WO2007013125A1

WO2007013125A1 - Image display device and irradiation source device

Info

Publication number: WO2007013125A1
Application number: PCT/JP2005/013544
Authority: WO
Inventors: Takeo Iwasaki
Original assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
Priority date: 2005-07-25
Filing date: 2005-07-25
Publication date: 2007-02-01

Abstract

A device (10) for displaying an image is disclosed. The device (10) includes (a) irradiation source sections (40, 50R, 50G, 50B) which convert electricity into electromagnetic waves and output the converted electromagnetic waves, and (b) reactive elements (70R, 70G, 70B) arranged by being correlated with the irradiation source sections (40, 50R, 50G, 50B). The reactive elements (70R, 70G, 70B) have, for instance, periodic structures into which the electromagnetic waves outputted from the irradiation source sections enter. In the case where the electromagnetic wave enters into the periodic structure, as the entered electromagnetic wave is influenced by the periodic structure, characteristics of outgoing electromagnetic wave outputted from the periodic structure change to be different from those of the entered electromagnetic wave.

Description

Specification

Image display device and radiation source device

Technical field

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to a technique for displaying an image using a radiation source part that converts electricity into an electromagnetic wave and emits it, and particularly relates to a technique for improving output characteristics of the radiation source part.

Background art

[0002] Image display devices that display images are already known (see, for example, Japanese Patent No. 3033545). ₀ This type of image display device generally uses electricity to generate electromagnetic waves (for example, radio waves, visible light, etc.). Light, invisible light, infrared light, ultraviolet light, radiation), and a radiation source unit that emits the converted electromagnetic wave.

[0003] One application example of this type of image display apparatus is an image projection apparatus configured to further include a projection unit that projects a modulated electromagnetic wave toward a projection target to form an image. Another application is a flat 'panel display. Yet another application is a light projection display device slide projector.

[0004] Japanese Patent No. 3033545 discloses a projector. This projector includes a light source unit that emits light as the above-described radiation source unit. In this projector, the light emitted from the light source part is emitted through the dichroic mirror, the optical head unit having the liquid crystal light valve and the light combining prism as the modulation part, and the projection lens in that order. As a result, the image is projected onto the projection target.

Disclosure of the invention

[0005] In the projector of the type described in Japanese Patent No. 3033545, conventionally, the quantum efficiency (= outgoing quantum number Z incident electron number) is low, that is, the electric electromagnetic wave conversion efficiency is low, Usually, the light source section is configured so that the electrothermal conversion ratio is high and the arc lamp is the projection light source (the heat generation amount is large). Therefore, such a conventional projector has a problem of heat generation and heat generation when it is difficult to reduce the size.

[0006] Specifically, first, due to the low quantum efficiency of the arc lamp, the power consumption by the light source unit is reduced. In addition, there is a problem that it is difficult to switch the battery of this projector to the problem, and parts that perform voltage conversion at a high ratio are necessary. There was also a problem that it was difficult.

[0007] Next, due to the high electrothermal conversion ratio of the arc lamp, it is necessary to provide a heat-resistant structure for parts exposed to high temperatures in this projector and to actively cool such parts. It was important.

[0008] Specifically, it is necessary to hold the arc lamp in a heat-resistant lamp-nosing unit. To achieve the heat-resistant structure, the lamp housing unit is made of heat-resistant glass, heat-resistant ceramic, heat-resistant plastic, It was necessary to construct it with an expensive material such as a heat-resistant magnesium alloy. In addition, the dichroic mirror, liquid crystal light valve, color composition prism, and projection lens, which are parts for forming the light guide that guides the light emitted from the arc lamp to the exit of the projector, must also have a heat-resistant structure. Met.

[0009] Further, since the above-mentioned lamp knowing unit and the various parts for forming the above-mentioned light guide are parts exposed to high temperatures, it is possible to add a cooling fan that actively cools them. It was necessary. If such a cooling fan was added, in addition to the increase in the number of parts of the projector, there was a possibility of causing problems such as increased power consumption and noise generation.

[0010] Against the background described above, the present invention has an object to improve output characteristics of a radiation source part in a technique for displaying an image using a radiation source part that converts electricity into an electromagnetic wave and emits it. It was made.

[0011] The following aspects are obtained according to the present invention. Each mode is divided into sections, each section is given a number, and the number of other sections is quoted as necessary. This is to facilitate understanding of some of the technical features that can be adopted by the present invention and combinations thereof, and the technical features that can be adopted by the present invention and combinations thereof are limited to the following modes. Should not be interpreted. That is, although not described in the following embodiments, it should be construed that the technical features described in the present specification are not prevented from being appropriately extracted and adopted as the technical features of the present invention. . [0012] Further, it is not always necessary to describe each section in the form of quoting the numbers of the other sections, so that the technical characteristics described in each section are separated from the technical characteristics described in the other sections. It should be construed that the technical features described in each section can be made independent as appropriate according to their nature.

[0013] (1) An image display device for displaying an image,

A radiation source unit that converts electricity into electromagnetic waves and emits the converted electromagnetic waves, and a plate-shaped reed having a periodic structure that is provided in association with the radiation source unit and receives electromagnetic waves emitted from the radiation source unit. With active elements

An image display device.

In this image display device, a reactive element is provided in association with the radiation source unit. This reactive element has a periodic structure in which an electromagnetic wave emitted from the radiation source is incident. On the other hand, when an electromagnetic wave is incident on a periodic structure, the incident electromagnetic wave is affected by the periodic structure. As a result, the characteristics of the outgoing electromagnetic wave emitted from the periodic structure (the pointing vector indicating the propagation direction and intensity of the electromagnetic wave are It is known that it can be changed to something different from the incident electromagnetic wave.

[0015] The periodic structure is configured such that a convex portion and a concave portion are arranged at least in one longitudinal section thereof. Force that is configured so that the convex part and the concave part are aligned at least one-dimensionally. Usually, it is configured to align two-dimensionally or three-dimensionally. Both the convex part and the concave part can take, for example, a linearly extending form or a dotted form. As will be described later, an example of a periodic structure configured to be arranged two-dimensionally is formed on a base material so that a plurality of convex portions are arranged vertically and horizontally. An example of the configured periodic structure is a waveguide (for example, a refractive waveguide) configured such that a plurality of refractive index step portions (for example, air holes) are arranged three-dimensionally in a support body.

[0016] Specifically, the periodic structure is, for example, a case where a plurality of wires or lands and a plurality of grooves or slits are arranged concentrically and alternately, or a plurality of protrusions. When the starting material (for example, pits) is formed on the substrate so as to be arranged vertically and horizontally, a plurality of holes may be formed on the substrate so as to be aligned vertically and horizontally. These are specific examples of a periodic structure in which convex portions and concave portions are arranged two-dimensionally. If the periodic structure is configured so that a plurality of convex portions are arranged with a period (subwavelength) shorter than the wavelength of the incident electromagnetic wave incident on the periodic structure, for example, the periodic structure becomes an incident electromagnetic wave. Therefore, when the incident angle is perpendicular to the surface forming the periodic structure, no higher-order diffracted wave is generated from the incident electromagnetic wave, and the 0th-order transmitted wave or reflected wave is not generated. Only occurs. This is due to the invisibility of the sub-periodic structure.

[0018] When this periodic structure is further configured so that the convex portion has a taper shape in at least one longitudinal section thereof, in this periodic structure, the refractive index gradually changes in the height direction of the convex portion. Therefore, even a reflected wave is not generated from the incident electromagnetic wave. This is due to the antireflection function of the periodic structure.

[0019] As described above, since the effect to be exerted on the incident electromagnetic wave depends on the characteristics of the periodic structure, it is possible to realize the desired characteristics of the outgoing electromagnetic wave depending on the characteristics of the periodic structure.

[0020] Therefore, according to the image display device of this section, the characteristics of the radiation source section can be improved by optimizing the periodic structure of the reactive element in relation to the requirements for the radiation source section. Easy.

Furthermore, according to this image display device, the reactive element provided to improve the output characteristics of the radiation source section has a plate shape, so that the reactive element is added to this image display device. Even so, it is easy to suppress an increase in the size and weight of the image display device.

The “reactive element” in this section means an element that passively or actively reacts to the state quantity of the electromagnetic wave and has a certain influence on the electromagnetic wave. Examples of passive reactive elements include reflection elements, transmission elements, diffraction elements, deflection elements, scattering elements, light recovery elements, wavelength conversion elements, and waveguides. On the other hand, active reactive elements include, for example, optical switches, modulation elements, transmittance control elements, deflection control elements, scattering control elements, energy recovery elements, wavelength modulation control elements, and the like.

[0023] The term "periodic structure" in this section may be distributed in a manner that the period (that is, the interval between the above-mentioned grooves or slits, also referred to as the lattice interval) is distributed in a whole manner. In some cases, the distribution is not uniform.

[0024] The expression "provided in association with the radiation source section" in this section means, for example, that the "reactive element" in this section is added as a separate part to the radiation source section, and radiation It may mean that at least a part of the source part is processed to function as the “reactive element” in this section.

[0025] (2) The image display according to (1), wherein the reactive element has an efficiency increasing function of increasing an electric electromagnetic wave conversion efficiency of the radiation source unit by cooperating with the radiation source unit. apparatus.

In this image display apparatus, the reactive element cooperates with the radiation source unit, whereby the electric-electromagnetic wave conversion efficiency of the radiation source unit is increased as compared with the case where the reactive element is not used.

[0027] As a mode in which the reactive element cooperates with the radiation source unit, for example, the anti-reflection function (described later in detail) of the reactive element causes the electromagnetic wave emitted from the radiation source unit to be affected by the radiation source unit. There is a mode of suppressing the occurrence of loss inside the radiation source section due to reflection on the exit surface. Further, the deflection function of the reactive element (described in detail later) deflects the electromagnetic wave emitted from the radiation source part that is going to deviate obliquely at the target path force at an appropriate angle to the target path. By returning, there is a mode in which the coupling loss of the outgoing electromagnetic wave in the radiation source part with the next stage part is suppressed. In either embodiment, the electromagnetic wave conversion efficiency of the radiation source section can be increased as compared with the case where no reactive element is used.

[0028] As a mode in which the reactive element cooperates with the radiation source section, the electromagnetic wave emitted from the radiation source section is further transmitted by the electromagnetic wave confinement function (described later in detail) of the reactive element. Regardless of whether the path is bent or not, there is a mode in which the loss during transmission of the electromagnetic wave immediately after being emitted from the radiation source part is suppressed by transmitting to the next optical element that leaks more. Furthermore, there is a mode in which the diverging electromagnetic waves are made parallel by the refractive function of the reactive element (for example, the wavelength selective polarization function of the grating element described later). Furthermore, there is a mode in which only a specific linearly polarized light component is extracted from the electromagnetic wave by the wavelength selective transmission function of the reactive element (for example, the polarization discrimination filter action of the PBG element described later). [0029] (3) The image display device according to (1) or (2), wherein the reactive element has an anti-reflection function for preventing reflection of electromagnetic waves incident thereon.

In this image display device, the reactive element has an anti-reflection function for preventing reflection of electromagnetic waves incident from the radiation source unit. Therefore, according to this image display device, compared to the above-described conventional projector that does not have such an anti-recurrence function, the loss due to the reflection of the emitted electromagnetic wave of the radiation source force (for example, the loss due to the reflection on the emission surface) ) And the electromagnetic wave conversion ratio of the entire system including the radiation source part and the reactive element (hereinafter simply referred to as “the electric-electromagnetic wave conversion ratio of the radiation source part”) is improved.

[0031] If the electric wave electromagnetic wave conversion ratio of the radiation source section is improved by implementing this image display device, the electromagnetic wave energy that can be generated by the same electric energy increases, so it must be consumed to generate the same electromagnetic wave energy. In addition, the electric energy can be saved, and eventually the radiation source part can be saved.

[0032] Further, if the electric electromagnetic wave conversion ratio of the radiation source section is improved by implementing this image display device, the amount of heat generated accompanying the electromagnetic wave energy is reduced with respect to the same electric energy. It can be completely omitted or even if it is necessary to take measures against heat, it can be mild.

[0033] (4) The reactive element has a function of deflecting an electromagnetic wave incident on the reactive element, but does not have a function of discriminating polarized light. (1) None. Image display device

In this image display device, the reactive element has a function of deflecting the electromagnetic wave incident thereon. Therefore, according to this image display device, for example, when the reactive element is locally arranged while the electromagnetic wave is divergently emitted from the radiation source part, the electromagnetic wave emitted from the radiation source part is: Not only those that enter the reactive element substantially perpendicularly but also those that enter obliquely within the incident aperture angle can be used for image formation by the deflection function of the reactive element.

Therefore, according to this image display device, the electric electromagnetic wave conversion ratio of the radiation source section is improved. [0036] (5) The radiation source unit includes a plurality of reflecting surfaces that face each other across a portion that emits the electromagnetic wave,

The reactive element is disposed on at least one of the reflecting surfaces so as to have at least one of a reflecting function and a transmitting function, and utilizes the resonance phenomenon of the electromagnetic waves between the plurality of reflecting surfaces. By doing so, the electric electromagnetic wave conversion efficiency is increased (1), and the image display device according to any one of (4).

[0037] In this image display apparatus, the radiation source unit includes a plurality of reflecting surfaces that are opposed to each other with a portion that emits an electromagnetic wave interposed therebetween, and at least one of the reflecting surfaces is provided with a reactive surface. The element is arranged so as to have at least a reflection function of a reflection function and a transmission function.

Therefore, in this image display apparatus, the electromagnetic wave force emitted from the radiation source unit travels back and forth along the same path, and thereby resonance (amplification) of the electromagnetic wave is performed. Such a phenomenon is called a laser if the target electromagnetic wave is light, and a maser if it is a microwave (radio wave).

Therefore, according to this image display device, the reactive element cooperates with the radiation source unit, so that the electric electromagnetic wave conversion efficiency of the radiation source unit is increased as compared with the case where the reactive element is not used. It is done.

[0040] (6) The reactive element includes an incident surface on which the electromagnetic wave is incident and an exit surface from which the electromagnetic wave is incident, and further includes a waveguide structure extending from the incident surface to the exit surface as the periodic structure ( 1) None None The image display device described in (5) above.

[0041] In this image display device, since the reactive element according to any one of the items (1) to (5) has a waveguide structure, particularly a waveguide structure as a periodic structure, the incident surface of the reactive element is arranged on the incident surface. Incident electromagnetic waves are guided to the exit surface without loss. Therefore, according to this image display apparatus, there is no loss when the electromagnetic wave emitted from the radiation source force is transmitted through the reactive element and emitted in a predetermined direction, thereby reducing the total of the reactive element. The transmission efficiency is improved, which means that the electric-electromagnetic wave conversion efficiency of the radiation source part is improved.

(7) The periodic structure has a sub-period having a period shorter than the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave to be incident on the periodic structure. The image display device according to any one of (1) and (6), which includes a wavelength periodic structure.

In this image display device, the period of the periodic structure, that is, the interval between the convex portions in at least one longitudinal section of the periodic structure, that is, the interval between the concave portions is shorter than the wavelength of the incident electromagnetic wave to be incident on the periodic structure. Have an interval. Therefore, according to this image display device, compared with the case where the period of the periodic structure is equal to or greater than the wavelength of the incident electromagnetic wave, among the above-mentioned functions by the periodic structure, for example, the anti-reflection function is effective. Can be achieved.

[0044] (8) The image display apparatus according to any one of (7) and (7), wherein the reactive element emits electromagnetic waves in a direction generally parallel to a normal line direction thereof.

[0045] (9) The reactive element includes a CGH (computer “generated” hologram) element, a grating element, a PBG (photonic 'band' gap) element, and a photonic crystal element. The image display device according to any one of (1) and (8), which includes at least one.

[0046] (10) The radiation source section includes a field emission element, a plasma light emitting element, a laser element, an inorganic LED element, an organic LED element, an arc lamp, a filament lamp, and a radiation source. The image display device according to any one of (1) and (9), which includes at least one of them.

[0047] For example, when the radiation source unit uses an arc lamp, it is easy to generate a large amount of light for the size of the radiation source unit, and it is easy to realize a bright light source for the size. It is.

[0048] Also, when the radiation source unit uses a filament lamp, it is easy to generate a large amount of light for the device cost of the radiation source unit, and a bright light source is realized for the device cost. Is easy.

[0049] In addition, when an inorganic LED element or an organic LED element is used as the radiation source section, incoherent electromagnetic waves can be generated with high efficiency, so that the luminance is improved while being a small radiation source section. It is easy to make. In particular, when using organic LEDs, it is possible to reduce the film thickness to about lOOnm, so a very small and thin radiation source can be realized. [0050] (11) The image display device according to any one of (1) to (10), wherein the radiation source unit emits visible light as the electromagnetic wave.

[0051] (12) The image display according to any one of (1) to (10), wherein the reactive element has a wavelength shift function of converting an electromagnetic wave incident thereon into an electromagnetic wave having a wavelength different from the electromagnetic wave incident thereon. apparatus.

According to this image display device, it is not indispensable to design the radiation source unit so as to emit an electromagnetic wave having the same wavelength as the electromagnetic wave finally required to display an image. The degree of freedom when selecting the type of the source part is improved.

In the image display device according to this aspect, for example, the radiation source unit emits invisible light as the electromagnetic wave, and the reactive element is incident on the reactive element by the wavelength shift function. It is possible to implement in a mode that converts visible light into visible light. According to this aspect, it is possible to select a radiation source unit that emits invisible light even though an image is displayed by visible light.

(13) The radiation source unit includes a radiation source element that emits a plurality of electromagnetic waves having different wavelengths as component waves,

The reactive element has a multiplexing function for synthesizing the plurality of component waves by deflecting each component wave incident from the radiation source element in a direction corresponding to the wavelength thereof (1) to (12) The image display device according to any one of the items.

In this image display device, the deflecting function due to the periodic structure of the plate-like reactive elements is exhibited, so that each component wave incident on the radiation source element force is deflected in the direction according to the wavelength thereof. Thereby, a plurality of component waves are synthesized. Therefore, according to this image display device, the multiplexing function for image display can be exhibited by the plate-like reactive element while avoiding the enlargement of the image display device.

The “radiation source element” in this image display device is configured as a combination of a plurality of elements that respectively emit a plurality of electromagnetic waves having different wavelengths, or emits light of a plurality of wavelengths such as a semiconductor laser. It can be configured as a single element.

[0057] It should be noted that in this section and each of the following sections, the expression "synthesizes a plurality of component waves" is used to express a plurality of component waves to be combined at each moment. Must exist together Don't ask for it. Given the fact that humans need time to perceive color with their eyes, even when multiple component waves exist without temporally overlapping each other, This is because as long as the location is common, humans will recognize these multiple component waves as synthesized waves. Therefore, the expression “combining a plurality of component waves” can be considered to mean, for example, matching the traveling directions of the plurality of component waves.

[0058] (14) In the reactive element, a plurality of layers for deflecting each component wave in a direction corresponding to its wavelength in order to jointly realize the multiplexing function by the periodic structure. The image display device according to item (13), wherein the image display device is laminated.

[0059] According to this image display device, the multiplexing function for image display has a predetermined function over the entire necessary wavelength band by utilizing the wavelength selection function in each layer by the stacked structure of the reactive elements. It is possible to grant. Furthermore, it is possible to realize the image display device while avoiding an increase in size.

[0060] The "reactive element" in this image display device is formed by, for example, laminating a second layer that deflects component waves of other wavelengths on a first layer that deflects component waves of a certain wavelength. It is possible to create it. The second layer is formed on the first layer by performing a combination of a well-known film formation method such as a vacuum deposition method or a coating method and a pattern formation method such as photolithography. Is possible.

[0061] (15) The radiation source section includes:

A radiation source element that emits a plurality of electromagnetic waves having different wavelengths as component waves, and a combining unit that combines the plurality of component waves emitted from the radiation source element;

The image display device according to any one of (1) to (12), including:

The “radiation source element” in this section can be configured in the same manner as the “radiation source element” in the above section (13), for example.

[0063] (16) The radiation source element includes three radiation source elements that respectively emit three component waves as the plurality of component waves,

The multiplexing unit reflects frequency-selective three component waves respectively incident on the three radiation source element forces along three paths that are divergently arranged at an angle to each other. The image display device according to (15), wherein the combined wave is emitted by refraction and refraction, and the combined wave is emitted in a direction away from the combined force along a predetermined path.

[0064] (17) The radiation source element includes three radiation source elements that respectively emit three component waves as the plurality of component waves,

The multiplexing unit is divergently arranged at an angle from one central point, and the three radiation source element forces along the three paths out of the four paths are respectively at the central point. Three component waves incident in the approaching direction are synthesized into one synthesized wave by frequency selective reflection and refraction, and the synthesized wave is synthesized along the remaining one path from the center point. The image display device according to item (15) or (16), which emits light in a direction away from it.

An example of the “combining portion” in this section is a cross prism formed by joining a plurality of prisms on at least one surface thereof. In this cross prism, a dichroic mirror is formed on the joint surface (reflection surface and transmission surface). When the “multiplexing portion” is configured as the cross prism, the “multiplexing portion” can be easily downsized.

[0066] Further, the "combining unit" may be configured by a combination of wedge-shaped prisms in which the combining mirror such as a cross prism is not orthogonal, or may be configured by a combination of planar dichroic mirrors.

[0067] Further, the "four paths" in this section can be arranged on a single plane or three-dimensionally.

(18) The image display device according to any one of (15) to (17), wherein the reactive element is disposed between the radiation source element and the multiplexing unit.

[0069] The "reactive element" in this section refers to, for example, at least one of the surfaces of the radiation source element facing the multiplexing unit and the plane of the multiplexing unit facing the radiation source element. On the other hand, it can be configured by directly forming a specific periodic structure, or can be configured as an element physically independent of the radiation source element and the multiplexing unit.

[0070] (19) The image display device according to any one of (15) to (18), wherein the reactive element is arranged in a portion of the multiplexing unit where the combined wave is emitted.

[0071] "Reactive element" in this section refers to, for example, multiplexing as in the above section (18). Part of the part can be configured by directly forming a specific periodic structure on the part from which the synthesized wave is emitted (for example, the exit surface), or the combined force can be configured as a physically independent element. Is possible.

[0072] (20) The image display device according to any one of (15) to (19), wherein the multiplexing unit is configured using a material having a low photoelastic constant as a support.

[0073] According to this image display device, since the support of the combining unit is configured by a material having a so-called low photoelastic constant, the material having a higher photoelastic constant than the material having the low photoelastic constant is used. Compared to the case where the support is configured, a state where the combining function of the combining portion is uniform throughout the entire image is ensured regardless of the stress state caused by the temperature rise of the combining portion. Therefore, according to this image display device, even if a factor that changes the stress state of the combining unit, such as a temperature rise of the combining unit, occurs, the contrast of the image does not decrease so much.

[0074] "Materials with low photoelastic constants" in this section and the following sections are optical glasses in which the degree of birefringence generated in a material when an external force is applied thermally or mechanically, that is, the photoelastic constant is normal. It means a material smaller than a material (for example, the most common optical glass (“BK7” of Schott, “S-BSL7J” of OHARA, β = ^{2.79 ×} 10 ^—12 Pa))

[0075] (21) Further, a modulation unit that modulates the electromagnetic wave emitted from the reactive element for each pixel is included, and the reactive element and the modulation unit are mutually connected by an adhesive having electromagnetic wave permeability with respect to the electromagnetic wave. The image display device according to any one of (1) and (20), which is integrated.

According to this image display device, since the adhesive that bonds the reactive element and the modulation unit to each other has not only an adhesive function but also an electromagnetic wave transmission function, the reactive element and the modulation unit are spatially separated. The image display device can be easily downsized as a result.

(22) Further, a plate-like spatial modulation unit that modulates the electromagnetic wave emitted from the reactive element for each pixel is included, and the reactive element and the spatial modulation unit are stacked on each other (1) None The image display device described in item (21).

According to this image display device, since the reactive element and the modulation unit are both plate-shaped and stacked on each other, the combination of the reactive element and the modulation unit is downsized, and as a result This makes it easy to downsize the entire image display apparatus.

[0079] (23) The spatial modulation unit includes:

A polarizing beam splitter that separates incident electromagnetic waves into S and P waves,

Two reflective modulators that reflect the S-wave and the P-wave emitted from the polarization beam splittaka in a state where the rotation of the polarization plane is controlled for each pixel, and

Including

The image display device according to item (22), wherein the polarization beam splitter synthesizes and emits two electromagnetic waves that are respectively reflected by the two reflective modulators and incident on the polarization beam splitter.

[0080] The "spatial modulation section" in the item (22) includes (a) a polarization beam splitter that separates an incident electromagnetic wave into S waves and P waves, and (b) an S wave emitted from the polarization beam splitter. One reflective modulator that reflects only one of the P-waves in a state in which the rotation of the polarization plane is controlled for each pixel, and the polarizing beam splitter includes the one reflective type Of the electromagnetic wave reflected by the modulator and re-entering the polarization beam splitter, only the component whose polarization plane is rotated can be emitted to the outside.

However, when this mode is adopted, any one of the S wave and P wave emitted from the polarization beam splitter cannot be used for image display.

On the other hand, in the image display device according to this section, two reflections that reflect the S wave and the P wave emitted from the polarization beam splitter in a state in which the rotation of the polarization plane is controlled for each pixel. The polarization beam splitter reflects two electromagnetic waves reflected by the two reflective modulators and re-entering the polarization beam splitter. , Synthesize and emit to the outside.

Therefore, according to this image display device, electromagnetic waves incident on the polarizing beam splitter, which is less wasted than when not using any one of the S wave and P wave emitted from the polarizing beam splitter, are used for image display. It becomes possible to do. As a result, it is possible to reduce the amount of electromagnetic waves that must be emitted from the radiation source unit in order to achieve the same image brightness, and in turn, it is easy to save power and reduce the size of the radiation source unit.

[0084] An example of a “reflective modulator” in this section is a liquid 'crystal-on' silicon LCOS It is. Further, the feature described in this section can be implemented independently of the feature described in section (22).

(24) The image display device according to item (23), wherein both of the two reflective modulators are liquid crystal panels.

(25) The image display device according to item (23) or (24), wherein the polarizing beam splitter is configured by using a low photoelastic constant material as a support.

According to this image display device, similarly to the image display device according to item (20), there are factors that change the stress state of the polarization beam splitter, such as temperature rise and mechanical stress of the polarization beam splitter. Even if it occurs, the contrast of the image is not greatly reduced.

[0088] (26) Further, a plate-like spatial modulation unit that modulates the electromagnetic wave emitted from the reactive element for each pixel is included, and the spatial modulation unit outputs the incident electromagnetic wave to the outside for each pixel. Including a reflective spatial modulator that reflects and emits light with controlled transmission efficiency (

1) N / A The image display device described in (25), which is not included.

(27) The image display device according to item (26), wherein the spatial modulator includes a deformable mirror device.

[0090] "Deformable mirror device" in this section is abbreviated as DMD and may also be referred to as a digital micromirror device by its manufacturer. In this deformable 'mirror' device, the micromirror is placed in a deformable state for each pixel, that is, in a state where the angle and displacement with respect to the incident electromagnetic wave are variable. The accumulated transmission time for transmitting the incident electromagnetic wave toward the next optical element by reflection or the like (the time integral value of the reflection time corresponds to the luminance) is duty-controlled.

(28) The image display device according to (22), wherein the spatial modulation unit includes a transmissive spatial modulator that transmits and emits an incident electromagnetic wave in a state where the transmittance is controlled for each pixel. .

[29] (29) The reactive element is disposed on an emission surface from which the electromagnetic wave is emitted in the radiation source section, and is not (1). Display device.

The “reactive element” in this section is the same as in the above (18), for example, by directly forming a specific periodic structure on the emission surface of the radiation source where the electromagnetic wave is emitted. It can be configured as an element that is physically independent from the radiation source section. In the latter case, the “reactive element” is, for example, a force that is fixed so as to be in close contact with the emission surface or is fixed so as to face the emission surface with a gap.

[0094] (30) The image display device according to any one of (29) and (29), further including a transmissive modulation unit that modulates the electromagnetic wave emitted from the reactive element for each pixel.

[0095] (31)

The reactive element force A modulation unit that modulates the emitted electromagnetic wave for each pixel, and a heat dissipation unit that radiates heat from the modulation unit

The image display device according to any one of items (1) to (30).

[0096] According to this image display device, since the temperature rise of the modulation unit is suppressed, deterioration in image quality caused by the temperature rise of the modulation unit (for example, reduction in image contrast due to a decrease in function of the modulation unit) is suppressed. Be controlled. In addition, when the incident light beam to the modulation unit has a component that does not enter the modulation unit substantially perpendicularly, a birefringent plate for transmittance compensation may be set upstream or downstream of the modulation unit. This birefringent plate may be realized by a reactive element having a specific periodic structure.

[0097] (32) The image display according to any one of (1) and (31), wherein the radiation source section is disposed on a substrate formed by applying an insulator to a metal substrate. apparatus.

[0098] According to this image display device, since the substrate of the substrate of the radiation source section is made of a metal having high heat dissipation, the substrate is made of a material that does not have high heat dissipation. In some cases, the temperature rise of the radiation source unit is suppressed.

Therefore, according to this image display device, when the radiation source unit generates heat when it is output, the problem of the heat generation is caused by the output of the radiation source unit (for example, the power or light flux that is the amount of radiant flux). The amount of freedom in selecting the radiation source section is improved as a result.

[0100] In addition to the performance of the element itself used in the radiation source section, the quantum efficiency at the electron quantum conversion site can be kept high due to the temperature rise suppression effect, and thus high radiation is achieved. It is possible to realize a radiation source part having brightness. (33) The image display device according to item (32), wherein the radiation source section is fixed to the substrate with a paste containing a metal.

[0102] According to this image display device, since the paste applied to the radiation source parts to the substrate is made of a metal having high heat dissipation, the paste has so high heat dissipation. The temperature rise of the radiation source part is suppressed as compared with the case where the material is not formed.

[0103] Therefore, according to this image display device, similarly to the image display device according to item (32), when the radiation source section generates heat at the time of output, the problem of the heat generation is There is no major obstacle to improving the output (for example, the power and the amount of luminous flux that is the amount of radiant flux), and as a result, the degree of freedom in selecting the radiation source section is improved.

[0104] Further, similarly to the image display device according to the above item (32), the quantum efficiency at the electron quantum conversion site is increased due to the temperature rise suppression effect for the performance of the element itself used in the radiation source section. Therefore, it is possible to realize a radiation source part having high radiance.

[0105] (34) Further, a projection unit that projects the electromagnetic wave toward the projection target is included (1) to (3

The image display device according to item 3).

The “projection target” in this section includes, for example, a dedicated or substitute screen, a photosensitive medium, a wall surface, a human body, and the like.

(35) The image display device according to item (34), wherein the projection unit includes a plurality of lenses, and at least a part of the lenses is formed of a synthetic resin.

[0108] For example, when the projection unit of the image display apparatus uses a lens, if the temperature rise amount of the projection unit decreases, it is not necessary to require high heat resistance for the material constituting the lens. The lens can be formed of a synthetic resin which is a cheaper and lighter material.

Based on such knowledge, in the image display device according to this section, at least a part of the plurality of lenses in the projection unit is formed of a synthetic resin.

[0110] (36) The image display device according to any one of (35) and (35), further including a fixture for detachably fixing the image display device to an arbitrary object.

[0111] If the image display device becomes small and light, the image display device can be detachably fixed to an arbitrary object as well as placed on a table as in the past. OK The degree of freedom in selecting the installation position of the image display device and the image display direction is improved. In the normal fixing method, the image display device is such that the direction in which the image is displayed is slightly upward when the image display device is a flat panel display or image projection device. In an inclined state.

[0112] Based on such knowledge, the image display device according to this section is implemented together with a fixture that detachably fixes the image display device to an arbitrary object.

[0113] (37) The object is an output that outputs at least one of an image signal necessary for the image display device to display an image and electric energy necessary for the operation of the image display device. The image display device according to item (36), wherein the image display device further includes a connection unit connected to the output port.

[0114] This image display device is used in a state where it is connected to the output port of the portable device at its connection. Therefore, according to this image display device, connection work with an external device necessary for supplying signals and energy necessary for the image display device is simplified, and the wiring force S for the connection is not increased. It will end.

[0115] Examples of the “portable device” in this section include, for example, a mopile computer (either a stand-alone type or a network connection type), a mobile phone (including a mobile phone and a PHS), a portable information terminal PDA. Etc.

(38) The image display device according to item (37), wherein the connection unit includes a connection unit connected to at least one of a video output port and a serial communication port having a power supply terminal.

[0117] When the output port of the portable device includes at least a serial communication port having a power supply terminal, the image display device according to this section uses, for example, the bus power of the serial communication port. It is possible to share the battery of portable equipment. This type of serial communication port includes RS-232C, USB, IEEE 1394, Bus Power Ethernet (registered trademark), digital RGB terminal, SD flash card interface, and PCMCIA power interface.

[0118] However, this image display device may receive power from an outlet using a separate power cable.

[0119] (39) The connection unit includes a connection unit connected to the video output port. (4) The image display device according to item (38), wherein the connection portion connected to the output port is a connection portion connected to an analog VGA port or a digital video port.

[0120] This image display apparatus can be universally connected to a plurality of types of portable information devices by using analog video signals.

(40) The image display device according to (37), wherein the connection unit includes a connection unit that is wirelessly connected to a wireless communication port.

(41) A radiation source device that emits electromagnetic waves,

A reactive element that converts energy into electromagnetic waves and emits the converted electromagnetic waves, and a reactive element having a periodic structure that is provided in association with the radiation source parts and receives electromagnetic waves emitted from the radiation source parts. The periodic structure is a sub-wavelength periodic structure having a period shorter than the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave incident on the periodic structure.

Including

The radiation source part is

A radiation source element that emits a plurality of electromagnetic waves having different wavelengths as component waves, and a combining unit that combines the plurality of component waves emitted from the radiation source element into one composite wave,

The reactive element is:

A plurality of component wave elements disposed between the radiation source element and the combining unit; and a combined wave element disposed in a portion of the combining unit where the combined wave is emitted. Source equipment.

[0123] According to this radiation source device, since the process force that synthesizes and emits a plurality of component waves having different wavelengths into one synthesized wave is performed using a reactive element having a sub-wavelength periodic structure, the image described above is used. Among the display devices, the same effects as those described above regarding the reactive element having the sub-wavelength periodic structure can be obtained.

[0124] The "reactive element" in this section is, for example, a plate shape (a shape in which the thickness dimension is shorter than the width dimension) or a block shape (a shape in which the thickness dimension and the width dimension are substantially equal). It is possible.

[0125] The "radiation source device" according to this section is related to the radiation source unit in the image display device described above. It can be carried out in combination with one selected from a plurality of features adopted. Furthermore, the “radiation source device” according to this section can be used for purposes other than image display.

[0126] The "radiation source section" in this section does not necessarily need to be configured to be supplied with external force energy. That is, for example, it is not indispensable to take in electric energy from the outside and convert the electric energy into electromagnetic waves.

[0127] Specifically, this "radiation source section" may be configured, for example, so that the built-in battery power can also extract energy, or has a built-in fuel cell, and hydrogen is added to the fuel cell from the outside. It may be configured to supply a chemical substance such as a fuel and take out the fuel cell power energy.

(42) The radiation according to item (41), wherein the plurality of component wave elements and the combined wave element are respectively arranged on a plurality of mutually different surfaces in the multiplexing section. Source equipment.

[0129] (43) The plurality of component wave elements, the combined wave element, and the combining section are mutually connected by an adhesive having electromagnetic wave permeability! Be integrated into the bag! / Radiation source device according to (42).

[0130] According to this radiation source device, since the adhesive for adhering a plurality of component wave elements, the composite wave element and the multiplexing unit to each other has not only an adhesion function but also an electromagnetic wave transmission function, these components It becomes easy to spatially pack and integrate the wave element and the synthesized wave element and the multiplexing unit, and as a result, the radiation source device can be easily downsized. In addition, according to this radiation source device, it is easy to improve the robustness against external force such as vibration and to improve the breakage resistance.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing the image projection apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention in a used state.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an optical configuration of the image projection apparatus 10 in FIG.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged side sectional view showing the CGH plate 70 in FIG.

[FIG. 4] FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view showing a partially enlarged broadband AR board 76 in FIG. FIG.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the sub-wavelength structure refracting plate 78 in FIG. 3 partially enlarged.

FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the cross prism 56 in FIG. 2.

FIG. 7 is a plan view showing polarizing beam splitter 120 in FIG. 2 together with LCOS 1 and LCOS 2.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram conceptually showing the electrical configuration of the image projector 10 in FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a time chart for explaining temporal transition of various signals in FIG.

FIG. 10 is an external perspective view for explaining another example of use of the image projection device 10 in FIG.

FIG. 11 is an external perspective view for explaining still another usage example of the image projector 10 in FIG. 1.

12] FIG. 12 is a plan view showing an optical configuration of the image projection apparatus 230 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is an enlarged side view and plan view of the grating plate 270 in FIG.

FIG. 14 is a side sectional view showing the grating plate 270 in FIG. 13 partially enlarged.

FIG. 15 is an enlarged side cross-sectional view showing the position of the polarizing beam splitter in FIG. 12.

16] FIG. 16 is a plan view showing an optical configuration of the image projection apparatus 330 according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a side sectional view showing the R light source 350R in FIG. 16 partially enlarged.

FIG. 18 is an enlarged side cross-sectional view of the laminated CGH plate 370 in FIG.

FIG. 19 shows an optical configuration of an image projection apparatus 400 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

FIG. 20 is an enlarged side sectional view showing the laminated CGH plate 452 in FIG.

FIG. 21 is a plan view showing an optical configuration of an image projection apparatus 500 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is an enlarged side cross-sectional view of photonic crystal plate 520 in FIG.

FIG. 23 is a plan view showing light source unit 620 of image projection apparatus 610 according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a plan view showing light source unit 660 of image projection apparatus 650 according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a plan view showing light source unit 700 of image projection apparatus 690 according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 26 is an enlarged perspective view showing the anti-transmission resonant mirror surface 712 in FIG. 25.

FIG. 27 is a plan view showing light source unit 760 of image projection apparatus 750 according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0132] Hereinafter, some of more specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an image projection apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. This image projection device 10 is an example of an image display device according to the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the image projection apparatus 10 includes a flat box-shaped apparatus housing 12, and the apparatus housing 12 includes a projection lens unit 14 serving as a projection unit, and the distal end thereof. It is mounted so as to partially protrude from the device housing 12 at the part.

In FIG. 1, this image projector 10 is shown in a state of being fixed and used on a mopile computer 16 as a portable information device! This image projector 10 can be moped; any plate-like part of the computer 16, e.g. on the display 'panel A fixing clip 20 as a fixing tool is detachably attached to the image projection device 10 for fixing to an edge or side edge, or to a desk or a machine element on a desk.

[0136] The fixing clip 20 is an example of a fixing tool that fixes the image projection device 10 to an arbitrary machine element, and can be configured as, for example, a suction cup, a double-sided tape, a fastener, a string, or the like. As long as it is possible to fix the image projection device 10 to an arbitrary machine element, it functions as a fixture.

[0137] As shown in Fig. 1, the fixed clip 20 includes a clip portion 22 that holds an arbitrary plate-like portion with both side forces, and the clip portion 22 and the image projection device 10 at an arbitrary relative angle by relative rotation. And a tilt 'joint 24 that can be fixedly connected to each other.

[0138] As shown in Fig. 1, the Mopile 'computer 16 is provided with a USB port 28 and an analog VGA port 30 as output ports, respectively. Connected to connector 34 on device 10 (see Figure 8).

[0139] The USB port 28 is a serial communication port having a power supply terminal, and this USB port 28 power is also supplied to the connector 34 of the image projection device 10 with electric energy necessary for the operation of the image projection device 10. . The image projection apparatus 10 can have a power supply that depends on the outside, a power supply (for example, a battery), or a combination of both.

[0140] On the other hand, the analog VGA port 30 is a video output port for outputting a video signal (image signal). An image signal is supplied from the analog VGA port 30 to the connector 34 of the image projection apparatus 10, and based on the supplied image signal, the image projection apparatus 10 projects an image onto a projection target.

FIG. 2 shows a plan view of the optical configuration of the image projector 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the image projection apparatus 10 includes a light source unit 40 as a radiation source unit, a spatial modulation unit 42 as a modulation unit, and the projection lens unit 14 described above as a projection unit.

[0142] The light source unit 40 generates an arbitrary color by the RGB method, and includes three light sources 50R, 50G, and 50B that emit three component lights (monochromatic lights) having different wavelengths. And a cross prism 56 as a wave portion. Each of the three light sources 50R, 50G, and 50B includes three inorganic LEDs 60R, 60G, and 60B as a plurality of radiation source elements. The LED60R is a double heterostructure inorganic LED composed of Al, In, Ga, and P elements, and emits a red beam radially (divergently). The LED60G is a double heterostructure inorganic LED consisting of three elemental forces of In, Ga, and N, and emits a green beam radially (divergently). The LED60B is an inorganic LED with a double hetero structure consisting of three elements of In, Ga and N, and emits a blue beam radially (divergently).

[0144] For each light source 50R, 50G, 50B! / Corresponding to LED60R, 60G, 60Β, corresponding to substrate 64, high heat dissipation silver paste (an example of conductive paste containing metal) ) It is bonded by 66. The substrate 64 is configured as a PCB (printed circuit board) by applying an insulating resin to a high heat dissipation aluminum substrate (an example of a metal substrate) and then electrolessly plating copper.

[0145] In each of the light sources 50R, 50G, 50Β, a CGH (Computer-Generated 'Hologram) plate 70R, 70G, 70Β is further supported by a bridge 72 on the corresponding substrate 64. Each CGH plate 70R, 70G, 70mm is directly facing the corresponding substrate 64 with a gap. The CGH plates 70R, 70G, 70Β for each light source 50R, 50G, 50Β are for red beam, green beam, and blue beam, respectively.

[0146] In Fig. 3, one CGH plate 70 representing three CGH plates 70R, 70G, and 70mm is shown in a longitudinal sectional view. The CGH plate 70 is configured by laminating a broadband AR plate 76 and a sub-wavelength structural refracting plate 78 alternately in the optical axis direction. The broadband AR board 76 exhibits an anti-reflection (AR) function in broadband, that is, in all wavelength bands. As shown in the optical path diagram of FIG. 3, the broadband AR plate 76 also exhibits a function of refracting and transmitting incident light. Figure 3 shows that the three light sources 50R, 50G, and 50Β mentioned above can be approximated as point light sources, that the three point light sources are sequentially driven according to the field sequential method described later, and one point light source. The three light sources 50R, 50G, and 50Β are expressed as one point light source based on the fact that the light source emits light divergently.

In FIG. 4, a part of the broadband AR board 76 is enlarged and shown in a sectional view. this The broadband AR plate 76 is configured by two-dimensionally arranging a plurality of tapered convex portions (dot-shaped convex portions) 82 vertically and horizontally on a base material 80 in a close-packed lattice arrangement. A broadband AR layer 84 is formed by the plurality of convex portions 82.

In the broadband AR layer 84, the plurality of convex portions 82 constitute a periodic structure having a sub-wavelength period (hereinafter simply referred to as “sub-wavelength structure”). The surface of this broadband AR layer 84 is also referred to as a moth-eye surface. The interval between the convex portions 82 is smaller than the wavelength of the light beam incident on the broadband AR layer 84 (in FIG. 4, the wavelength of the light beam emitted from the LEDs 60R, 60G, and 60B). Therefore, this broadband AR layer 84 is equivalent to a medium having a certain refractive index. When a light beam is incident on the broadband AR layer 84 substantially vertically, no high-order diffracted light is generated from the broadband AR layer 84, and the generated light is at most zero-order transmitted or reflected light. is there.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, since each convex portion 82 is tapered, the refractive index gradually changes in the height direction of each convex portion 82. Accordingly, no reflected light is generated from the broadband AR layer 84, and only the 0th-order transmitted light is generated.

[0150] The broadband AR plate 76 is composed of a borosilicate glass (or silica glass) as a base material 80. By patterning the base material 80 with an electron beam and processing the base material 80 with a high-speed electron beam, for example, a periodic structure with a period of 150 nm and a height of 350 nm is formed. It is possible. The broadband AR plate 76 can also be configured by high precision grinding. The Fresnel reflection of the base material made of silica glass 80 is about 3.5% on one side, but with this periodic structure, the incident angular force in the visible range is more than ± 40 degrees with respect to the normal direction of the incident surface. Within a certain range, a reflectance of 0.1% can be realized. Therefore, if such a sub-wavelength structure is formed on the surface of an arbitrary light source, it is possible to increase the light extraction efficiency from the light source. That is, it is possible to minimize the number of photons that are multiple-reflected in the light source and eventually consumed as heat.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5, the sub-wavelength structure refracting plate 78 is arranged on the substrate 86 so that a plurality of convex portions 88 are two-dimensionally arranged at intervals shorter than the incident wavelength. It is configured by In the present embodiment, each convex portion 88 extends linearly. [0152] When monochromatic light having a point light source (one light source corresponding to each sub-wavelength structure refracting plate 78) is input as reference light to the sub-wavelength structure refracting plate 78, transmitted light is reproduced as object light. Thus, the sub-wavelength structure refracting plate 78 functions as a positive power element that substantially collimates the diverging light from the point light source. The same point light source power Condensation function that aligns the direction of multiple divergent rays in one direction. The light beam incident on the sub-wavelength structure refracting plate 78 can be refracted in an arbitrary direction by the refracting layer 90 of the sub-wavelength structure refracting plate 78 (see FIG. 3).

[0153] Both the broadband AR plate 76 and the sub-wavelength structure refracting plate 78 are CGH (computer-generated hologram) elements. By the way, in general, holography can reproduce a three-dimensional image. In holography recording, the phenomenon that interference fringes are generated as a result of interference between the reference beam and the object beam is used. On the other hand, CGH uses a computer to diffract light without using any light for recording. This is a method for generating a pattern.

[0154] CGH is used in a wide range and can be used to manufacture grating elements, cylindrical lenses, spherical lenses, aspherical lenses, special lenses, optical couplers, pattern generators, and the like. CGH includes binary CGH, gray level CGH, and phase level CGH. In general, phase level binary CGH is often used. FIG. 5 shows an example of a surface relief hologram. The convex portion 88 having a height of a sub-wavelength size functions to shift the phase of transmitted light.

In general, in CGH, first, a two-dimensional pattern is calculated by a computer as a generated phase distribution of object light and reference light at all points on the hologram surface. Next, the calculated two-dimensional pattern is drawn on a mask such as a chrome mask using, for example, an electron beam. Subsequently, the mask is projected onto the photoresist. As a result, the photoresist is patterned, and then unevenness is formed on the substrate by a technique such as development, rinsing, and dry etching. The process of drawing a two-dimensional pattern on a substrate can also be performed by a method of performing electron beam lithography directly on the substrate. The process can also be performed by a method of directly grinding a substrate using a high-precision grinding blade.

[0156] As shown in FIG. 2, the three light sources 50R, 50G, and 50B are arranged in three directions on the same plane. The cross prism 56 is arranged so as to emit each light beam by directing force to the center of the cross prism 56. These three light sources 50R, 50G, and 50B surround the cross prism 56 on three of its four sides. The cross prism 56 combines the three component lights emitted from the three light sources 50R, 50G, and 50B into one combined light by the action of dichroic mirrors installed on each reflecting surface, which will be described later. It is a vessel.

As shown in FIG. 6, the cross prism 56 is configured by adhering and bonding 45-degree right-angle prisms 94, 96, 98, and 100 at their side surfaces. Each of the prisms 94, 96, 98, 100 is formed by using a glass having a low photoelastic constant (for example, “PBH56” low photoelastic constant j8 = ^{0.09 ×} 10 — ¹² Pa) manufactured by OHARA, Inc.) as a support.

[0158] Figure 6 [As shown in this figure, out of the four even prisms 94, 96, 98, 100, ED70R [The opposite prism 94 has a red beam from LED70R ("R light" in Figure 6). However, the bottom surface of the prism 94 is used as the entrance surface, and the light enters the entrance surface substantially perpendicularly. Similarly, a green beam (represented by “G light” in FIG. 6) from the LED 70G enters the prism 96 facing the LED 70G with the bottom surface of the prism 96 as an incident surface, and enters the incident surface substantially perpendicularly. Similarly, a blue beam (shown as “B light” in FIG. 6) from LED 70B is incident on prism 98 facing LED 70B substantially perpendicularly to the incident surface with the bottom surface of prism 98 as the incident surface. To do. From the remaining prism 100, the bottom surface of the prism 100 is used as the exit surface, and the combined light (expressed as “RGB light” in FIG. 6) exits vertically from the exit surface.

[0159] Of the pair of slopes of the prism 94 that joins the prism 96 and the pair of slopes of the prism 100 that joins the prism 98, the red beam reflects and the green and blue beams respectively. Transmitting dichroic mirrors 102 and 104 are formed. Furthermore, the blue beam is reflected and the red and green beams are reflected on each of the pair of slopes of the prism 96 which is joined to the prism 98 and the pair of slopes of the prism 100 which is joined to the prism 94, respectively. Transmitting dichroic mirrors 106 and 108 are formed.

Accordingly, the red beam incident on the prism 94 is substantially reflected by the two dichroic mirrors 102 and 104 and emitted from the prism 100. Further, the green beam incident on the prism 96 passes through the four dichroic mirrors 102, 104, 106, and 108 and exits from the prism 100. The blue beam incident on the prism 98 is two dichroic. The light is reflected by the mirrors 106 and 108 and is emitted from the prism 100. By the wavelength selective reflection and transmission of these dichroic mirrors 102, 104, 106, and 108, three color beams incident from three directions are combined, and the combined light is emitted from the prism 100.

[0161] As shown in FIG. 2, each of the light sources 50R, 50G, 50B and the cross prism 56 includes an exit surface on which a beam exits from both sides of each CGH plate 70R, 70G, 70B, and each prism 94, 96, The 98 incident surfaces are fixed to each other by being bonded to each other by an adhesive 114. The adhesive 114 is a light-transmitting adhesive that is cured by UV irradiation. The light sources 50R, 5OG, 50B and the cross prism 56 are fixed to each other by the adhesive 114 in a state where the relative positions in the plane parallel to the paper surface of FIG.

As shown in FIG. 2, the spatial modulation section 42 described above is installed on the exit side of the cross prism 56. This spatial modulation unit 42 includes a polarizing beam splitter 120, and further includes two LCOS (liquid crystal on silicon) as reflective liquid crystal panels! These two LCOSs are called LCOS1 and LCOS2, respectively.

[0163] In Fig. 7, the polarization beam splitter 120 and LCOS1 and LCOS2 are enlarged and shown in plan view. The polarizing beam splitter 120 is configured by joining 122, 124 forces of 45-degree right-angle prisms and joining them together on their inclined surfaces. A broadband polarization beam splitter surface 126 is formed on the joint surface. The outer peripheries of the prisms 122 and 124 are each composed of a slope that is also a joint surface with the other prisms 124 and 122, and two side surfaces that are perpendicular to each other. Each of the prisms 122 and 124 is formed by using a glass having a low photoelastic constant (for example, the above-mentioned ΓΡΒΗ56 manufactured by OHARA) as a support.

[0164] Of the prisms 122 and 124, the light source 40 is near! / And the combined light (shown as "RGB light" in FIG. 7) emitted from the light source 40 is incident on the prism 122. Two side surfaces of the prism 122 are composed of a side surface facing the light source unit 40 and a side surface not facing the light source unit 40, and the facing side surface is an incident surface when the combined light is incident on the polarization beam splitter 120. is there. As shown in FIG. 2, the incident surface and the exit surface of the cross prism 56 are bonded to each other by a light-transmitting adhesive 130 that is hardened by UV irradiation. The polarization beam splitter 120 and the cross prism 56 are fixed to each other by the adhesive 130 in a state where the relative positions in the plane parallel to the paper surface of FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, out of the two prisms 122 and 124 that constitute the polarizing beam splitter 120, the prism 124 far from the light source unit 40 also has an outer periphery that is a joint surface with another prism 122. The bottom surface and two side surfaces perpendicular to each other are formed. The two side surfaces are a side surface facing the light source unit 40 and a side surface not facing each other.

[0166] As shown in FIG. 7, the combined light, that is, incident light (illumination light emitted from the light source unit 40) incident on the polarization beam splitter 120 is reflected by the broadband polarization beam splitter surface 126 and is incident on the S wave (S polarization). ) And an incident P wave (P-polarized light) that transmits through the broadband polarization beam splitter surface 126. The polarization beam splitter 120 is designed so that its polarization characteristics are substantially the same in the entire wavelength band of illumination light (RGB light), that is, in broadband.

Among the two prisms 122 and 124, LCOS1 is opposed to the prism 124 far from the light source unit 40, and LCOS2 is opposed to the near prism 122. The incident P wave is incident on LCOS1 and the incident S wave is incident on L COS2. LCOS1 and LCOS2 are arranged so as to be orthogonal to each other in the input / output direction.

[0168] LCOS1 and LCOS2 are both not shown, for example, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-95212, but a plurality of switching elements are arranged in a matrix with built-in aluminum reflecting mirrors. The reflection type active matrix substrate, a liquid crystal layer, and a cover glass that regulates the thickness of the liquid crystal layer are laminated. Each of LCOS1 and LCOS2 modulates the polarization direction of the incident illumination light based on the image signal supplied from the outside so that the image light represented by the image signal is emitted from each LCOS.

[0169] In each LCOS, with respect to a pixel having luminance (for example, a bright display pixel), the illumination light incident from the polarization beam splitter 120 is converted into the incident light by leaving this pixel in an electric field. The light is modulated and reflected in the orthogonal polarization direction. Thereafter, the reflected light travels toward the projection lens unit 14. On the other hand, for a pixel having no luminance (for example, a dark display pixel), an electric field is applied to the liquid crystal in this pixel to erect the liquid crystal molecules, and the incident illumination light is polarized in the same polarization direction. reflect. Thereafter, the reflected light returns to the light source unit 40, and the power of the reflected light is consumed in the light source unit 40. Disappear.

[0170] Specifically, for the pixel that has been modulated from P wave to S wave in LCOS1, since the reflected light from LCOS1 is S wave, it is reflected on the broadband polarization beam splitter surface 126, and then The reflected light is emitted from the exit surface of the two side surfaces of the prism 124, with the side surface not facing the light source unit 40 being the exit surface. This emitted light is S-wave image signal light. On the other hand, in the pixel where the P wave force is not modulated into S wave in LCOS1, the reflected light from LCOS1 is P wave, so it passes through the broadband polarization beam splitter surface 126 and then the transmitted light. Is emitted from the incident surface of the polarization beam splitter 120 and consumed and lost at any location in the image projection apparatus 10. In other words, this emitted light is P wave disappearance light.

[0171] On the other hand, for pixels that were not modulated from S-wave to P-wave in LCOS2, the reflected light from LCOS2 is S-wave, so it is reflected by broadband polarization beam splitter surface 126, and then The reflected light is also emitted from the incident surface force of the polarizing beam splitter 120 and consumed and lost at any location in the image projector 10. That is, this outgoing light is S-wave disappearance light. On the other hand, for the pixel that has been modulated from S-wave to P-wave in LCOS2, the reflected light from LCOS2 is P-wave, so it passes through the broadband polarization beam splitter surface 126. The light is emitted from the incident surface of the polarization beam splitter 120. The emitted light is P-wave image signal light.

[0172] As a result of the P-wave image signal light and the S-wave image signal light being emitted from the same exit surface of the polarization beam splitter 120, these two types of image signal light are combined, and this is the spatial modulation section 4 This is the final outgoing light from 2. In this case, it is important to ensure that the LCOS1 and LCOS2 are accurately positioned relative to each other so that the two types of image signal light emitted from the two spatial modulators LCOS1 and LCOS2 are completely overlapped. It is to be fixed to the polarization beam splitter 120 in an adjusted state.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2, the surface of prism 124 and the surface of LCOS 1 are bonded to each other by a light-transmitting adhesive 132 that is cured by UV irradiation. Similarly, the surface of Prism 122 and the surface of LCOS2 are light-transmitting adhesives that are cured by UV irradiation. Adhered to each other by agent 134. Each LCOS and the polarization beam splitter 120 are fixed to each other by adhesives 132 and 134 in a state where the relative positions in the plane parallel to the paper surface of FIG.

[0174] As shown in FIG. 2, heat radiation fins 138 as heat radiation portions are mounted on both sides of LCOS1 on the side opposite to polarization beam splitter 120 in contact with LCOS1. Similarly, on both sides of the LCOS 2, on the opposite side to the polarizing beam splitter 120, the heat radiating fins 140 as heat radiating portions are attached in contact with the LCOS 2. Thereby, it is possible to reduce a decrease in contrast of the image signal light due to the temperature rise of the liquid crystal. In general, when the liquid crystal molecule exceeds 60 ° C, its twisted nematic structure cannot be properly maintained, and as a result, the contrast of the image signal light is lowered.

As shown in FIG. 2, the projection lens unit 14 described above is arranged on the emission side of the spatial modulation unit 42. The projection lens unit 14 includes a plurality of lenses 150, 152, 154, and 156 arranged in series so as to have telecentricity, and a lens barrel 158 that holds the lenses 150, 152, 154, and 156. Yes. Some of the plurality of lenses 150, 152, 154, 156 are plastic lenses, and the rest are glass lenses. This embodiment [Koo, Teorama, of the four even lenses 150, 152, 154, 156, of the device nosing 12, the two lenses 150, 152 are made of glass by optical glass ΒΚ7 The lens, the two lenses 154 and 156 on the outside, are plastic lenses made of optical plastic.

[0176] The lens barrel 158 is attached to the device housing 12 via the focus adjustment screw 160 so as to be movable in the axial direction. The focus adjustment screw 160 adjusts the projection distance from the position of the image projection device 10 to the projection image by the image projection device 10, that is, the focus.

The optical configuration of the image projection apparatus 10 has been described above. Next, the electrical configuration will be described.

FIG. 8 conceptually shows the electrical configuration of the image projector 10 in a block diagram. As shown in FIG. 8, the image projection apparatus 10 is configured mainly with a microprocessor unit (hereinafter abbreviated as “MPU”) 170. [0179] The image projection apparatus 10 includes a projection switch 172 as an operation unit operated by a user to command the start of image projection. In order to monitor whether or not the projection switch 172 has been operated, the projection switch 172 and the MPU 170 are connected to each other via the key scanning unit 174 !.

As shown in FIG. 8, the MPU 170 samples a power interface unit (represented as “power source if unit” in FIG. 8) 176 and a video signal (image signal) represented by an analog RGB signal. The video sampling unit 178 is connected. The power interface unit 176 and the video sampling unit 178 are connected to the mobile computer 16 via the connection cable 32 described above.

[0181] The MPU 170 is supplied with electric power (electrical energy) from the mopile computer 16 via the power interface unit 176, and in parallel therewith, the video from the mopile computer 16 via the video sampling unit 178. A signal (video signal) is supplied. The power interface unit 176 uses a bus pipe voltage (5V or 12V) supplied from the mopile computer 16 as at least one required voltage (+ 15V, + 3.3V, + 1.5V, and —7. DC—Converts to 5V) —Has a DC converter function.

[0182] The MPU 170 is also connected to a VRAM (video RAM) 180 as a storage unit. The VRAM 180 stores image signals captured from the outside, and further, image signals necessary for image projection are read from the VRAM 180 and captured by the MPU 170. As the VRAM 180, for example, SDRAM or DDRRAM which is a high-speed RAM is used.

As shown in FIG. 8, the MPU 170 is connected to the aforementioned LCOS 1 and LCOS 2 via the LCD driver 182. The MPU 170 supplies the LCOS signal (indicated as “LCOS” in FIGS. 8 and 9) to the LCD driver 182 in order to control the LCOS 1 and LCOS2. The LCOS signal is supplied to LCOS 1 and LCOS 2 in order to perform the above-described modulation control for each pixel, that is, control of the electric field applied to the liquid crystal for each pixel.

[0184] In this image projector 10, three light sources 50R, 50G, 50B, that is, red Light source that emits light beam (represented by “R light source” in FIG. 8) 50R and light source that emits green beam (represented by “G light source” in FIG. 8) 50G and light source that emits blue beam (In Fig. 8, “B light source” is used.) 50B and force Flashing is controlled in sequence according to the field sequential method. As shown by the time chart in FIG. 9, the R light source 50R, the G light source 50G, and the B light source 50B are sequentially driven in that order for each frame of the projection image. In one frame, the field in which the R light source 50R is driven, the field in which the G light source 50G is driven, and the field in which the B light source 50B are driven do not overlap each other in time. The time width of one frame, that is, the frame period is, for example, 1Z60 seconds.

In order to perform image signal processing in this field sequential method, as shown in FIG. 8, the MPU 170 passes through a timing generator 186 and a field sequential driver 188 in the order of the three light sources 50R, 50G, Connected to 50B. In response to the vertical synchronization signal (indicated as “VSYNC” in FIGS. 8 and 9) supplied from the MPU 170, the timing generator 186 has a blanking signal (in FIGS. 8 and 9). "BLANKING") and light source control signals (represented by "R", "G", and "B" in Figs. 8 and 9, respectively) that drive each light source 50R, 50G, 50B. Let

[0186] The generated blanking signal is supplied to the LCD driver 182 described above. The LCD driver 182 supplies the LCOS signal to LCOS1 and LCOS2 in association with the supplied blanking signal as shown in the time chart of FIG.

On the other hand, each generated light source control signal is supplied to the field sequential driver 188. The field sequential driver 188 is required to drive the R light source 50R, the G light source 50G, and the B light source 50B in association with each supplied light source control signal, as shown in the time chart of FIG. Driving voltage (represented by “R”, “G” and “B” in FIG. 9) is applied to the corresponding light source to emit light.

[0188] As described above, FIG. 1 shows an example of use of the image projection apparatus 10. In this use example, the image projection apparatus 10 is used by being attached to a mopile computer 16. However, the image projection apparatus 10 can be used for other purposes. In another use example, as shown in FIG. 10, the image projection apparatus 10 is connected to a mobile phone 200 as a portable information device by a connection cable 32, so that at least an image signal is transmitted. In a state where it is transmitted to the image projection device 10, it is used so that an image is projected onto a dedicated screen 202 installed on an arbitrary floor.

[0190] In this usage example, the image projection device 10 is positioned by being placed on a fixed object such as a table. Furthermore, in this usage example, the image projecting device 10 can also capture power from equipment other than the mobile phone 200. Needless to say, if the tilt adjustment function is added to the image projection device 10, the convenience of the tilt can be improved. Instead of the above-described tilt 'joint 24, a known tilt adjustment using simple screw fitting is possible. You can use the mechanism!

[0191] In yet another use example, as shown in Fig. 11, the image projection device 10 is connected to a part of a portable information terminal PDA as a portable information device by a rotary joint 212 as a mounting tool. In addition, it is electrically connected by a connection cable 32 (see FIG. 1), so that an image is projected on an arbitrary wall 214 with at least an image signal transmitted to the image projection device 10. As used.

[0192] In this use example, the PDA 210 is mounted on a fixed object such as a table, and the image projection apparatus 10 is supported by the PDA 210, whereby the image projection apparatus 10 is positioned. Is done. The image projection device 10 can be adjusted by a rotary joint 212 about a horizontal axis fixed to the PDA 2 10 or another rotational axis intersecting the PDA 2 10 with a degree of freedom of at least one axis. This makes it possible to easily adjust the angle at which the image projection device 10 emits image light within a vertical plane. Furthermore, in this use example, equipment other than the image projection apparatus 10-power PDA 210 can also capture power.

[0193] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. However, since this embodiment has many elements in common with the first embodiment, only the different elements will be described in detail, and the common elements will be described in detail using the same reference numerals or names. The description is omitted.

FIG. 12 is a plan view showing the optical configuration of the image projector 230 according to the present embodiment. ing. In this image projection device 230, a light source unit 240, a spatial modulation unit 242 and a projection lens unit 14 are mounted on a device housing 232 so as to be arranged in series with each other. Since the electrical configuration of the image projection device 230 is basically the same as that of the image projection device 10 according to the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 12, in the image projector 230 according to the present embodiment, the light source unit 240 1S cross prism 56 and three of the four side surfaces surrounding the cross prism 56 are included. The light sources 250R, 250G, and 250B are included, and the basic configuration is the same as that of the light source unit 10 of the image projector 10 according to the first embodiment. However, the detailed configuration of each light source 250R, 250G, 250B is different from that of the first embodiment.

Specifically, in the present embodiment, each light source 250R, 250G, 250B force has a substrate 254 made of borosilicate glass, and each light source 250R, 250G, 250B force is a thin film LED of about lOOnm. The organic LEDs 260R, 260G, and 260B are the main components. Organic LEDs are sometimes referred to as organic EL. In each of the light sources 250R, 250G, and 250B, organic LEDs 260R, 260G, and 260B are directly formed on the substrate 254. Further, the light sources 250R, 250G, and 250B are mounted on the substrate 254 via the grating plates 270R, 270G, and 270 repulsive forces S, and the bridges 274, respectively. Here, “grating” means an element having a diffraction function, and is produced by, for example, multi-step etching, the principle of CGH, or machining such as grinding.

In FIG. 13, a grating plate 270 representing the grating plates 270R, 270G, and 270 mm is shown in a side view and a plan view, respectively. The grating plates 270R, 270G, and 270 Β are formed by laminating a grating molded product (material: ΡΜΜΑ) 280 and a sub-wavelength structure molded product (material: Ρ ΜΜΑ) 282. A sub-wavelength structure AR layer 284 is formed on the surface of the sub-wavelength structure molded product 282. In the sub-wavelength structure AR layer 284, a plurality of grooves are arranged along a plurality of concentric circles. The grating molded product 280 can also have a sub-wavelength size in the grating pitch, which can be said to be a sub-wavelength element in a broad sense.

[0198] In general, a grating has a sawtooth cross section as shown in Fig. 14 in order to partially increase the diffraction efficiency only for a specific order, and on the cross section. In many cases, a blazed grating in which the surface of each groove has a blazed angle is used. Figure 14 shows a blazed grating with the groove depth set to the subwavelength size. Such a grating generates a large number of orders of diffracted light, of which the power is concentrated on only the + 1st order diffracted light.

[0199] When monochromatic light from a point light source is input to such a grating, the grating functions as a positive power element that substantially diverges the divergent light from the point light source, thereby subtracting from the grating. The refracting layer having a wavelength structure performs a light refracting function to refract incident light.

[0200] In the present embodiment, a refractive layer (not shown) having a sub-wavelength structure by a grating is formed on the grating molded product 282 shown in Fig. 13, and the above-mentioned light refraction function is achieved by this grating molded product 282. Will be fulfilled. By this light refraction function, the direction of light beams having various direction vectors emitted from the same point light source power is divergently aligned in one direction. As a result, the light emitted from the same point light source is condensed.

[0201] A grating is produced by forming a plurality of slopes and grooves on a base material in different patterns depending on positions. However, if observed locally, the multiple slopes and grooves are arranged periodically. For the production, first, a two-dimensional pattern distribution is calculated by a computer or the like, and then, according to the calculated pattern, a mold as a transfer mold is held on a rotary workbench, and fine processing is performed. By using a machine or the like, the mold is directly processed to form a reversed pattern shape. A grating is produced by carrying out a copy production method such as injection molding or casting using the mold.

[0202] As shown in FIG. 12, the grating plates 270R, 270G, and 270B are adhered to the cross prism 56 in an accurately positioned state by a light-transmitting adhesive 290 that is hardened by UV irradiation.

[0203] As shown in FIG. 12, in the present embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the spatial modulation section 242 is disposed on the polarization beam splitter plate 300 using the sub-wavelength structure and on the exit side thereof. And a single transmissive LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 302. The transmissive LCD 302 has a cross prism with a polarizing beam splitter plate 300. In a straight line with Mu 56!

[0204] In FIG. 15, the polarization beam splitter plate 300 is shown in an enlarged side view. The polarization beam splitter plate 300 is a sub-wavelength structure molded product 304, and a polarizing layer 306 is formed on the surface thereof. The polarizing beam splitter plate 300 transmits linearly polarized light in one direction (P wave in the example of FIG. 15) among the RGB light incident thereon, while transmitting linearly polarized light in a direction orthogonal thereto (P wave). In the example of Fig. 15, the S wave is reflected.

As shown in FIG. 15, out of the RGB light incident on the polarizing beam splitter plate 300, the linearly polarized light transmitted through the polarizing beam splitter plate 300 is then transmitted as shown in FIG. Incident on LCD302. In the transmissive LCD 302, the polarization direction of the incident linearly polarized light is twisted by 90 degrees for each pixel, or the force that is emitted from the transmissive LCD 302, or 0 degrees to exit from the transmissive LCD 302. Undergoes modulation. The linearly polarized light subjected to the selective modulation action is then discriminated from the image signal light by the polarizing layer provided on the exit surface of the transmissive LCD 302, and selectively transmitted from the transmissive LCD 302 for each pixel. Exit.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 15, of the RGB light incident on the polarizing beam splitter plate 300, the component reflected by the polarizing beam splitter plate 300 returns to the light source unit 240 side and disappears.

[0207] As shown in FIG. 12, the entrance surface of the polarization beam splitter plate 300 and the exit surface of the cross prism 56 are positioned with high accuracy by a light-transmitting adhesive 310 that is cured by UV irradiation. In this state, they are bonded together.

As shown in FIG. 12, the transmissive LCD 302 force is attached to the polarizing beam splitter plate 300 via a bridge 312 in parallel with the polarizing beam splitter plate 300. This transmissive LCD 302 has a plate shape and modulates the transmittance of image light for each pixel. The transmissive LCD 302 is attached with heat radiating fins 314 as heat radiating portions in close contact with each other. The temperature rise of the transmissive LCD 302 is suppressed by the air cooling effect by the heat radiation fins 314 and the heat transfer effect by the bridge 312. As a result, the image contrast is not lowered due to the temperature rise.

[0209] As shown in Fig. 12, the projection lens unit 14 is arranged on the light exit side of the transmissive LCD 302. ing. The projection lens unit 14 has a configuration common to the first embodiment.

[0210] Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. However, since this embodiment has many elements in common with the second embodiment, only different elements will be described in detail, and the common elements will be described in detail using the same reference numerals or names. The description is omitted.

FIG. 16 shows a plan view of the optical configuration of the image projection apparatus 330 according to the present embodiment. In the image projection device 330, as in the second embodiment, the light source 340, the spatial modulation 342, and the projection lens unit 14 are mounted on the device housing 232 so as to be directly aligned with IJ. ing. However, since this embodiment is different from the second embodiment with respect to only a part of the light source unit 340 and the spatial modulation unit 342, only different elements will be described in detail. The electrical configuration of the image projection apparatus 330 according to the present embodiment is the same as that of the image projection apparatus 230 according to the second embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

[0212] As shown in FIG. 16, the light source unit 340 includes three light sources 350R, 35 OG, and 350B, as in the second embodiment. Each of the light sources 350R, 350G, and 350B is configured mainly with double-heterostructure LEDs 360R, 360G, and 360B as in the first and second embodiments. As an example, the light source 350R is taken as an example, and the surface of each LED 360R, 360G, 360B and the sub-wavelength AR layer 364 are formed as shown in the enlarged side sectional view in Fig. 17. ing.

[0213] Each LED360R, 360G, 360mm [This is the AR layer 364 [From here, the loss caused by multiple reflections when passing through the exit surface of each LED360R, 360G, 360mm, that is, the final] In particular, the loss due to the photons consumed in the light source is reduced. As a result, the LED3 60R, 360G, and 360-degree light extraction efficiency can be improved compared to the case where the AR layer 364-force does not exist. In general, since the planar reflectance of the optical semiconductor material is about 30%, suppressing this to 0.1% or less directly leads to an improvement in the electrical-light conversion efficiency of the light source.

[0214] Here, the structure of the light sources 350R, 350G, and 350B will be described in detail by taking the light source 350R in the f row, but since the structure is general, it will be briefly described. As shown in FIG. 17, substrate electrodes 365a and 365b are formed on the substrate 254! LED360R electrode (gold thin film) 366a, another board electrode 365b LED360R another electrode (gold thin film) 366b are connected to each other. The electrode 366b is connected to the transparent electrode layer 368 via the conductor 367! /. The transparent electrode layer 368 and the electrode 366a face each other with the active layer 369 therebetween. The transparent electrode layer 368, the electrode 366a, and the active layer 369 form a laminated structure.

In this embodiment, the spatial modulation unit 342 is configured to include a transmissive LCD 302 that is common to the second embodiment, and a laminated CGH plate 370 that is different from the second embodiment. In FIG. 18, the laminated CGH plate 370 is shown in an enlarged side view. This laminated CGH plate 370 consists of an R wavelength discrimination CGH plate 380R that discriminates the wavelength of the red beam, a G wavelength discrimination CGH plate 380G that discriminates the wavelength of the green beam, and a B wavelength discrimination CGH plate that discriminates the wavelength of the blue beam. It is a laminate with 380B. The wavelength discrimination CGH plates 380R, 380G, and 380B are made of CGH, and then laminated and bonded together. In this case, light divergently emitted from each of the LED ED360R, 360G, and 360B forces as the light source travels along the different paths for each color in the cross prism 56 while maintaining the divergent state.

[0216] The RGB light emitted from the cross prism 56 in this manner may be parallel light or may not be parallel light. Such RGB light is equivalent to white light divergently emitted from a white point light source if the possibility of adjusting the white balance by color is ignored. For this reason, FIG. 18 shows white light divergently emitted from the RGB light power white point light source emitted from the cross prism 56.

In the present embodiment, such RGB light is incident on the laminated CGH plate 370 described above. R wavelength discrimination CGH plate 380R collimates only the red component light (R light) of the incident RGB light by adapting the two-dimensional periodic structure of sub-wavelength to the wavelength of red light, and Refract in the setting direction. Similarly, the G wavelength discriminating CGH plate 380G makes only the green component light (G light) out of the incident RGB light parallel by adjusting the two-dimensional periodic structure of the sub-wavelength to the wavelength of the green light. Refract in the same refraction direction as the R light. Furthermore, the B wavelength discrimination CGH plate 380B collimates only the blue component light (B light) of the incident RGB light by adapting the two-dimensional periodic structure of the sub-wavelength to the wavelength of the blue light. And refract in the same refraction direction as R light.

[0218] As a result, the light emitted from the laminated CGH plate 370 travels as substantially parallel light in substantially the same direction. The combined light of R light, G light and B light.

Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. However, since this embodiment has elements in common with the third embodiment, only different elements will be described in detail, and the common elements will be described in detail using the same reference numerals or names. The description is omitted.

FIG. 19 is a plan view showing the optical configuration of image projection apparatus 400 according to the present embodiment. Generally speaking, this image projection apparatus 400 differs from the third embodiment regarding the type of light source, and further differs from the third embodiment in that the cross prism 56 is not used to synthesize three component lights. Is different. Further, this image projection apparatus 400 also uses a transmissive LCD 302 in that a deformable mirror device (hereinafter abbreviated as “DMD”) 402 is used to perform spatial modulation. Different from form.

As shown in FIG. 19, an image projection apparatus 400 according to this embodiment includes an apparatus housing 404, and a light source unit 410 is provided in the apparatus housing 404. The light source section 410 includes a ceramics light source housing 412. The light source housing 412 has three cavities 414R, 414G, and 414B forces S arranged in a row in a row and in the same direction. Is formed. These three cavities 414R, 414G, and 414B are all used in a substantially vacuum state.

[0222] In any of the cavities 414R, 414G, and 414B, a carbon nanotube (CNT) 420 is installed at the bottom. The carbon nanotube 420 is an assembly of needles having a nano structure made of carbon. This is an example of an electron emission source and an example of a field 'emission' device. In each of the cavities 414R, 414G, and 414B, a force sword 422 that is a counter electrode is further installed in the vicinity of the carbon nanotube 420.

[0223] 3 Even Skys 414R, 414G, 414B [Opening, Opening, Opening, Opening, Sealing 414R, 414G, 414B, 3 phosphors 430R, 430G , 430mm are fixed respectively. These three phosphors, 430R, 430G, and 430Β, are provided to generate visible light for each color using the electron beam emitted from carbon nanotube 420 as a trigger, and are R-emitting phosphors for emitting red light. 430R and G emission fluorescence for green light emission 430G and B-emitting phosphor 430B for emitting blue light. On these three phosphors 430R, 430G, and 430B, an anode 436 that is a transparent electrode made of ITO or the like is deposited on the front surface thereof.

In this embodiment, the R light emitting phosphor 430R, the corresponding cavity 414R, and the carbon nanotube 420 constitute an R light source 440R that emits red component light, and the G light emitting phosphor 430G and the corresponding cavity 414G And the carbon nanotube 420 constitute a G light source 440G that emits green component light, and the B light emitting phosphor 430B and the corresponding cavity 414B and the carbon nanotube 420 constitute a B light source 440B that emits blue component light. The three light sources 350R, 350G, and 350B constitute the light source unit 410. The light source housing 412 is provided in common for the three light sources 35 OR, 350 G, and 350 B.

As shown in FIG. 19, the three light sources 350R, 350G, 350B are electrically connected to the field sequential driver 188 at least in the carbon nanotube 420, and in the same manner as in the first embodiment, Three light sources 350R, 350G, 350B are driven sequentially according to the field sequential method.

In the present embodiment, light source unit 410 is configured to further include multiplexing unit 450. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 19, a stacked CGH plate 452 as a multiplexing unit 450 is disposed in front of the light source unit 410 so as to face the light source unit 410. The laminated CGH plate 452 has the same function and structure as the laminated CGH plate 370 in the third embodiment.

As shown in an enlarged view in FIG. 20, the laminated CGH plate 452 has a plate-like sub-wavelength structure molded product 456 on which a broadband AR layer 454 is formed, and R light refraction that discriminates and refracts the wavelength of red light. Plate-shaped sub-wavelength structure molded product 470R with layer 460R, green light wavelength discriminating and refracting green light 470R, plate-shaped sub-wavelength structured molded product 470G with blue light wavelength 460G, and blue light wavelength And a plate-like sub-wavelength structure molded product 470B on which a B light refraction layer 460B is formed are laminated together and fixed in close contact with each other.

As shown in FIG. 19, the DMD 402 is disposed in front of the laminated CGH plate 452 so as to be obliquely opposed to the laminated CGH plate 452 at a predetermined angle described later. [0229] Incidentally, the RGB light (combined light) emitted from the laminated CGH plate 452 travels along the substantially normal direction of the emission surface of the laminated CGH plate 452, and eventually enters the DMD 402. The optical axis at this time is called the incident optical axis S. While there is only one incident optical axis S, there are two or more outgoing optical axes that are the optical axes of image light emitted from the DMD 402. This will be explained in detail below.

[0230] In DMD402, a plurality of flexible reflection mirrors (micromirrors) are arranged in a matrix. For example, one reflection mirror is associated with one pixel. In order to bring a pixel into a bright display state, a mirror driver (not shown) that drives a reflection mirror associated with the pixel is turned on, and the reflection mirror is tilted in a predetermined direction. . The optical axis of the light emitted from the reflecting mirror in this tilted state is the outgoing optical axis T during bright display. On the other hand, in order to put a pixel in the dark display state, the mirror driver that drives the reflecting mirror associated with the pixel is turned off, and the reflecting mirror is moved in a direction opposite to the predetermined one direction. Tilt to. In this state, the optical axis of the light emitted from the reflecting mirror is the outgoing optical axis L during dark display.

In FIG. 19, the angle formed between the incident optical axis S and the outgoing optical axis T during bright display is Θ i, and the angle formed between the outgoing optical axis T during bright display and the outgoing optical axis L during dark display. Are shown as Θ o respectively. An example of the angle Θ i is 10 degrees, and an example of the angle Θ o is 20 degrees. In this example, the DMD 402 performs tilt modulation of 5 degrees on both sides of the reflection mirror for each pixel by on / off control.

As shown in FIG. 19, the DMD 402 is directly attached with heat radiation fins 480 as heat radiation portions. On the other hand, if the emitted light at the time of dark display is continuously applied to the device housing 404, the irradiated part may generate heat and be deformed, or stray light may be generated. Therefore, in the present embodiment, an absorber (for example, a carbon black body) 482 that receives emitted light during dark display and absorbs the heat of the emitted light to dissipate it is installed in the apparatus housing 404.

As shown in FIG. 19, the projection lens unit 14 is arranged in front of the DMD 402 so as to face the surface of the DMD 402. This projection lens unit 14 is the first embodiment This is basically the same as the projection lens unit 14 in this state. However, in the present embodiment, a lens made of plastic is provided between the lenses 154 and 156 both made of plastic.

484 is additionally arranged.

It should be noted that the light source unit 410 in the present embodiment can be used to replace the light source units 40, 240, and 340 in the first to third embodiments.

[0235] Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. However, since this embodiment has elements in common with the fourth embodiment, only the different elements will be described in detail, and the common elements will be described in detail using the same reference numerals or names. The description is omitted.

[0236] In the fourth embodiment, the light source unit 410 is mainly composed of the carbon nanotubes 420. However, as shown in Fig. 21, in the image projection apparatus 500 according to the present embodiment, the light source unit 510 includes the light source unit 510. The plasma light-emitting element is mainly used. Furthermore, in the fourth embodiment, the combining unit 450 is configured to have a two-dimensional sub-wavelength structure. In this embodiment, the combining unit 512 has a three-dimensional structure. It is configured to include a photonic crystal plate 520 having a typical subwavelength structure, that is, a waveguide structure! RU

FIG. 21 shows a plan view of the light source unit 510 and the photonic crystal plate 520 taken out of the image projection apparatus 500 according to the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 21, the light source unit 510 is provided with a ceramic light source housing 530 in the same manner as in the fourth embodiment, and the light source housing 530 has three cavities 532R, 532 G. , 532B are formed side by side in a row and open in the same direction. These three cavities 532R, 532G, and 532B are all used in a state of being filled with plasma gas.

[0239] In any of the cavities 532R, 532G, and 532B, the phosphors 540 R, 540G, and 540B are formed in portions other than the openings. Specifically, the R phosphor 540R for emitting red component light is formed in the cavity 532R, and the G phosphor 540G for emitting green component light is formed in the cavity 532G. In this case, B phosphor 540B for emitting blue component light is formed.

[0240] The bottom of the light source housing 530 has three cavities, common to the 532R, 532G, and 532B. A dielectric substrate 546 is formed. In the rear dielectric substrate 546, three address electrodes 550R, 550G, and 550B are embedded at positions facing the bottoms of the three cavities 532R, 532G, and 532B. The rear dielectric substrate 546 is covered with a rear glass 556 common to the three cavities 532R, 532G, and 532B on the side opposite to the light source housing 530.

[0241] In contrast, in the opening of the light source housing 530, three front transparent dielectric layers 560R, 560G, and 560B that respectively close the openings of the three cavities 532R, 532G, and 532B are formed. Yes. In each of the front transparent dielectric layers 560R, 560G, and 560B, an appropriate number of transparent display electrodes 566 are embedded at least in the horizontal direction. These transparent dielectric layers 560R, 560G, and 560B are opposite to the light source nosing 530. The three layers of the transparent dielectric layer 5 32R, 532G, and 532B are covered with this common front glass 568. I'm!

In this embodiment, the R phosphor 540R, the corresponding cavity 532R, the address electrode 550R, and the transparent display electrode 566 constitute an R light source 570R that emits red component light, and the G phosphor 540G and the G phosphor 540G Corresponding cavity 532G, address electrode 550G and transparent display electrode 566 constitute G light source 570G which emits green component light, and B phosphor 540B and corresponding cavity 532B, address electrode 550B and transparent display electrode 5 66 Thus, the B light source 570B that emits the blue component light is configured, and the light source unit 510 is configured by the three light sources 570R, 570G, and 570B. The light source housing 530 is provided in common for the three light sources 570R, 570G, and 570B.

[0243] The three light sources 570R, 570G, and 570B are the same as those in the fourth embodiment, and the address electrodes 550R, 550G, and 550B and the transparent display electrode 566 are not shown! / These are electrically connected to a finalore sequential driver 188, and the three light sources 570R, 570G, and 570B are sequentially driven in accordance with the field sequential method in the same manner as in the fourth embodiment.

[0244] Thereby, plasma emission is excited in each of the cavities 532R, 532G, and 532B, and an ultraviolet ray is generated. Thus generated ultraviolet rays, the phosphor 540R, 540G, when irradiated in 540B, is converted into visible light by the wavelength shift effect, finally, the converted visible light force ^s, each light source 570 feet, 570 g, of 570B The front opening 咅 ^^ is taken out. In the present embodiment, light source unit 510 is configured to further include multiplexing unit 512. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 21, a photonic crystal plate 520 as a multiplexing unit 512 is disposed in front of the light source unit 510 so as to face the light source unit 510.

In FIG. 22, the photonic crystal plate 520 is enlarged and shown in a side sectional view. Figure 22 shows that the three light sources 570R, 570G, and 570B are each a point light source, that the three light sources 570R, 570G, and 570B are sequentially selected and driven, and that the point light source emits light. The light source unit 510 is simply expressed as a single point light source.

As shown in FIG. 22, in this embodiment, the plate-like photonic crystal plate 520 is composed of a waveguide-type photonic crystal 580 having a three-dimensional periodic structure and a broadband AR layer 582 is two-dimensional. The AR plate 584 formed on the substrate is laminated. As in the first embodiment, the broadband AR layer 84 exhibits an anti-reflection function by a sub-wavelength structure in which a plurality of tapered convex portions 82 are arranged at sub-wavelength intervals. Broadband AR layer 84 also exhibits a deflection function for coupling a light beam to incident end 590 of photonic crystal 580.

[0248] The photonic crystal 580 is an example of a photonic band gap (PBG) element. The PBG element is an element formed so as to have a dielectric periodic structure with a sub-wavelength period from the viewpoint of photon manipulation. The basic structure of the PBG element is a multi-layer stacked SOI (silicon 'on' insulator), and its application is not limited to a small passive optical circuit, but a new functional element represented by an opto-electric active element. Directed. In other words, the PBG element can modulate the transmittance of the light source, and can perform polarization control and phase control.

[0249] An object to be modulated by a dielectric periodic structure whose target is a photon is a refractive index, and the structure for the modulation is called a photonic crystal. The principle that a photonic band gap is formed is that a forbidden band is generated in a photonic crystal like an electron, and the existence of a photon having that energy is prohibited. Therefore, in a crystal with a photonic band gap formed in all directions, photons having energy in the forbidden band cannot exist in the photonic crystal.

[0250] In the case of electrons, device functions such as pn junction are realized by adding impurities. However, it is a defect that realizes the function of the photonic crystal. In the case of a photonic crystal, the defect is a local disorder of the dielectric constant period. When a dielectric pair defect is introduced into a photonic crystal with a photonic band gap formed in all directions, localization of photons having specific energy is allowed at the position where the dielectric defect is generated. Structurally, a kind of filter action is obtained by the localization of photons in the defect and the effect of seepage (evanescent wave). Focusing on this fact, it is possible to form a filter that passes only a specific linearly polarized light component or to form a lossless waveguide.

In the present embodiment, a waveguide structure is realized using the photonic crystal 580 having such properties. If the optical confinement effect due to the photonic band gap is used, the internal structure of the three-dimensional crystal is changed to a waveguide type, in particular, a waveguide type. At the incident end 590 of the photonic crystal 580, a plurality of waveguides formed in the photonic crystal 580 are coupled with high efficiency. Further, the incident light is guided without loss to the emission end 592 of the photonic crystal 580.

In this embodiment, the photonic crystal 580 is formed as follows. First, a plurality of air holes are regularly formed at sub-wavelength intervals in the silica glass as a base material. By laminating multiple pieces of this silica glass with accurate alignment, a block with a three-dimensional structure is constructed. Of this block, the pre-formed air holes are removed from the portion where the waveguide is to be formed. Photons are allowed to localize in the missing portion, and as a result, a waveguide is formed in the photonic crystal 580.

[0253] In addition, the three-dimensional waveguide structure can be formed as follows, for example. First, a two-dimensional PBG structure is formed on the base material, and then the second and subsequent base materials are laminated by physical and chemical means such as epitaxial growth and spin coating. Using this same PBG structure formation method (usually electron beam lithography), a three-dimensional structure is formed by repeating processing and laminating sequentially while keeping the workpiece chuck fixed.

[0254] Note that the light source unit 510 in the present embodiment can be used to replace the light source units 40, 240, 340, 410 in the first to fourth embodiments. [0255] Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0256] The image projectors 10, 230, 330, 400, 500 according to some embodiments described above generate component light of a plurality of colors (monochromatic light) and generate component light for each color and each pixel. The image projection device 610 according to the present embodiment is a type that projects an image in full color by modulating the intensity, but the image projection device 610 according to the present embodiment generates white light and modulates each color intensity of the white light for each pixel, thereby generating an image. Are projected in monochrome or color.

In FIG. 23, only the light source unit 620 of the image projection apparatus 610 according to the present embodiment is shown in a side sectional view. The light source unit 620 is configured to include an arc lamp 622 as one point light source and a PBG plate 624 as a collimator.

[0258] The arc lamp 622 includes a lamp housing 626, as is well known! / In which a pair of electrodes 630, 630 are opposed to each other with a gap therebetween. Since arc discharge occurs in the gap, there is a light emitting point where the arc is emitted in a part of the space in the gap. The arc emits light divergently in all directions. A part of the light is shielded by the electrode 630 or the like, and as a result, the arc lamp 622 becomes a light source having a light emission characteristic having a certain radiation pattern.

As shown in FIG. 23, the PBG plate 624 having the above-described PBG function is arranged in front of the arc lamp 622. Similar to the first embodiment, the 1/0 plate 624 includes a refractive layer 632 having a sub-wavelength structure, and condenses divergent white light incident on the refractive layer from the arc lamp 622 into parallel light. Similar to the first embodiment, the PBG plate 624 can perform an anti-reflection function by a subwavelength structure.

As shown in FIG. 23, a cold mirror reflector 634 is disposed behind the arc lamp 622. As a result, the entire light omnidirectionally emitted from the arc lamp 622 is effectively directed to the PBG plate 624.

[0261] When the light source unit 620 is mainly composed of the arc lamp 622, it has been necessary to solve the problem of power consumption and the problem caused by heat generation. In contrast, according to the present embodiment, the light collected from the arc lamp 622 is transmitted to the next stage with high efficiency by the light collecting function (or the light collecting function and the anti-reflectance function) of the PBG plate 624. , The arc lamp 622 and the PBG plate 624 Conversion efficiency is improved as compared to the conventional case.

[0262] Therefore, according to the present embodiment, even if the light source unit 620 is mainly composed of the arc lamp 622, a larger amount of light emission than in the conventional case is not necessary. As a result, power saving is facilitated and problems due to heat generation are reduced, thereby reducing the need for a heat-resistant structure and the associated increase in size and weight.

[0263] In addition, the image projection apparatus according to the first to fifth embodiments described above, 10, 2, 30, 330, 400, 500, and the calorific power of the arc lamp 622 is less! / ヽ light source 咅 40, 240 , 34 0, 410, 510 are used.Unlike this embodiment, the light emitted from the light source units 40, 240, 340, 410, 510 in the direction different from the direction of the directional force is applied to the next stage. There is no dedicated reflector that reflects to the surface, and the equivalent function is achieved by reflection inside the light source, substrate reflection, silver paste reflection, and electrode reflection.

[0264] In addition, the light source unit 620 in this embodiment is used to replace the light sources 咅 240, 340, 410, 510 in the first to fifth embodiments! /, It is possible.

[0265] Next, a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described. However, since this embodiment has elements that are common to the sixth embodiment, only different elements will be described in detail, and common elements will be referred to using the same reference numerals or names. Detailed description is omitted.

[0266] In the sixth embodiment, the light source unit 620 is configured mainly by the arc lamp 622. On the other hand, in the image projection apparatus 650 according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 24, the light source unit 660 is mainly composed of a well-known filament lamp 662. The filament lamp 662 includes a lamp housing 664, in which a pair of electrodes 670, 670 are opposed to each other with a gap therebetween. Both ends of the filament 672 are joined to the pair of electrodes 670 and 670, respectively. When the filament 672 is energized, the filament 672 reaches a high temperature and emits light. Therefore, the filament lamp 662 is a partial force light emitting region surrounded by a broken-line circle in FIG.

[0267] If this light emitting area is small, for example, a diameter of 3 mm or less, the light emitting area From the viewpoint of a positive power element located sufficiently far from the area, the light emitting area can be regarded as a substantially point light source. On the other hand, when the light emitting area cannot be regarded as a substantially point light source, the light emitted from the light emitting area is transmitted to the next stage by using a highly efficient condensing means. It is possible.

[0268] In the present embodiment, although not shown, a PBG plate common to the PBG plate 624 is arranged as a light condensing means in front of the filament lamp 662, as in the sixth embodiment. As a result, the light source Portion 660 is configured to include a filament lamp 662 and its PBG plate. Due to the presence of the PBG plate, the electro-optical conversion efficiency of the light source unit 660 is improved as compared with the case where the PBG plate is not present.

Next, an eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described. However, since this embodiment has elements that are common to the sixth embodiment, only different elements will be described in detail, and common elements will be referred to using the same reference numerals or names. Detailed description is omitted.

In the sixth embodiment, the light source unit 620 is of a type that emits light without using the resonance of light, whereas in the image projector 690 according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. Is a type in which the light source unit 700 emits light by utilizing gain enhancement by resonance of light such as a laser.

FIG. 25 shows only light source unit 700 in image projection apparatus 690 according to the present embodiment. The light source unit 700 is configured to include a photon generation source 702, a subwavelength structure element 704, and a power input source 706! RU

[0272] The photon generation source 702 is mainly composed of, for example, a semiconductor that generates photons according to current density. Examples of the semiconductor include (In-Ga-N), (Si-C), and (Al.In.Ga · P). The photon generation source 702 includes an emission surface 710 from which light is emitted along the optical axis, and a light source side resonance mirror surface 712 that faces the emission surface in the optical axis direction. The light source side resonance mirror surface 712 is formed as a cleavage plane. The photon generation source 702 generates photons by the power (for example, electric energy) input from the power input source 706.

[0273] On the emission surface 710 of this photon source 702, a sub-wave that performs an anti-reflection function is provided. An AR layer 714 having a long structure is physically formed. For example, as described above, the sub-wavelength structure is configured such that a plurality of convex portions 82 are two-dimensionally arranged at sub-wavelength intervals. This AR layer makes it possible to emit light from the light exit surface 710 without any loss due to reflection at the light exit surface 710 to be emitted from the photon generation source 702.

As shown in FIG. 25, a plate-like subwavelength structure element 704 is arranged in front of the photon generation source 702. The sub-wavelength structure element 704 includes an incident end 720 where the outgoing light from the photon generation source 702 is incident, and an outgoing end 722 where the incident light exits toward the next stage.

[0275] An anti-transmission resonant mirror surface 730 is integrally formed on the incident end 720 of the sub-wavelength structure element 704 with a two-dimensional sub-wavelength structure. As conceptually shown in FIG. 26, the anti-transmission resonant mirror surface 730 may be a recess (or a hole penetrating the sub-wavelength structural element 704 in the thickness direction) opened in the anti-transmission resonant mirror surface 730. ) Are two-dimensionally arranged. For example, the plurality of recesses can be configured as a regular arrangement in a lattice pattern at intervals of 420 nm on a silicon thin film having a thickness of 250 nm.

[0276] The plurality of recesses act as an array of a plurality of minute mirrors due to the light forbidden effect of the photonic band gap, and most of the incident light on this anti-transmission resonant mirror surface 730 is photon generation source 702 The light is reflected by the light source side resonance mirror surface 712 inside.

[0277] As shown in the optical path diagram of FIG. 25, the light reflected on the anti-transmission resonant mirror surface 730 is repeatedly reflected between the anti-transmission resonant mirror surface 730 and the light source side resonant mirror surface 712 and travels back and forth. Be made. Due to this light resonance phenomenon, the quantum efficiency of the photon generation source 702, that is, the electro-optical conversion efficiency is improved. The anti-transmission resonance mirror surface 730 and the light source side resonance mirror surface 712 constitute a pair of opposed mirror surfaces, and the light source unit 700 is designed so as to exceed the resonance gain force of light by the pair of opposed mirror surfaces. For example, if the quantum efficiency of the photon source 702 is such that, in cooperation with a subwavelength structural element 704 having an anti-transmission resonant mirror surface 730, such a subwavelength structural element 704 is not used (e.g., an LED is simply If it emits light) it will improve. [0278] Note that a pair of cooperating mirror surfaces such as the anti-transmission resonant mirror surface 730 and the light source side resonant mirror surface 712 can be arranged in various other modes. For example, the pair of cooperating mirror surfaces can be respectively disposed on both sides of the photon source 702 with the photon source 702 being separated from each other. According to this arrangement, in addition to the effect of improving the quantum efficiency due to the resonance of light, it becomes possible to deflect the beam by the angle tilt of each mirror surface, and the resonant wavelength modulation by adjusting the mirror interval is possible. As a secondary effect.

[0279] Note that the light source unit 700 in the present embodiment replaces the light sources 咅 240, 340, 410, 510, 620, 660 in the first to seventh embodiments. ! It is possible to talk.

Next, a ninth embodiment of the present invention will be described. However, since this embodiment has many elements in common with the first embodiment, only different elements will be described in detail, and common elements will be referred to using the same reference numerals or names. Detailed description is omitted.

In the first embodiment, the light emitted from each of the light sources 50R, 50G, and 50B is visible light, whereas in the image projector 750 according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 27, the light source The unit 760 is configured to include at least one light source that generates invisible light, and at least one conversion unit that converts the invisible light generated by the light source force into visible light.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 27, the image projection apparatus 750 according to the present embodiment includes a light source unit 760 force three X-ray sources 762, 762, 762, and these X-ray sources 762, 762, The 762 is configured to include three plate-like wavelength shifters 770R, 770G, and 770B provided in the 762 respectively. In FIG. 27, one X-ray source 762 and one wavelength shifter 770 that generate one of the three component lights (R light, G light, and B light) together are representative. It is shown in These three X-ray sources 762, 762, and 762 constitute an example of the above-mentioned “at least one light source”, and the three wavelength shifters 770R, 770G, and 770B An example of the “conversion unit” is as follows.

[0283] Each wavelength shifter 770R, 770G, 770B uses a sub-wavelength structure to The incident invisible light is converted into visible light. In order to explain this principle, as described above, when the sub-wavelength structure has a photonic band gap, a light confinement effect occurs, and light is constrained by the dielectric defect portion. The energy level of the constrained photon increases the energy level in the semiconductor substrate, which is the optoelectronic active device, and as a result, when the optoelectronic active device returns to the ground state, the energy level is increased. A photon with a frequency proportional to the difference is emitted.

[0284] According to this principle, when an electromagnetic wave having a certain wavelength is incident on an optoelectronic active element having a sub-wavelength structure that realizes a light confinement effect, the incident electromagnetic wave is Emits electromagnetic waves with different wavelengths. That is, the opto-electric active device is the above-described wavelength shifter 770R, 770G, or 770B.

[0285] In addition, in the present embodiment, the X-ray source 762 is provided for each component light, but the present invention is configured so that one X-ray source is provided in common for a plurality of component lights. Can be implemented. In this case, the plurality of wavelength shifters 770R, 770G, and 770B respectively corresponding to these component lights can be integrated in a compact manner by stacking them on the emission axis of one X-ray source, for example. Is possible.

[0286] In addition, the light source unit 760 in the present embodiment replaces the light source 340, 410, 510, 620, 660, 700 in the second to eighth embodiments. !

[0287] Further, in carrying out the present invention, the wavelength shifters 770R, 770G, 770B are changed to convert visible light into invisible light, and then the wavelength shifters 770R, 770G, 770B, By using a combination with an element that emits visible light, an image display device that displays a radiation image or an infrared ray image can be configured.

[0288] Further, in carrying out the present invention, the wavelength shifters 770R, 770G, and 770B are used, for example, any power of R light, G light, and B light (for example, R light) is used as R light. It can be changed to realize the three primary colors by shifting the wavelength to G light and B light. In this way, the R, G, and B lights can be reduced more easily than the case where three primary color lights are realized using light emitting elements individually.

[0289] In addition, the sub-wavelength structure element itself is a radiation source that can be reactively controlled. May be.

As described above, some of the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail with reference to the drawings. The present invention can be implemented in other forms based on various modifications and improvements.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] An image display device for displaying an image,

An image display device.

[2] The image display device according to claim 1, wherein the reactive element has an efficiency increasing function of increasing an electric electromagnetic wave conversion efficiency of the radiation source unit by cooperating with the radiation source unit.

[3] The image display device according to claim 1, wherein the reactive element has an anti-reflection function for preventing reflection of electromagnetic waves incident thereon.

4. The image display device according to claim 1, wherein the reactive element has a function of deflecting an electromagnetic wave incident thereon, but does not have a function of discriminating polarized light.

[5] The radiation source unit includes a plurality of reflecting surfaces facing each other across a portion that emits the electromagnetic wave,

The reactive element is disposed on at least one of the reflecting surfaces so as to have at least one of a reflecting function and a transmitting function, and utilizes the resonance phenomenon of the electromagnetic waves between the plurality of reflecting surfaces. 2. The image display device according to claim 1, wherein the electric electromagnetic wave conversion efficiency is increased by doing so.

6. The reactive element according to claim 1, wherein the reactive element includes an incident surface on which the electromagnetic wave is incident and an exit surface from which the electromagnetic wave is incident, and further includes a waveguide structure extending from the incident surface to the exit surface as the periodic structure. The image display device described in 1.

7. The image display device according to claim 1, wherein the periodic structure includes a sub-wavelength periodic structure having a period shorter than that of an electromagnetic wave to be incident on the periodic structure.

8. The image display device according to claim 1, wherein the reactive element emits an electromagnetic wave in a direction generally parallel to a normal direction thereof.

[9] The image display device according to claim 1, wherein the reactive element includes at least one of a CGH element, a grating element, a PBG element, and a photonic crystal element. Place.

[10] The radiation source section includes at least one of a field emission element, a plasma light emitting element, a laser element, an inorganic LED element, an organic LED element, an arc lamp, a filament lamp, and a radiation source. The image display device according to claim 1, comprising:

11. The image display device according to claim 1, wherein the radiation source unit emits visible light as the electromagnetic wave.

12. The image display device according to claim 1, wherein the reactive element has a wavelength shift function for converting an electromagnetic wave incident thereon into an electromagnetic wave having a wavelength different from the electromagnetic wave incident thereon.

[13] The radiation source unit includes a radiation source element that emits a plurality of electromagnetic waves having different wavelengths as component waves,

The reactive element according to claim 1, wherein the reactive element has a multiplexing function of combining the plurality of component waves by deflecting each component wave incident from the radiation source element in a direction corresponding to a wavelength of the component wave. The image display device described.

[14] In the reactive element, a plurality of layers that deflect each component wave in a direction according to its wavelength are stacked on each other in order to jointly realize the multiplexing function by the periodic structure. 14. The image display device according to claim 13, which is configured as described above.

[15] The radiation source section includes:

The image display device according to claim 1, comprising:

[16] The radiation source element includes three radiation source elements that respectively emit three component waves as the plurality of component waves,

The multiplexing unit frequency-selectively reflects and refracts the three component waves respectively incident on the three radiation source element forces along three paths that are divergently arranged at a certain angle. 16. The image display device according to claim 15, wherein the combined wave is emitted in a direction of moving away from the combined force along a predetermined path. .

[17] The radiation source element emits three component waves as the plurality of component waves, respectively. Including three radiation source elements,

The multiplexing unit is divergently arranged at an angle from one central point, and the three radiation source element forces along the three paths out of the four paths are respectively at the central point. Three component waves incident in the approaching direction are synthesized into one synthesized wave by frequency selective reflection and refraction, and the synthesized wave is synthesized along the remaining one path from the center point. 16. The image display device according to claim 15, wherein the image display device emits light in a direction of moving away.

18. The image display device according to claim 15, wherein the reactive element is disposed between the radiation source element and the multiplexing unit.

[19] The image display device according to [15], wherein the reactive element is arranged in a portion of the multiplexing portion where the combined wave is emitted.

20. The image display device according to claim 15, wherein the multiplexing unit is configured using a low photoelastic constant material as a support.

[21] Furthermore, a modulation unit that modulates the electromagnetic wave emitted from the reactive element for each pixel is included, and the reactive element and the modulation unit are integrated with each other by an adhesive having electromagnetic wave permeability with respect to the electromagnetic wave. The image display device according to claim 1, wherein the image display device is attached.

[22] In addition, it includes a plate-like spatial modulation unit that modulates the electromagnetic wave emitted from the reactive element for each pixel, and the reactive element and the spatial modulation unit are stacked on each other. The image display device according to item.

[23] The spatial modulation unit includes:

Including

23. The image display device according to claim 22, wherein the polarizing beam splitter combines and emits two electromagnetic waves that are respectively reflected by the two reflective modulators and incident on the polarizing beam splitter. .

[24] The two reflection modulators according to claim 23, wherein each of the two reflection modulators is a liquid crystal panel. Image display device.

25. The image display device according to claim 23, wherein the polarizing beam splitter is configured with a low photoelastic constant material as a support.

[26] Furthermore, it includes a plate-like spatial modulation unit that modulates the electromagnetic wave emitted from the reactive element for each pixel, and the spatial modulation unit transmits the incident electromagnetic wave to the outside for each pixel. 2. The image display device according to claim 1, further comprising a reflective spatial modulator that reflects and emits light in a controlled state.

27. The image display device according to claim 26, wherein the spatial modulator includes a deformable mirror device.

28. The image display device according to claim 22, wherein the spatial modulation unit includes a transmissive spatial modulator that transmits and emits incident electromagnetic waves in a state where the transmittance is controlled for each pixel. Place.

29. The image display device according to claim 1, wherein the reactive element is arranged on an emission surface from which the electromagnetic wave is emitted in the radiation source section.

30. The image display device according to claim 1, further comprising a transmission type modulation unit that modulates the electromagnetic wave emitted from the reactive element for each pixel.

[31] In addition,

The image display device according to claim 1, comprising:

32. The image display device according to claim 1, wherein the radiation source section is disposed on a substrate formed by applying an insulator to a metal substrate.

[33] The image display device according to item 32, wherein the radiation source section is fixed to the substrate with a paste containing a metal.

34. The image display device according to claim 1, further comprising a projection unit that projects the electromagnetic wave toward a projection target.

35. The image display device according to claim 34, wherein the projection unit includes a plurality of lenses, and at least a part of the lenses is formed of a synthetic resin.

[36] The image display device according to [1], further including a fixture for removably fixing the image display device to an arbitrary object.

[37] The object includes an output port that outputs at least one of an image signal necessary for the image display device to display an image and electric energy necessary for the operation of the image display device. 37. The image display device according to claim 36, which is a portable device, and the image display device further includes a connection portion connected to the output port.

38. The image display device according to claim 37, wherein the connection unit includes a connection unit connected to at least one of a video output port and a serial communication port having a power supply terminal.

[39] The connection unit includes a connection unit connected to the video output port, and the connection unit connected to the video output port is a connection unit connected to an analog VGA port or a digital video port. The image display device according to Item 38.

40. The image display device according to claim 37, wherein the connection unit includes a connection unit that is wirelessly connected to a wireless communication port.

[41] A radiation source device that emits electromagnetic waves,

Including

The radiation source part is

The reactive element is:

42. The radiation source device according to claim 41, wherein the plurality of component wave elements and the combined wave element are respectively disposed on a plurality of different surfaces in the multiplexing section. .

[43] The plurality of component wave elements, the combined wave element, and the multiplexing unit are integrated with each other by an adhesive having electromagnetic wave permeability! / Radiation source device according to.