens ML3, and emitted from the counter substrate30side.

Thus, the third microlens ML3of the present exemplary embodiment is convex, that is, a convex lens, when viewed from the incident side of the light L. That is, the first microlens ML1, the second microlens ML2, and the third microlens ML3are all microlenses having a convex shape protruding on the incident side of the light L.

Note that the relationship between the lens powers of each of the microlenses may satisfy the relationship of “the first microlens ML1≥the second microlens ML2≥the third microlens ML3”, that is, the lens power of the first microlens ML1may be greater than or equal to the lens power of the second microlens ML2, and the lens power of the second microlens ML2may be greater than or equal to the lens power of the third microlens ML3. A light transmitting layer62, for example, is formed on the insulating layer22.

The light transmitting layer62is formed to cover the third lens layer61. The light transmitting layer62has light transmittance, and is made of an inorganic material such as SiO2, for example, having substantially the same refractive index as the third lens layer61. The light transmitting layer62serves to protect the third lens layer61and bring the distance from the third microlens ML3to the liquid crystal layer40to a desired value. A layer thickness of the light transmitting layer62is set as appropriate based on optical conditions such as a focal length of the third microlens ML3corresponding to a wavelength of light.

With the three microlenses ML1, ML2, ML3thus disposed on the element substrate60, the following effects can be obtained. The first microlens ML1and the second microlens ML2facilitate the efficient collection of light in the opening area of the display region E, making it possible for light beams to be collimated by the third microlens ML3disposed between the TFT19and the pixel electrode23, and thus improve light utilization efficiency.

Additionally, with the three microlenses ML1, ML2, ML3provided to the element substrate60, positional deviation of the pixel electrode23, the light shielding layers17,21, and the like can be suppressed. Furthermore, with a microlens not disposed on the counter substrate30, displacement when the element substrate60and the counter substrate30are bonded can be eliminated. As a result, light utilization efficiency can be improved, that is, brightness can be enhanced, and the contrast ratio can be improved.

In addition, the first microlens ML1, the second microlens ML2, and the third microlens ML3are all uniform microlenses having a convex shape protruding on the incident side of the light L, and thus the formation method of the microlenses ML1, ML2, ML3can be made the same, making it possible to streamline the formation method and suppress positional deviation of the microlenses.

In addition, by reducing the lens power of the third microlens ML3compared to those of the first microlens ML1and the second microlens ML2, it is possible to suppress vignetting by the projection lens as well as a reduction in the contrast ratio.

As described above, according to the liquid crystal apparatus201of the second exemplary embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

(3) According to the second exemplary embodiment, the three microlenses of the first microlens ML1, the second microlens ML2, and the third microlens ML3are provided to the element substrate60, and thus light can be efficiently collected in three stages, and brightness can be improved. Further, because the three microlenses ML1, ML2, ML3are formed at the element substrate60including the pixel electrode23and the TFT19, the occurrence of displacement when the element substrate60and the counter substrate30are bonded can be suppressed and, as a result, generation of diffraction light can be suppressed and the contrast ratio can be improved.

Modified Examples

Further, the exemplary embodiments described above may be modified as follows.

While, in the first exemplary embodiment described above, the first microlens ML1and the second microlens ML2are formed from microlenses having a convex shape protruding toward the incident side of the light L, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the configuration may be a combination with a microlens having a concave shape protruding toward the emission side of the light L, or may be only microlenses having a concave shape. In addition, similar to the second exemplary embodiment, the configuration may be a combination with a microlens having a concave shape or may be only microlenses having a concave shape. Note that the lens power relationship may be the same as that of the exemplary embodiment described above.

While, in the exemplary embodiments described above, the two microlenses ML1, ML2are disposed below the TFT19(opposite to the liquid crystal layer40), the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and two or more microlenses may be disposed.

While, in the exemplary embodiment described above, the center of the microlens and the center of the pixel are the same, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the center of the microlens and the center of the pixel may be different from each other, or the center position of the second microlens ML2may shift gradually from the center of the display region E toward the outer side of the display region E. In addition, the amount of shift may be varied for each RGB.

Contents derived from the exemplary embodiments will be described below.

A liquid crystal apparatus includes a first substrate disposed on an incident side of light and including a pixel electrode and a switching element, a second substrate disposed facing the first substrate and disposed on an emission side of the light, and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. The first substrate includes a first microlens disposed correspondingly to the pixel electrode and disposed further toward the incident side of the light than the pixel electrode, and a second microlens disposed correspondingly to the pixel electrode and disposed between the pixel electrode and the first microlens. A relationship between a lens power of the first microlens and a lens power of the second microlens is that the lens power of the first microlens is greater than or equal to the lens power of the second microlens.

According to this configuration, by disposing the first microlens and the second microlens on the first substrate and making the lens power of the first microlens disposed on the incident side of the light greater than or equal to the lens power of the second microlens, it is possible to improve light utilization efficiency. Furthermore, because two microlenses are disposed on the first substrate, the occurrence of positional deviation when the first substrate and the second substrate are bonded can be suppressed and, as a result, generation of diffraction light can be suppressed and contrast can be improved.

In the liquid crystal apparatus described above, the first microlens and the second microlens may be convex lenses protruding toward the incident side of the light.

According to this configuration, because two convex lenses protruding with the orientations of the microlenses in the same direction are provided, it is possible to produce and efficiently form the convex lenses using the same manufacturing method.

In the liquid crystal apparatus described above, the first microlens and the second microlens may be disposed on a side opposite from the liquid crystal layer relative to the switching element.

According to this configuration, because two microlenses are formed on the side opposite from the liquid crystal layer40relative to the switching element, the light can be emitted to the second substrate without being blocked by the switching element, making it possible to improve light utilization efficiency.

A liquid crystal apparatus includes a first substrate including a pixel electrode and a switching element, a second substrate disposed facing the first substrate, and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. The first substrate includes a first microlens, a second microlens, and a third microlens corresponding to the pixel electrode.

According to this configuration, because three microlenses are provided on the first substrate including the switching element, brightness can be improved. Furthermore, because the three microlenses are formed at the same first substrate including the switching element, the occurrence of displacement when the first substrate and the second substrate are bonded can be suppressed and contrast can be improved.

In the liquid crystal apparatus described above, the first substrate may be disposed on an incident side of light, the second substrate may be disposed on an emission side of the light, and the first microlens, the second microlens, and the third microlens may be convex lenses protruding toward the incident side of the light.

According to this configuration, because three microlenses, which are convex lenses, are disposed on the first substrate, which is on the incident side of the light, light can be collected without being blocked by the switching element or the like, making it possible to improve light utilization efficiency.

A liquid crystal apparatus includes a first substrate disposed on an incident side of light and including a pixel electrode and a switching element, a second substrate disposed facing the first substrate and disposed on an emission side of the light, and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. The first substrate includes a first microlens disposed correspondingly to the pixel electrode and disposed further toward the incident side of the light than the pixel electrode, a second microlens disposed correspondingly to the pixel electrode and disposed between the pixel electrode and the first microlens, and a third microlens disposed correspondingly to the pixel electrode and disposed between the liquid crystal layer and the pixel electrode. A relationship between a lens power of the first microlens, a lens power of the second microlens, and a lens power of the third microlens is that the lens power of the first microlens is greater than or equal to the lens power of the second microlens, and the lens power of the second microlens is greater than or equal to the lens power of the third microlens.

According to this configuration, by disposing the first microlens, the second microlens, and the third microlens on the first substrate and establishing such a lens power relationship as described above, it is possible to improve light utilization efficiency. Furthermore, because three microlenses are disposed on the first substrate, the occurrence of positional deviation when the first substrate and the second substrate are bonded can be suppressed and, as a result, generation of diffraction light can be suppressed and contrast can be improved.

In the liquid crystal apparatus described above, the first microlens and the second microlens may be convex lenses protruding toward the incident side of the light.

According to this configuration, because three convex lenses protruding with the orientations of the microlenses all in the same direction are provided, it is possible to produce the convex lenses using the same manufacturing method, and suppress the occurrence of positional deviation.

An electronic device includes the liquid crystal apparatus described above.

According to this configuration, it is possible to provide an electronic device capable of improving display quality such as contrast.