Patent Publication Number: US-2005122465-A1

Title: Method for manufacturing an apparatus using electro-optical modulating material

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
      This application claims priority of Japanese Patent Application Number 2003-339618, filed on Sep. 30, 2003.  
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      1. Field of the Invention  
      The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing an apparatus using an electro-optical modulating material, for example, a liquid crystal material, between two substrates. More particularly, the invention relates to a method for forming microlenses in such an apparatus.  
      2. Description of the Related Art  
      Liquid crystal displays are widely used as display devices for electronic apparatuses such as touch panels and portable telephones. For such liquid crystal displays, there has been a need to improve the display brightness.  
      A reflective mode liquid crystal display apparatus, which uses a reflective film or reflective plate, does not require the provision of backlighting, as it displays images by using external ambient light. In the reflective mode liquid crystal display apparatus, however, as the display is illuminated by using only the ambient light available from the outside environment or indoor lighting, the display becomes dark if the amount of ambient light is not sufficient.  
      On the other hand, a transmissive mode liquid crystal apparatus, which uses light from a backlight mounted underneath the liquid crystal device, consumes much power and is therefore not suitable for portable electronic apparatuses.  
      In view of this, a transflective mode liquid crystal apparatus has been developed that has the characteristics of both the reflective mode and transmissive mode liquid crystal apparatuses.  
      The transflective mode liquid crystal apparatus includes a backlight mounted behind the liquid crystal panel forming part of the liquid crystal display apparatus, and displays images in a bright light environment by using only external ambient light as in the reflective mode liquid crystal apparatus, while in a low light environment, it display images by using illumination from the backlight. By switching between the external light and the illumination from the backlight depending on the brightness of the environment, the transflective mode liquid crystal apparatus not only can achieve a reduction in power consumption, but can display crisp images even in a low light environment.  
      In a liquid crystal apparatus equipped with a backlight, it is practiced to form microlenses in order to further increase the display brightness.  
      In JP-H 9 -166701A (FIG. 1), there is disclosed a method that forms a microlens array on a flat transparent substrate by using a resin composition that cures with irradiation with curing energy.  
      In JP-2003-84276A (FIGS. 1 and 6, and paragraphs 0023 to 0027 and 0045 to 0048), there is disclosed a method that forms a reflective film on a transparent substrate, followed by the formation of a plurality of microscopic holes through the reflective film to expose the underlying transparent substrate, and then forms a microlens array by diffusing a material having a different refractive index than that of the transparent substrate, into the transparent substrate through the plurality of microscopic holes by using the reflective film as a mask.  
      In JP-2004-18106A (FIGS. 1 and 3, and paragraphs 0049 to 0057), there is disclosed a method that forms on one surface of a glass substrate an optically reflective film provided with a light-transmitting portion for each pixel, applies a photosensitive resist material on the opposite surface of the glass substrate, exposes the photosensitive resist material to light by using the optically reflective film as a photomask, and develops the resist to remove the unexposed portions thereof, thereby forming microlenses in positions corresponding to the respective light-transmitting portions.  
      In JP-2001-133762A (FIG. 1), there is disclosed a method for manufacturing a liquid crystal apparatus, in which two mother substrates are bonded together by a sealing member with a gap provided between the substrates, thus constructing the pair of mother substrates with a plurality of empty cells formed therebetween, then the mother substrates are ground to reduce the thickness, and a liquid crystal is injected into the gap between the mother substrates.  
      As disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 3, according to the prior art methods for forming microlenses in an apparatus that uses an electro-optical modulating material such as a liquid crystal material, the microlenses are formed on one substrate, and thereafter the cells are formed by bonding the one substrate to the other substrate with a sealing material.  
      However, in the prior art methods, as the step of bonding the substrates together by a sealing material is performed after forming the microlenses on one substrate, the number of process steps performed after the formation of the microlenses increases, increasing the risk of scratching the microlenses. There is also the possibility that, during the fabrication process of the microlenses, dust and other foreign particles may adhere to the substrate, resulting in a degradation of image quality.  
      It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide a method for manufacturing an apparatus that uses an electro-optical modulating material such as a liquid crystal, while solving the problems associated with the prior art.  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      According to the present invention, there is provided a method for manufacturing an apparatus using an electro-optical modulating material, comprising the steps of: 
          (a) forming a cell by bonding together a first substrate and a second substrate by a sealing member with a gap yet to be filled with the electro-optical modulating material provided between the first and the second substrate, wherein the first substrate includes at least a first electrode and the second substrate includes at least a second electrode and an optically reflective member having a light-transmitting portion;     (b) forming a photocuring resin layer on a surface of the second substrate of the cell opposite from the gap; and     (c) irradiating the photocuring resin layer with light projected from the first substrate and passed through the gap, the light-transmitting portion, and the second substrate, and thereby forming a microlens for converging light, which is directed into the gap passing through the second substrate, onto the light-transmitting portion.        

      According to the present invention, there is also provided a method for manufacturing an apparatus using an electro-optical modulating material, comprising the steps of: 
          (a) forming a cell by bonding together a first substrate and a second substrate by a sealing member with a gap yet to be filled with the electro-optical modulating material provided between the first and the second substrate, wherein the first substrate includes at least a first electrode and the second substrate includes at least a second electrode and an optically reflective member having a light-transmitting portion;     (b) forming a photocuring resin layer on a surface of the second substrate of the cell opposite from the gap;     (c) filling the electro-optical modulating material into the gap and sealing the gap; and     (d) irradiating the photocuring resin layer with light projected from below the first substrate and passed through the gap filled with the electro-optical modulating material, the light-transmitting portion, and the second substrate, and thereby forming a microlens for converging light, which is directed into the gap filled with the electro-optical modulating material passing through the second substrate, onto the light-transmitting portion.        

      According to the present invention, color filters may be provided between the first substrate and the second substrate.  
      Further, the center of a pixel defined by the first electrode on the first substrate and the second electrode on the second substrate is substantially coincident with the center of the light-transmitting portion when viewed in a direction normal to the first substrate.  
      According to the present invention, a plurality of light-transmitting portions are provided for each pixel defined by the first electrode on the first substrate and the second electrode on the second substrate, and a plurality of microlenses are formed for each pixel.  
      According to the present invention, the microlens forming step is followed by the steps of: 
          (e) providing a first polarizer on a side of the first substrate opposite from the gap; and     (f) providing a second polarizer and a backlight on the same side as the microlens.        

      According to the present invention, the electro-optical modulating material to be filled into the gap may be a liquid crystal material. In this case, in the step (d) of forming the microlens by irradiating the photocuring resin layer with light, the amount of the light transmitted for irradiation can be controlled by driving the thus filled liquid crystal by applying a voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode.  
      A method according to the present invention comprises the steps of: 
          (a) forming a plurality of cells by bonding together a first mother substrate and a second mother substrate by a sealing member with a gap yet to be filled with an electro-optical modulating material provided between the first and the second mother substrates, the sealing member comprising a first sealing member provided along edges of the first and second mother substrates and a second sealing member provided so as to enclose each of the cells, wherein the first mother substrate includes a plurality of cell forming portions, each of which includes at least a first electrode, and the second mother substrate includes a plurality of cell forming portions, each of which includes at least a second electrode and an optically reflective member having a light-transmitting portion;     (b) forming a photocuring resin layer on a surface of the second mother substrate opposite from the gap; and     (c) irradiating the photocuring resin layer with light projected from the first mother substrate and passed through the gap, the light-transmitting portion, and the second mother substrate, and thereby forming a microlens for converging light, which is directed into the gap passing through the second mother substrate, onto the light-transmitting portion.        

      In the above case, a light-blocking member may be provided in any portion of the first and second mother substrates, other than the cell forming portions, so that the microlens will not be formed on that portion.  
      Further, the center of a pixel defined by the first electrode on the first mother substrate and the second electrode on the second mother substrate is substantially coincident with the center of the light-transmitting portion when viewed in a direction normal to the first mother substrate.  
      Furthermore, the first sealing member forms a double seal along a portion of the edges of the mother substrates, and the double seal forms a passage communicating between an outside environment and the gap formed between the first and second mother substrates.  
      According to the present invention, the microlens forming step is followed by the step of: 
          (d) cutting the first and second mother substrates, which contain the plurality of cells with the microlens formed thereon, into rectangular pieces, and injecting the electro-optical modulating material through an injection port formed in the second sealing member and thereafter sealing each of the cells.        

      This step is further followed by the step of: 
          (e) cutting the plurality of cells, each filled with the electro-optical modulating material and sealed, into separate individual cells.       

    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
      The above object and features of the present invention will be more apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:  
       FIG. 1  is a diagram showing one example of the structure of a transflective mode liquid crystal apparatus;  
       FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in  FIG. 1 ;  
       FIG. 3  is a diagram showing one example of the structure of the transflective mode liquid crystal apparatus;  
       FIG. 4  is a process diagram showing essential portions for explaining a method for manufacturing a liquid crystal apparatus equipped with microlenses according to a first embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 5  is a process diagram showing essential portions for explaining the method for manufacturing the liquid crystal apparatus equipped with microlenses according to the first embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 6  is a process diagram showing essential portions for explaining a method for manufacturing a liquid crystal apparatus equipped with microlenses according to a second embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 7  is a process diagram showing essential portions for explaining the method for manufacturing the liquid crystal apparatus equipped with microlenses according to the second embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 8  is a diagram showing one example of a cross section of a color liquid crystal apparatus equipped with microlenses;  
       FIG. 9  is a process diagram showing essential portions for explaining a method for manufacturing a liquid crystal apparatus equipped with microlenses according to a third embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 10  is a process diagram showing essential portions for explaining the method for manufacturing the liquid crystal apparatus equipped with microlenses according to the third embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 11  is a process diagram showing essential portions for explaining a method for manufacturing a liquid crystal apparatus equipped with microlenses according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 12  is a process diagram showing essential portions for explaining the method for manufacturing the liquid crystal apparatus equipped with microlenses according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 13  is a process diagram showing essential portions for explaining a method for manufacturing a liquid crystal apparatus equipped with microlenses according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 14  is a process diagram showing essential portions for explaining the method for manufacturing the liquid crystal apparatus equipped with microlenses according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 15  is a process diagram showing essential portions for explaining the method for manufacturing the liquid crystal apparatus equipped with microlenses according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 16  is a diagram showing the step of forming microlenses on a mother substrate having a plurality of empty cells formed thereon;  
       FIG. 17  is a diagram showing the step of forming microlenses on a mother substrate having a plurality of empty cells formed thereon;  
       FIG. 18  is an enlarged plan view in perspective showing the portion indicated by Z in  FIG. 13  after the microlenses have been formed;  
       FIG. 19  is a process diagram showing essential portions for explaining a method for manufacturing a liquid crystal apparatus equipped with microlenses according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention; and  
       FIG. 20  is a process diagram showing essential portions for explaining a method for manufacturing a liquid crystal apparatus equipped with microlenses according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
      The present invention will be described by taking a transflective mode liquid crystal apparatus as an example of the apparatus that uses an electro-optical modulating material.  
      In  FIG. 1 , reference numeral  11  indicates a first electrode, and  24  a second electrodes, and a liquid crystal layer is sandwiched between the first and second electrodes, forming a pixel  28  where the first and second electrodes  11  and  24  overlap. In  FIG. 1 , a reflective film  21  as an optically reflective member is formed over the entire surface underneath the array of second electrodes  24 , and openings  22  as light-transmitting portions are formed in the reflective film  21 , one each in a position corresponding to each pixel  28 . The openings  22  shown here are rectangular in shape, but may be formed in any other suitable shape, such as a stripe shape, a polygonal shape, or a circular shape.  
      Reference numeral  30  indicates an array of microlenses formed below the reflective film  21  at positions opposite the respective openings  22 .  
       FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in  FIG. 1 . In  FIG. 2 , reference numeral  10  is a first transparent substrate with the first electrodes  11  and a first alignment film  12  formed thereon. Reference numeral  20  is a second transparent substrate on one surface of which the microlenses  30  are formed, and on the other surface of which the reflective film  21  with the openings  22  formed therein, an insulating film  23 , the second electrodes  24 , and a second alignment film  25  are formed one on top of another. The first and second substrates  10  and  20  are arranged opposite each other with a gap  15  provided therebetween, and are bonded together by a sealing member  17 . A liquid crystal  16  is injected into the gap  15  through an injection port formed in the sealing member  17 , and the injection port is sealed with a sealant  18 .  
      An image is formed by driving the liquid crystal  16  by applying a voltage between the first and second electrodes  11  and  24 .  
      In  FIG. 2 , a first polarizer  1  is attached to the viewer side of the first substrate  10 . The plurality of first stripe electrodes  11  made, for example, of indium tin oxide are formed parallel to each other on the same side of the first substrate  10  as the liquid crystal layer  16 , and the first alignment film  12  is formed over the first electrodes  11 .  
      On the other hand, the conductive reflective layer or reflective film  21  with the plurality of openings  22  formed therein is formed on the same side of the second transparent substrate  20  as the liquid crystal layer  16 . The area of each opening  22  is 25% to 60% of each pixel  28 , and preferably 40% to 50%. This percentage can be changed according to the preference of the customer who uses the product.  
      A second polarizer  2  and a backlight  40  are mounted on the same side of the second substrate  20  as the microlenses  30 .  
      As the transflective mode liquid crystal apparatus shown in  FIG. 2  has optically reflective portions (reflective film  21 ) and optically transmissive portions (openings  22 ), if the area of the openings is large, the amount of transmitted light increases, increasing the amount of backlighting that can be used. Conversely, if the area of the openings is small, the amount of reflected light increases, increasing the amount of reflected light that can be used.  
      In the transflective mode liquid crystal apparatus shown in  FIG. 2 , the microlenses  30  are provided to enhance the capability for gathering the light from the backlight  40 . Accordingly, the area of the openings  22  can be made smaller than would be the case if the microlenses were not provided, and as a result, the percentage of the reflective area can be made larger than the earlier stated percentage to increase the amount of reflected light that can be used.  
      The reflective film  21  is formed, for example, from aluminum (Al) or an aluminum alloy such as an aluminum-neodymium alloy. The second electrodes  24  made, for example, of indium tin oxide (hereinafter abbreviated ITO) are formed on the reflective film  21  with the insulating film  23  interposed therebetween. The insulating film  23  is provided to prevent short-circuiting between the conductive reflective film  21  and the second electrodes  24 . The second alignment film  25  is formed over the second electrodes  24 .  
       FIG. 2  has shown the case where the reflective film  21  is formed over the entire surface of the second substrate  20 , but the reflective film may be formed in the shape of stripes extending along the respective second electrodes  24 , each stripe having substantially the same width as that of each second electrode  24 .  
      Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 3 , island-like reflective films  21   a  may be formed one each facing each pixel  28  or covering each pixel  28 . When forming the reflective film in such shapes, there is no need to provide the insulating film. In that case, the cost can be reduced because the number of processing steps can be reduced. Likewise, when the reflective film  21  is formed from an insulating reflective film, there is no need to provide the insulating film.  
      Here, a description will be given of the openings  22  formed in the reflective film  21 . As earlier described, the reflective mode liquid crystal apparatus eliminates the need for a backlight because it displays an image by using ambient light from the outside environment. If a backlight is used, the apparatus can be used by reducing the brightness of the backlight. Therefore, the power consumption can be reduced, and thus an electronic apparatus using a liquid crystal apparatus of this type can be operated continuously for a longer time. However, the reflective mode liquid crystal apparatus has the problem that the display is difficult to view in a dark environment where the amount of available reflected light is low. On the other hand, the transmissive mode liquid crystal apparatus, which is not provided with a reflective film or reflective plate, consumes much power because it displays an image by using only the illumination from the backlight mounted underneath the liquid crystal device, and is therefore not suitable for portable electronic apparatuses. This has lead to the development of the transflective mode liquid crystal apparatus which has the characteristics of both the reflective mode and transmissive mode liquid crystal apparatuses.  
      There are two types of transflective mode liquid crystal apparatus: one is the type that uses, as the transflective film, a dielectric multilayer film or a transflective member constructed as a metal half mirror of Al, Ag, Al alloy, or the like, and the other is the type that uses, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the transflective film formed by forming openings in selected portions of the reflective film made of a metal such as Al, Ag, or Al alloy and thereby allowing the light from the backlight to transmit therethrough. In the present patent application, the invention will be described by taking, as an example, the transflective mode liquid crystal apparatus that uses the transflective film formed by forming openings in selected portions of the reflective film.  
      In  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the reflective film  21  is formed with the openings  22  for transmitting light therethrough. The openings  22  are substantially centered on the respective image forming pixels  28 . The openings  22  need not necessarily be centered on the respective pixels  28 , but it is preferable that the openings be centered on the respective pixels  28  in order to facilitate efficient formation of the microlenses described later.  
      The openings  22  may each be formed in a square or rectangular shape when viewed from the top, as shown in  FIG. 1 , or may be formed in a circular or polygonal shape. Alternatively, openings of different shapes may be formed in the same liquid crystal apparatus.  
      It is preferable that the openings  22  be formed one for each pixel  28  when viewed from the top, as shown in  FIG. 1 , but a plurality of openings may be formed for each pixel.  
      The method of the present invention can be applied not only to passive liquid crystal apparatuses in which the pixels  28  are formed at positions where stripe electrodes intersect with each other, but also to active liquid crystal apparatuses in which the pixels are formed using active devices such as TFTs, MiMs, or DTFs.  
      In this case, if the pixels are formed with reflective electrodes (for example, electrodes formed from Ag or Al), an opening is formed in a portion of each reflective electrode.  
      It is preferable that the surface on which the second electrodes  24  are formed be planarized by forming an insulating film or a planarization film over the openings  22 . In particular, in the case of an STN (Super Twisted Nematic) liquid crystal apparatus, the provision of such an insulating film or planarization film is essential because surface irregularities would greatly affect the image quality. Further, as will be described later, a color filter may be provided on each opening  22 .  
      The plurality of microlenses  30  are formed integrally with or directly on the lower surface of the second substrate  20 . If they are formed integrally, they are not formed integrally from the same material, because a glass material is used for both the second substrate  20  and the first substrate  10 , while a resin material is used for the microlenses  30 . Here, a resin material may be used for the second substrate  20 .  
      The microlenses  30  may be formed in contact with the side of the second substrate  20  opposite from the side facing the liquid crystal layer. For example, the microlenses  30  are formed on the second substrate  20 , but need not be in full intimate contact with the second substrate  20 .  
      As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the microlenses  30  are arranged one for each pixel  28 . Moreover, the center of each microlens  30  is aligned with the center of the corresponding opening  22  formed in the reflective film  21 .  
      That is, the first substrate  10  and the second substrate  20  have the first electrodes  11  and the second electrodes  24  that define the positions of the pixels  28 , the center of each pixel  28  being substantially aligned with the center of the corresponding one of the light-transmitting openings  22  of the reflective film  21  and the converging center of the corresponding one of the microlenses  30  (in the case of a lens whose cross section is a portion of a sphere, the center of the lens).  
      In this way, as the center of the opening  22  of the reflective film  21  for each pixel  28  is aligned with the center of the corresponding microlens, the light from the backlight  40  mounted behind the array of microlenses  30  is gathered by the microlenses  30  and passes through the respective openings  22 ; as a result, the amount of transmitted light increases, increasing the image brightness.  
     Embodiment 1  
      Embodiments of a method for fabricating the microlenses  30  for the liquid crystal apparatus according to the present invention will be described below by taking as an example the transflective mode liquid crystal apparatus shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 .  
       FIGS. 4 and 5  are process diagrams showing essential portions for explaining a method for manufacturing a liquid crystal apparatus equipped with microlenses according to a first embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIGS. 4 and 5  show an “empty cell” structure in which the first substrate  10 , on which the first electrodes  11  and the first alignment film  12  are formed, and the second substrate  20 , on which the second electrodes  24 , the second alignment film  25 , and the reflective film  21  as a reflective member having the light-transmitting openings  22  are formed, are bonded together by the sealing member  17  with the gap  15  provided between the substrates but not yet filled with the liquid crystal. In  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the structure shown in  FIG. 2  is shown upside down.  
      The above empty cell is constructed by bonding together the first and second substrates  10  and  20  by the sealing member  17  having a liquid crystal injection port, but the liquid crystal is not yet injected into the cell.  
      Next, a description will be given of the method of forming the microlenses  30  on the above empty cell according to the first embodiment of the present invention.  
      First, as shown in  FIG. 4 , by using a prior known coating method such as a spinner method, a photocuring resin material is applied to form a photocuring resin layer  30   a  over the entire surface of the second substrate  20  opposite to the surface thereof facing the gap  15 . Next, ultraviolet light or visible light (shown by arrows) that transmits through the second substrate  20  is radiated from below the first substrate  10 . The light transmits through the first substrate  10 , the first electrodes  11 , the first alignment film  12 , the gap  15 , the second alignment film  25 , the second electrodes  24 , the insulating film  23  (or planarization film), the openings  22  in the reflective film  21 , and the second substrate  20  in this order, and is introduced into the photocuring resin layer  30   a  which forms the microlenses  30 . Since the radiated light is patterned in accordance with the openings  22  formed in the reflective film  21 , the photocuring resin layer  30   a  is exposed in the pattern of microlenses with each lens centered with respect to each opening  22 .  
      Next, the pattern is developed and the unexposed portions of the photocuring resin (the portions thereof not exposed to the radiation) are removed, to complete the formation of the microlenses  30  on the second substrate  20  as shown in  FIG. 5 . After that, the liquid crystal is injected into the gap  15  through the injection port formed in the sealing member  17 , and the injection port is sealed with the sealant  18 .  
      As described above, the formation of the microlenses  30  does not require the use of an exposure mask pattern usually required in prior art methods. Furthermore, as the centers of the pixels  28  defined by the first and second electrodes  11  and  24  are substantially coincident with the centers of the light-transmitting portions  22  when viewed in the direction normal to the first substrate  10 , there is no need to accurately position the microlens mask pattern with respect to the openings  22  by manual work or by using a special jig or device. This serves to improve the production yield of the transflective mode liquid crystal apparatus having the microlenses, and thereby to reduce the production cost compared with the prior art.  
      In the prior art manufacturing methods, the first and second substrates are bonded together by the sealing member  17  after forming the microlenses  30  on the second substrate. Accordingly, the number of process steps performed after the formation of the microlenses increases, increasing the risk of scratching the microlenses. There is also the possibility that, during the fabrication process of the microlenses  30 , dust and other foreign particles may adhere to the second substrate  20 , resulting in a degradation of image quality due to the dust.  
      On the other hand, according to the manufacturing method shown in the first embodiment, as the microlenses are formed on the empty cell constructed by bonding together the first and second substrates by the sealing member  17  having a liquid crystal injection port, the number of process steps performed after that decreases. This serves to reduce the risk of scratching the microlenses and greatly improve the production yield.  
      Further, as the first and second substrates are bonded together before forming the microlenses, the structure is resistant to dust and other contaminants. This offers the effect that the structure is easy to handle and facilitates work. Further, during the fabrication process of the microlenses  30 , dust and other foreign particles can be prevented from adhering to the second substrate  20  and degrading the image quality due to the adhering dust.  
     Embodiment 2  
       FIGS. 6 and 7  are process diagrams showing essential portions for explaining a method for manufacturing a liquid crystal apparatus equipped with microlenses according to a second embodiment of the present invention.  
      In the first embodiment, the microlenses  30  are formed on the cell before injecting the liquid crystal into it; in contrast, in the second embodiment shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the microlenses  30  are formed on the cell after injecting the liquid crystal  16  into it.  
       FIGS. 6 and 7  show a cell structure in which the first substrate  10 , on which the first electrodes  11  and the first alignment film  12  are formed, and the second substrate  20 , on which the second electrodes  24 , the second alignment film  25 , and the reflective film  21  as a reflective member having the light-transmitting openings  22  are formed, are bonded together by the sealing member  17  with the gap  15  provided between the substrates and the gap  15  is filled with the liquid crystal  16 . The liquid crystal  16  is injected through the injection port formed in the sealing member  17 , and the injection port is sealed with the sealant  18  made of a resin material.  
      In  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the structure shown in  FIG. 2  is shown upside down.  
      Next, a description will be given of the method of forming the microlenses  30  on the liquid crystal-filled and sealed cell according to the second embodiment of the present invention.  
      First, as shown in  FIG. 6 , by using a prior known coating method such as a spinner method, a photocuring resin material is applied to form a photocuring resin layer  30   a  over the entire surface of the second substrate  20  opposite to the surface thereof facing the liquid crystal layer  16 . Next, ultraviolet light or visible light (shown by arrows) that can be transmitted through the second substrate  20  is radiated from below the first substrate  10 . The light is transmitted through the first substrate  10 , the first electrodes  11 , the first alignment film  12 , the liquid crystal layer  16 , the second alignment film  25 , the second electrodes  24 , the insulating film  23  (or planarization film), the openings  22  in the reflective film  21 , and the second substrate  20  in this order, and is introduced into the photocuring resin layer  30   a  which forms the microlenses  30 . As the radiated light is patterned in accordance with the openings  22  formed in the reflective film  21 , the photocuring resin layer  30   a  is exposed in the pattern of microlenses with each lens centered with respect to each opening  22 .  
      Next, the pattern is developed and the unexposed portions of the photocuring resin (the portions thereof not exposed to the radiation) are removed, to complete the formation of the microlenses  30  on the second substrate  20  as shown in  FIG. 7 .  
      As the microlenses  30  are formed as described above, the second embodiment offers the same effect and advantage as described in connection with the first embodiment.  
      In addition to that, in the second embodiment, as the microlenses  30  are formed after completing the liquid crystal injecting step, the probability of scratching the microlenses further decreases and the production yield and quality improves, compared with the first embodiment.  
      Further, in the second embodiment, the light transmitted through the first substrate  10  is introduced into the photocuring resin layer  30   a  formed on the second substrate  20  after passing through the first electrodes  11 , the second electrodes  24 , and the openings  22  in the reflective film  21 ; accordingly, by driving the liquid crystal  16  by applying a voltage between the first and second electrodes  11  and  24 , the amount of light to be transmitted therethrough can be controlled so as to provide an optimum amount of light for exposure. This eliminates the need to use a complex adjusting mechanism and allows the use of an inexpensive light projection device, achieving a further reduction in manufacturing cost.  
     Embodiment 3  
       FIG. 8  is a diagram showing one example of a cross section of a color liquid crystal apparatus equipped with microlenses. The cross-sectional structure of the color liquid crystal apparatus shown in  FIG. 8  is substantially the same as that shown in  FIG. 2 , but the difference from  FIG. 2  is that color filters  26  and a protective film  27  are provided between the reflective film  21  with the openings  22  formed therein and the second electrodes  24 .  
      In  FIG. 8 , reference numeral  10  is the first transparent substrate with the first electrodes  11  and the first alignment film  12  formed thereon. Reference numeral  20  is the second transparent substrate on one surface of which the microlenses  30  are formed, and on the other surface of which the reflective film  21  with the openings  22  formed therein, the color filters  26 , the protective film  27 , the second electrodes  24 , and the second alignment film  25  are formed one on top of another. The first and second substrates  10  and  20  are arranged opposite each other with the gap  15  provided therebetween, and are bonded together by the sealing member  17 . The liquid crystal  16  is injected into the gap  15  through the injection port formed in the sealing member  17 , and the injection port is sealed with the sealant  18 .  
      An image is formed by driving the liquid crystal  16  by applying a voltage between the first and second electrodes  11  and  24 .  
      The color filters  26  are formed on the reflective film  21 , that is, the color filters of three primary colors, red (R), green (G), and blue (B), are provided one for each pixel. For example, a pixel adjacent to a pixel provided with an R filter is provided with a G filter; likewise, a pixel adjacent to the pixel provided with the G filter is provided with a B filter, and a pixel adjacent to the pixel provided with the B filter is provided with an R filter.  
      The color filters  26  are covered with the planarization film or protective film  27  formed from a resin material for planarizing the upper surfaces of the filters. The insulating film  23  shown in  FIG. 2  need not be provided, because the color filters  26  and the protective film  27  both having insulating capabilities are provided.  
      In the example shown in  FIG. 8 , the reflective film  21  is formed over the entire surface of the second substrate  20 , but the reflective film may be formed in the shape of stripes extending along the respective second electrodes  24 , each stripe having substantially the same width as that of each second electrode  24 . Alternatively, an island-like reflective film may be formed facing each pixel or covering each pixel.  
      In  FIG. 8 , the first polarizer  1  is attached to the viewer side of the first substrate  10 . The plurality of first stripe electrodes  11  made, for example, of indium tin oxide are formed parallel to each other on the same side of the first substrate  10  as the liquid crystal layer  16 , and the first alignment film  12  is formed over the first electrodes  11 .  
      On the other hand, the conductive reflective layer or reflective film  21  with the plurality of openings  22  formed therein is formed on the same side of the second transparent substrate  20  as the liquid crystal layer  16 . The second polarizer  2  and the backlight  40  are mounted on the same side of the second substrate  20  as the microlenses  30 .  
      Otherwise, the structure shown in  FIG. 8  and the materials used for the reflective film, etc. are the same as those shown in  FIG. 2 , and therefore, the description thereof will not be repeated here.  
       FIGS. 9 and 10  are process diagrams showing essential portions for explaining a method for manufacturing a color liquid crystal apparatus equipped with microlenses according to an embodiment (third embodiment) of the present invention.  
       FIGS. 9 and 10  show an “empty cell” structure in which the first substrate  10 , on which the first electrodes  11  and the first alignment film  12  are formed, and the second substrate  20 , on which the second electrodes  24 , the second alignment film  25 , the protective film  27 , the color filters  26 , and the reflective film  21  as a reflective member having the light-transmitting openings  22  are formed, are bonded together by the sealing member  17  with the gap  15  provided between the substrates but not yet filled with the liquid crystal. In  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the structure shown in  FIG. 8  is shown upside down.  
      The above empty cell is constructed by bonding together the first and second substrates  10  and  20  by the sealing member  17  having a liquid crystal injection port, but the liquid crystal is not yet injected into the cell.  
      Next, a description will be given of the method of forming the microlenses  30  on the above empty cell according to the third embodiment of the present invention.  
      First, as shown in  FIG. 9 , by using a prior known coating method such as a spinner method, a photocuring resin material is applied to form a photocuring resin layer  30   a  over the entire surface of the second substrate  20  opposite to the surface thereof facing the gap  15 . Next, ultraviolet light or visible light (shown by arrows) that can be transmitted through the second substrate  20  is radiated from below the first substrate  10 . The light is transmitted through the first substrate  10 , the first electrodes  11 , the first alignment film  12 , the gap  15 , the second alignment film  25 , the second electrodes  24 , the insulating film  27 , the color filters  26 , the openings  22  in the reflective film  21 , and the second substrate  20  in this order, and is introduced into the photocuring resin layer  30   a  which forms the microlenses  30 . As the radiated light is patterned in accordance with the openings  22  formed in the reflective film  21 , the photocuring resin layer  30   a  is exposed in the pattern of microlenses with each lens centered with respect to each opening  22 .  
      Next, the pattern is developed and the unexposed portions of the photocuring resin (the portions thereof not exposed to the radiation) are removed, to complete the formation of the microlenses  30  on the second substrate  20  as shown in  FIG. 10 . After that, the liquid crystal is injected into the gap  15  through the injection port formed in the sealing member  17 , and the injection port is sealed with the sealant  18 .  
      As described above, the formation of the microlenses  30  does not require the use of an exposure mask pattern usually required in prior art methods. Furthermore, as the centers of the pixels  28  defined by the first and second electrodes  11  and  24  are substantially coincident with the centers of the light-transmitting portions  22  when viewed in the direction normal to the first substrate  10 , there is no need to accurately position the microlens mask pattern with respect to the openings  22  by manual work or by using a special jig or device. This serves to improve the production yield of the transflective mode liquid crystal apparatus having the microlenses, and thereby to reduce the production cost compared with the prior art.  
      In the prior art manufacturing methods, the first and second substrates are bonded together by the sealing member after forming the microlenses  30  on the second substrate. Accordingly, the number of process steps performed after the formation of the microlenses increases, increasing the risk of scratching the microlenses. There is also the possibility that, during the fabrication process of the microlenses  30 , dust and other foreign particles may adhere to the second substrate  20 , resulting in a degradation of image quality due to the dust.  
      On the other hand, according to the manufacturing method shown in the third embodiment, as the microlenses are formed on the empty cell constructed by bonding together the first and second substrates by the sealing member  17  having a liquid crystal injection port, the number of process steps performed after that decreases. This serves to reduce the risk of scratching the microlenses and greatly improve the production yield.  
      Further, as the first and second substrates are bonded together before forming the microlenses, the structure is resistant to dust and other contaminants. This offers the effect that the structure is easy to handle and facilitates work. Further, during the fabrication process of the microlenses  30 , dust and other foreign particles can be prevented from adhering to the second substrate  20  and degrading the image quality due to the adhering dust. As a result, the probability of inter-electrode shorts occurring between the first and second substrates decreases, and the reliability of the liquid crystal apparatus increases.  
     Embodiment 4  
       FIGS. 11 and 12  are process diagrams showing essential portions for explaining a method for manufacturing a liquid crystal apparatus equipped with microlenses according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.  
      In the third embodiment, the microlenses are formed on the cell before injecting the liquid crystal into it; in contrast, in the fourth embodiment shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , the microlenses are formed on the cell after injecting the liquid crystal into it.  
       FIGS. 11 and 12  show a cell structure in which the first substrate  10 , on which the first electrodes  11  and the first alignment film  12  are formed, and the second substrate  20 , on which the second electrodes  24 , the second alignment film  25 , the protective film  27 , the color filters  26 , and the reflective film  21  as a reflective member having the light-transmitting openings  22  are formed, are bonded together by the sealing member  17  with the gap  15  provided between the substrates and the gap  15  is filled with the liquid crystal  16 . The liquid crystal  16  is injected through the injection port formed in the sealing member  17 , and the injection port is sealed with the sealant  18  made of a resin material.  
      In  FIGS. 11 and 12 , the structure shown in  FIG. 8  is shown upside down.  
      Next, a description will be given of the method of forming the microlenses  30  on the liquid crystal-filled and sealed cell according to the present invention.  
      First, as shown in  FIG. 11 , by using-a prior known coating method such as a spinner method, a photocuring resin material is applied to form a photocuring resin layer  30   a  over the entire surface of the second substrate  20  opposite to the surface thereof facing the liquid crystal layer  16 . Next, ultraviolet light or visible light (shown by arrows) that can be transmitted through the second substrate  20  is radiated from below the first substrate  10 . The light is transmitted through the first substrate  10 , the first electrodes  11 , the first alignment film  12 , the liquid crystal layer  16 , the second alignment film  25 , the second electrodes  24 , the protective film  27 , the color filters  26 , the openings  22  in the reflective film  21 , and the second substrate  20  in this order, and is introduced into the photocuring resin layer  30   a  which forms the microlenses  30 . Since the radiated light is patterned in accordance with the openings  22  formed in the reflective film  21 , the photocuring resin layer  30   a  is exposed in the pattern of microlenses with each lens centered with respect to each opening  22 .  
      Next, the pattern is developed and the unexposed portions of the photocuring resin (the portions thereof not exposed to the radiation) are removed, to complete the formation of the microlenses  30  on the second substrate  20  as shown in  FIG. 12 .  
      Since the microlenses  30  are formed as described above, the fourth embodiment offers the same effect and advantage as described in connection with the third embodiment.  
      In addition to that, in the fourth embodiment, as the microlenses  30  are formed after completing the liquid crystal injecting step, the probability of scratching the microlenses further decreases and the production yield and quality improves, compared with the third embodiment.  
      Further, in the fourth embodiment, the light transmitted through the first substrate  10  is introduced into the photocuring resin layer  30   a  formed on the second substrate  20  after passing through the first electrodes  11 , the second electrodes  24 , and the openings  22  in the reflective film  21 ; accordingly, by driving the liquid crystal  16  by applying a voltage between the first and second electrodes  11  and  24 , the amount of light to be transmitted therethrough can be controlled so as to provide an optimum amount of light for exposure. This eliminates the need to use a complex adjusting mechanism and allows the use of an inexpensive light projection device, achieving a further reduction in manufacturing cost.  
     Embodiment 5  
       FIGS. 13, 14 , and  15  are process diagrams showing essential portions for explaining a method for manufacturing a liquid crystal apparatus equipped with microlenses according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIG. 13  shows a structure  100  in which a plurality of empty cells  130  are formed between large-size substrates. In  FIG. 13 , the upper part shows a perspective plan view of the large-size substrates (hereinafter referred to as the “mother substrates”) with the plurality of empty cells  130  formed therebetween, and the lower part shows a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in the perspective plan view shown in the upper part.  
      In  FIG. 13 , the first mother substrate  105   a  and the second mother substrate  105   b  are bonded together by first and second sealing members  110  and  120 . The first sealing member  110  is formed along the edges of the mother substrates, with the end portions  111  and  112  of the sealing member extending substantially parallel to each other to form a double sealing structure. Openings  113  and  114  are provided at the outside and inside ends, respectively, of the double sealing portion, thus forming a communicating passage.  
      Each individual cell  130  is formed in the portion enclosed by the second sealing member  120 . In the portion where each cell  130  is formed between the first mother substrate  105   a  and the second mother substrate  105   b , the first and second electrodes and other component elements are provided as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 8 , but these component elements are not shown here.  
      In  FIG. 13 , the second sealing member  120  is provided with a liquid crystal injection port  121  through which the liquid crystal is injected.  
      In  FIG. 13 , the end portions of the first seal  110  are formed in a double sealing structure, and the communicating passage is formed by providing the openings  113  and  114  at the outside and inside ends, respectively, of the double sealing portion; the reason for this will be described below.  
      The first mother substrate  105   a  and the second mother substrate  105   b  are held opposite each other with a gap provided therebetween by interposing spacer members between them; in this condition, the first mother substrate  105   a  and the second mother substrate  105   b  are bonded together under heat by using the first and second sealing members  110  and  120 . At this time, if the gap were hermetically sealed with the first sealing member  110 , the mother substrates would break due to the thermal expansion of the air entrapped in the inside center portion sandwiched between the first mother substrate  105   a  and the second mother substrate  105   b . To prevent the expanding air from breaking the mother substrates, in the fifth embodiment, the communicating passage having the openings  113  and  114  is provided to vent the entrapped air to the outside.  
      Here, if the sealing members are formed from an ultraviolet curing resin, there is no need to apply heat for bonding, and therefore, the first sealing member  110  need not be provided with the communicating passage. However, the reliability increases when the substrates are bonded together under heat by using sealing members made of epoxy or like resin.  
      Further, the double sealing portion ( 111 ,  112 ) of the first sealing member  110  has the function of preventing unwanted solutions from entering inside the first sealing member and penetrating into the empty liquid crystal layer of each liquid crystal cell  130  during the cleaning and wet developing steps performed as post-processing after the bonding and sealing steps.  
      Here, the double sealing portion of the first sealing member  110  is not limited to the particular shape shown in  FIG. 13 , but may be formed in any suitable shape as long as it is formed so as to prevent the penetration of the developer and cleaning solutions. For example, in the structure shown in  FIG. 13 , the first sealing member  110  is formed with 1 turn+about ¼ of a turn, but it may be formed with 1 turn+about {fraction (2/4)} of a turn, one turn+¾ of a turn, or 2 turns.  
       FIG. 14  shows a rectangular-shaped substrate  101  obtained by cutting the mother substrate  100 , with the plurality of empty cells formed thereon, along horizontal cutting lines X (X 1 , X 2 , X 3 , X 4 ).  
      The plurality of empty cells  130  are arranged along the horizontal direction on the rectangular-shaped substrate  101 . The injection ports  121  of all the cells open in the same direction, and the liquid crystal is injected through these injection ports into all the cells  130  at once by using a vacuum injection method. After injecting the liquid crystal into the empty cells, each injection port  121  is sealed with a resin material. For example, an ultraviolet curing resin or a thermosetting resin is used as the resin material.  
      In this way, the cells, rectangular in shape and arrayed in the horizontal direction, are each formed by injecting the liquid crystal into the space enclosed by the second seal member  120 .  
      Then, the rectangular cell array is cut along vertical cutting lines Y (Y, Y 2 , Y 3 ), to obtain each individual cell  102  shown in  FIG. 15 .  
      Next, the process for forming the microlenses  30  on the mother substrate having the plurality of empty cells thus formed will be described with reference to  FIGS. 16 and 17 .  FIG. 16  is the same diagram as that shown in  FIG. 13 , that is, the cross-sectional view of the mother substrates taken along line B-B. However, the cross-sectional view shown in  FIG. 13  is shown upside down in  FIG. 16 .  
      In  FIG. 16 , the first mother substrate  105   a  and the second mother substrate  105   b  are bonded together by the first and second sealing members  110  and  120 . The first sealing member  110  is formed along the edges of the mother substrates, with the end portions  111  and  112  of the sealing member extending substantially parallel to each other to form a double sealing structure. As shown in  FIG. 13 , the openings  113  and  114  are provided at the outside and inside ends, respectively, of the double sealing portion, thus forming a communicating passage.  
      Each individual cell  130  is formed in the portion enclosed by the second sealing member  120 . In the portion where each cell  130  is formed between the first mother substrate  105   a  and the second mother substrate  105   b , the first and second electrodes and other component elements are provided as shown in  FIG. 2 , but these component elements are not shown here. Further, color filters may be provided as shown in  FIG. 8 .  
      In  FIG. 16 , by using a prior known coating method such as a spinner method, a photocuring resin material is applied to form a photocuring resin layer  30   a  over the entire surface of the second mother substrate  105   b  opposite to the surface thereof facing the liquid crystal layer. Instead of the spinner method, other suitable methods such as a squeeze method or printing method can be used as the coating method.  
      Next, ultraviolet light or visible light (shown by arrows) that can be transmitted through the second mother substrate  105   b  is radiated from below the first mother substrate  105   a . The light is transmitted through the first mother substrate  105   a , the first electrodes  11 , the first alignment film  12 , the gap  15 , the second alignment film  25 , the second electrodes  24 , the insulating film  23 , the openings  22  in the reflective film  21 , and the second mother substrate  105   b  in this order, and is introduced into the photocuring resin layer  30   a  which forms the microlenses  30 .  
      As the radiated light is patterned in accordance with the openings  22  formed in the reflective film  21 , the photocuring resin layer  30   a  is exposed in the pattern of microlenses with each lens centered with respect to each opening  22 .  
      Next, the pattern is developed and the unexposed portions of the photocuring resin (the portions thereof not exposed to the radiation) are removed, to complete the formation of the microlenses as shown in  FIG. 17 .  
      The microlenses  30  are thus formed on the second mother substrate  105   b.    
       FIG. 18  is an enlarged plan view in perspective showing the portion indicated by Z in  FIG. 13  after the microlenses  30  have been formed. In  FIG. 18 , reference numeral  11  indicates a first electrode, and  24  a second electrode, and the liquid crystal layer is sandwiched between the first and second electrodes, forming a pixel  28  where the first and second electrodes  11  and  24  overlap. In  FIG. 18 , the reflective film  21  is formed over the entire surface underneath the array of second electrodes  24 , and the openings  22  as light-transmitting portions are formed in the reflective film  21 , one each in a position corresponding to each pixel  28 . The openings  22  shown here are rectangular in shape, but may be formed in any other suitable shape, such as a stripe shape, a polygonal shape, or a circular shape.  
      Reference numeral  30  indicates an array of microlenses formed below the reflective film  21  at positions opposite the respective openings  22 .  
      Reference numeral  110  indicates the first sealing member, and  120  the second sealing member. Each individual cell  130  is formed in the portion enclosed by the second sealing member  120 .  
      Here, in  FIGS. 13 and 18 , when not forming the reflective layer over the entire surface, a light-blocking member should be provided in any portion, including the portions of the cutting lines X and Y, where the cells  130  are not formed; by so doing, the microlenses  30  will not be formed on these portions. In this case, the mother substrate and the rectangular-shaped mother substrate, on which the microlenses have been formed, can be cut by using a conventional cutting method, because the microlenses are not formed on the portions along which the substrate structure is cut; this eliminates the need for setting new conditions for cutting, and serves to reduce the cost.  
      After the microlenses  30  are formed on the mother substrate as shown in  FIG. 17 , the mother substrate structure is cut into individual cells as shown in  FIG. 15 . Then, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the second polarizer  2  and the backlight  40  are mounted on the same side as the microlenses  30 , and the first polarizer  1  is attached to the first substrate  10 .  
      For the backlight, technology has advanced in recent years, and fluorescent tubes, flat fluorescent lamps, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and electroluminescent (EL) lamps are available for use as the light source. When using fluorescent tubes or LEDs, a backlighting configuration known as side lighting is employed, in which case a light conducting plate is usually used in combination with the light source.  
      The polarizer may be attached directly to the microlenses, or may be spaced away from the microlenses by providing a gap or a gap filler therebetween.  
      Alternatively, the curved lens surfaces on the side of the microlens array opposite from the substrate may be planarized by using a lens planarizing material that does not impair the lens function of the microlenses, and the polarizer may be mounted on the planarized surface.  
     Embodiment 6  
       FIG. 19  is a process diagram showing essential portions for explaining a method for manufacturing a liquid crystal apparatus equipped with microlenses according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. The sixth embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment.  
       FIG. 19  shows an “empty cell” structure in which the first substrate  10 , on which the first electrodes  11  and the first alignment film  12  are formed, and the second substrate  20 , on which the second electrodes  24 , the second alignment film  25 , and the reflective film  21  as a reflective member having the light-transmitting openings  22  are formed, are bonded together by the sealing member  17  (see  FIG. 2 ) with the gap  15  provided between the substrates but not yet filled with the liquid crystal. In  FIG. 9 , the structure shown in  FIG. 2  is shown upside down.  
      The above empty cell is constructed by bonding together the first and second substrates  10  and  20  by the sealing member  17  having a liquid crystal injection port, but the liquid crystal is not yet injected into the cell.  
      In the case of the empty cell shown in  FIG. 19 , a plurality of light-transmitting portions  22  is provided for each of the pixels  28  (see  FIG. 1 ) defined at the intersections between the first electrodes  11  on the first substrate  10  and the second electrodes  24  on the second substrate  20 . In  FIG. 19 , p 1 , p 2 , p 3 , . . . each indicate one pixel, and a plurality of openings  22  are provided for each pixel  28 .  
      Accordingly, when ultraviolet light or visible light that can be transmitted through the second substrate  20  is radiated from below the first substrate  10 , as shown in  FIG. 4 , the light passes through the first substrate  10 , the first electrodes  11 , the first alignment film  12 , the gap  15 , the second alignment film  25 , the second electrodes  24 , the insulating film  23  (or planarization film), the openings  22  in the reflective film  21 , and the second substrate  20  in this order, and the microlenses  30  are formed at positions corresponding to the respective openings  22 .  
      Since a plurality of openings  22  are provided for each of the pixels p 1 , p 2 , p 3 , . . . , as shown in  FIG. 19 , a plurality of microlenses  30  are formed for each pixel. The remainder of the process steps is the same as that described in the first embodiment.  
     Embodiment 7  
       FIG. 20  is a process diagram showing essential portions for explaining a method for manufacturing a liquid crystal apparatus equipped with microlenses according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. The seventh embodiment is a modification of the second embodiment.  
      In the sixth embodiment, the microlenses are formed on the cell before injecting the liquid crystal into it; in contrast, in the seventh embodiment shown in  FIG. 20 , the microlenses  30  are formed on the cell after injecting the liquid crystal  16  into it.  
       FIG. 20  shows a cell structure in which the first substrate  10 , on which the first electrodes  11  and the first alignment film  12  are formed, and the second substrate  20 , on which the second electrodes  24 , the second alignment film  25 , and the reflective film  21  as a reflective member having the light-transmitting openings  22  are formed, are bonded together by the sealing member  17  with the gap  15  provided between the substrates and the gap  15  is filled with the liquid crystal  16 . The liquid crystal  16  is injected through the injection port formed in the sealing member  17 , and the injection port is sealed with the sealant  18  made of a resin material.  
      In  FIG. 20 , the structure shown in  FIG. 2  is shown upside down.  
      In the case of the cell filled with the liquid crystal  16  as shown in  FIG. 20 , a plurality of light-transmitting portions  22  is provided for each of the pixels  28  (see  FIG. 1 ) defined at the intersections between the first electrodes  11  on the first substrate  10  and the second electrodes  24  on the second substrate  20 . In  FIG. 20 , p 1 , p 2 , p 3 , . . . each indicate one pixel, and a plurality of openings  22  are provided for each pixel  28 .  
      Accordingly, when ultraviolet light or visible light that can be transmitted through the second substrate  20  is radiated from below the first substrate  10 , the light passes through the first substrate  10 , the first electrodes  11 , the first alignment film  12 , the liquid crystal layer  16 , the second alignment film  25 , the second electrodes  24 , the insulating film  23  (or planarization film), the openings  22  in the reflective film  21 , and the second substrate  20  in this order, and the microlenses  30  are formed, as shown in  FIG. 20 , at positions corresponding to the respective openings  22 .  
      As a plurality of openings  22  are provided for each of the pixels p 1 , p 2 , p 3 , . . . , as shown in  FIG. 20 , a plurality of microlenses  30  are formed for each pixel. The remainder of the process steps is the same as that described in the second embodiment.