Patent ID: 12210240

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present disclosure are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Note that, in the following drawings, the dimensions of some components may be scaled differently for ease of understanding for the components.

In addition, in the following description, an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis orthogonal to each other are used as necessary for convenience of description. Further, one direction along the X-axis is denoted as an X1 direction, and a direction opposite to the X1 direction is denoted as an X2 direction. Likewise, one direction along the Y-axis is denoted as a Y1 direction, and a direction opposite to the Y1 direction is denoted as a Y2 direction. One direction along the Z-axis is denoted as a Z1 direction, and a direction opposite to the Z1 direction is denoted as a Z2 direction. In addition, in the following description, a view in the Z1 direction or the Z2 direction is referred to as “plan view”, and a view in a direction perpendicular to a cross-section including the Z-axis is referred to as “cross-sectional view”.

Further, in the following description, regarding a substrate, “above a substrate” means any of a case where an element is disposed above the substrate in contact with the substrate, a case where an element is disposed above the substrate with another structure therebetween, and a case where one part of an element is disposed above the substrate in contact with the substrate while another part is disposed above the substrate with another structure therebetween, for example. In addition, a description of “an upper surface of a substrate” indicates a surface of the substrate on the Z1 direction side.

1. Embodiment 1

In the embodiment, an example of a liquid crystal apparatus, as an electro-optical apparatus, will be described.

The liquid crystal apparatus is an active drive type transmission type liquid crystal apparatus including a thin film transistor (TFT) as a switching element for each pixel. This liquid crystal apparatus is used as a light modulation apparatus in a projection-type display device described later, for example. Note that, in the embodiment, the projection type display device is an example of an electronic apparatus.

1.1. Overview of Structure of Liquid Crystal Apparatus

A structure of a liquid crystal apparatus300according to the embodiment will be described with reference toFIGS.1and2.FIG.1is a plan view of the liquid crystal apparatus300.FIG.2illustrates a schematic cross-sectional structure of the liquid crystal apparatus300taken along the line A-A ofFIG.1.

As illustrated inFIGS.1and2, the liquid crystal apparatus300includes an optically transparent element substrate100, an optically transparent opposed substrate200, a sealing member8provided in a frame shape, and a liquid crystal layer Lc. Note that “optically transparent” means transmissivity to visible light, and may mean that a transmittance of visible light is 50% or greater.

The liquid crystal apparatus300includes a display region A1for displaying images, and a peripheral region A2located around an outside of the display region A1in plan view.

A plurality of pixels P arranged in a matrix are provided in the display region A1. Note that while the shape of the liquid crystal apparatus300illustrated inFIG.1is a quadrangular shape, other shapes such as a circular shape may also be employed.

As illustrated inFIG.2, the element substrate100and the opposed substrate200are disposed with the liquid crystal layer Lc interposed therebetween.

In the embodiment, the opposed substrate200is disposed on a light incident side of the liquid crystal layer Lc, and the element substrate100is disposed on a light emission side of the liquid crystal layer Lc. Incident light IL incident on the opposed substrate200is modulated at the liquid crystal layer Lc, and emitted from the element substrate100as modulated light ML.

The element substrate100includes a base90, a plurality of interlayer insulating layers including an interlayer insulating layer82, a pixel electrode10, and an alignment film12. In addition, although not illustrated in the drawings, a lens layer34described later is provided between the pixel electrode10and the interlayer insulating layer82. In the embodiment, the base90is an example of a first substrate.

The base90is an optically transparent and insulating flat plate. The base90is a glass substrate or a quartz substrate, for example. A transistor described later is disposed between the plurality of interlayer insulating layers.

The pixel electrode10is optically transparent. The pixel electrode10is formed of a transparent conductive material such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), and fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO), for example. A thickness direction of the pixel electrode10coincides with the Z1 direction or the Z2 direction.

The alignment film12is optically transparent and insulating. The alignment film12aligns liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer Lc. Examples of a material of the alignment film12include silicon oxide (SiO2) and polyimide.

The opposed substrate200includes a base210, an insulating layer220, a common electrode230, and an alignment film240. Note that in the embodiment, the base210is an example of a second substrate.

The base210is an optically transparent and insulating flat plate. The base210is a glass substrate or a quartz substrate, for example.

The insulating layer220is optically transparent and insulating. Examples of a material of the insulating layer220include an inorganic material such as silicon oxide.

The common electrode230is an electrode disposed opposite to a plurality of the pixel electrodes10, and may be referred to as an opposite electrode. The common electrode230includes a transparent conductive material such as ITO, IZO and, FTO, for example. The common electrode230and the pixel electrode10apply an electric field to the liquid crystal layer Lc.

The alignment film240is optically transparent and insulating.

The sealing member8is disposed between the element substrate100and the opposed substrate200. The sealing member8is formed with an adhesive containing various curable resins such as an epoxy resin or the like. The sealing member8may include a gap member composed of an inorganic material such as glass.

The liquid crystal layer Lc is disposed in a region surrounded by the element substrate100, the opposed substrate200, and the sealing member8. The liquid crystal layer Lc is an electro-optical layer of which an optical property changes in accordance with the electric field generated by the pixel electrode10and the common electrode230. The liquid crystal layer Lc contains liquid crystal molecules with positive or negative dielectric anisotropy. The alignment of liquid crystal molecules changes in accordance with the electric field applied to the liquid crystal layer Lc. The liquid crystal layer Lc modulates the incident light IL in accordance with the applied electric field.

As illustrated inFIG.1, a plurality of scan line driving circuits6, a data line driving circuit7, an external terminal9, an inter-substrate conduction electrode15, an inspection terminal16, a monitor terminal17, and an alignment mark18are disposed in the peripheral region A2of the element substrate100. In the embodiment, the alignment mark18is an example of an optical reading mark. Further, the external terminal9, the inter-substrate conduction electrode15, the inspection terminal16, and the monitor terminal17are examples of peripheral electrodes. Note that the peripheral electrode is a generic term for the electrodes or the terminals provided in the peripheral region A2.

The external terminal9is a mounting terminal at which an external coupling line of a flexible printed circuit (FPC) or the like (not illustrated) is mounted. Various signals including an image signal, a synchronization signal, an inspection signal, a common potential, a power supply potential, and the like are supplied to the external terminal9from an outside via the external coupling line.

The inter-substrate conduction electrode15is electrically coupled to the common electrode230of the opposed substrate200through an inter-substrate conduction member (not illustrated). The inter-substrate conduction electrode15is supplied with the common potential, and the common potential is supplied to the opposed substrate200via the inter-substrate conduction member.

The inspection terminal16is used when presence or absence of a defect in a transistor, various wiring lines, or the like in a manufacturing process of the liquid crystal apparatus300or the like is determined.

The monitor terminal17is used, for example, to monitor a temporal characteristic change of the transistor. Information obtained by the monitor is used for controlling the liquid crystal apparatus300, or the like.

The alignment mark18is an optical reading mark having a lattice-like shape called an inspection pattern. The alignment mark18is used, for example, when an inspection apparatus, a measurement apparatus, or the like positions the element substrate100in an inspection process or the like.

In the embodiment, the external terminal9, the inter-substrate conduction electrode15, the inspection terminal16, and the monitor terminal17are provided at the same layer as the pixel electrode10, and are formed by the same steps and of the same materials.

1.2. Electrical Configuration of Element Substrate

FIG.3is an equivalent circuit diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the element substrate100.

As illustrated inFIG.3, a plurality of the transistors1, n scan lines3, m data lines4, and m capacitance lines5are provided in the display region A1of the element substrate100. Each of n and m is an integer of 2 or greater. The transistor1is disposed corresponding to each of intersections of the n scan lines3and the m data lines4.

Each of the n scan lines3extends in the X1 direction, and the n scan lines3are disposed side by side at even intervals in the Y1 direction. Each of the n scan lines3is electrically coupled to a gate electrode of the corresponding transistor1. The n scan lines3are electrically coupled to the scan line driving circuit6illustrated inFIG.1.

The scan line driving circuit6line-sequentially supplies scanning signals G1, G2, . . . , and Gn to the first to n-th scan lines3.

Each of the m data lines4extends in the Y1 direction, and the m data lines4are disposed side by side at even intervals in the X1 direction. The m data lines4are electrically coupled to source regions of the plurality of corresponding transistors1, respectively. The m data lines4are electrically coupled to the data line driving circuit7illustrated inFIG.1.

The data line driving circuit7supplies image signals E1, E2, . . . , and Em to the first to m-th data lines4.

The n scan lines3and the m data lines4are electrically isolated from each other and disposed in a grid form in plan view. A region surrounded by the adjacent two scan lines3and the adjacent two data lines4corresponds to the pixel P.

The pixel electrode10is provided for each pixel P. The pixel electrode10is electrically coupled to a drain region of the transistor1.

Each of the m capacitance lines5extends in the Y1 direction, and the m capacitance lines5are disposed side by side at even intervals in the X1 direction. In addition, the m capacitance lines5are electrically isolated from the m data lines4and the n scan lines3, and are disposed with spaces between them. A fixed potential such as a ground potential or the common potential is applied to each capacitance line5, via the external terminal9.

One electrode of a capacitive element2is electrically coupled to the capacitance line5. Another electrode of the capacitive element2is electrically coupled to the pixel electrode10, and maintains a potential of an image signal supplied to the pixel electrode10.

1.3. Cross-Sectional Structure of Display Region of Element Substrate

FIG.4is an explanatory diagram illustrating a cross-sectional structure of the display region A1of the element substrate100, and illustrates a cross-sectional structure for a plurality of the pixels P provided in the display region A1.

As illustrated inFIG.4, in the display region A1, the element substrate100has a cross-sectional structure in which insulating or conductive functional layers or functional films are stacked above the base90.

A light shielding layer80is disposed between the base90and the interlayer insulating layer82.

The light shielding layer80is formed of a conductive material with a light-shielding property. Note that by using a conductive material with a light-shielding property as a conductive functional layer or functional film, the conductive functional layer or functional film can function as a light shielding layer.

Examples of a conductive material with a light-shielding property include metal materials such as metals, metal nitride and metal silicide of tungsten (W), titanium (Ti), chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), aluminum (AL), and the like. The same shall apply hereinafter. Note that the “light-shielding property” means a light-shielding property to visible light, and means that a transmittance of visible light is less than 50%, more desirably 10% or less.

The light shielding layer80makes up a part of the scan line3.

The interlayer insulating layer82is optically transparent and insulating. The interlayer insulating layer82is formed of an inorganic material such as silicon oxide (SiO2), for example. Hereinafter, each interlayer insulating layer is formed of a similar material to that of the interlayer insulating layer82.

The transistor1is provided above the interlayer insulating layer82.

The transistor1includes a semiconductor layer70having a lightly doped drain (LDD) structure, a gate electrode74, and a gate insulating layer72.

The gate electrode74is provided above the semiconductor layer70via the gate insulating layer72. The gate electrode74overlaps a channel region of the semiconductor layer70.

The gate electrode74is formed by using polysilicon doped with impurities to enhance conductivity, for example. Note that the gate electrode74may be formed using a conductive material such as a metal, a metal silicide, or a metal compound.

The gate insulating layer72is composed of silicon oxide deposited by thermal oxidation, a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method or the like, for example.

The gate electrode74and the light shielding layer80are electrically coupled through a contact hole81. The contact hole81extends through the gate insulating layer72and the interlayer insulating layer82.

An interlayer insulating layer76is provided above the transistor1.

A conductive layer60and a relay layer62are provided above the interlayer insulating layer76.

The conductive layer60and the relay layer62are provided at the same layer and are formed of a light-shielding conductive material. The conductive layer60and the relay layer62may each have a three-layer structure of titanium nitride, aluminum, and titanium nitride.

The conductive layer60constitutes a part of the data line4. The conductive layer60is electrically coupled to a source region of the semiconductor layer70via a contact hole73extending through the interlayer insulating layer76.

The relay layer62is electrically coupled to a drain region of the semiconductor layer70via a contact hole71extending through the interlayer insulating layer76.

An interlayer insulating layer64is provided above the interlayer insulating layer76, the conductive layer60, and the relay layer62.

A relay layer52is provided above the interlayer insulating layer64. Each relay layer52is formed of a light-shielding conductive material.

The relay layer52is electrically coupled to the relay layer62through a contact hole61extending through the interlayer insulating layer64.

An interlayer insulating layer54is provided above the interlayer insulating layer64and the relay layer52.

The capacitive element2is provided above the interlayer insulating layer54.

The capacitive element2includes a capacitive electrode50provided on the base90side, a capacitive electrode40provided on the pixel electrode10side, and a capacitance insulation film56provided between the capacitive electrode40and the capacitive electrode50. Both the capacitive electrode40and the capacitive electrode50are formed of a light-shielding conductive material. The capacitance insulation film56is formed of a desired dielectric material.

The capacitive electrode50constitutes a part of the capacitance line5.

The capacitive electrode40is electrically coupled to the relay layer52via a contact hole51extending through the interlayer insulating layer54. In this manner, the capacitive electrode40is electrically coupled to the drain region of the transistor1, and functions as a relay layer for electrically coupling the transistor1and the pixel electrode10. In addition, an image signal supplied to the pixel electrode10is supplied to the capacitive electrode40, and a fixed potential is supplied to the capacitive electrode50from the capacitance line5, and thus, the capacitive element2functions as a retention capacitor.

An optical functional layer LS including a lens forming layer35is provided between the capacitive electrode40and the pixel electrode10. Note that in the embodiment, the lens forming layer35is an example of a first lens forming layer.

The optical functional layer LS is provided for suppressing a light quantity loss. More specifically, a light path of transmitted light is adjusted to prevent the transmitted light past the pixel electrode10from resulting in loss by hitting a functional layer formed of a conductive material with a light-shielding property such as the data line4and the capacitance line5.

The optical functional layer LS includes a light transmissive layer42, the lens forming layer35, a light transmissive layer22, and a protective layer24.

The light transmissive layer42is a light path length adjustment layer referred to as a path layer for adjusting a light path length. The light transmissive layer42is formed of an inorganic material such as silicon oxide. An upper surface of the light transmissive layer42is planarized by CMP or the like.

The lens forming layer35includes the lens layer34and a light transmissive layer36.

The lens layer34is formed of an inorganic material with a different refractive index from that of the light transmissive layer36, such as silicon oxynitride (SiON). The lens layer34includes a lens surface34swith a predetermined shape at a surface on the pixel electrode10side. In the embodiment, the predetermined shape is a convex shape protruding toward the pixel electrode10. The lens surface34sis formed by etching an upper surface of the lens layer34. Note that in the embodiment, the lens surface34sis an example of a first lens.

The light transmissive layer36is formed above the lens layer34. As with the light transmissive layer42, the light transmissive layer36is formed of an inorganic material such as silicon oxide. Silicon oxide is deposited above the lens surface34sand then planarized by CMP or the like, thereby forming the light transmissive layer36.

The light transmissive layer22is provided above the lens layer36.

The light transmissive layer22is a light path length adjustment layer, and is formed of an inorganic material such as silicon oxide as with the light transmissive layer42.

The protective layer24is provided above the light transmissive layer22. The protective layer24is composed of an optically transparent and hygroscopic inorganic material such as borosilicate glass (BSG), for example.

The pixel electrode10is provided above the protective layer24. The alignment film12is provided above the pixel electrode10.

The pixel electrode10and the capacitive electrode40are electrically coupled to each other, via a contact plug21, a relay layer20, a contact plug31, a relay layer30, and a contact plug41. In this manner, the pixel electrode10is electrically coupled to the drain region of the transistor1via the capacitive electrode40. Note that in the embodiment, the relay layer30is an example of a first relay electrode. Further, the contact plug31is an example of a first conductive member. Further, the relay layer20is an example of a third relay electrode.

A contact hole23extending through the protective layer24and the light transmissive layer22is provided between the pixel electrode10and the relay layer20.

The contact hole23is provided for electrically coupling the pixel electrode10and the contact plug31. The contact plug21serving as a conductive member referred to as a pixel contact plug is provided in the contact hole23. The contact plug21is formed of a light-shielding conductive material such as tungsten.

The relay layer20is provided between the light transmissive layer22and the light transmissive layer36. When tungsten is used for the contact plug21, the relay layer20may be formed of a material, for example, titanium nitride or the like, with favorable electrical coupling with tungsten.

The contact plug31is provided in a contact hole33extending through the lens forming layer35. In other words, the lens forming layer35includes the contact hole33. Note that in the embodiment, the contact hole33is an example of a first contact hole.

A length L1 indicates a depth of the contact hole33, or a layer thickness of the lens forming layer35. Further, a length D1 indicates an inside diameter of the contact hole33, and indicates an inside diameter at a position closer to the pixel electrode10.

The contact plug31electrically couples the contact plug21and the relay layer30. The contact plug31is formed of a light-shielding conductive material. In the embodiment, the contact plug31is formed of tungsten or a conductive material containing tungsten.

Tungsten is suitable for forming a contact plug having a fine structure with a high aspect ratio as compared with other conductive materials. Therefore, by using tungsten or a conductive material containing tungsten as the material of the contact plug31, difficulty of processing the contact plug31can be reduced.

The relay layer30is provided between the light transmissive layer42and the lens layer34. When tungsten is used for the material of the contact plug31, the relay layer30may be formed of a material with favorable electrical coupling with tungsten, such as nitride titanium.

A contact hole43extending through the light transmissive layer42is provided between the relay layer30and the capacitive electrode40.

The contact hole43is provided to electrically couple the relay layer30and the capacitive electrode40, and the contact plug41as a conductive member is provided in the contact hole43. The contact plug41is formed of a light-shielding conductive material such as tungsten.

1.4. Cross-Sectional Structure of Peripheral Region of Element Substrate

FIG.5is an explanatory diagram illustrating a cross-sectional structure of the peripheral region A2of the element substrate100, and particularly, illustrates a cross-sectional structure of the inter-substrate conduction electrode15provided in the peripheral region A2.

As illustrated inFIG.5, in the peripheral region A2, the element substrate100has a cross-sectional structure in which insulating or conductive functional layers or functional films are stacked above the base90, as in the case of the display region A1.

A light shielding layer180is provided above the base90.

The light shielding layer180is provided at the same layer as the light shielding layer80in the display region A1, and is formed by the same step and with the same or similar material.

Similarly, each configuration of the peripheral region A2is provided at the same layer as a corresponding configuration of the display region A1, and is formed by the same step and with the same or similar material.

Specifically, an interlayer insulating layer182and the interlayer insulating layer82, a gate insulating layer172and the gate insulating layer72, an interlayer insulating layer176and the interlayer insulating layer76, an interlayer insulating layer164and the interlayer insulating layer64, and an interlayer insulating layer154and the interlayer insulating layer54are provided in the same layers, respectively, and are formed of the same or similar material in the same step. Further, a light transmissive layer142and the light transmissive layer42, a lens layer134and the lens layer34, a light transmissive layer136and the light transmissive layer36, a light transmissive layer122and the light transmissive layer22, and a protective layer124and the protective layer24are provided in the same layers, respectively, and are formed of the same or similar material in the same step.

Here, the optical functional layer LS includes the light transmissive layer142, the lens forming layer135, the light transmissive layer122, and the protective layer124in the peripheral region A2, and the lens forming layer135includes the lens layer134having a lens surface134s, and the light transmissive layer136. The lens surface134shas the same predetermined shape as that of the lens surface34s. Note that in the embodiment, the lens forming layer135is an example of a second lens forming layer, and the lens surface134sis an example of a second lens.

Further, a conductive layer160and the conductive layer60, a relay layer152and the relay layer52, a conductive layer150and the capacitive electrode50, an insulating film156and the capacitance insulation film56, a relay layer140and the capacitive electrode40, a relay layer130and the relay layer30, a relay layer120and the relay layer20, and the inter-substrate conduction electrode15and the pixel electrode10are provided in the same layers, respectively, and are formed of the same or similar material in the same step. Note that in the embodiment, the relay layer130is an example of a second relay electrode. Further, the relay layer120is an example of a fourth relay electrode.

In the embodiment, the inter-substrate conduction electrode15and the pixel electrode10, the relay layer120and the relay layer20, the relay layer130and the relay layer30, the relay layer140and the capacitive electrode40, the insulating film156and the capacitance insulation film56, the conductive layer150and the capacitive electrode50, and the relay layer152and the relay layer52are formed in the same or similar shapes and in the same or similar sizes, respectively. Further, the conductive layer160is provided continuously.

Further, a contact hole123and the contact hole23, a contact hole133and the contact hole33, a contact hole143and the contact hole43, a contact hole151and the contact hole51, and a contact hole161and the contact hole61are provided in the same layers, respectively, to have the same or similar diameters and the same or similar depths, and in the same steps, respectively. Note that in the embodiment, the contact hole133is an example of a second contact hole.

Additionally, a length L2 indicates a depth of the contact hole133or a layer thickness of the lens forming layer135. The length L2 has a value that is the same as or similar to that of the length L1.

Further, a length D2 indicates an inside diameter of the contact hole133, and indicates an inside diameter at a position closer to the inter-substrate conduction electrode15. The length D2 has a value that is the same as or similar to that of the length D1.

Further, a contact plug121and the contact plug21, a contact plug131and the contact plug31, and a contact plug141and the contact plug41are provided in the same layers, respectively, and are formed of the same or similar materials in the same steps, respectively. Note that in the embodiment, the contact plug131is an example of a second conductive member.

The inter-substrate conduction electrode15and the conductive layer160are electrically coupled to each other via the contact plug121, the relay layer120, the contact plug131, the relay layer130, the contact plug141, the relay layer140, the contact hole151, the relay layer152, and the contact hole161. Further, the conductive layer160is electrically coupled to the external terminal9via a conductive layer and a conductive member (not illustrated), and is applied with a fixed potential such as the common potential or the ground potential.

In the embodiment, the transistor1is not provided in a region overlapping the inter-substrate conduction electrode15in plan view, but the transistor1may be provided.

Further, the external terminal9, the inspection terminal16, and the monitor terminal17are also formed in the same manner as the inter-substrate conduction electrode15. That is, the lens forming layer135including the lens layer134having the lens surface134sis provided between the external terminal9, the inspection terminal16, and the monitor terminal17, and the base90.

1.5. Planar Structure of Display Region of Element Substrate

FIG.6is a plan view illustrating a part of the display region A1of the element substrate100, and illustrates a planar structure of the display region A1, in plan view of the display region A1of the element substrate100from the liquid crystal layer Lc side in the Z2 direction. Note that although details will be described later, in the peripheral region A2, a region in which the peripheral electrode such as the inter-substrate conduction electrode15is provided also has a similar planar structure.

InFIG.6, an outer edge of the pixel electrode10is indicated by a solid line, and an outer edge of a configuration included in the optical functional layer LS provided closer to the base90than the pixel electrode10is indicated by a broken line. In addition, a curved surface shape of the lens surface34sis indicated by double circle with chain double-dashed lines, and a boundary where the adjacent two lens surfaces34sare in contact with each other is indicated by a boundary line34b.

As illustrated inFIG.6, the pixel electrode10has a predetermined size, and a shape thereof is a square. Further, the pixel electrodes10are disposed in a matrix along the X-axis and the Y-axis at a predetermined pitch.

In the embodiment, as for the predetermined size of the pixel electrode10, each of vertical and horizontal lengths is about 6 μm, and the predetermined pitch is about 7 μm. Note that the predetermined size and the predetermined pitch of the pixel electrode10described above are merely examples, and may be appropriately changed. Further, the predetermined size of the pixel electrode10corresponds to a first size.

The lens surface34sis provided for each pixel electrode10. The lens surfaces34shave a predetermined size and are provided at a predetermined pitch that is the same as or similar to that of the pixel electrodes10.

In the embodiment, as for the predetermined size of the lens surface34s, each of vertical and horizontal lengths is about 7 μm, and the predetermined pitch is about 7 μm. Note that the predetermined size and the predetermined pitch of the lens surface34sdescribed above are merely examples, and may be appropriately changed.

A light blocking region is provided between the pixel electrodes10adjacent to each other, and a center side of the pixel electrode10is an opening region where light is transmitted. The contact plug21, the contact plug31, the relay layer30, and the capacitive electrode40are provided in the light blocking region. In addition, the transistor1, the gate electrode74, the scan line3, the data line4, the capacitance line5, and the like (not illustrated) are provided in the light blocking region.

The contact plug21is provided at a position overlapping the pixel electrode10, in the embodiment, at a position overlapping a lower left corner of the drawing of four corners of the pixel electrode10.

In plan view, the contact hole23is provided at a position not overlapping the contact hole33. When the contact hole23is provided at a position not overlapping the contact hole33in the above-described manner, deposition of the pixel electrode10provided above the contact hole23can be improved in comparison with a case where the contact hole23is provided at a position overlapping the contact hole33.

The contact hole33and the contact plug31are provided at a gap surrounded by corners of the respective four adjacent pixel electrodes10in plan view.

A plurality of the contact plugs31are disposed at a predetermined pitch. In the embodiment, the predetermined pitch is about 7 μm. Note that the predetermined pitch of the contact plugs31described above is merely an example, and may be changed as appropriate.

The relay layer30is provided at a position overlapping the contact hole33and the contact plug31in plan view. The relay layer30has a predetermined size, and a shape thereof is a square. In the embodiment, as for the size of the relay layer30, each of vertical and horizontal lengths is about 2 μm. Note that the predetermined size of the relay layer30described above is merely an example, and may be appropriately changed. The predetermined size of the relay layer30corresponds to a third size.

The contact plug41is provided at a position overlapping the contact hole33and the contact plug31. In the embodiment, the contact plug41substantially entirely overlaps the contact plug31in plan view.

In plan view, the capacitive electrode40is provided at a position overlapping the relay layer30, the contact plug41, the contact hole43, the contact plug31, the contact hole33, the contact plug21, and the contact hole23.

The capacitive electrode40includes a wide part40w, a protruding part40aprotruding along the Y1 direction from the wide part40w, and a protruding part40bprotruding along the X1 direction from the wide part40w. In plan view, the wide part40whas a size and a shape that overlap the entirety of the relay layer30.

In the embodiment, the shape of each of the contact hole23, the contact hole33, the contact hole43, contact plug21, the contact plug31, and the contact plug41is rectangular in plan view, but this is not limitative, and the shape may be a circular shape, for example.

1.6. Planar Structure of Peripheral Region of Element Substrate

In the peripheral region A2, a region where the peripheral electrodes are provided has a planar structure similar to that illustrated inFIG.6. In other words, when the reference numerals in the configuration of the display region A1inFIG.6are replaced with the corresponding reference numerals in the configuration of the peripheral region A2, the plan view of the region where the peripheral electrodes of the peripheral region A2are provided is obtained.

Specifically, it is sufficient that the pixel electrode10is replaced with the inter-substrate conduction electrode15, the external terminal9, the inspection terminal16, or the monitor terminal17.

Further, similarly, it is sufficient that the relay layer20is replaced with the relay layer120, the relay layer30is replaced with the relay layer130, and the capacitive electrode40is replaced with the relay layer140. Further, it is sufficient that the contact plug21is replaced with the contact plug121, the contact plug31is replaced with the contact plug131, and the contact plug41is replaced with the contact plug141. Further, it is sufficient that the contact hole23is replaced with the contact hole123, the contact hole33is replaced with the contact hole133, and the contact hole43is replaced with the contact hole143. Further, it is sufficient that the lens surface34sis replaced with the lens surface134s.

Like the pixel electrode10, the inter-substrate conduction electrode15has a predetermined size, and a shape thereof is similarly a square. Further, the inter-substrate conduction electrodes15, as in the case of the pixel electrode10, are disposed in a matrix along the X-axis and the Y-axis at a predetermined pitch.

In the embodiment, as for the predetermined size of the inter-substrate conduction electrode15, each of vertical and horizontal lengths is about 6 μm, and the predetermined pitch is about 7 μm. Note that the predetermined size and the predetermined pitch of the inter-substrate conduction electrode15described above are merely examples, and may be appropriately changed.

In plan view, as in the case of the contact hole33and the contact plug31, the contact hole133and the contact plug131are provided in a gap surrounded by corners of the respective four adjacent inter-substrate conduction electrodes15.

A plurality of the contact plugs131are disposed at a predetermined pitch, as in the case of the plurality of contact plugs31.

In the embodiment, the predetermined pitch of the plurality of contact plugs131is about 7 μm, as in the case of the predetermined pitch of the plurality of contact plugs31. Note that the predetermined pitch of the contact plugs131described above is merely an example, and may be changed as appropriate.

The external terminal9, the inspection terminal16, and the monitor terminal17are configured in the same manner as the inter-substrate conduction electrode15described above.

1.7. Cross-sectional Structure of Optical Functional Layer of Display Region of Element Substrate

FIG.7is a cross-sectional view taken along the line C-C ofFIG.6, and illustrates a cross-sectional structure of the optical functional layer LS.

A total of layer thicknesses of the light transmissive layer22and the protective layer24is from about 0.3 μm to about 1 μm, and suitably about 0.5 μm.

The contact hole23has a shape of an inverted quadrangular truncated pyramid, extends through the light transmissive layer22and the protective layer24, and exposes the relay layer20at a bottom of the contact hole23.

An inside diameter of the contact hole23is about 1 μm. The depth of the contact hole23is, as in the case of the total of layer thicknesses of the light transmissive layer22and the protective layer24, from about 0.3 μm to about 1 μm, and suitably about 0.5 μm.

Therefore, an aspect ratio=depth/inside diameter of the contact hole23is from about 0.3 to about 1, and suitably about 0.5.

The layer thickness L1 of the lens forming layer35is from about 3 μm to about 13 μm, and suitably about 7 μm.

The contact hole33has a shape of an inverted quadrangular truncated pyramid, extends through the lens forming layer35, and exposes the relay layer30at a bottom of the contact hole33.

The inside diameter D1 of the contact hole33is about 1 μm. Further, the depth L1 of the contact hole33is from about 3 μm to about 13 μm, and suitably about 7 μm, as in the case of the lens forming layer35.

Therefore, an aspect ratio=depth L1/inside diameter D1 of the contact hole33is from about 3 to about 13, and suitably about 7. In the embodiment, the aspect ratio of the contact hole33corresponds to a predetermined aspect ratio.

A layer thickness of the light transmissive layer42is from about 3 μm to about 10 μm, and suitably about 5 μm.

The contact hole43has a shape of an inverted quadrangular truncated pyramid, extends through the light transmissive layer42, and exposes the capacitive electrode40at a bottom of the contact hole43.

The inside diameter of the contact hole43is about 1 μm. Further, the depth of the contact hole43is from about 3 μm to about 10 μm, and suitably about 5 μm, as in the case of the light transmissive layer42. Therefore, an aspect ratio=depth/inside diameter of the contact hole43is from about 3 to about 10, and suitably about 5.

In the embodiment, the lens forming layer35is formed to have a layer thickness equal to or greater than that of the light transmissive layer42. Further, the layer thickness of the lens forming layer35is greater than those of the other interlayer insulating layers.

Therefore, the contact hole33is a contact hole having the highest aspect ratio as compared to the contact holes provided at the other layers.

1.8. Cross-Sectional Structure of Optical Functional Layer of Peripheral Region of Element Substrate

In the peripheral region A2, the region where the peripheral electrodes are provided has a cross-sectional structure similar to that illustrated inFIG.7. In other words, when the reference numerals in the configuration of the display region A1inFIG.7are replaced with the corresponding reference numerals in the configuration of the peripheral region A2, the cross-sectional view of the region where the peripheral electrodes of the peripheral region A2are provided is obtained.

Specifically, it is sufficient that the light transmissive layer42is replaced with the light transmissive layer142, the lens layer34is replaced with the lens layer134, the light transmissive layer36is replaced with the light transmissive layer136, the light transmissive layer22is replaced with the light transmissive layer122, and the protective layer24is replaced with the protective layer124.

A total of layer thicknesses of the light transmissive layer122and the protective layer124is similar to the case of the light transmissive layer22and the protective layer24.

A shape of the contact hole123is, as in the case of the contact hole23, an inverted quadrangular truncated pyramid.

An inside diameter of the contact hole123is, as in the case of the contact hole23, about 1 μm. Further, the depth of the contact hole123is from about 0.3 μm to about 1 μm, as in the case of the contact hole23.

Therefore, as in the case of the contact hole23, an aspect ratio=depth/inside diameter of the contact hole123is from about 0.3 to about 1, and suitably about 0.5.

The layer thickness L2 of the lens forming layer135is, as in the case of the lens forming layer35, from about 3 μm to about 13 μm, and suitably about 7 μm.

A shape of the contact hole133is, as in the case of the contact hole33, an inverted quadrangular truncated pyramid.

An inside diameter D2 of the contact hole133is, as in the case of the inside diameter D1 of the contact hole33, about 1 μm. Further, as in the case of the depth L1 of the contact hole33, the depth L2 of the contact hole133is from about 3 μm to about 13 μm, and suitably about 7 μm.

Therefore, as in the case of the contact hole33, an aspect ratio=depth L2/inside diameter D2 of the contact hole133is from about 3 to about 13, and suitably about 7. In the embodiment, the aspect ratio of the contact hole133corresponds to the predetermined aspect ratio.

A layer thickness of the light transmissive layer142is, as in the case of the light transmissive layer42, from about 3 μm to about 10 μm, and suitably about 5 μm.

A shape of the contact hole143is, as in the case of the contact hole43, an inverted quadrangular truncated pyramid.

An inside diameter of the contact hole143is, as in the case of the contact hole43, about 1 μm. Further, as in the case of the contact hole43, a depth of the contact hole143is from about 3 μm to about 10 μm, and suitably about 5 μm.

Therefore, as in the case of the contact hole43, an aspect ratio=depth/inside diameter of the contact hole143is from about 3 to about 10, and suitably about 5.

In the embodiment, the lens forming layer135is formed to have a layer thickness equal to or greater than that of the light transmissive layer142, as in the case of the lens forming layer35. In addition, the layer thickness of the lens forming layer135is greater than those of the other interlayer insulating layers, as in the case of the lens forming layer35.

Therefore, as in the case of the contact hole33, the contact hole133is a contact hole having the highest aspect ratio as compared to the contact holes provided in the other layers.

1.9. Modifications

Various modifications may be made for the above-described embodiment of the cross-sectional structure of the peripheral region A2of the element substrate100. Specific aspects of the modification will be exemplified below.

1.9.1. Modification 1

FIG.8is an explanatory diagram illustrating a cross-sectional structure of the peripheral region A2according to Modification 1, and illustrates a modification of the cross-sectional structure of the peripheral region A2of the element substrate100illustrated inFIG.5.FIG.8particularly illustrates a cross-sectional structure of the inter-substrate conduction electrode15.

In Modification 1, shapes of the inter-substrate conduction electrode15and conductive layers overlapping the inter-substrate conduction electrode15are different from those in the example illustrated inFIG.5.

In Modification 1, the inter-substrate conduction electrode15is continuously provided. Specifically, the plurality of inter-substrate conduction electrodes15illustrated inFIG.5are coupled to form the one inter-substrate conduction electrode15. In other words, in Modification 1, when the size of the pixel electrode10in plan view is defined as the first size, the inter-substrate conduction electrode15has a second size greater than the first size.

In Modification 1, the second size is size of a polygon with each diagonal having a length of about 600 μm. Note that the second size of the inter-substrate conduction electrode15described above is merely an example, and may be appropriately changed.

Similarly, the relay layer120, the relay layer130, the relay layer140, the conductive layer150, the relay layer152, the conductive layer160, and the insulating film156are also continuously provided.

In Modification 1, when the size of the relay layer30in plan view is defined as the third size, the relay layer130has a fourth size greater than the third size. In Modification 1, the fourth size is substantially the same as the second size of the inter-substrate conduction electrode15described above.

In Modification 1, cross-sectional structures of the other peripheral electrodes such as the external terminal9, the inspection terminal16, and the monitor terminal17are similarly configured.

Specifically, the external terminal9is continuously provided. In other words, in Modification 1, when the size of the pixel electrode10in plan view is defined as the first size, the external terminal9has the second size greater than the first size.

In Modification 1, the second size of the external terminal9is a size of a rectangle having a vertical length of about 500 μm and a horizontal length of 40 μm. Note that the second size of the external terminal9described above is merely an example and may be changed as appropriate.

The inspection terminal16is continuously provided. In other words, in Modification 1, when the size of the pixel electrode10in plan view is defined as the first size, the inspection terminal16has the second size greater than the first size.

In Modification 1, the second size of the inspection terminal16is a size of a rectangle having each of vertical and horizontal lengths of about 150 μm. Note that the second size of the inspection terminal16described above is merely an example and may be changed as appropriate.

The monitor terminal17is continuously provided. In other words, in Modification 1, when the size of the pixel electrode10in plan view is defined as the first size, the monitor terminal17has the second size greater than the first size.

In Modification 1, the second size of the monitor terminal17is a size of a rectangle having each of vertical and horizontal lengths of about 100 μm. Note that the second size of the monitor terminal17described above is merely an example, and may be changed as appropriate.

1.9.2. Modification 2

FIG.9is an explanatory diagram illustrating a cross-sectional structure according to Modification 2, and illustrates a modification of the cross-sectional structure of the peripheral region A2of the element substrate100illustrated inFIG.5.FIG.9particularly illustrates a cross-sectional structure of the inter-substrate conduction electrode15.

In Modification 2, a configuration of the lens forming layer135is different from that of the cross-sectional structure of Modification 1 illustrated inFIG.8.

In Modification 2, the lens forming layer135includes a light transmissive layer132provided on the base90side and the lens layer134provided above the light transmissive layer132.

In Modification 2, the lens layer134includes the concave lens surface134sin which a center is recessed at a surface on the inter-substrate conduction electrode15side. Note that although not illustrated, in Modification 2, the lens forming layer35in the display region A1also has a similar cross-sectional structure.

In Modification 2, the inter-substrate conduction electrode15, the relay layer130, the relay layer140, and the like are continuously provided as in Modification 1. Note that the inter-substrate conduction electrode15, the relay layer130, the relay layer140, and the like may each be structured to be divided for each pixel as in the example ofFIG.5.

1.9.3. Modification 3

FIG.10is an explanatory diagram illustrating a cross-sectional structure according to Modification 3, and illustrates a cross-sectional structure taken along the line B-B inFIG.1.FIG.10particularly illustrates a cross-sectional structure of the alignment mark18provided in the peripheral region A2.

The alignment mark18is provided at the same layer as the conductive layer160, and is formed using the same or similar material and the same step to those of the conductive layer160. In the embodiment, the alignment mark18may have a three-layer structure of titanium nitride, aluminum, and titanium nitride.

The lens forming layer135overlapping the alignment mark18in plan view does not have the lens surface134s. Therefore, it is possible to improve reliability of reading the alignment mark18as compared with the case where the lens surface134sis provided.

In Modification 3, the lens layer134overlapping the alignment mark18in plan view has a concave portion134c.

1.9.4. Modification 4

FIG.11Ais an explanatory diagram illustrating a cross-sectional structure according to Modification 4, and as in the case ofFIG.10, illustrates the cross-sectional structure taken along the line B-B inFIG.1.FIG.11Aillustrates a modification of the cross-sectional structure illustrated inFIG.10.

Modification 4 is different from Modification 3 in that the lens forming layer135overlapping the alignment mark18in plan view includes the lens surface134s.

In the configuration of Modification 4, the reliability of reading the alignment mark18is reduced as compared with Modification 3. However, since the lens surface134sis formed in an entire region of the lens forming layer135, the lens forming layer35and the lens forming layer135can have the same or similar structures in the display region A1and the peripheral region A2. Therefore, it is possible to reduce difficulty in processing the contact hole33and the contact hole133.

1.9.5. Modification 5

FIG.11Bis an explanatory diagram illustrating a cross-sectional structure according to Modification 5, and as in the case ofFIG.10, illustrates the cross-sectional structure taken along the line B-B inFIG.1.FIG.11Billustrates a modification of the cross-sectional structure illustrated inFIG.10.

Modification 5, as in the case of Modification 3, does not include the lens surface134sat the lens forming layer135overlapping the alignment mark18in plan view, but is different from Modification 3 in that the concave portion134cis not included at the lens forming layer135overlapping the alignment mark18in plan view.

1.9.6. Modification 6

FIG.11Cis an explanatory diagram illustrating a cross-sectional structure according to Modification 6, and as in the case ofFIG.10, illustrates the cross-sectional structure taken along the line B-B inFIG.1.FIG.11Cillustrates a modification of the cross-sectional structure illustrated inFIG.10.

In particular, difference in Modification 6 is that, in the lens forming layer135in the peripheral region A2, the lens surface134sis provided only in a region overlapping the inter-substrate conduction electrode15in plan view, and that the lens forming layer135overlapping the alignment mark18in plan view does not include the concave portion134c.

Although not illustrated, in Modification 6, the lens surface134sis provided only in a region overlapping other peripheral electrodes such as the inter-substrate conduction electrode15, the external terminal9, the inspection terminal16, and the monitor terminal17in plan view.

1.9.7. Modification 7

FIG.11Dis an explanatory diagram illustrating a cross-sectional structure according to Modification 7, and as in the case ofFIG.10, illustrates the cross-sectional structure taken along the line B-B inFIG.1.FIG.11Dillustrates a modification of the cross-sectional structure illustrated inFIG.10.

Modification 7 is different from Modification 3 particularly in that the lens surface134sis provided only in a region overlapping the inter-substrate conduction electrode15in plan view in the lens forming layer135in the peripheral region A2, as in the case of Modification 6 illustrated inFIG.11C. Note that in Modification 7, the lens layer134has the concave portion134cin a region overlapping the alignment mark18in plan view.

As described above, according to the liquid crystal apparatus300as the electro-optical apparatus of the embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

The liquid crystal apparatus300of the embodiment includes base90as the first substrate, the base210facing the base90as the second substrate, the liquid crystal layer Lc provided between the base90and the base210as the electro-optical layer, wherein the base90includes the pixel electrode10provided in the display region A1, the inter-substrate conduction electrode15, the external electrode9, the inspection terminal16, or the monitor terminal17provided in the peripheral region A2as the peripheral electrode, the transistor1provided between the pixel electrode10and the base90, the relay layer30provided between the pixel electrode10and the transistor1as the first relay electrode, the relay layer130provided between the inter-substrate conduction electrode15, the external terminal9, the inspection terminal16, or the monitor terminal17and the base90, and being in the same layer as the relay layer30as the second relay electrode, the lens forming layer35provided between the pixel electrode10and the relay layer30, and including the lens surface34sas the first lens and the contact hole33as the first contact hole as the first lens forming layer, the lens forming layer135provided between the inter-substrate conduction electrode15, the external terminal9, the inspection terminal16, or the monitor terminal17and the relay layer130, including the lens surface134sas the second lens and the contact hole133as the second contact hole, and being in the same layer as the lens forming layer35as the second lens forming layer, the contact plug31provided in the contact hole33, and electrically coupling the pixel electrode10and the relay layer30as the first conductive member, and the contact plug131provided in the contact hole133, and electrically coupling the inter-substrate conduction electrode15, the external electrode9, the inspection terminal16, or the monitor terminal17and the relay layer130as the second conductive member.

As described above, the lens forming layer35includes the lens surface34sbetween the pixel electrode10and the relay layer30in the display region A1, and the lens forming layer135includes the lens surface134sbetween the inter-substrate conduction electrode15, the external terminal9, the inspection terminal16, or the monitor terminal17and the relay layer130in the peripheral region A2. In other words, in plan view, the lens forming layer35overlapping the pixel electrode10, and the lens forming layer135overlapping the inter-substrate conduction electrode15, the external terminal9, the inspection terminal16, or the monitor terminal17can have the same or similar structures.

Therefore, it is possible to reduce the difficulty in processing the contact hole33and the contact hole133. In other words, it is easy to secure process window for the contact hole33and the contact hole133.

Therefore, it is possible to achieve both reliability of electrical conduction between the pixel electrode10and the relay layer30, and reliability of electrical conduction between the peripheral electrode such as the inter-substrate conduction electrode15, the external terminal9, the inspection terminal16, or the monitor terminal17and the relay layer130.

Furthermore, a global step between the display region A1and the peripheral region A2is reduced. Therefore, since heights of the respective electrodes such as the pixel electrode10, the inter-substrate conduction electrode15, the external terminal9, the inspection terminal16, and the monitor terminal17are aligned, it is easy to control for bringing a probe into contact with an electrode in an inspection process or the like, and it is possible to improve efficiency and reliability of the inspection process.

Furthermore, in the liquid crystal apparatus300of the embodiment, the lens surfaces34sas the first lenses and the lens surfaces134sas the second lenses are disposed at predetermined pitches, respectively. In other words, the lens surfaces134sare disposed at the same or similar pitch as that of the lens surfaces34s.

Therefore, in the display region A1and the peripheral region A2, the lens forming layer35and the lens forming layer135can have the same or similar structures, and thus it is possible to reduce the difficulty in processing the contact hole33and the contact hole133.

Therefore, it is possible to achieve both the reliability of electrical conduction between the pixel electrode10and the relay layer30, and the reliability of electrical conduction between the peripheral electrode such as the inter-substrate conduction electrode15, the external terminal9, the inspection terminal16, or the monitor terminal17and the relay layer130.

Furthermore, the global step between the display region A1and the peripheral region A2is reduced.

Furthermore, in the liquid crystal apparatus300of the embodiment, the lens surface34sas the first lens and the lens surface134sas the second lens each have a predetermined size. In other words, the lens surface134shas the same or similar size as that of the lens surface34s.

Therefore, in the display region A1and the peripheral region A2, the lens forming layer35and the lens forming layer135can have the same or similar structures, and thus it is possible to reduce the difficulty in processing the contact hole33and the contact hole133.

Therefore, it is possible to achieve both the reliability of electrical conduction between the pixel electrode10and the relay layer30, and the reliability of electrical conduction between the peripheral electrode such as the inter-substrate conduction electrode15, the external terminal9, the inspection terminal16, or the monitor terminal17and the relay layer130.

Furthermore, the global step between the display region A1and the peripheral region A2is reduced.

Furthermore, in the liquid crystal apparatus300of the embodiment, the lens surface34sas the first lens and the lens surface134sas the second lens have predetermined shapes. In other words, the lens surface134shas the same or similar size as that of the lens surface34s.

Therefore, in the display region A1and the peripheral region A2, the lens forming layer35and the lens forming layer135can have the same or similar structures, and thus it is possible to reduce the difficulty in processing the contact hole33and the contact hole133.

Therefore, it is possible to achieve both the reliability of electrical conduction between the pixel electrode10and the relay layer30, and the reliability of electrical conduction between the peripheral electrode such as the inter-substrate conduction electrode15, the external terminal9, the inspection terminal16, or the monitor terminal17and the relay layer130.

Furthermore, the global step between the display region A1and the peripheral region A2is reduced.

Furthermore, in the liquid crystal apparatus300of the embodiment, the contact plugs31as the first conductive members and the contact plugs131as the second conductive members are disposed at predetermined pitches, respectively. In other words, the contact plugs131are disposed at the same or similar pitch as that of the contact plugs31.

Therefore, in the display region A1and the peripheral region A2, the lens forming layer35and the lens forming layer135can have the same or similar structures, and thus it is possible to reduce the difficulty in processing the contact hole33and the contact hole133.

Therefore, it is possible to achieve both the reliability of electrical conduction between the pixel electrode10and the relay layer30, and the reliability of electrical conduction between the peripheral electrode such as the inter-substrate conduction electrode15, the external terminal9, the inspection terminal16, or the monitor terminal17and the relay layer130.

Furthermore, the global step between the display region A1and the peripheral region A2is reduced.

Furthermore, in the liquid crystal apparatus300of the embodiment, each of the contact hole33as the first contact hole and the contact hole133as the second contact hole has a predetermined aspect ratio. In other words, the contact hole133has the same or similar predetermined aspect ratio as that of the contact hole33.

Therefore, in the display region A1and the peripheral region A2, the lens forming layer35and the lens forming layer135can have the same or similar structures, and thus it is possible to reduce the difficulty in processing the contact hole33and the contact hole133.

Therefore, it is possible to achieve both the reliability of electrical conduction between the pixel electrode10and the relay layer30, and the reliability of electrical conduction between the peripheral electrode such as the inter-substrate conduction electrode15, the external terminal9, the inspection terminal16, or the monitor terminal17and the relay layer130.

Furthermore, the global step between the display region A1and the peripheral region A2is reduced.

Furthermore, in the liquid crystal apparatus300of the embodiment, the predetermined aspect ratio is from 3 to 13.

Therefore, it is possible to reduce the difficulty in processing the contact hole33and the contact hole133having the same or similar high aspect ratios.

Therefore, it is possible to achieve both the reliability of electrical conduction between the pixel electrode10and the relay layer30, and the reliability of electrical conduction between the peripheral electrode such as the inter-substrate conduction electrode15, the external terminal9, the inspection terminal16, or the monitor terminal17and the relay layer130.

Furthermore, the global step between the display region A1and the peripheral region A2is reduced.

Furthermore, in the liquid crystal apparatus300of the embodiment, the base90as the first substrate includes the alignment mark18as the optical reading mark provided between the lens forming layer135as the second lens forming layer and the base90in the peripheral region A2, and the alignment mark18does not overlap the lens surface134sas the second lens in plan view.

Therefore, the alignment mark18can be easily read and the inspection process can be easily performed. It is possible to further reduce the difficulty in processing the contact hole33and the contact hole133.

Therefore, it is possible to achieve both the reliability of electrical conduction between the pixel electrode10and the relay layer30, and the reliability of electrical conduction between the peripheral electrode such as the inter-substrate conduction electrode15, the external terminal9, the inspection terminal16, or the monitor terminal17and the relay layer130.

Furthermore, in the liquid crystal apparatus300of the embodiment, the pixel electrode10has a predetermined size in plan view, and the peripheral electrode such as the inter-substrate conduction electrode15, the external terminal9, the inspection terminal16, or the monitor terminal17has the same or similar predetermined size as that of the pixel electrode10in plan view.

Therefore, the display region A1and the peripheral region A2can have the same or similar structures, and thus it is possible to reduce the difficulty in processing the contact hole33and the contact hole133.

Therefore, it is possible to achieve both the reliability of electrical conduction between the pixel electrode10and the relay layer30, and the reliability of electrical conduction between the peripheral electrode such as the inter-substrate conduction electrode15, the external terminal9, the inspection terminal16, or the monitor terminal17and the relay layer130.

Furthermore, the global step between the display region A1and the peripheral region A2is reduced.

Furthermore, in the liquid crystal apparatus300of the embodiment, the pixel electrode10has the first size in plan view, and the inter-substrate conduction electrode15, the external terminal9, the inspection terminal16, or the monitor terminal17as the peripheral electrode has the second size greater than the first size in plan view.

Thus, it is possible to achieve both the reliability of electrical conduction between the pixel electrode10and the relay layer30, and the reliability of electrical conduction between the peripheral electrode such as the inter-substrate conduction electrode15, the external terminal9, the inspection terminal16, or the monitor terminal17and the relay layer130.

Furthermore, in the liquid crystal apparatus300of the embodiment, the relay layer30as the first relay electrode has the third size in plan view, and the relay layer130as the second relay electrode has the fourth size greater than the third size in plan view.

Thus, it is possible to achieve both the reliability of electrical conduction between the pixel electrode10and the relay layer30, and the reliability of electrical conduction between the peripheral electrode such as the inter-substrate conduction electrode15, the external terminal9, the inspection terminal16, or the monitor terminal17and the relay layer130.

Furthermore, in the liquid crystal apparatus300of the embodiment, the contact plug31as the first conductive member and the contact plug131as the second conductive member are formed of tungsten or a conductive material containing tungsten.

Tungsten is suitable for forming a contact plug having a fine structure with a high aspect ratio as compared with other conductive materials. Therefore, by using tungsten or a conductive material containing tungsten for the contact plug31and the contact plug131, the difficulty of processing the contact plug31and the contact plug131can be reduced.

Therefore, it is possible to achieve both the reliability of electrical conduction between the pixel electrode10and the relay layer30, and the reliability of electrical conduction between the peripheral electrode such as the inter-substrate conduction electrode15, the external terminal9, the inspection terminal16, or the monitor terminal17and the relay layer130.

Furthermore, in the liquid crystal apparatus300of the embodiment, the peripheral electrode is the inter-substrate conduction electrode15that electrically couples the base90as the first substrate and the base210as the second substrate.

Therefore, it is possible to achieve both the reliability of the electrical conduction between the pixel electrode10and the relay layer30, and reliability of the electrical conduction between the inter-substrate conduction electrode15and the relay layer130.

Furthermore, in the liquid crystal apparatus300of the embodiment, the peripheral electrode is the external terminal9.

Therefore, it is possible to achieve both the reliability of the electrical conduction between the pixel electrode10and the relay layer30, and reliability of the electrical conduction between the external terminal9and the relay layer130.

Furthermore, in the liquid crystal apparatus300of the embodiment, the peripheral electrode is the inspection terminal16.

Therefore, it is possible to achieve both the reliability of the electrical conduction between the pixel electrode10and the relay layer30, and reliability of the electrical conduction between the inspection terminal16and the relay layer130.

Furthermore, in the liquid crystal apparatus300of the embodiment, the peripheral electrode is the monitor terminal17. Therefore, it is possible to achieve both the reliability of the electrical conduction between the pixel electrode10and the relay layer30, and reliability of electrical conduction between the monitor terminal17and the relay layer130.

The liquid crystal apparatus300of the embodiment includes the base90as the first substrate, the base210facing the base90as the second substrate, the liquid crystal layer Lc provided between the base90and the base210as the electro-optical layer, wherein the base90includes the pixel electrode10provided in the display region A1, the inter-substrate conduction electrode15, the external electrode9, the inspection terminal16, or the monitor terminal17provided in the peripheral region A2as the peripheral electrode, the transistor1provided between the pixel electrode10and the base90, the relay layer30provided between the pixel electrode10and the transistor1as the first relay electrode, the relay layer130provided between the inter-substrate conduction electrode15, the external terminal9, the inspection terminal16, or the monitor terminal17and the base90, and being in the same layer as the relay layer30as the second relay electrode, the relay layer20provided between the pixel electrode10and the relay layer30as the third relay electrode, the relay layer120provided between the inter-substrate conduction electrode15, the external terminal9, the inspection terminal16, or the monitor terminal17and the relay layer130, and being in the same layer as the relay layer20as the fourth relay electrode, the lens forming layer35provided between the relay layer20and the relay layer30, and including the lens surface34sas the first lens and the contact hole33as the first contact hole as the first lens forming layer, the lens forming layer135provided between the relay layer120and the relay layer130, including the lens surface134sas the second lens and the contact hole133as the second contact hole, and being in the same layer as the lens forming layer35as the second lens forming layer, the contact plug31provided in the contact hole33, and electrically coupling the pixel electrode10and the relay layer30as the first conductive member, and the contact plug131provided in the contact hole133, and electrically coupling the inter-substrate conduction electrode15, the external electrode9, the inspection terminal16, or the monitor terminal17and the relay layer130as the second conductive member.

As described above, the lens forming layer35includes the lens surface34sbetween the relay layer20and the relay layer30in the display region A1, and the lens forming layer135includes the lens surface134sbetween the relay layer120and the relay layer130in the peripheral region A2. In other words, in plan view, the lens forming layer35overlapping the pixel electrode10, and the lens forming layer135overlapping the inter-substrate conduction electrode15, the external terminal9, the inspection terminal16, or the monitor terminal17can have the same or similar structures.

Therefore, it is possible to reduce the difficulty in processing the contact hole33and the contact hole133. In other words, it is easy to secure the process window for the contact hole33and the contact hole133.

Therefore, it is possible to achieve both the reliability of electrical conduction between the pixel electrode10and the relay layer30, and the reliability of electrical conduction between the peripheral electrode such as the inter-substrate conduction electrode15, the external terminal9, the inspection terminal16, or the monitor terminal17and the relay layer130.

Furthermore, the global step between the display region A1and the peripheral region A2is reduced.

2. Embodiment 2

A schematic structure of the liquid crystal apparatus300as an electro-optical apparatus according to Embodiment 2 will be described with reference toFIGS.12and13.

FIG.12is an explanatory diagram illustrating a cross-sectional structure of the display region A1of the element substrate100in the liquid crystal apparatus300according to Embodiment 2.FIG.13is an explanatory diagram illustrating a cross-sectional structure of the peripheral region A2of the element substrate100in the liquid crystal apparatus300according to Embodiment 2.

Embodiment 2 is different from Embodiment 1 in that the optical functional layer LS does not include the relay layer20, the relay layer120, the relay layer30, and the relay layer130. Note that the same reference numerals are given to the same or similar configurations as in Embodiment 1, and the description thereof will be omitted.

2.1. Cross-sectional Structure of Display Region of Element Substrate

As illustrated inFIG.12, in Embodiment 2, the optical functional layer LS does not include the relay layer20and the relay layer30. Thus, the contact hole33extends through the protective layer24, the light transmissive layer22, the light transmissive layer36, the lens layer34, and the light transmissive layer42, and exposes the capacitive electrode40at the bottom of the contact hole33.

In Embodiment 2, the capacitive electrode40is an example of the first relay electrode. Further, the contact hole33is an example of the first contact hole. Further, the lens forming layer35is an example of the first lens forming layer.

In Embodiment 2, a depth L3 of the contact hole33is from about 3.3 to 21 μm, and suitably 1.25 μm. Further, an inside diameter D3 of the contact hole33is about 1 μm. Therefore, an aspect ratio of the contact hole33=depth L3/inside diameter D3 is about from 3.3 to 21, and suitably 12.5.

2.2. Cross-sectional Structure of Peripheral Region of Element Substrate

As illustrated inFIG.13, in Embodiment 2, the optical functional layer LS does not include the relay layer120and the relay layer130. Thus, the contact hole133extends through the protective layer124, the light transmissive layer122, the light transmissive layer136, the lens layer134, and the light transmissive layer142, and exposes the relay layer140at a bottom of the contact hole133.

In Embodiment 2, the relay layer140is an example of the second relay electrode. The contact hole133is an example of the second contact hole. The lens forming layer135is an example of the second lens forming layer.

In Embodiment 2, as in the case of the depth L3 of the contact hole33, a depth L4 of the contact hole133is about from 3.3 to 21 μm, and suitably 12.5 μm. Also, an inside diameter D4 of the contact hole133is about 1 μm, as in the case of the inside diameter D4 of the contact hole33.

Therefore, as in the case of the aspect ratio of the contact hole33, an aspect ratio=depth L4/inside diameter D4 of the contact hole133is about from 3.3 to 21, and suitably 12.5.

Although the cross-sectional structure of the inter-substrate conduction electrode15is illustrated inFIG.13, cross-sectional structures of the other peripheral electrodes such as the external terminal9, the inspection terminal16, and the monitor terminal17are similarly configured.

2.3. Modifications

In Embodiment 2, the aspect of the cross-sectional structure of the peripheral region A2of the element substrate100may be modified in various ways. Specific aspects of the modification will be exemplified below.

2.3.1. Modification 8

FIG.14is an explanatory diagram illustrating a cross-sectional structure according to Modification 8, and illustrates a modification of the cross-sectional structure of the peripheral region A2of the element substrate100illustrated inFIG.13.

In Modification 8, the inter-substrate conduction electrode15is continuously provided. Specifically, a plurality of the inter-substrate conduction electrodes15illustrated inFIG.13are coupled to form the one inter-substrate conduction electrode15. In other words, in Modification 8, when the size of the pixel electrode10in plan view is defined as the first size, the inter-substrate conduction electrode15has the second size greater than the first size.

Similarly, the relay layer140, the conductive layer150, the relay layer152, the conductive layer160, and the insulating film156are also continuously provided.

In Modification 8, when the size of the capacitive electrode40in plan view is defined as the third size, the relay layer140has the fourth size greater than the third size. In Modification 8, the fourth size is substantially the same as the second size described above.

In Modification 8, cross-sectional structures of other peripheral electrodes such as the external terminal9, the inspection terminal16, and the monitor terminal17are similarly configured.

2.3.2. Modification 9

In Embodiments 1 and 2 described above, the peripheral electrode such as the inter-substrate conduction electrode15, the external terminal9, the inspection terminal16, or the monitor terminal17and the pixel electrode10are each provided above the optical functional layer LS.

In Modification 9, the configuration of the optical functional layer LS is made partially different between the display region A1and the peripheral region A2.

To be specific, the peripheral region A2has a configuration in which the light transmissive layer122is not provided between the peripheral electrode such as the inter-substrate conduction electrode15, the external terminal9, the inspection terminal16, or the monitor terminal17and the light transmissive layer136. This configuration can be achieved by, for example, forming the light transmissive layer22and the light transmissive layer122as films, and then removing only the light transmissive layer122in the peripheral region A2.

Layer thicknesses of the light transmissive layer122and the light transmissive layer22are smaller than those of the lens forming layer35and the lens forming layer135. Thus, even with such a configuration, similar effects to those of the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

As described above, according to the liquid crystal apparatus300as the electro-optical apparatus of Embodiment 2, the following effects can be obtained in addition to the effects of Embodiment 1.

The liquid crystal apparatus300of Embodiment 2 includes the base90as the first substrate, the base210facing the base90as the second substrate, the liquid crystal layer Lc provided between the base90and the base210as the electro-optical layer, wherein the base90includes the pixel electrode10provided in the display region A1, the inter-substrate conduction electrode15, the external electrode9, the inspection terminal16, or the monitor terminal17provided in the peripheral region A2as the peripheral electrode, the transistor1provided between the pixel electrode10and the base90, the capacitive electrode40provided between the pixel electrode10and the transistor1as the first relay electrode, the relay layer140provided between the inter-substrate conduction electrode15, the external terminal9, the inspection terminal16, or the monitor terminal17and the base90, and being in the same layer as the capacitive electrode40as the second relay electrode, the lens forming layer35provided between the pixel electrode10and the capacitive electrode40, and including the lens surface34sas the first lens and the contact hole33as the first contact hole as the first lens forming layer, the lens forming layer135provided between the inter-substrate conduction electrode15, the external terminal9, the inspection terminal16, or the monitor terminal17and the relay layer140, including the lens surface134sas the second lens and the contact hole133as the second contact hole, and being in the same layer as the lens forming layer35as the second lens forming layer, the contact plug31provided in the contact hole33, and electrically coupling the pixel electrode10and the capacitive electrode40as the first conductive member, and the contact plug131provided in the contact hole133, and electrically coupling the inter-substrate conduction electrode15, the external electrode9, the inspection terminal16, or the monitor terminal17and the relay layer140as the second conductive member.

As described above, the lens forming layer35includes the lens surface34sbetween the pixel electrode10and the capacitive electrode40in the display region A1, and the lens forming layer135includes the lens surface134sbetween the inter-substrate conduction electrode15, the external terminal9, the inspection terminal16, or the monitor terminal17and the relay layer140in the peripheral region A2. In other words, in plan view, the lens forming layer35overlapping the pixel electrode10, and the lens forming layer135overlapping the inter-substrate conduction electrode15, the external terminal9, the inspection terminal16, or the monitor terminal17can have the same or similar structures.

Therefore, it is possible to reduce the difficulty in processing the contact hole33and the contact hole133. In other words, it is easy to secure the process window for the contact hole33and the contact hole133.

Therefore, it is possible to achieve both reliability of electrical conduction between the pixel electrode10and the capacitive electrode40, and reliability of electrical conduction between the peripheral electrode such as the inter-substrate conduction electrode15, the external terminal9, the inspection terminal16, or the monitor terminal17and the relay layer140.

Furthermore, the global step between the display region A1and the peripheral region A2is reduced.

3. Embodiment 3

FIG.15is a schematic view illustrating an example of an electronic apparatus, and is a schematic view illustrating a schematic configuration of a projection-type display device1000as the electronic apparatus.

The projection-type display device1000is a three-plate type projector including the three liquid crystal apparatuses300described above, for example. A liquid crystal apparatus300R corresponds to a display color of red, a liquid crystal apparatus300G corresponds to a display color of green, and a liquid crystal apparatus300B corresponds to a display color of blue. A control unit1005includes a processor and a memory, and controls operation of the liquid crystal apparatuses300R,300G, and300B, for example.

In light emitted from an illumination apparatus1002serving as a light source, an illumination optical system1001supplies a red component RL to the liquid crystal apparatus300R, a green component GL to the liquid crystal apparatus300G, and a blue component BL to the liquid crystal apparatus300B. The liquid crystal apparatuses300R,300G and300B function as light modulation apparatuses that modulate the color light RL, GL and BL supplied from the illumination optical system1001in accordance with the display image.

A projection optical system1003combines light emitted from the liquid crystal apparatus300R, light emitted from the liquid crystal apparatus300G, and light emitted from the liquid crystal apparatus300B, and projects the combined light to a screen1004.

As described above, the projection-type display apparatus1000as the electronic apparatus of the embodiment includes the above-described liquid crystal apparatus300.

In this manner, performance of the projection-type display apparatus1000can be improved by employing the liquid crystal apparatus300with high electrical reliability.

Note that the electronic apparatus is not limited to the projector of three-plate type exemplified above. For example, a projector of single-plate type, two-plate type, or of a type with four or more liquid crystal apparatuses300may be used. In addition, the electronic apparatus may be a smart phone, personal digital assistants (PDA), a camera, a television, a car navigation device, a personal computer, a display, an electronic paper, a calculator, a television phone, and an apparatus including a point of sale (POS), a printer, a scanner, a copier, a video player, or a touch panel, and the like.

Although preferred embodiments have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. In addition, the configuration of each component of the present disclosure can be replaced with any configuration with the same functions of the above embodiments, and any configuration can be added.