JP2002357804A - Diffraction liquid crystal lens and multifocal diffraction liquid crystal lens - Google Patents

Diffraction liquid crystal lens and multifocal diffraction liquid crystal lens

Info

Publication number
JP2002357804A
JP2002357804A JP2001166139A JP2001166139A JP2002357804A JP 2002357804 A JP2002357804 A JP 2002357804A JP 2001166139 A JP2001166139 A JP 2001166139A JP 2001166139 A JP2001166139 A JP 2001166139A JP 2002357804 A JP2002357804 A JP 2002357804A
Authority
JP
Japan
Prior art keywords
liquid crystal
diffractive
crystal lens
lens
refractive index
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
JP2001166139A
Other languages
Japanese (ja)
Other versions
JP4383005B2 (en
Inventor
Masahiro Kawakita
真宏 河北
Keigo Iizuka
啓吾 飯塚
Yuzuru Tsuchiya
譲 土屋
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Japan Broadcasting Corp
Original Assignee
Nippon Hoso Kyokai NHK
Japan Broadcasting Corp
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Nippon Hoso Kyokai NHK, Japan Broadcasting Corp filed Critical Nippon Hoso Kyokai NHK
Priority to JP2001166139A priority Critical patent/JP4383005B2/en
Publication of JP2002357804A publication Critical patent/JP2002357804A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of JP4383005B2 publication Critical patent/JP4383005B2/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
    • G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
    • G02F1/29—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the position or the direction of light beams, i.e. deflection
    • G02F1/294—Variable focal length devices
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
    • G02F2203/00—Function characteristic
    • G02F2203/28—Function characteristic focussing or defocussing

Landscapes

  • Liquid Crystal (AREA)
  • Diffracting Gratings Or Hologram Optical Elements (AREA)
  • Lenses (AREA)

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a diffraction liquid crystal lens and a multifocal diffraction liquid crystal lens always having a thin liquid crystal layer, i.e., having a focal distance adjustable at a high speed and having high transmittance of incident light irrespective of the focal distance or a lens aperture. SOLUTION: The diffraction liquid crystal lens comprises transparent substrates 2 which are located opposite to each other via spacers 6 and have transparent electrodes 3 and alignment layers 4 laminated on their inner surfaces and liquid crystal molecules 5 sealed in the gap between the transparent substrates 2. It is characterized by making at least one alignment layer 4 have a plurality of orbicular zone region groups A1 each group of which consisting of two concentric orbicular zone regions A11, A12 subjected to alignment treatment so as to make alignment directions of the liquid crystal molecules 5 different from each other, by making the orbicular zone region groups A1 aligned like concentric circles and by making widths b between the adjacent orbicular zone region groups A1 gradually get more reduced as going more exterior from the center of the alignment layer 4.

Description

【発明の詳細な説明】DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

【０００１】[0001]

【発明の属する技術分野】本発明は、回折格子を利用し
た回折型液晶レンズ及び多焦点回折型液晶レンズに関す
る。BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a diffraction type liquid crystal lens utilizing a diffraction grating and a multifocal diffraction type liquid crystal lens.

【０００２】[0002]

【従来の技術】一般に、スチールカメラやビデオカメラ
等に用いられるズームレンズは複数枚のレンズからなっ
ており、モータなどの機械的な駆動機構によってレンズ
同士の間隔を調節することで焦点距離の調整を行ってい
る。このように、機械的な駆動機構を用いて焦点距離の
調節スピードの高速化を図る場合には限界がある。2. Description of the Related Art In general, a zoom lens used for a still camera, a video camera or the like is composed of a plurality of lenses, and the focal length is adjusted by adjusting the distance between the lenses by a mechanical driving mechanism such as a motor. It is carried out. As described above, there is a limit in increasing the adjustment speed of the focal length by using a mechanical driving mechanism.

【０００３】そこで、従来、機械的な駆動機構によらな
いで焦点距離を調節する方法として、例えば特開昭６０
−５０５１０公報や特許第２６６６９０７号公報に液晶
レンズが提案されている。この液晶レンズは、フレネル
レンズ状基板内に封入された液晶分子の配向方向を電気
的に制御して、液晶分子の屈折率を異常光に対する値か
ら常光に対する値まで連続的に変化させることで、焦点
距離を調節するものである。[0003] Conventionally, as a method of adjusting the focal length without using a mechanical drive mechanism, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No.
A liquid crystal lens has been proposed in -50510 and Japanese Patent No. 2666907. This liquid crystal lens electrically controls the orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecules sealed in the Fresnel lens-shaped substrate, and continuously changes the refractive index of the liquid crystal molecules from a value for extraordinary light to a value for ordinary light. It adjusts the focal length.

【０００４】[0004]

【発明が解決しようとする課題】しかしながら、前記し
た従来の液晶レンズでは、電気的に焦点距離を制御する
ことができるものの、光の屈折を利用して集光する構成
であるので、特に焦点距離が短い場合やレンズの口径が
大きくなるとレンズ状基板表面の凹凸の深さが増すた
め、封入される液晶の層が厚くなり、液晶分子の印加電
圧に対する応答が遅くなる。さらに、液晶層の中心では
基板からの配向規制力が有効に働かず、液晶分子の配向
が乱れ入射光を散乱するため、入射光の透過率が低くな
る。However, in the above-mentioned conventional liquid crystal lens, although the focal length can be controlled electrically, since the light is condensed using refraction of light, the focal length is particularly large. When the distance is short or when the lens diameter is large, the depth of the irregularities on the surface of the lens-like substrate increases, so that the liquid crystal layer to be enclosed becomes thick and the response of the liquid crystal molecules to the applied voltage becomes slow. Furthermore, at the center of the liquid crystal layer, the alignment regulating force from the substrate does not work effectively, and the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules is disturbed and the incident light is scattered, so that the transmittance of the incident light is reduced.

【０００５】このような問題を鑑み、本発明では、焦点
距離やレンズの口径に関係なく常に液晶層が薄い、すな
わち、焦点距離を高速で調節可能な、入射光の透過率の
高い液晶レンズを提供することを課題としている。In view of such a problem, the present invention provides a liquid crystal lens having a thin liquid crystal layer regardless of the focal length and the aperture of the lens, that is, a liquid crystal lens having a high transmittance of incident light capable of adjusting the focal length at high speed. The task is to provide.

【０００６】[0006]

【課題を解決するための手段】すなわち、請求項１記載
の発明は、スペーサーを介して対向させて配置した基板
の内面に電極と配向膜とを積層し、前記配向膜の間に液
晶分子を封入してなる回折型液晶レンズであって、前記
配向膜の少なくとも一方は、液晶分子の配向方向が異な
るように配向処理された少なくとも２つ以上の同心円の
輪帯状領域からなる輪帯領域群を複数有し、前記輪帯状
領域群は同心円で並び、前記輪帯状領域群の幅が前記配
向膜の中心から外側に向かうにしたがって漸減する回折
型液晶レンズである。That is, according to the first aspect of the present invention, an electrode and an alignment film are laminated on the inner surface of a substrate arranged to face each other via a spacer, and liquid crystal molecules are interposed between the alignment films. A diffractive liquid crystal lens encapsulated, wherein at least one of the alignment films has an orbicular zone group consisting of at least two or more concentric orbicular zones that are aligned so that the alignment directions of liquid crystal molecules are different. A diffractive liquid crystal lens including a plurality of annular zone groups arranged in concentric circles, wherein the width of the annular zone group gradually decreases from the center of the alignment film toward the outside.

【０００７】かかる構成の回折型液晶レンズは、液晶層
に電圧を印加しない、もしくは印加する電圧がしきい電
圧値以下の場合（以下「電圧を印加しない」という）で
は、液晶分子は輪帯状領域ごとに異なる方向に配向す
る。前記液晶分子は複屈折特性を有するため、配向方向
が異なると、それに応じて屈折率も異なるものになる。
屈折率が異なると、入射光に位相差が生じるため、入射
光は回折する。すなわち、異なる配向方向を持つように
配向処理した前記輪帯状領域の集まりである輪帯状領域
群では前記液晶分子により回折格子が形成されているこ
とになる。さらに、前記輪帯状領域群は同心円で並び、
その幅が配向膜の中心から外側に向かうにしたがって漸
減するいわゆるフレネルゾーンプレート状に形成されて
いるため、前記輪帯状領域群で回折された入射光は１点
に集光する。一方、しきい電圧値以上の電圧を印加する
場合（以下「電圧を印加する」という）では、液晶分子
はすべて電界方向に配向し、場所によらず一様な屈折率
となるため、前記液晶分子により回折格子は形成され
ず、入射光は集光することなく回折型液晶レンズを通過
する。なお、「配向方向が異なるように配向処理する」
とは、液晶分子の基板に対する立ち上がり方向（プレチ
ルト角）が異なるように配向処理する場合と、液晶分子
の基板平面内での方向が異なるように配向処理する場合
とがある。In the diffractive liquid crystal lens having such a structure, when no voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer, or when the applied voltage is equal to or lower than a threshold voltage value (hereinafter referred to as “no voltage applied”), the liquid crystal molecules are in an annular zone. Each is oriented in a different direction. Since the liquid crystal molecules have birefringence characteristics, if the alignment direction is different, the refractive index will be different accordingly.
If the refractive index is different, the incident light is diffracted because a phase difference occurs in the incident light. That is, a diffraction grating is formed by the liquid crystal molecules in a ring-shaped region group, which is a group of the ring-shaped regions that have been subjected to the alignment treatment so as to have different alignment directions. Further, the annular zone groups are arranged in concentric circles,
Since the width is formed in a so-called Fresnel zone plate shape whose width gradually decreases from the center of the alignment film toward the outside, the incident light diffracted by the ring-shaped region group is condensed to one point. On the other hand, when a voltage higher than the threshold voltage value is applied (hereinafter referred to as “applying a voltage”), all the liquid crystal molecules are oriented in the direction of the electric field and have a uniform refractive index regardless of location. No diffraction grating is formed by the molecules, and the incident light passes through the diffractive liquid crystal lens without being focused. In addition, “the alignment process is performed so that the alignment direction is different”
This means that the alignment processing is performed so that the rising direction (pretilt angle) of the liquid crystal molecules with respect to the substrate is different, or the alignment processing is performed such that the directions of the liquid crystal molecules in the plane of the substrate are different.

【０００８】請求項２記載の発明は、スペーサーを介し
て対向させて配置した基板の内面に電極と配向膜とを積
層し、前記配向膜の間に液晶分子を封入してなる回折型
液晶レンズであって、前記配向膜は、液晶分子の配向方
向が異なるように配向処理された少なくとも２つ以上の
帯状領域からなる帯状領域群を複数有し、前記帯状領域
群が平行に並び、前記帯状領域群の幅が前記配向膜の中
央から側方に向かうにしたがって漸減するように形成さ
れ、前記帯状領域が直交するように前記基板を対向させ
る回折型液晶レンズである。According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a diffractive liquid crystal lens in which an electrode and an alignment film are laminated on an inner surface of a substrate disposed to face through a spacer, and liquid crystal molecules are sealed between the alignment films. The alignment film has a plurality of band-shaped region groups including at least two or more band-shaped regions that are aligned so that the liquid crystal molecules have different alignment directions, and the band-shaped region groups are arranged in parallel, and The diffractive liquid crystal lens is formed such that the width of the region group is gradually reduced from the center of the alignment film toward the side, and the substrate is opposed to the belt-shaped region so as to be orthogonal.

【０００９】かかる構成の回折型液晶レンズは、液晶層
に電圧を印加しない場合では、帯状領域の液晶分子は異
なる方向で配向するため、それに応じて屈折率も異な
る。したがって、異なる配向方向を持つように配向処理
した前記帯状領域の集まりである帯状領域群では液晶分
子により回折格子が形成されることになる。さらに、前
記帯状領域群が平行に並び、その幅が配向膜の中央から
側方に向かうにしたがって漸減するように構成されてい
るため、回折光はシリンドリカルレンズと同様に一方向
に集光する。さらに、前記帯状領域が直交するように、
すなわち集光方向が直交するように前記基板を対向させ
て張り合わせるので、前記帯状領域群で回折された入射
光は一点に集光する。一方、しきい電圧値以上の電圧を
印加する場合（以下「電圧を印加する」という）では、
前記液晶分子はすべて電界方向に配向し、場所によらず
一様な屈折率となるため、前記液晶分子により回折格子
は形成されず、入射光は集光することなく回折型液晶レ
ンズを通過する。In the diffractive liquid crystal lens having such a configuration, when no voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer, the liquid crystal molecules in the band-shaped region are oriented in different directions, and accordingly, the refractive index is different accordingly. Therefore, a diffraction grating is formed by the liquid crystal molecules in the band-shaped region group, which is a group of the band-shaped regions that have been subjected to the alignment treatment so as to have different alignment directions. Further, since the band-like region groups are arranged in parallel and the width thereof is gradually reduced from the center of the alignment film toward the side, the diffracted light is condensed in one direction similarly to the cylindrical lens. Further, such that the strip regions are orthogonal,
That is, since the substrates are opposed to each other so that the light converging directions are orthogonal to each other, the incident light diffracted by the band-shaped region group is condensed to one point. On the other hand, when a voltage higher than the threshold voltage value is applied (hereinafter referred to as “applying a voltage”),
Since all the liquid crystal molecules are oriented in the direction of the electric field and have a uniform refractive index regardless of the location, no diffraction grating is formed by the liquid crystal molecules, and the incident light passes through the diffractive liquid crystal lens without being collected. .

【００１０】請求項３記載の発明は、スペーサーを介し
て対向させて配置した基板の内面に電極と配向膜とを積
層し、前記配向膜の間に液晶分子を封入してなる回折型
液晶レンズであって、前記電極の少なくとも一方に輪帯
状の溝を同心円で複数形成し、前記溝の幅が前記電極の
中心から外側に向かうにしたがって漸減するように形成
され、前記電極の屈折率と前記液晶分子の常光屈折率も
しくは異常光屈折率とを等しくした回折型液晶レンズで
ある。According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a diffractive liquid crystal lens in which an electrode and an alignment film are laminated on the inner surface of a substrate arranged to face each other via a spacer, and liquid crystal molecules are sealed between the alignment films. In at least one of the electrodes, a plurality of annular grooves are formed in concentric circles, the width of the grooves is formed so as to gradually decrease from the center of the electrode to the outside, the refractive index of the electrode and the This is a diffraction type liquid crystal lens in which the ordinary light refractive index or the extraordinary light refractive index of liquid crystal molecules is made equal.

【００１１】かかる構成の回折型液晶レンズは、電極の
少なくとも一方に輪帯状の溝を同心円で複数形成し、前
記溝の幅が前記電極の中心から外側に向かうにしたがっ
て漸減するフレネルゾーンプレート状の回折格子が形成
されている。前記電極の屈折率と液晶分子の常光屈折率
を等しくした場合は、液晶層に電圧を印加しないとき
（液晶分子が電極の屈折率と異なる異常光屈折率の状態
で配向しているとき）に前記電極に形成したフレネルゾ
ーンプレート状の回折格子により入射光は一点に集光
し、電圧を印加したとき（液晶分子が電極の屈折率と等
しくなる常光屈折率状態で配向しているとき）には前記
電極の回折格子の作用は消滅し、入射光は回折すること
なく前記回折型液晶レンズを通過する。また、前記電極
の屈折率と液晶分子の異常光屈折率が等しい場合は、前
記とは反対に、液晶層に電圧を印加したときには前記電
極に形成したフレネルゾーンプレート状の回折格子によ
り一点に集光し、電圧を印加しないときには前記電極の
回折格子の作用は消滅し、入射光は回折することなく前
記回折型液晶レンズを通過する。The diffractive liquid crystal lens having the above-mentioned structure has a Fresnel zone plate shape in which a plurality of annular grooves are formed concentrically on at least one of the electrodes, and the width of the grooves gradually decreases from the center of the electrode toward the outside. A diffraction grating is formed. When the refractive index of the electrode is equal to the ordinary light refractive index of the liquid crystal molecules, when no voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer (when the liquid crystal molecules are aligned in a state of extraordinary light refractive index different from that of the electrodes). The incident light is converged to one point by the Fresnel zone plate-like diffraction grating formed on the electrode, and when a voltage is applied (when the liquid crystal molecules are aligned in the ordinary light refractive index state where the refractive index becomes equal to the electrode). The function of the diffraction grating of the electrode disappears, and the incident light passes through the diffractive liquid crystal lens without being diffracted. When the refractive index of the electrode is equal to the extraordinary light refractive index of the liquid crystal molecules, conversely, when a voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer, the Fresnel zone plate-shaped diffraction grating formed on the electrode concentrates the light at one point. When light is applied and no voltage is applied, the function of the diffraction grating of the electrode is extinguished, and the incident light passes through the diffractive liquid crystal lens without being diffracted.

【００１２】請求項４記載の発明は、スペーサーを介し
て対向させて配置した基板の内面に電極と配向膜とを積
層し、前記配向膜の間に液晶分子を封入してなる回折型
液晶レンズであって、前記電極に帯状の溝を平行に複数
形成し、前記溝の幅が前記電極の中央から側方に向かう
にしたがって漸減するように形成され、前記溝が直交す
るように前記基板を張り合わせ、前記電極の屈折率と前
記液晶分子の常光屈折率とを等しくした回折型液晶レン
ズである。According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a diffractive liquid crystal lens in which an electrode and an alignment film are laminated on the inner surface of a substrate arranged to face each other via a spacer, and liquid crystal molecules are sealed between the alignment films. In the electrode, a plurality of strip-shaped grooves are formed in parallel with the electrode, the width of the groove is formed so as to gradually decrease from the center of the electrode toward the side, and the substrate is formed so that the grooves are orthogonal. A diffractive liquid crystal lens in which the refractive index of the electrode is equal to the ordinary refractive index of the liquid crystal molecules.

【００１３】かかる構成の回折型液晶レンズは、液晶層
に電圧を印加しないときに、電極に形成した溝が回折格
子となる。さらに、前記溝は平行に、かつ、その幅が前
記電極の中央から側方に向かうにしたがって漸減するよ
うに並んでいるので、シリンドリカルレンズのように入
射光は一方向に集光する。一方、電圧を印加したときに
は前記電極の回折格子の作用は消滅し、入射光は回折す
ることなく前記回折型液晶レンズを通過する。さらに、
集光方向が直交するように前記基板を対向させて張り合
わせるので、入射光が両方の電極を通過すると、一点に
集光することになる。また、前記電極の屈折率と液晶分
子の異常光屈折率が等しい場合は、前記とは反対に、液
晶層に電圧を印加したときには前記電極に形成した回折
格子により一点に集光し、電圧を印加しないときには前
記電極の回折格子の作用は消滅し、入射光は回折するこ
となく前記回折型液晶レンズを通過する。In the diffractive liquid crystal lens having such a configuration, when no voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer, the groove formed in the electrode becomes a diffraction grating. Further, since the grooves are arranged in parallel and the width thereof is gradually reduced from the center of the electrode toward the side, incident light is converged in one direction like a cylindrical lens. On the other hand, when a voltage is applied, the function of the diffraction grating of the electrode disappears, and the incident light passes through the diffraction type liquid crystal lens without being diffracted. further,
Since the substrates are attached to each other so that the light-collecting directions are orthogonal to each other, when the incident light passes through both electrodes, the light is collected at one point. If the refractive index of the electrode is equal to the extraordinary light refractive index of the liquid crystal molecules, on the contrary, when a voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer, the light is condensed at one point by the diffraction grating formed on the electrode, and the voltage is reduced. When no voltage is applied, the function of the diffraction grating of the electrode disappears, and the incident light passes through the diffractive liquid crystal lens without being diffracted.

【００１４】請求項５記載の発明は、スペーサーを介し
て対向させて配置した基板の内面に電極と配向膜とを積
層し、前記配向膜の間に液晶分子を封入してなる回折型
液晶レンズであって、前記基板の少なくとも一方に輪帯
状の溝を同心円で複数形成し、前記溝の幅が前記基板の
中心から外側に向かうにしたがって漸減するように形成
され、前記基板の屈折率と前記液晶分子の常光屈折率も
しくは異常光屈折率とを等しくした回折型液晶レンズで
ある。According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a diffractive liquid crystal lens in which an electrode and an alignment film are laminated on an inner surface of a substrate arranged to face through a spacer, and liquid crystal molecules are sealed between the alignment films. In at least one of the substrate, a plurality of annular grooves are formed in concentric circles, the width of the groove is formed so as to gradually decrease from the center of the substrate to the outside, the refractive index of the substrate and the This is a diffraction type liquid crystal lens in which the ordinary light refractive index or the extraordinary light refractive index of liquid crystal molecules is made equal.

【００１５】かかる構成の回折型液晶レンズは、基板に
フレネルゾーンプレート状の回折格子が形成されてお
り、請求項３記載の回折型液晶レンズと同様に、前記基
板の屈折率と液晶分子の常光屈折率が等しい場合は、液
晶層に電圧を印加しないときに前記基板に形成したフレ
ネルゾーンプレート状の回折格子により入射光は一点に
集光し、電圧を印加したときに前記基板の回折格子の作
用は消滅し入射光は回折することなく前記回折型液晶レ
ンズを通過する。また、前記基板の屈折率と液晶分子の
異常光屈折率が等しい場合は、前記とは反対に、液晶層
に電圧を印加したときに前記基板に形成したフレネルゾ
ーンプレート状の回折格子により入射光は一点に集光
し、電圧を印加しないときに前記基板の回折格子の作用
は消滅し、入射光は回折することなく前記回折型液晶レ
ンズを通過する。In the diffractive liquid crystal lens having such a structure, a Fresnel zone plate-like diffraction grating is formed on the substrate, and the refractive index of the substrate and the ordinary light of the liquid crystal molecules are formed, similarly to the diffractive liquid crystal lens according to claim 3. When the refractive indices are equal, the incident light is converged to one point by the Fresnel zone plate-shaped diffraction grating formed on the substrate when no voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer, and when a voltage is applied, the diffraction grating of the substrate is The function disappears and the incident light passes through the diffractive liquid crystal lens without being diffracted. When the refractive index of the substrate is equal to the extraordinary light refractive index of the liquid crystal molecules, on the contrary, when a voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer, incident light is generated by a Fresnel zone plate-like diffraction grating formed on the substrate. Are focused at one point, and when no voltage is applied, the function of the diffraction grating of the substrate is extinguished, and the incident light passes through the diffractive liquid crystal lens without being diffracted.

【００１６】請求項６記載の発明は、スペーサーを介し
て対向させて配置した基板の内面に電極と配向膜とを積
層し、前記配向膜の間に液晶分子を封入してなる回折型
液晶レンズであって、前記基板に帯状の溝を平行に複数
形成し、前記溝の幅が前記電極の中央から側方に向かう
にしたがって漸減するように形成され、前記溝が直交す
るように前記基板を張り合わせ、前記基板の屈折率と前
記液晶分子の常光屈折率とを等しくした回折型液晶レン
ズである。According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a diffractive liquid crystal lens in which an electrode and an alignment film are laminated on an inner surface of a substrate arranged to face each other via a spacer, and liquid crystal molecules are sealed between the alignment films. In the substrate, a plurality of strip-shaped grooves are formed in parallel on the substrate, the width of the grooves is formed so as to gradually decrease from the center of the electrode toward the side, and the substrate is formed so that the grooves are orthogonal. A diffractive liquid crystal lens in which the refractive index of the substrate is equal to the ordinary refractive index of the liquid crystal molecules.

【００１７】かかる構成の回折型液晶レンズは、請求項
４記載の回折型液晶レンズと同様の一方向に集光する回
折格子が両方の基板に形成されている。前記基板の屈折
率と液晶分子の常光屈折率が等しいので、液晶層に電圧
を印加しないときは前記基板に形成した回折格子により
入射光は一方向に集光し、電圧を印加したときには前記
基板の回折格子の作用は消滅し、入射光は回折すること
なく前記回折型液晶レンズを通過する。さらに、集光方
向が直交するように前記基板を対向させて張り合わせる
ので、入射光が両方の基板を通過すると、一点に集光す
ることになる。また、前記基板の屈折率と液晶分子の異
常光屈折率が等しい場合は、前記とは反対に、液晶層に
電圧を印加したときには前記基板に形成した回折格子に
より一点に集光し、電圧を印加しないときには前記基板
の回折格子の作用は消滅し、入射光は回折することなく
前記回折型液晶レンズを通過する。In the diffractive liquid crystal lens having such a configuration, a diffraction grating for converging light in one direction, similar to the diffractive liquid crystal lens according to the fourth aspect, is formed on both substrates. Since the refractive index of the substrate is equal to the ordinary light refractive index of the liquid crystal molecules, when no voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer, incident light is converged in one direction by a diffraction grating formed on the substrate, and when a voltage is applied, the substrate becomes Of the diffraction grating disappears, and the incident light passes through the diffractive liquid crystal lens without being diffracted. Furthermore, since the substrates are opposed to each other so that the light collecting directions are orthogonal to each other, when the incident light passes through both substrates, the light is condensed to one point. Further, when the refractive index of the substrate is equal to the extraordinary light refractive index of the liquid crystal molecules, conversely, when a voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer, the light is condensed at one point by the diffraction grating formed on the substrate, and the voltage is reduced. When no voltage is applied, the function of the diffraction grating of the substrate disappears, and the incident light passes through the diffractive liquid crystal lens without being diffracted.

【００１８】請求項７記載の発明は、請求項１，請求項
２，請求項３及び請求項５記載の回折型液晶レンズから
なる群から選択された複数個の回折型液晶レンズを密着
して積層した多焦点回折型液晶レンズである。According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, a plurality of diffractive liquid crystal lenses selected from the group consisting of the diffractive liquid crystal lenses according to the first, second, third and fifth aspects are adhered to each other. This is a laminated multifocal diffraction type liquid crystal lens.

【００１９】請求項８記載の発明は、請求項１及び請求
項２記載の少なくとも一方の回折型液晶レンズの複数個
を密着して積層した多焦点回折型液晶レンズである。According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a multifocal diffractive liquid crystal lens in which a plurality of at least one of the diffractive liquid crystal lenses according to the first and second aspects are closely laminated.

【００２０】請求項９記載の発明は、請求項５記載の回
折型液晶レンズの複数個を密着して積層した多焦点回折
型液晶レンズである。According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a multifocal diffraction type liquid crystal lens in which a plurality of the diffraction type liquid crystal lenses according to the fifth aspect are laminated in close contact.

【００２１】請求項７乃至請求項９の多焦点回折型液晶
レンズは、例えば、異なる焦点距離を有するＮ個の回折
型液晶レンズを密着して積層した場合には、それぞれの
回折型液晶レンズにおいてレンズとガラス状態とを切り
替えることにより、２N通りの焦点距離を持つ多焦点回
折型液晶レンズを構成することができる。また、同じ焦
点距離を有するＮ個の回折型液晶レンズを密着して積層
した場合には、Ｎ通りの焦点距離を持つ多焦点回折型液
晶レンズを構成することができる。The multifocal diffractive liquid crystal lens according to any one of the seventh to ninth aspects is, for example, when N diffractive liquid crystal lenses having different focal lengths are laminated in close contact with each other, By switching between the lens and the glass state, a multifocal diffraction type liquid crystal lens having 2 N focal lengths can be configured. When N diffractive liquid crystal lenses having the same focal length are closely stacked, a multifocal diffractive liquid crystal lens having N different focal lengths can be formed.

【００２２】請求項１０記載の発明は、請求項１，請求
項２，請求項３及び請求項５記載の回折型液晶レンズか
らなる群から選択された同じ焦点距離を有する複数個の
回折型液晶レンズを離間して積層した多焦点回折型液晶
レンズである。According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there are provided a plurality of diffractive liquid crystals having the same focal length selected from the group consisting of the diffractive liquid crystal lenses according to the first, second, third and fifth aspects. This is a multifocal diffraction type liquid crystal lens in which the lenses are separated and stacked.

【００２３】請求項１１記載の発明は、同じ焦点距離を
有する請求項１及び請求項２記載の少なくとも一方の回
折型液晶レンズの複数個を離間して積層した多焦点回折
型液晶レンズである。An eleventh aspect of the present invention is a multifocal diffractive liquid crystal lens in which a plurality of at least one of the diffractive liquid crystal lenses according to the first and second aspects having the same focal length are stacked apart from each other.

【００２４】請求項１２記載の発明は、同じ焦点距離を
有する請求項５記載の回折型液晶レンズの複数個を離間
して積層した多焦点回折型液晶レンズである。According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a multifocal diffractive liquid crystal lens in which a plurality of diffractive liquid crystal lenses having the same focal length are stacked while being separated from each other.

【００２５】焦点距離が同じ回折型液晶レンズを密着し
て積層した場合には、前記したように、焦点距離はＮ通
りに変化するが、請求項１０乃至請求項１２のように同
じ焦点距離をもつ多焦点回折型液晶レンズを離間して積
層すると、Ｎ通り以上の焦点距離を有する多焦点回折型
液晶レンズを構成することができる。When diffractive liquid crystal lenses having the same focal length are stacked in close contact with each other, the focal length changes in N ways as described above, but the same focal length is set as in claims 10 to 12. When the multifocal diffractive liquid crystal lenses are separated and stacked, a multifocal diffractive liquid crystal lens having N or more focal lengths can be configured.

【００２６】請求項１３記載の発明は、請求項１乃至請
求項６記載のいずれか１項に記載の回折型液晶レンズと
屈折型レンズとを組み合わせた回折型液晶レンズであ
る。According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a diffractive liquid crystal lens obtained by combining the diffractive liquid crystal lens according to any one of the first to sixth aspects with a refractive lens.

【００２７】かかる構成の回折型液晶レンズは、回折型
液晶レンズの色分散特性と屈折型レンズの色分散特性と
が逆であるため、回折型液晶レンズのみの場合と比較し
て、色収差を低減できる。[0027] Such diffractive liquid crystal lens configuration, since the color dispersion characteristic of diffractive liquid crystal lens and the color dispersion characteristic of refractive lenses are reversed, as compared with the case of only the diffractive liquid crystal lens, a color aberration Can be reduced.

【００２８】[0028]

【発明の実施の形態】以下、添付図面を参照しつつ、本
発明の実施の形態を詳細に説明する。なお、説明におい
て、同一要素には同一の符号を用い、重複する説明は省
略するものとする。Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description, the same elements will be denoted by the same reference symbols, without redundant description.

【００２９】なお、以下の第１から第６の実施形態を示
す図では、液晶レンズの平面形状が四角形になっている
が、これに限定されることはなく、その他の多角形また
は円形などでもよい。また、平板状の基板や電極だけで
なく曲面状の基板や電極を用いてもよい。In the following drawings showing the first to sixth embodiments, the planar shape of the liquid crystal lens is a quadrangle, but the present invention is not limited to this, and other polygons or circles may be used. Good. Further, not only a flat substrate and an electrode but also a curved substrate and an electrode may be used.

【００３０】（第１の実施形態）図１は本発明に係る回
折型液晶レンズの第１の実施形態を示す断面図である。
図１に示すように、回折型液晶レンズ１０は、スペーサ
ー６を介して対向している平板状の透明基板２と、透明
基板２の内面に積層された透明電極３及び配向膜４と、
スペーサー６によって配向膜４の間に生じた隙間に封入
した液晶分子５により構成されている。また、透明電極
３には電源装置７が接続されている。(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing a first embodiment of a diffractive liquid crystal lens according to the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 1, the diffractive liquid crystal lens 10 includes a flat transparent substrate 2 facing through a spacer 6, a transparent electrode 3 and an alignment film 4 laminated on the inner surface of the transparent substrate 2,
It is composed of liquid crystal molecules 5 sealed in gaps generated between the alignment films 4 by the spacers 6. Further, a power supply device 7 is connected to the transparent electrode 3.

【００３１】透明基板２は、後記する透明電極３の基板
であり、集光させる光の波長帯域に対して高い透過率を
有する材料で形成する。可視光に対してはガラスや高分
子フィルム等を用いることができる。The transparent substrate 2 is a substrate of a transparent electrode 3 described later, and is formed of a material having a high transmittance in a wavelength band of light to be focused. For visible light, glass, a polymer film, or the like can be used.

【００３２】透明電極３は、液晶層１に電圧を印加し、
液晶分子５の配向方向を制御するもので、透明基板２の
内面に積層されている。透明電極３を透明基板２の内面
に積層することで、小さい電圧で液晶分子５の配向を制
御することが可能になる。また、透明電極３には電源装
置７が接続され、液晶層１に電圧を印加できるようにな
っている。透明電極３は酸化インジウム膜に錫をドープ
したいわゆるＩＴＯ膜などの透明導電性薄膜を蒸着ある
いはスパッタ法などにより透明基板２に成膜して形成さ
れる。なお、透明電極３は集光する光の波長帯域に対し
て高い透過率を有する材料で形成する。The transparent electrode 3 applies a voltage to the liquid crystal layer 1,
It controls the orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecules 5 and is laminated on the inner surface of the transparent substrate 2. By laminating the transparent electrode 3 on the inner surface of the transparent substrate 2, it becomes possible to control the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules 5 with a small voltage. A power supply 7 is connected to the transparent electrode 3 so that a voltage can be applied to the liquid crystal layer 1. The transparent electrode 3 is formed by depositing a transparent conductive thin film such as a so-called ITO film in which an indium oxide film is doped with tin on the transparent substrate 2 by vapor deposition or sputtering. Note that the transparent electrode 3 is formed of a material having a high transmittance in a wavelength band of light to be collected.

【００３３】配向膜４は透明電極３に電圧を印加してい
ないときに、液晶分子５を所定の方向に配向させておく
ためのもので、透明電極３に積層されている。第１の実
施形態では、後記するように、配向膜４には液晶分子の
配向方向が場所によって異なるように配向分割がなされ
ている。なお、以下の実施形態では液晶分子５のプレチ
ルト角が異なるように配向分割されているものとして説
明を行う。配向膜４は、透明基板３がガラスで形成され
ていればＳｉＯ2，ポリイミド及びポリビニルアルコー
ル（ＰＶＡ）等の高分子膜が利用でき、透明基板３が高
分子フィルムで形成されていれば変成ＰＶＡやナイロン
エポキシ−有機チタン系等が利用できる。The alignment film 4 serves to orient the liquid crystal molecules 5 in a predetermined direction when no voltage is applied to the transparent electrode 3, and is laminated on the transparent electrode 3. In the first embodiment, as described later, the alignment division is performed on the alignment film 4 such that the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules differs depending on the location. In the following embodiments, description will be made assuming that the liquid crystal molecules 5 are divided so as to have different pretilt angles. If the transparent substrate 3 is formed of glass, a polymer film such as SiO 2 , polyimide and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) can be used as the alignment film 4. If the transparent substrate 3 is formed of a polymer film, modified PVA can be used. And nylon epoxy-organic titanium type and the like can be used.

【００３４】図２（ａ）は配向膜の配向分割の状態を示
す平面図、図２（ｂ）は各輪帯状領域における液晶分子
の配向状態を示す断面図である。配向膜４には後記する
ような配向処理方法により、液晶分子５のプレチルト角
がＳ１となるように配向処理された輪帯状領域Ａ１１
と、液晶分子５のプレチルト角がＳ２となるように配向
処理された輪帯状領域Ａ１２とからなる輪帯状領域群Ａ
１が複数存在している。輪帯状領域群Ａ１，Ａ１・・・
は同心円で並び、その幅ｂが配向膜４の中心から外側に
向かうにつれて漸次狭くなっている。なお、輪帯状領域
Ａ１１，Ａ１２では、液晶分子５のプレチルト角は異な
るが、平面視すると液晶分子５の長軸は一様な方向に向
くように配向処理が成されている。FIG. 2A is a plan view showing the state of alignment division of the alignment film, and FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view showing the alignment state of liquid crystal molecules in each annular zone. The alignment film 4 has an orbicular region A11 that has been subjected to an alignment treatment by a later-described alignment treatment method so that the pretilt angle of the liquid crystal molecules 5 becomes S1.
And a ring-shaped region group A composed of a ring-shaped region A12 oriented so that the pretilt angle of the liquid crystal molecules 5 is S2.
There are multiple 1s. Annular zone group A1, A1...
Are arranged in concentric circles, and the width b gradually narrows from the center of the alignment film 4 toward the outside. In the annular zones A11 and A12, although the pretilt angles of the liquid crystal molecules 5 are different, the alignment processing is performed so that the long axis of the liquid crystal molecules 5 is oriented in a uniform direction when viewed in plan.

【００３５】なお、配向膜４に施すフレネルゾーンプレ
ート状の配向分割は、対向する配向膜４のうち、少なく
とも一方に施せばよい。一方の配向膜４にのみフレネル
ゾーンプレート状の配向処理を施した場合、他方の配向
膜４には、ラビング法や光配向方法などの方法により一
様な配向処理を行えばよい。The alignment division in the form of a Fresnel zone plate applied to the alignment film 4 may be performed on at least one of the opposed alignment films 4. When only one of the alignment films 4 is subjected to a Fresnel zone plate-like alignment process, the other alignment film 4 may be subjected to a uniform alignment process by a method such as a rubbing method or an optical alignment method.

【００３６】液晶分子５は対向する配向膜４の間のスペ
ーサー６によって生じた隙間に封入されており、液晶層
１を形成している。液晶分子５の組成や配列構造は公知
のものでよく、例えばネマティック相、スメクティック
相、コレステリック相などの配列構造を有する液晶や、
これらを混合した液晶を使用することができる。The liquid crystal molecules 5 are sealed in gaps generated by the spacers 6 between the facing alignment films 4 to form the liquid crystal layer 1. The composition and the alignment structure of the liquid crystal molecules 5 may be known ones, for example, a liquid crystal having an alignment structure such as a nematic phase, a smectic phase, a cholesteric phase,
A liquid crystal in which these are mixed can be used.

【００３７】第１の実施形態に係る回折型液晶レンズ１
０は以上のように構成されており、液晶層１に電圧を印
加しない状態では、輪帯状領域Ａ１１の液晶分子５と、
輪帯状領域Ａ１２の液晶分子５とはプレチルト角が異な
って配向する（図２（ｂ））。一般に液晶分子５はその
配向方向によって屈折率が異なる複屈折特性を有してい
るので、輪帯状領域Ａ１１とＡ１２とでは液晶分子５の
屈折率が異なることになる。この状態で液晶分子５の長
軸方向に偏光した入射光Ｌを入射すると、輪帯状領域Ａ
１１とＡ１２とでは液晶分子５のプレチルト角の違いに
起因する屈折率の違いにより入射光Ｌに位相差が生じ、
入射光Ｌは回折する。さらに、輪帯状領域群Ａ１，Ａ１
・・・が１点に集光するフレネルゾーンプレート状に並
んでいるので、入射光Ｌは焦点Ｆで集光することにな
る。The diffractive liquid crystal lens 1 according to the first embodiment
0 is configured as described above, and when no voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer 1, the liquid crystal molecules 5 in the annular zone A11 are
The liquid crystal molecules 5 in the annular zone A12 are aligned with a different pretilt angle (FIG. 2B). Generally, since the liquid crystal molecules 5 have birefringence characteristics in which the refractive index varies depending on the orientation direction, the refractive index of the liquid crystal molecules 5 is different between the annular zones A11 and A12. In this state, when incident light L polarized in the major axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules 5 is incident, the annular zone A
11 and A12, a phase difference occurs in the incident light L due to a difference in refractive index due to a difference in pretilt angle of the liquid crystal molecules 5,
The incident light L is diffracted. Further, the annular zone group A1, A1
Are arranged in a Fresnel zone plate shape that converges at one point, so that the incident light L is converged at the focal point F.

【００３８】すなわち、輪帯状領域Ａ１１とＡ１２とで
液晶分子５のプレチルト角が異なるように配向分割する
ことで、図３（ｂ）に示すような２値的な段差により回
折格子を形成しているのと同様な作用が得られる。That is, by performing orientation division so that the pretilt angles of the liquid crystal molecules 5 are different between the annular zones A11 and A12, a diffraction grating is formed by a binary step as shown in FIG. The same effect as that obtained is obtained.

【００３９】一方、電圧を印加した状態では、図２
（ｃ）に示すように液晶分子５はすべて電界方向に向
き、輪帯状領域Ａ１１とＡ１２とにあった入射光Ｌに対
する屈折率の違いはなくなるため、入射光Ｌに位相差は
生じない。すなわち、レンズの作用は消滅し、入射光Ｌ
は集光することなく回折型液晶レンズ１０を通過する
（ガラス状態）。On the other hand, in a state where a voltage is applied, FIG.
As shown in (c), the liquid crystal molecules 5 are all oriented in the direction of the electric field, and there is no difference in the refractive index with respect to the incident light L in the annular zones A11 and A12, so that no phase difference occurs in the incident light L. That is, the function of the lens disappears and the incident light L
Pass through the diffractive liquid crystal lens 10 without being condensed (glass state).

【００４０】一般に、位相型の回折格子では、溝の深さ
は集光する光の波長帯域によって決まり、焦点距離やレ
ンズの口径によっては変わらない。また、溝の深さは集
光する光の波長程度でよい。液晶層１がフレネルゾーン
プレート状の回折格子を形成する回折型液晶レンズ１０
においては、輪帯状領域Ａ１１とＡ１２を通過する光の
光路長差が、入射光Ｌの波長程度となるように液晶層１
を構成すればよい。したがって、液晶層１は屈折型の液
晶レンズにおける液晶層と比較して非常に薄くすること
ができるため、液晶分子５の印加電圧に対する応答が高
速になり、レンズとガラス状態との切り替えを高速で行
うことが可能になる。また、液晶層１が薄いため液晶分
子５への配向規制力が有効に働き、液晶分子５の配向が
乱れないので、光の透過率が高くなる。また、液晶層１
の厚さは焦点距離やレンズの口径により変化しない。In general, in the phase type diffraction grating, the depth of the groove is determined by the wavelength band of the light to be focused, and does not change depending on the focal length and the aperture of the lens. The depth of the groove may be about the wavelength of the light to be collected. Diffraction type liquid crystal lens 10 in which liquid crystal layer 1 forms a Fresnel zone plate-like diffraction grating
In the above, the liquid crystal layer 1 is arranged such that the optical path length difference of the light passing through the annular zones A11 and A12 is about the wavelength of the incident light L.
May be configured. Therefore, since the liquid crystal layer 1 can be made very thin as compared with the liquid crystal layer in the refraction type liquid crystal lens, the response to the applied voltage of the liquid crystal molecules 5 becomes faster, and the switching between the lens and the glass state can be performed at a higher speed. It is possible to do. Further, since the liquid crystal layer 1 is thin, the alignment regulating force for the liquid crystal molecules 5 works effectively, and the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules 5 is not disturbed, so that the light transmittance increases. The liquid crystal layer 1
Does not change with the focal length or the aperture of the lens.

【００４１】さらに、透明基板２や透明電極３が平板状
であるため、径が４０ｃｍ以上あるような大型のレンズ
を製作することも可能である。また、回折型液晶レンズ
を構成する各材料は公知のものでよく、透明電極３の積
層方法や後記する配向処理方法も従来の技術で十分対応
が可能であるため、前記の回折型液晶レンズ１０を容易
に製作することができる。Further, since the transparent substrate 2 and the transparent electrode 3 are flat, large lenses having a diameter of 40 cm or more can be manufactured. The materials constituting the diffractive liquid crystal lens may be known materials, and the method of laminating the transparent electrodes 3 and the method of alignment treatment described later can be sufficiently dealt with by the conventional technique. Can be easily manufactured.

【００４２】なお、前記では、輪帯状領域群Ａ１を輪帯
状領域Ａ１１とＡ１２とに配向分割し、液晶分子５のプ
レチルト角が２段階に変化するようにしたが、輪帯状領
域群Ａ１の配向分割をさらに細かいものとしても良い。
一般に位相型の回折格子では、溝の形状をキノフォーム
形状（図３（ａ））とすると１次回折効率の理論値が１
００％になり、キノフォーム形状を階段形状（図３
（ｂ），図３（ｃ））で近似した場合には、階段の段数
を増やすことで回折効率を向上させることができる。こ
れと同様に、輪帯状領域群Ａ１において液晶分子５の屈
折率が多段に変化するように配向分割することで、回折
効率を向上させることができる。例えばプレチルト角の
大きさを２段階とした場合の１次回折効率の理論限界は
約４１％であるが、４段階とすると約８１％、８段階と
すると約９５％となる。In the above description, the ring-shaped region group A1 is divided into the ring-shaped regions A11 and A12 so that the pretilt angle of the liquid crystal molecules 5 changes in two steps. The division may be made finer.
Generally, in a phase type diffraction grating, if the groove shape is a kinoform shape (FIG. 3A), the theoretical value of the first-order diffraction efficiency is 1
00%, and the kinoform shape was changed to a step shape (Fig. 3
In the case of approximation in (b) and FIG. 3 (c), the diffraction efficiency can be improved by increasing the number of steps. Similarly, the diffraction efficiency can be improved by dividing the orientation so that the refractive index of the liquid crystal molecules 5 changes in multiple steps in the annular zone group A1. For example, the theoretical limit of the first-order diffraction efficiency when the magnitude of the pretilt angle is two steps is about 41%, but it is about 81% for four steps and about 95% for eight steps.

【００４３】また、前記では輪帯状領域Ａ１１とＡ１２
とにおいて、液晶分子５のプレチルト角が異なるように
配向処理を行った例を示したが、液晶分子の長軸方向が
基板平面内で９０度異なるように配向処理を行ってもよ
い。このように配向分割を行っても、輪帯状領域Ａ１１
とＡ１２とで入射光Ｌに位相差が生じて、液晶層１が回
折格子として作用するため、回折型液晶レンズを構成で
きる。なお、このように配向分割をした場合の回折格子
は、図３（ｂ）のような２値的な段差により回折格子を
形成するのと同様の作用となる。In the above, the annular zones A11 and A12
In the above examples, the alignment processing is performed so that the pretilt angles of the liquid crystal molecules 5 are different, but the alignment processing may be performed such that the major axis directions of the liquid crystal molecules are different by 90 degrees in the substrate plane. Even if the orientation division is performed in this way, the annular zone A11
And A12, a phase difference occurs in the incident light L, and the liquid crystal layer 1 functions as a diffraction grating, so that a diffraction type liquid crystal lens can be configured. Note that the diffraction grating in the case where the orientation division is performed as described above has the same operation as that of forming a diffraction grating with a binary step as shown in FIG.

【００４４】また、一般的な位相型の回折格子では、焦
点距離は溝の間隔により調整する。同様に、前記の回折
型液晶レンズ１０では、輪帯状領域群Ａ１の幅ｂ（図２
（ｂ）参照）により焦点距離を調節する。In a general phase type diffraction grating, the focal length is adjusted by the interval between grooves. Similarly, in the diffractive liquid crystal lens 10, the width b of the annular zone group A1 (see FIG. 2).
The focal length is adjusted according to (b)).

【００４５】次に、上述したような液晶分子の配向方向
が輪帯状領域ごとに異なるように配向分割を行う方法を
述べる。このような配向分割を可能にする方法の一つに
光配向法がある。光配向法とは、配向膜に直線偏光した
紫外光を照射して偏光方向の高分子鎖を選択的に反応さ
せて配向膜に異方性を形成する配向処理方法である。照
射する紫外光の偏光方向や強度により、配向方向を自由
に設定することが可能である。なお、光配向法により配
向処理を行う場合の配向膜の材料にはポリイミドやシン
ナモイル基を導入した変成ポリシラン、アゾ基を導入し
たポリイミドなどが用いられる。Next, a method of performing the alignment division so that the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules is different for each annular zone as described above will be described. One of the methods for enabling such alignment division is a photo-alignment method. The photo-alignment method is an alignment treatment method in which an alignment film is irradiated with linearly polarized ultraviolet light to selectively react polymer chains in the polarization direction to form anisotropy in the alignment film. The orientation direction can be freely set depending on the polarization direction and intensity of the ultraviolet light to be irradiated. In the case where the alignment treatment is performed by the photo-alignment method, polyimide, a modified polysilane into which a cinnamoyl group is introduced, a polyimide into which an azo group is introduced, or the like is used as the material of the alignment film.

【００４６】図４（ａ），図４（ｂ）は光配向法による
配向分割の方法を示した模式図である。図４（ａ）に示
すように、フレネルゾーンプレート状に加工された第１
のマスクＭ１は、図２（ａ）における輪帯状領域Ａ１１
と同形の光の透過部Ｍ１１と、輪帯状領域Ａ１２と同形
の遮蔽部Ｍ１２とを有している。透明電極３上に薄く塗
布した配向膜４にマスクＭ１をあてがい、直線偏光した
紫外光Ｌ１を照射すると、透過部Ｍ１１を通過した紫外
光Ｌ１は配向膜４の高分子鎖と反応し、異方性を有する
輪帯状領域Ａ１１が形成される。一方、遮蔽部Ｍ１２に
より紫外光Ｌ１が遮られた輪帯状領域Ａ１２では配向膜
４に変化はおこらない。FIGS. 4 (a) and 4 (b) are schematic views showing a method of alignment division by a photo-alignment method. As shown in FIG. 4A, the first processed into a Fresnel zone plate shape
The mask M1 has an orbicular zone A11 in FIG.
And a shielding portion M12 having the same shape as the annular zone A12. When the mask M1 is applied to the alignment film 4 thinly coated on the transparent electrode 3 and irradiated with linearly polarized ultraviolet light L1, the ultraviolet light L1 that has passed through the transmission part M11 reacts with the polymer chains of the alignment film 4 and becomes anisotropic. The annular zone A11 having the property is formed. On the other hand, the alignment film 4 does not change in the annular zone A12 where the ultraviolet light L1 is shielded by the shielding portion M12.

【００４７】次に、図４（ｂ）に示すような第１のマス
クＭ１と透過部と遮蔽部とが逆転した第２のマスクＭ２
を配向膜４にあてがい、紫外光Ｌ１とは異なる強度の紫
外光Ｌ２を照射すると、第１のマスクＭ１をあてがった
ときに紫外光Ｌ１が照射されなかった領域で、紫外光Ｌ
２と配向膜４の高分子鎖とが反応し、輪帯状領域Ａ１１
とは異なる異方性を有する輪帯状領域Ａ１２が形成され
る。Next, as shown in FIG. 4B, a first mask M1 and a second mask M2 in which the transmitting portion and the shielding portion are reversed.
Is applied to the alignment film 4 and irradiated with ultraviolet light L2 having an intensity different from that of the ultraviolet light L1. In a region where the ultraviolet light L1 was not irradiated when the first mask M1 was applied, the ultraviolet light L1 was irradiated.
2 reacts with the polymer chains of the alignment film 4 to form an annular zone A11.
An annular zone A12 having anisotropy different from the above is formed.

【００４８】このような配向方法により、図２に示すよ
うな、配向膜４に液晶分子５の配向方位角が異なる輪帯
状領域Ａ１１とＡ１２とを形成することができる。By such an alignment method, annular zones A11 and A12 having different alignment azimuths of the liquid crystal molecules 5 can be formed in the alignment film 4 as shown in FIG.

【００４９】また、図５（ａ），５（ｂ）に示すよう
に、紫外光の強度を同じにして、配向膜４に第１のマス
クＭ１をあてがったときには水平偏光した紫外光Ｌ３
を、第２のマスクＭ２をあてがったときには垂直偏光し
た紫外光Ｌ４をそれぞれ照射して、液晶分子５が異なる
配向方位角で配向する輪帯状領域Ａ１１とＡ１２とを形
成してもよい。As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, when the intensity of the ultraviolet light is the same and the first mask M1 is applied to the alignment film 4, the horizontally polarized ultraviolet light L3 is applied.
When the second mask M2 is applied, vertically polarized ultraviolet light L4 may be irradiated to form annular zones A11 and A12 in which the liquid crystal molecules 5 are aligned at different alignment azimuth angles.

【００５０】さらに、輪帯状領域群Ａ１において液晶分
子５の屈折率が多段に変化するように配向分割する場合
には、上述したようなマスクを段数分用いて、それぞれ
偏光方向や強度の異なる紫外光を照射すればよい。Further, in the case where the orientation division is performed so that the refractive index of the liquid crystal molecules 5 changes in multiple steps in the annular zone group A1, ultraviolet rays having different polarization directions and intensities can be obtained by using the above-described masks for the number of steps. Light may be applied.

【００５１】また、図示は省略するが、マスクを使用せ
ずにインコヒーレントな２つの光で、各光束の広がり角
が異なるものを干渉させ、２光束間でフレネルゾーンプ
レート状の干渉縞を作り、これを配向膜に照射して、液
晶分子が異なる方向で配向する輪帯状領域Ａ１１とＡ１
２とを形成してもよい。また、光配向法によらず、マス
クラビング法などによっても良い。Although not shown, two incoherent light beams having different spread angles are caused to interfere with each other without using a mask to form a Fresnel zone plate interference fringe between the two light beams. By irradiating this to an alignment film, annular zones A11 and A1 in which liquid crystal molecules are aligned in different directions.
2 may be formed. Instead of the photo-alignment method, a mask rubbing method or the like may be used.

【００５２】（第２の実施形態）図６は本発明に係る回
折型液晶レンズの第２の実施形態を示す斜視図である。
図６に示すように、回折型液晶レンズ１１は、配向膜に
施す配向処理パターンを除いて、第１の実施形態と同様
の構成である。なお、スペーサーの図示は省略する。(Second Embodiment) FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a second embodiment of the diffractive liquid crystal lens according to the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 6, the diffraction type liquid crystal lens 11 has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, except for an alignment processing pattern applied to an alignment film. The illustration of the spacer is omitted.

【００５３】回折型液晶レンズ１１では、配向膜４を液
晶分子５のプレチルト角がＳ１となるように配向処理さ
れた帯状領域Ａ２１と、液晶分子５のプレチルト角がＳ
２となるように配向処理された帯状領域Ａ２２とに配向
分割された帯状領域群Ａ２が複数存在している。帯状領
域群Ａ２，Ａ２・・・は平行に並び、その幅が配向膜４
の中央から側方に向かうにつれて漸次狭くなっている。
また、帯状領域Ａ２は、図の左側ではｘ軸に平行に、右
側ではｙ軸に平行に並んでおり、対向する配向膜４，４
の帯状領域群が直交するように透明基板２を張り合わせ
てある。なお、液晶分子５の平面上の配向方向は対向す
る配向膜４，４で同一方向とし、以下では、ｙ方向に配
向されているものとして説明を行う。なお、上述した場
所によりプレチルト角が異なるような配向処理は、第１
の実施形態で述べたような光配向法により施すことがで
きる。In the diffractive liquid crystal lens 11, a band-like region A21 in which the alignment film 4 is aligned so that the pretilt angle of the liquid crystal molecules 5 is S1, and the pretilt angle of the liquid crystal molecules 5 is S1.
In addition, there are a plurality of strip-shaped area groups A2 that are orientation-divided into a strip-shaped area A22 that has been subjected to an alignment treatment so as to be 2. .. Are arranged in parallel, and the width thereof is
Gradually narrows from the center to the side.
The strip-shaped regions A2 are arranged parallel to the x-axis on the left side of the drawing and parallel to the y-axis on the right side of the drawing.
The transparent substrate 2 is stuck so that the band-shaped area groups are orthogonal to each other. The alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules 5 on the plane is the same in the alignment films 4 and 4 facing each other, and hereinafter, description will be made assuming that the liquid crystal molecules 5 are aligned in the y direction. Note that the alignment processing in which the pretilt angle differs depending on the location described above is the first method.
Can be applied by the photo-alignment method as described in the embodiment.

【００５４】第２の実施形態に係る回折型液晶レンズ１
１は以上のように構成されており、第１の実施形態に係
る回折型液晶レンズ１０と同様に、電圧を印加しない状
態では、帯状領域Ａ２１とＡ２２とで液晶分子５のプレ
チルト角が異なって配向する。したがって、液晶分子５
の複屈折特性により帯状領域Ａ２１とＡ２２とでは屈折
率が異なる。この状態でｙ方向に偏光した入射光Ｌが図
６の左側より液晶層１へ入射すると、帯状領域Ａ２１と
Ａ２２とでは液晶分子５のプレチルト角の違いに起因す
る屈折率の違いにより入射光Ｌに位相差が生じ、入射光
Ｌは回折する。さらに、帯状領域群Ａ２，Ａ２・・・は
ｘ軸に平行に形成され、その幅は中心から外側に向かう
につれて漸次狭くなっているため、液晶分子５は一方向
に集光するシリンドリカルレンズと同様の働きを持つ回
折格子を形成することになり、入射光Ｌはｙ方向に集光
する。The diffractive liquid crystal lens 1 according to the second embodiment
1 is configured as described above, and similarly to the diffractive liquid crystal lens 10 according to the first embodiment, when no voltage is applied, the pretilt angles of the liquid crystal molecules 5 are different between the band-shaped regions A21 and A22. Orient. Therefore, the liquid crystal molecules 5
Are different in the refractive index between the belt-shaped regions A21 and A22. In this state, when the incident light L polarized in the y direction is incident on the liquid crystal layer 1 from the left side of FIG. , A phase difference occurs, and the incident light L is diffracted. Are formed parallel to the x-axis, and the width thereof is gradually narrowed from the center to the outside, so that the liquid crystal molecules 5 are similar to a cylindrical lens that collects light in one direction. Is formed, and the incident light L is collected in the y direction.

【００５５】さらに、一方の配向膜４は、左側の帯状領
域群Ａ２とは直交するように、ｙ軸に平行に帯状領域群
Ａ２が形成されており、これにしたがって配向する液晶
分子５によりｘ方向に集光する回折格子が形成されてい
る。したがって、入射光Ｌは液晶層１を通過すると一点
に集光する。すなわち、対向する配向膜４，４に前記の
ような配向分割を施し、液晶分子５を配向することによ
り、２枚のシリンドリカルレンズをその集光方向が直交
するように並べたのと同様の作用が得られる。Further, one alignment film 4 is formed with a band-shaped region group A2 parallel to the y-axis so as to be orthogonal to the band-shaped region group A2 on the left side. A diffraction grating for converging light in the direction is formed. Therefore, the incident light L converges at one point when passing through the liquid crystal layer 1. That is, the above-described alignment division is performed on the alignment films 4 and 4 facing each other, and the liquid crystal molecules 5 are aligned, whereby the same operation as when two cylindrical lenses are arranged so that the light-collecting directions are orthogonal to each other. Is obtained.

【００５６】一方、電圧を印加した状態では、液晶分子
５はすべて電界方向に向き、帯状領域Ａ２１とＡ２２と
にあった入射光Ｌに対する屈折率の差が解消されるた
め、入射光Ｌに位相差は生じない。すなわち、レンズの
作用は消滅し、入射光Ｌは集光することなく回折型液晶
レンズ１１を通過する。On the other hand, when the voltage is applied, the liquid crystal molecules 5 are all oriented in the direction of the electric field, and the difference in the refractive index with respect to the incident light L existing in the strip-shaped regions A21 and A22 is eliminated. No phase difference occurs. That is, the function of the lens disappears, and the incident light L passes through the diffractive liquid crystal lens 11 without being collected.

【００５７】したがって、液晶層１がシリンドリカルレ
ンズと同様の働きを持つ回折格子を形成する回折型液晶
レンズ１１においても、液晶層１は、帯状領域Ａ２１と
Ａ２２を通過する光の光路長差が、入射光Ｌの波長程度
となるように構成すればよく、屈折型の液晶レンズにお
ける液晶層と比較して非常に薄くすることができるた
め、液晶分子５の印加電圧に対する応答が高速になり、
レンズとガラス状態の切り替えを高速で行うことが可能
になる。また、液晶層１が薄いため液晶分子５の配向規
制力が有効に働き、液晶分子５の配向が乱れないので、
光の透過率が高くなる。また、液晶層１の厚さは焦点距
離やレンズの口径によらず一定である。Therefore, also in the diffractive liquid crystal lens 11 in which the liquid crystal layer 1 forms a diffraction grating having the same function as a cylindrical lens, the liquid crystal layer 1 has a difference in optical path length of light passing through the band-like regions A21 and A22. What is necessary is just to make it to be about the wavelength of the incident light L, and it can be made very thin as compared with the liquid crystal layer in the refraction type liquid crystal lens, so that the response to the applied voltage of the liquid crystal molecules 5 becomes faster,
Switching between the lens and the glass state can be performed at high speed. Further, since the liquid crystal layer 1 is thin, the alignment regulating force of the liquid crystal molecules 5 works effectively, and the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules 5 is not disturbed.
Light transmittance increases. Further, the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 1 is constant regardless of the focal length and the aperture of the lens.

【００５８】さらに、透明基板２や透明電極３が平板状
であるため、径が４０ｃｍ以上あるような大型のレンズ
を製作することも可能である。回折型液晶レンズを構成
する各材料は公知のものでよく、透明電極３の積層方法
や後記する配向処理方法も従来の技術で十分対応が可能
であるため、容易に前記の回折型液晶レンズ１１を製作
することができる。Further, since the transparent substrate 2 and the transparent electrode 3 are flat, a large-sized lens having a diameter of 40 cm or more can be manufactured. Each material constituting the diffractive liquid crystal lens may be a known material, and the laminating method of the transparent electrode 3 and the alignment processing method described later can be sufficiently dealt with by the conventional technique. Can be manufactured.

【００５９】なお、第１の実施形態の回折型液晶レンズ
１０と同様に帯状領域群Ａ２の配向分割をさらに細かく
し、回折効率の向上を図ってもよい。Incidentally, similarly to the diffraction type liquid crystal lens 10 of the first embodiment, the orientation division of the band-shaped area group A2 may be further refined to improve the diffraction efficiency.

【００６０】また、前記では帯状領域Ａ２１とＡ２２と
において、液晶分子５のプレチルト角が異なるように配
向処理を行った例を示したが、液晶分子の長軸方向が基
板平面内で９０度異なるように配向処理を行ってもよ
い。このように配向分割を行っても、帯状領域Ａ２１と
Ａ２２とで入射光Ｌに位相差が生じて、液晶層１が回折
格子として作用するため、回折型液晶レンズを構成でき
る。なお、このように配向分割をした場合の回折格子
は、図３（ｂ）のような２値的な段差により回折格子を
形成するのと同様の作用となる。In the above description, an example was given in which the alignment treatment was performed so that the pretilt angles of the liquid crystal molecules 5 were different between the strip regions A21 and A22, but the major axis directions of the liquid crystal molecules differed by 90 degrees in the plane of the substrate. The orientation treatment may be performed as follows. Even when the orientation division is performed in this manner, a phase difference occurs in the incident light L between the belt-like regions A21 and A22, and the liquid crystal layer 1 functions as a diffraction grating, so that a diffraction type liquid crystal lens can be configured. Note that the diffraction grating in the case where the orientation division is performed as described above has the same operation as that of forming a diffraction grating with a binary step as shown in FIG.

【００６１】また、焦点距離は帯状領域群Ａ１の幅によ
るため、所望の焦点距離が得られるように適宜調整す
る。Since the focal length depends on the width of the band-shaped area group A1, it is appropriately adjusted so as to obtain a desired focal length.

【００６２】（第３の実施形態）図７は本発明に係る回
折型液晶レンズの第３の実施形態を示す断面図である。
図７に示すように、回折型液晶レンズ２０は、スペーサ
ー６を介して対向している平板状の透明基板２と、透明
基板２の内面に積層した透明電極３，３ａ及び配向膜
４，４ａと、スペーサー６によって生じた配向膜４，４
ａ間の隙間に封入した液晶分子５とで構成されている。
透明電極３ａには回折格子の溝１２が形成されており、
配向膜４ａは溝１２に沿って積層されている。また、透
明電極３，３ａに電圧を供給する電源装置７が接続され
ている。(Third Embodiment) FIG. 7 is a sectional view showing a third embodiment of the diffractive liquid crystal lens according to the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 7, the diffractive liquid crystal lens 20 is composed of a flat transparent substrate 2 facing through a spacer 6 and transparent electrodes 3, 3a and alignment films 4, 4a laminated on the inner surface of the transparent substrate 2. And alignment films 4 and 4 generated by spacer 6
and liquid crystal molecules 5 sealed in a gap between the liquid crystal molecules a.
A groove 12 of the diffraction grating is formed in the transparent electrode 3a.
The alignment film 4a is stacked along the groove 12. Further, a power supply device 7 for supplying a voltage to the transparent electrodes 3 and 3a is connected.

【００６３】透明基板２、液晶分子５及びスペーサー６
は第１の実施形態で説明したものと同様であるので詳細
な説明は省略する。Transparent substrate 2, liquid crystal molecules 5 and spacer 6
Are the same as those described in the first embodiment, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

【００６４】透明電極３及び透明電極３ａは、液晶層１
に電圧を印加し、液晶分子５の配向方向を制御するもの
で、透明基板２に積層されている。透明電極３は第１の
実施形態で説明したものと同様であるので説明は省略す
る。透明電極３ａには後記するような方法により、図８
に示すように、輪帯状の溝１２が複数形成され、これら
が同心円状に並び、かつ溝１２の幅が透明電極３ａの中
心から外側に向かうにしたがって漸次狭くなっており、
回折光が１点に集光するフレネルゾーンプレート状の回
折格子を形成している。The transparent electrode 3 and the transparent electrode 3a are
Is applied to control the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules 5, and is laminated on the transparent substrate 2. Since the transparent electrode 3 is the same as that described in the first embodiment, the description is omitted. The transparent electrode 3a is formed as shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of annular grooves 12 are formed, these are arranged concentrically, and the width of the grooves 12 gradually decreases from the center of the transparent electrode 3a toward the outside.
It forms a Fresnel zone plate-like diffraction grating where the diffracted light is focused at one point.

【００６５】溝１２の断面形状は、キノフォーム形状
（図３（ａ））を４段の階段形状（図３ｃ）で近似した
ものである。透明電極３ａは集光する光の波長帯域に対
して高い透過率をし、基板間に封入する液晶分子５の異
常光屈折率もしくは常光屈折率と等しい屈折率を有する
材料で形成する。The cross-sectional shape of the groove 12 is similar to the kinoform shape (FIG. 3A) with a four-step staircase shape (FIG. 3C). The transparent electrode 3a is formed of a material having a high transmittance in the wavelength band of light to be collected and having a refractive index equal to the extraordinary or ordinary light refractive index of the liquid crystal molecules 5 sealed between the substrates.

【００６６】なお、回折格子の溝を形成する階段の段数
はこれに限定されることはなく、また、断面形状もキノ
フォーム形状やこれを三角形で近似した鋸歯形状として
もよく、レンズの用途や製作性などを加味しながら、所
望の回折効率が得られるように適宜選択すればよい。な
お、回折格子の溝の断面形状をキノフォーム形状（図３
（ａ））とした場合の１次回折効率の理論値が１００％
であるのに対し、これを階段形状で近似した場合の１次
回折効率の理論限界は、１段階（図３（ｂ））で約４１
％、４段階（図３（ｃ））で約８１％、８段階（図示せ
ず）で約９５％である。階段の段数を多くすると回折効
率が高くなり、明るい画像が得られるとともに、０次や
高次の回折光の影響を抑えることができる。The number of steps of the steps forming the grooves of the diffraction grating is not limited to this, and the cross-sectional shape may be a kinoform shape or a saw-tooth shape approximating this with a triangle. What is necessary is just to select suitably so that desired diffraction efficiency may be obtained, taking into account the manufacturability and the like. Note that the cross-sectional shape of the groove of the diffraction grating is a kinoform shape (FIG. 3).
The theoretical value of the first-order diffraction efficiency in the case of (a) is 100%
In contrast, the theoretical limit of the first-order diffraction efficiency when this is approximated by a step shape is about 41 in one step (FIG. 3B).
%, About 81% in four steps (FIG. 3 (c)), and about 95% in eight steps (not shown). Increasing the number of stairs increases the diffraction efficiency, obtains a bright image, and suppresses the influence of zero-order or higher-order diffracted light.

【００６７】フレネルゾーンプレート状の回折格子では
焦点距離は、溝１２の間隔によるため、所望の焦点距離
が得られるように適宜調節する。In the case of a Fresnel zone plate-shaped diffraction grating, the focal length depends on the distance between the grooves 12, so that the focal length is appropriately adjusted so as to obtain a desired focal length.

【００６８】配向膜４ａはフレネルゾーンプレート状の
回折格子を形成した透明電極３ａにスピンコートで配向
剤を塗布することなどにより成膜する。また、透明電極
３ａに形成した回折格子の溝１２に沿って同心円状に液
晶分子５が配向すると、偏光した入射光Ｌに対して場所
により異なる光学特性になってしまうので、ラビング法
や光配向法などの配向処理方法により、液晶分子５が一
方向に配向するように配向処理を行う。The alignment film 4a is formed by applying an alignment agent by spin coating to the transparent electrode 3a on which a Fresnel zone plate-shaped diffraction grating is formed. Further, if the liquid crystal molecules 5 are concentrically aligned along the grooves 12 of the diffraction grating formed on the transparent electrode 3a, the optical characteristics will differ depending on the location with respect to the polarized incident light L. The liquid crystal molecules 5 are aligned so that the liquid crystal molecules 5 are aligned in one direction by an alignment processing method such as a method.

【００６９】液晶分子５はスペーサー６によって生じた
配向膜４，４ａ間の隙間に封入されており、液晶層１を
構成している。また、液晶分子５の組成や配列構造は公
知のものでよいが，液晶分子５の異常光屈折率もしくは
常光屈折率と透明電極３ａの屈折率とが等しくなるよう
な材料を選択する。なお、以下では液晶分子５の異常光
屈折率と透明電極３ａの屈折率とが等しいものとして説
明を行う。The liquid crystal molecules 5 are sealed in the gaps between the alignment films 4 and 4 a generated by the spacers 6 and constitute the liquid crystal layer 1. The composition and arrangement structure of the liquid crystal molecules 5 may be known, but a material is selected so that the extraordinary or ordinary light refractive index of the liquid crystal molecules 5 is equal to the refractive index of the transparent electrode 3a. Note that the following description is made on the assumption that the extraordinary light refractive index of the liquid crystal molecules 5 is equal to the refractive index of the transparent electrode 3a.

【００７０】第３の実施形態に係る回折型液晶レンズ２
０は以上のように構成されており、透明電極３，３ａに
電圧を印加すると、液晶分子５は電界方向に向かって配
向する。このときの液晶分子５の入射光Ｌに対する屈折
率は常光屈折率であり、透明電極３ａの屈折率とは異な
るので、透明電極３ａに入射した入射光Ｌは、透明電極
３ａに形成した同心円状の溝１２，１２・・・により位
相差を生じ回折する。さらに、溝１２，１２・・・はフ
レネルゾーンプレート状に配置されているので、入射光
Ｌは焦点Ｆに集光する。The diffractive liquid crystal lens 2 according to the third embodiment
0 is configured as described above. When a voltage is applied to the transparent electrodes 3 and 3a, the liquid crystal molecules 5 are oriented in the direction of the electric field. At this time, the refractive index of the liquid crystal molecules 5 with respect to the incident light L is an ordinary light refractive index, which is different from the refractive index of the transparent electrode 3a, so that the incident light L incident on the transparent electrode 3a is concentric with the transparent electrode 3a. .. Produce a phase difference and are diffracted. Further, since the grooves 12, 12,... Are arranged in a Fresnel zone plate shape, the incident light L is focused on the focal point F.

【００７１】一方、透明電極３，３ａに電圧を印加しな
い状態では、液晶分子５は前記の配向処理により一様に
配向している。このときの液晶分子５の入射光Ｌに対す
る屈折率は異常光屈折率であり、透明電極３ａの屈折率
と等しくなる。したがって、透明電極３ａに形成した溝
１２，１２・・・に透明電極３ａと屈折率の等しい異常
光屈折率状態の液晶分子５が入り込み、溝１２では位相
差が生じないため、入射光Ｌは回折せずに、回折型液晶
レンズ２０を通過する。On the other hand, when no voltage is applied to the transparent electrodes 3 and 3a, the liquid crystal molecules 5 are uniformly aligned by the above-described alignment processing. At this time, the refractive index of the liquid crystal molecules 5 with respect to the incident light L is an extraordinary light refractive index, and is equal to the refractive index of the transparent electrode 3a. Therefore, the liquid crystal molecules 5 in the extraordinary light refractive index state having the same refractive index as the transparent electrode 3a enter the grooves 12, 12... Formed in the transparent electrode 3a, and no phase difference occurs in the grooves 12, so that the incident light L The light passes through the diffractive liquid crystal lens 20 without being diffracted.

【００７２】以上のように、透明電極３ａにフレネルゾ
ーンプレート状の回折格子を形成した第３の実施形態に
おける回折型液晶レンズ２０においては、液晶層１の厚
さは、スペーサー６の厚みに、透明電極３ａに形成した
回折格子の溝１２の深さを足した程度でよい。なお、回
折格子の溝１２の深さｄ（図８参照）は、液晶分子５の
常光屈折率ｎ0と異常光屈折率ｎeとの差に溝１２の深さ
ｄを乗じた値が光の波長λ（λ＝（ｎe−ｎo）×ｄ）程
度となればよい。液晶層１を薄くできるため、液晶分子
５の印加電圧に対する応答が高速になり、レンズとガラ
ス状態とを高速で切り替えることができる。また、液晶
層１が薄いため液晶分子５の配向規制力が有効に働き、
液晶分子５の配向が乱れないので、光の透過率が高くな
る。さらに、回折型液晶レンズ２０を構成する各部材は
従来用いられているものを使用することができる。As described above, in the diffractive liquid crystal lens 20 according to the third embodiment in which the Fresnel zone plate-like diffraction grating is formed on the transparent electrode 3a, the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 1 is smaller than the thickness of the spacer 6. It is sufficient to add the depth of the groove 12 of the diffraction grating formed on the transparent electrode 3a. The depth d of the grooves 12 of the diffraction grating (see FIG. 8), the value obtained by multiplying the depth d of the groove 12 to the difference between the ordinary refractive index n 0 and the extraordinary refractive index n e of the liquid crystal molecules 5 are optical of wavelength λ (λ = (n e -n o) × d) may be familiar with the extent. Since the liquid crystal layer 1 can be made thinner, the response to the applied voltage of the liquid crystal molecules 5 becomes faster, and the lens and the glass state can be switched at a high speed. Further, since the liquid crystal layer 1 is thin, the alignment regulating force of the liquid crystal molecules 5 works effectively.
Since the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules 5 is not disturbed, the light transmittance increases. Further, as the members constituting the diffractive liquid crystal lens 20, those conventionally used can be used.

【００７３】なお、前記のように、一方の透明電極３ａ
のみに回折格子を形成すると、基板の張り合わせ作業は
容易となるが、焦点距離が短くかつ大口径のレンズ（Ｆ
ナンバーが小さいレンズ）を製作する場合には、周辺部
で回折格子の溝が非常に細かくなりレンズの製作が難し
くなる。この場合には、両方の透明電極にフレネルゾー
ンプレート状の回折格子を形成し、同心円状の溝の中心
が一致するように対向させてもよい。このようにする
と、Ｆナンバーを実質約半分にできるので、溝の間隔を
粗くすることができ回折格子の製作が容易になる。さら
に、両側に配向構造ができるため、液晶層１の厚さをよ
り薄くすることが可能で、液晶分子５の印加電圧に対す
る応答速度をより高速にすることができる。As described above, one of the transparent electrodes 3a
When a diffraction grating is formed only on the substrate, the work of bonding the substrates becomes easy, but a lens having a short focal length and a large diameter (F
In the case of manufacturing a lens having a small number, the groove of the diffraction grating becomes very fine in the peripheral portion, and it becomes difficult to manufacture the lens. In this case, a Fresnel zone plate-like diffraction grating may be formed on both transparent electrodes, and they may face each other so that the centers of the concentric grooves coincide. By doing so, the F-number can be substantially reduced to about half, so that the interval between the grooves can be made coarse and the fabrication of the diffraction grating becomes easy. Furthermore, since an alignment structure is formed on both sides, the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 1 can be reduced, and the response speed of the liquid crystal molecules 5 to the applied voltage can be further increased.

【００７４】また、前記では透明電極３ａに用いる材料
の屈折率と、封入する液晶分子５の異常光屈折率とが等
しくなるように材料を選択したが、透明電極３ａの屈折
率と液晶分子５の常光屈折率とが等しくするように材料
を選択しても良い。このように構成すると、液晶層１に
電圧を印加しない状態（液晶分子５の異常光屈折率と透
明電極３ａとの屈折率が異なる状態）で入射光Ｌは回折
し、電圧を印加した状態（液晶分子５の常光屈折率と透
明電極３ａの屈折率とが等しくなる状態）では、入射光
Ｌは回折せずに回折型液晶レンズ２０を通過する。In the above description, the material is selected so that the refractive index of the material used for the transparent electrode 3a is equal to the extraordinary light refractive index of the liquid crystal molecules 5 to be enclosed. The material may be selected such that the ordinary light refractive index is equal. With this configuration, the incident light L is diffracted in a state in which no voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer 1 (a state in which the extraordinary light refractive index of the liquid crystal molecules 5 is different from that of the transparent electrode 3a), and a state in which a voltage is applied ( In a state where the ordinary light refractive index of the liquid crystal molecules 5 is equal to the refractive index of the transparent electrode 3a), the incident light L passes through the diffractive liquid crystal lens 20 without diffracting.

【００７５】次に、透明電極に階段形状の回折格子の溝
を成形する方法を説明する。このような加工は、電子集
積回路の製作に用いられるリソグラフィー技術を適用す
ることにより可能になる。透明電極にレジストを塗布
し、これに回折格子が刻まれているマスクをあてがい、
このマスクを介して露光光をレジストに露光し、そのマ
スクパターンの潜像を形成する。現像によって露光部
（潜像部）のレジストを取り除いた後にエッチングを行
い、最後に残留しているレジストを除去すると、透明電
極には２段の階段形状が形成される。これらの処理を繰
り返すことで所望の段数の階段形状が得られる。このよ
うに、前記の回折型液晶レンズ２０では、比較的容易に
透明電極３ａに回折格子を形成することができる。Next, a method for forming a groove of a step-like diffraction grating in a transparent electrode will be described. Such processing can be realized by applying a lithography technique used for manufacturing an electronic integrated circuit. Apply a resist to the transparent electrode and apply a mask with a diffraction grating on it,
Exposure light is exposed to the resist through the mask to form a latent image of the mask pattern. After the resist in the exposed portion (latent image portion) is removed by development and etching is performed, and finally the remaining resist is removed, a two-step shape is formed on the transparent electrode. By repeating these processes, a desired number of steps can be obtained. As described above, in the diffractive liquid crystal lens 20, the diffraction grating can be relatively easily formed on the transparent electrode 3a.

【００７６】（第４の実施形態）図９は本発明に係る回
折型液晶レンズの第４の実施形態を示す斜視図である。
図９に示すように、回折型液晶レンズ２１は、透明電極
の回折格子の形状を除いて、第３の実施形態で説明した
回折型液晶レンズ２０と同様の構成である。なお、スペ
ーサーの図示は省略する。(Fourth Embodiment) FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a fourth embodiment of the diffractive liquid crystal lens according to the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 9, the diffraction type liquid crystal lens 21 has the same configuration as the diffraction type liquid crystal lens 20 described in the third embodiment, except for the shape of the diffraction grating of the transparent electrode. The illustration of the spacer is omitted.

【００７７】回折型液晶レンズ２１では、透明電極３ｂ
に帯状の溝１３が複数形成され、これらが平行に隣接し
て並び、かつその幅が透明電極３ｂの中央から側方に向
かうにしたがって漸次狭くなっており、回折光が一方向
に集光するシリンドリカルレンズと同じ作用を持つ回折
格子を形成している。同様に透明電極３ｂと対向する透
明電極３ｃにもシリンドリカルレンズ状の回折格子が形
成され、透明電極３ｂに形成した溝１３と透明電極３ｃ
に形成した溝１４とが直交するように張り合わされてい
る。In the diffraction type liquid crystal lens 21, the transparent electrode 3b
A plurality of strip-shaped grooves 13 are formed in parallel, adjacently arranged in parallel, and the width thereof gradually decreases from the center of the transparent electrode 3b to the side, so that diffracted light is converged in one direction. A diffraction grating having the same action as the cylindrical lens is formed. Similarly, a transparent lens 3c opposed to the transparent electrode 3b is also provided with a cylindrical lens-shaped diffraction grating, and the groove 13 formed in the transparent electrode 3b and the transparent electrode 3c are formed.
Are bonded so as to be orthogonal to the groove 14 formed in the groove.

【００７８】回折格子を形成する溝１３，１４の断面形
状はキノフォーム形状（図３（ａ））やキノフォーム形
状を近似した階段形状（図３（ｃ））などとする。これ
らは回折型液晶レンズ２１の用途や製作性などを加味し
ながら所望の回折効率が得られるように適宜選択すれば
よい。また、溝の幅は所望の焦点距離が得られるように
適宜調節する。The cross-sectional shapes of the grooves 13 and 14 forming the diffraction grating have a kinoform shape (FIG. 3A) or a step shape approximating the kinoform shape (FIG. 3C). These may be appropriately selected so as to obtain a desired diffraction efficiency while taking into consideration the use of the diffractive liquid crystal lens 21 and the manufacturability. Further, the width of the groove is appropriately adjusted so as to obtain a desired focal length.

【００７９】透明電極３ｂ，３ｃ及び液晶分子５は公知
の材料で形成すればよいが、透明電極３ｂ，３ｃの屈折
率と、液晶分子５の常光屈折率もしくは異常光屈折率と
が等しくなるような材料を選択する。なお、以下では液
晶分子５の常光屈折率と透明電極３ｂ，３ｃの屈折率と
が等しいものとして説明を行う。The transparent electrodes 3b and 3c and the liquid crystal molecules 5 may be formed of known materials, and the refractive index of the transparent electrodes 3b and 3c is equal to the ordinary light refractive index or the extraordinary light refractive index of the liquid crystal molecules 5. The right material. In the following, the description will be made on the assumption that the ordinary light refractive index of the liquid crystal molecules 5 is equal to the refractive indexes of the transparent electrodes 3b and 3c.

【００８０】配向膜４ｂ，４ｃを透明電極３ｂ，３ｃに
成膜し、配向処理を行うが、配向方向は、透明電極３
ｂ，３ｃに形成した溝１３，１４と同方向とする。これ
によりラビング法などの簡単な配向方法で配向処理を行
うことができる。なお、電圧を印加しない状態では、図
９のように、液晶分子５の長軸が９０度回転して配向す
る（ツイステッドネマティック配向）。The alignment films 4b and 4c are formed on the transparent electrodes 3b and 3c and an alignment process is performed.
The direction is the same as that of the grooves 13 and 14 formed in b and 3c. Thereby, the alignment treatment can be performed by a simple alignment method such as a rubbing method. In a state where no voltage is applied, as shown in FIG. 9, the major axis of the liquid crystal molecules 5 is rotated by 90 degrees and aligned (twisted nematic alignment).

【００８１】第４の実施形態に係る回折型液晶レンズ２
１は以上のように構成されており、透明電極３ｂ，３ｃ
に電圧を印加しない状態では、液晶分子５の入射光Ｌに
対する屈折率は異常光屈折率であり、透明電極３ｂ，３
ｃの屈折率とは異なっている。この状態で、透明電極３
ｂ側より、溝１３の方向（ｘ方向）に偏光した入射光Ｌ
を入射すると、入射光Ｌは透明電極３ｂに形成した帯状
の溝１３，１３・・・により位相差を生じ回折する。さ
らに、溝１３がシリンドリカルレンズ状に配置されてい
るので、入射光Ｌはｙ方向に集光する。The diffraction type liquid crystal lens 2 according to the fourth embodiment
1 is configured as described above, and the transparent electrodes 3b, 3c
When no voltage is applied to the transparent electrodes 3b and 3b, the refractive index of the liquid crystal molecules 5 with respect to the incident light L is an extraordinary refractive index.
It is different from the refractive index of c. In this state, the transparent electrode 3
Incident light L polarized in the direction of the groove 13 (x direction) from the b side
Are incident, the incident light L is diffracted due to a phase difference caused by the band-shaped grooves 13, 13... Formed in the transparent electrode 3b. Further, since the groove 13 is arranged in a cylindrical lens shape, the incident light L is collected in the y direction.

【００８２】前述したように、液晶分子５はツイステッ
ドネマティック配向となっているため、ｘ方向に偏光し
た入射光Ｌは、透明電極３ｃに達する間に、液晶分子５
の旋光性によりｙ方向に偏光する。したがって、透明電
極３ｃの溝１４にはｙ方向に偏光した入射光Ｌが入射
し、ｘ方向に集光するように透明電極３ｃに形成したシ
リンドリカルレンズ状の回折格子により、ｘ方向に集光
する。すなわち、透明電極３ｂと３ｃに形成した集光方
向の異なる２つのシリンドリカルレンズ状の回折格子に
より焦点Ｆに集光する。As described above, since the liquid crystal molecules 5 are in a twisted nematic alignment, the incident light L polarized in the x-direction reaches the liquid crystal molecules 5 while reaching the transparent electrode 3c.
Is polarized in the y-direction due to the optical rotation. Therefore, the incident light L polarized in the y direction is incident on the groove 14 of the transparent electrode 3c, and is condensed in the x direction by the cylindrical lens-shaped diffraction grating formed on the transparent electrode 3c so as to be condensed in the x direction. . That is, the light is condensed at the focal point F by two cylindrical lens-shaped diffraction gratings formed on the transparent electrodes 3b and 3c and having different light condensing directions.

【００８３】一方、透明電極３ｂ，３ｃに電圧を印加し
た状態では、液晶分子５は電界方向に一様に配向する。
このときの入射光Ｌに対する液晶分子５の屈折率は常光
屈折率であり、透明電極３ｂ，３ｃの屈折率と等しくな
る。したがって、透明電極３ｂに形成した溝１３，１３
・・・及び透明電極３ｃに形成した溝１４，１４・・・
が透明電極３ｂ及び３ｃと屈折率の等しい常光屈折率状
態の液晶分子５により埋められるため、位相差は生じな
い。すなわち、入射光Ｌは回折せずに、液晶レンズ２１
を通過する（ガラス状態）。なお、液晶分子５の異常光
屈折率と透明電極３ｂ，３ｃの屈折率とを等しくした場
合には、前記とは反対に、電圧を印加するとレンズとし
て作用し、電圧を印加しない場合にはレンズの作用は消
滅しガラス状態となる。On the other hand, when a voltage is applied to the transparent electrodes 3b and 3c, the liquid crystal molecules 5 are uniformly aligned in the direction of the electric field.
The refractive index of the liquid crystal molecules 5 with respect to the incident light L at this time is the ordinary light refractive index, and is equal to the refractive indexes of the transparent electrodes 3b and 3c. Therefore, the grooves 13, 13 formed in the transparent electrode 3b
, And grooves 14, 14 formed in the transparent electrode 3c.
Is filled with the liquid crystal molecules 5 in the ordinary light refractive index state having the same refractive index as that of the transparent electrodes 3b and 3c, so that no phase difference occurs. That is, the incident light L is not diffracted, and
(Glass state). When the extraordinary light refractive index of the liquid crystal molecules 5 is made equal to the refractive index of the transparent electrodes 3b and 3c, on the contrary, when a voltage is applied, the lens functions as a lens. Disappears and becomes glassy.

【００８４】以上のように、透明電極３ｂ，３ｃにシリ
ンドリカルレンズ状の回折格子を形成した第４の実施形
態における回折型液晶レンズ２１においても、液晶層１
の厚さは、スペーサー６の厚みに、透明電極３ｂ，３ｃ
に形成した回折格子の溝１３，１４の深さを足した程度
でよい。なお、回折格子の溝１３，１４の深さｄは、そ
れぞれ液晶分子５の常光屈折率ｎ0と異常光屈折率ｎeと
の差に溝の深さｄを乗じた値が光の波長λ（λ＝（ｎe
−ｎo）×ｄ）程度となればよい。液晶層１を薄くでき
るため、液晶分子５の印加電圧に対する応答が高速にな
り、レンズとガラス状態とを高速で切り替えることがで
きる。また、液晶層１が薄いため液晶分子５の配向規制
力が有効に働き、液晶分子５の配向が乱れないので、光
の透過率が高くなる。As described above, in the diffractive liquid crystal lens 21 according to the fourth embodiment in which the transparent electrodes 3b and 3c are provided with the cylindrical lens-shaped diffraction grating, the liquid crystal layer 1 is also formed.
Of the transparent electrodes 3b, 3c
It is sufficient to add the depth of the grooves 13 and 14 of the diffraction grating formed in the above. The depth d of the grooves 13, 14 of the diffraction grating, the wavelength of the difference value obtained by multiplying the depth d of the grooves in the light of respectively the ordinary refractive index n 0 of the liquid crystal molecules 5 and extraordinary refractive index n e lambda (Λ = ( ne
-N o) may be familiar with the × d) degree. Since the liquid crystal layer 1 can be made thinner, the response to the applied voltage of the liquid crystal molecules 5 becomes faster, and the lens and the glass state can be switched at a high speed. Further, since the liquid crystal layer 1 is thin, the alignment regulating force of the liquid crystal molecules 5 works effectively, and the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules 5 is not disturbed, so that the light transmittance increases.

【００８５】さらに、回折型液晶レンズ２１を構成する
各部材は従来用いられているものを使用することがで
き、製作方法も従来の技術で対応が可能であるため、容
易に液晶レンズを製作することができる。さらに、配向
膜４ｂ，４ｃに施す配向処理は、回折格子の溝に沿った
ものであるため、ラビング法などにより容易に行うこと
が可能で、かつ液晶分子５の良好な配向制御が可能であ
る。Further, as the members constituting the diffractive liquid crystal lens 21, those conventionally used can be used, and the manufacturing method can be handled by the conventional technology, so that the liquid crystal lens can be easily manufactured. be able to. Further, since the alignment treatment applied to the alignment films 4b and 4c is along the grooves of the diffraction grating, it can be easily performed by a rubbing method or the like, and good alignment control of the liquid crystal molecules 5 can be performed. .

【００８６】（第５の実施の形態）図１０は本発明に係
る回折型液晶レンズの第５の実施形態を示す断面図であ
る。図１０に示すように、回折型液晶レンズ３０は第２
の実施形態で電極３ａに形成したフレネルゾーンプレー
ト状の回折格子と同様な回折格子を透明基板２ａに形成
したものである（図８参照）。(Fifth Embodiment) FIG. 10 is a sectional view showing a fifth embodiment of the diffractive liquid crystal lens according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 10, the diffraction type liquid crystal lens 30 is
In this embodiment, a diffraction grating similar to the Fresnel zone plate-shaped diffraction grating formed on the electrode 3a is formed on the transparent substrate 2a (see FIG. 8).

【００８７】階段形状の溝２２を有する透明基板２ａに
積層する透明電極３ｄはＩＴＯ膜などの透明導電性薄膜
を蒸着やスパッタ法などにより成膜すればよい。なお、
溝２２の深さと透明電極３ｄの厚さによっては、透明電
極３ｄが分断されている状態になる可能性があるが、溝
の深さが８００ｎｍであるフレネルゾーンプレート状の
回折格子が形成してある基板上に、７６ｎｍの透明電極
３ｄ（ＩＴＯ膜）をスパッタ法により成膜して、導通テ
ストを行った結果、透明電極３ｄには分断が無いことを
確認している。The transparent electrode 3d to be laminated on the transparent substrate 2a having the step-shaped groove 22 may be formed by depositing a transparent conductive thin film such as an ITO film by vapor deposition or sputtering. In addition,
Depending on the depth of the groove 22 and the thickness of the transparent electrode 3d, the transparent electrode 3d may be in a divided state. However, a Fresnel zone plate-like diffraction grating having a groove depth of 800 nm is formed. A 76 nm transparent electrode 3d (ITO film) was formed on a certain substrate by a sputtering method, and a continuity test was performed. As a result, it was confirmed that the transparent electrode 3d was not divided.

【００８８】なお、第３の実施形態で述べたように、焦
点距離が短い場合やレンズの口径が大きい場合など、回
折格子の溝が細かくなるような場合には、もう一方の透
明電極２にもフレネルゾーンプレート状の回折格子を形
成し、同心円状の溝の中心が一致するように対向させて
もよい。As described in the third embodiment, when the groove of the diffraction grating is small, such as when the focal length is short or when the aperture of the lens is large, the other transparent electrode 2 is used. Alternatively, a Fresnel zone plate-like diffraction grating may be formed, and may be opposed so that the centers of the concentric grooves coincide.

【００８９】透明基板２ａは集光する光の波長帯域に対
して高い透過率を有し、屈折率と液晶分子５の異常光屈
折率もしくは常光屈折率とが等しくなるような材料を選
択する。For the transparent substrate 2a, a material is selected so that it has a high transmittance in the wavelength band of the light to be condensed and the refractive index is equal to the extraordinary or ordinary light refractive index of the liquid crystal molecules 5.

【００９０】以上のように、透明基板２ａにフレネルゾ
ーンプレート状の回折格子を形成した第５の実施形態に
おける回折型液晶レンズ３０においては、液晶層１の厚
さは、スペーサー６の厚みに、透明基板２ａに形成した
回折格子の溝２２の深さを足したものとなる。なお、回
折格子の溝の深さｄは、液晶分子５の常光屈折率ｎoと
異常光屈折率ｎeとの差に溝の深さｄを乗じた値が光の
波長λ（λ＝（ｎe−ｎ o）×ｄ）程度となればよい。液
晶層１を薄くできるため、液晶分子５の印加電圧に対す
る応答が高速になり、レンズとガラス状態とを高速で切
り替えることができる。また、液晶層１が薄いため液晶
分子５の配向規制力が有効に働き、液晶分子５の配向が
乱れないので、光の透過率が高くなる。As described above, the Fresnel sol is formed on the transparent substrate 2a.
In the fifth embodiment in which a plate-shaped diffraction grating is formed
The thickness of the liquid crystal layer 1 in the diffraction type liquid crystal lens 30 in FIG.
The spacer was formed on the transparent substrate 2a to the thickness of the spacer 6.
This is the sum of the depths of the grooves 22 of the diffraction grating. The times
The depth d of the groove of the folded grating is the ordinary light refractive index n of the liquid crystal molecules 5.oWhen
Extraordinary light refractive index neMultiplied by the groove depth d gives the light
Wavelength λ (λ = (ne-N o) × d). liquid
Since the crystal layer 1 can be made thinner,
Response between the lens and the glass condition at high speed.
Can be replaced. In addition, since the liquid crystal layer 1 is thin,
The alignment regulating force of the molecules 5 works effectively, and the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules 5
Since it is not disturbed, the light transmittance increases.

【００９１】さらに、回折型液晶レンズ３０を構成する
各部材は従来用いられているものを使用することがで
き、製作方法も従来の技術で対応が可能であるため、容
易に回折型液晶レンズ３０を製作することができる。さ
らに、回折格子を形成する透明基板２ａに適用できる材
料が多いため、液晶分子５の異常光屈折率もしくは常光
屈折率と等しい屈折率をもつ材料を選択しやすい。ま
た、透明基板をプラスチックのような柔らかい材料で形
成する場合には、金型を押し付けることによって回折格
子の溝を製作することも可能になり、材料加工のコスト
ダウンも可能になる。Further, each member constituting the diffractive liquid crystal lens 30 can use a conventionally used member, and the manufacturing method can be handled by the conventional technology. Can be manufactured. Further, since many materials can be applied to the transparent substrate 2a forming the diffraction grating, it is easy to select a material having a refractive index equal to the extraordinary light refractive index or the ordinary light refractive index of the liquid crystal molecules 5. In the case where the transparent substrate is formed of a soft material such as plastic, the grooves of the diffraction grating can be manufactured by pressing a mold, and the cost of material processing can be reduced.

【００９２】（第６の実施形態）図１１は本発明に係る
回折型液晶レンズの第６の実施形態を示す斜視図であ
る。図１１に示すように、回折型液晶レンズ３１は、第
３の実施形態で透明電極３ｂ，３ｃに形成したシリンド
リカルレンズ状の回折格子と同様な回折格子を透明基板
２ｂ，２ｃに形成したものである。なお、スペーサーの
図示は省略する。(Sixth Embodiment) FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a sixth embodiment of the diffractive liquid crystal lens according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 11, the diffraction type liquid crystal lens 31 is obtained by forming a diffraction grating similar to the cylindrical lens-shaped diffraction grating formed on the transparent electrodes 3b and 3c in the third embodiment on the transparent substrates 2b and 2c. is there. The illustration of the spacer is omitted.

【００９３】なお、透明基板２ｂは集光する光の波長帯
域に対して高い透過率を有し、屈折率と液晶分子５の常
光屈折率もしくは異常光屈折率とが等しくなるような材
料を選択する。The transparent substrate 2b has a high transmittance in the wavelength band of the light to be condensed, and a material is selected so that the refractive index is equal to the ordinary or extraordinary refractive index of the liquid crystal molecules 5. I do.

【００９４】以上のように、透明基板２ｂ，２ｃにシリ
ンドリカルレンズ状の回折格子を形成した回折型液晶レ
ンズ３１においても、液晶層１の厚さは、スペーサーの
厚みに、透明基板２ｂ，２ｃに形成した回折格子の溝２
３，２４の深さを足したものとなる。なお、回折格子の
溝の深さｄは、液晶分子５の常光屈折率ｎoと異常光屈
折率ｎeとの差に溝の深さｄを乗じた値が光の波長λ
（λ＝（ｎe−ｎo）×ｄ）程度でよい。液晶層１を薄く
できるため、液晶分子５の印加電圧に対する応答が高速
になり、レンズとガラス状態を高速で切り替えることが
できる。また、液晶層１が薄いため液晶分子５の配向規
制力が有効に働き、液晶分子５の配向が乱れないので、
光の透過率が高くなる。As described above, also in the diffraction type liquid crystal lens 31 in which the diffraction grating in the form of a cylindrical lens is formed on the transparent substrates 2b and 2c, the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 1 is equal to the thickness of the spacer and the thickness of the transparent substrates 2b and 2c. Groove 2 of formed diffraction grating
This is the sum of 3, 24 depths. The depth d of the grooves of the diffraction grating, the wavelength value obtained by multiplying the depth d of the groove to the difference between the ordinary refractive index n o and extraordinary refractive index n e of light of the liquid crystal molecules 5 lambda
(Λ = (n e -n o ) × d) may be about. Since the liquid crystal layer 1 can be made thinner, the response to the applied voltage of the liquid crystal molecules 5 becomes faster, and the lens and the glass state can be switched at high speed. Further, since the liquid crystal layer 1 is thin, the alignment regulating force of the liquid crystal molecules 5 works effectively, and the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules 5 is not disturbed.
Light transmittance increases.

【００９５】さらに、回折型液晶レンズ３１を構成する
各部材は従来用いられているものを使用することがで
き、製作方法も従来の技術で対応が可能であるため、容
易に液晶レンズを製作することができる。回折格子を形
成する透明基板２ｂ，２ｃに適用できる材料が多いた
め、液晶分子５の常光屈折率と等しい屈折率をもつ材料
を選択しやすい。また、透明基板をプラスチックのよう
な柔らかい材料で形成する場合には、金型を押し付ける
ことによって回折格子の溝を製作することも可能にな
り、材料加工のコストダウンも可能になる。Further, as the members constituting the diffractive liquid crystal lens 31, those conventionally used can be used, and the manufacturing method can be handled by the conventional technology, so that the liquid crystal lens can be easily manufactured. be able to. Since many materials can be applied to the transparent substrates 2b and 2c forming the diffraction grating, it is easy to select a material having a refractive index equal to the ordinary light refractive index of the liquid crystal molecules 5. In the case where the transparent substrate is formed of a soft material such as plastic, the grooves of the diffraction grating can be manufactured by pressing a mold, and the cost of material processing can be reduced.

【００９６】（第７の実施形態）回折型レンズの焦点距
離は、回折格子の周期構造に依存するため、液晶に印加
する電圧に応じて焦点距離を連続的に変化させることは
難しい。このような問題を解決するために、図１２に示
すように、入射光の偏光方向が変わらない第１，第２，
第３及び第５の実施形態で示したような回折型液晶レン
ズからなる群から選択された回折型液晶レンズの複数個
を密着して積層する多焦点回折型液晶レンズ４０を構成
してもよい。(Seventh Embodiment) Since the focal length of a diffractive lens depends on the periodic structure of the diffraction grating, it is difficult to continuously change the focal length according to the voltage applied to the liquid crystal. In order to solve such a problem, as shown in FIG. 12, the first, second and second polarization directions of the incident light do not change.
A multifocal diffraction type liquid crystal lens 40 in which a plurality of diffraction type liquid crystal lenses selected from the group consisting of diffraction type liquid crystal lenses as shown in the third and fifth embodiments are closely laminated. .

【００９７】密着して積層した複数個の回折型液晶レン
ズのそれぞれにおいて、レンズとガラス状態とを切り替
えることで焦点距離ｆを可変にすることができる。図１
２のように焦点距離がそれぞれｆ1，ｆ2，・・・，ｆN
である回折型液晶レンズＫ1，Ｋ2，・・・，ＫNを密着
して積層し、それぞれの回折型液晶レンズで、レンズと
ガラス状態とを切り替えることで、２N通りの焦点距離
をもつ多焦点回折型液晶レンズ４０を構成することがで
きる。例えば、図１２のように、回折型液晶レンズ
Ｋ2，Ｋ3及びＫNをレンズ（ＯＮ）として作用させ、残
りの回折型液晶レンズをガラス（ＯＦＦ）として作用さ
せた場合の多焦点回折型液晶レンズ４０の焦点距離ｆは
ｆ＝（１／ｆ2＋１／ｆ3＋１／ｆN）-1となる。In each of the plurality of diffractive liquid crystal lenses closely stacked, the focal length f can be made variable by switching between the lens and the glass state. FIG.
The focal lengths are f 1 , f 2 ,.
Diffractive liquid crystal lens K 1, K 2 are, ..., laminated in close contact to K N, in each of the diffractive liquid crystal lens, by switching the lens and the glass state, a focal length of 2 N Street The multifocal diffraction type liquid crystal lens 40 can be configured. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, a multifocal diffraction type in which the diffractive liquid crystal lenses K 2 , K 3, and K N function as lenses (ON) and the remaining diffractive liquid crystal lenses function as glass (OFF). The focal length f of the liquid crystal lens 40 is f = (1 / f 2 + 1 / f 3 + 1 / f N ) −1 .

【００９８】第１，第２，第３及び第５の実施形態の回
折型液晶レンズは、前記したように、いずれも、レンズ
とガラス状態とを電気的に高速で切り替えることが可能
で、また高い光の透過率と光集光性を有する。したがっ
て、これを積層した多焦点回折型液晶レンズ４０におい
ても、焦点距離ｆの切り替えを高速で行うことが可能
で、また光の透過率と光集光性も高い。さらに、機械的
な駆動装置が不要になるため、屈折型のレンズで焦点距
離を調節するよりも小型化、軽量化を図ることができ
る。As described above, all of the diffractive liquid crystal lenses of the first, second, third and fifth embodiments can electrically switch between the lens and the glass state at a high speed. It has high light transmittance and light condensing properties. Therefore, also in the multifocal diffraction type liquid crystal lens 40 in which these are laminated, the focal length f can be switched at a high speed, and the light transmittance and the light condensing property are high. Furthermore, since a mechanical driving device is not required, the size and weight can be reduced as compared with the case where the focal length is adjusted with a refraction type lens.

【００９９】さらに、第１の実施形態に係る回折型液晶
レンズの複数個を密着して積層した場合、または第２の
実施形態に係る回折型液晶レンズの複数個を密着して積
層した場合、もしくは第１及び第２の実施形態に係る回
折型液晶レンズの複数個を密着して積層した場合には、
大口径かつ焦点距離が可変となる多焦点回折型液晶レン
ズ４０を構成することができる。Further, when a plurality of diffractive liquid crystal lenses according to the first embodiment are closely laminated, or when a plurality of diffractive liquid crystal lenses according to the second embodiment are laminated closely, Alternatively, when a plurality of diffractive liquid crystal lenses according to the first and second embodiments are closely laminated,
The multifocal diffraction type liquid crystal lens 40 having a large diameter and a variable focal length can be configured.

【０１００】また、第５の実施形態に係る回折型液晶レ
ンズの複数個を密着して積層した場合、透明基板に回折
格子を形成するので、使用する材料の選択の幅が広が
り、様々な加工方法により回折格子を形成することが可
能になる。したがって、多焦点回折型液晶レンズ４０を
容易に形成することが可能になる。When a plurality of diffractive liquid crystal lenses according to the fifth embodiment are stacked in close contact with each other, a diffraction grating is formed on a transparent substrate. The method makes it possible to form a diffraction grating. Therefore, the multifocal diffraction type liquid crystal lens 40 can be easily formed.

【０１０１】さらに、同じ焦点距離を有する回折型液晶
レンズの複数個を密着して積層してもよい。Ｎ枚の回折
型液晶レンズを密着して積層した場合には、Ｎ通りの焦
点距離をもつ多焦点回折型液晶レンズ４０となる。例え
ば、図１２において、回折型液晶レンズＫ1，Ｋ2，・・
・，ＫNの焦点距離をすべてｆ0とすると、焦点距離ｆは
ｆ＝（１／ｆ2＋１／ｆ3＋１／ｆN）-1＝（３／ｆ0）-1
となる。また、同じ焦点距離を有する同じ形態の回折型
液晶レンズを使用して多焦点回折型液晶レンズ４０を構
成すれば、量産化した場合に製作コストを低く押さえる
ことができる。Further, a plurality of diffractive liquid crystal lenses having the same focal length may be closely laminated. When N diffractive liquid crystal lenses are closely stacked, a multifocal diffractive liquid crystal lens 40 having N different focal lengths is obtained. For example, in FIG. 12, the diffraction type liquid crystal lenses K 1 , K 2 ,.
, K N , where f 0 is the focal length, f = (1 / f 2 + 1 / f 3 + 1 / f N ) −1 = (3 / f 0 ) −1
Becomes Further, if the multifocal diffractive liquid crystal lens 40 is configured using the same type of diffractive liquid crystal lens having the same focal length, the production cost can be reduced when mass-produced.

【０１０２】（第８の実施形態）同じ焦点距離を有する
回折型液晶レンズの複数個を離間して積層してもよい。
前述したように、同じ焦点距離を有する回折型液晶レン
ズの複数個を密着して積層した場合の焦点距離の種類は
Ｎ通りであるが、離間して積層することで、Ｎ通り以上
の焦点距離を有する多焦点回折型液晶レンズを構成する
ことができる。(Eighth Embodiment) A plurality of diffractive liquid crystal lenses having the same focal length may be stacked separately.
As described above, there are N kinds of focal lengths when a plurality of diffractive liquid crystal lenses having the same focal length are closely adhered and laminated, but when separated and laminated, N or more focal lengths can be obtained. Can be constituted.

【０１０３】（第９の実施形態）第１乃至第６の実施形
態のいずれかの回折型液晶レンズと屈折型レンズとを組
み合わせてもよい。回折型液晶レンズの色分散特性と屈
折型レンズの色分散特性とが逆であるため、色収差を低
減できる。したがって、回折型液晶レンズのみの場合と
比較して、画質が向上する。なお、多焦点回折型液晶レ
ンズと屈折型レンズとを組み合わせても勿論よい。(Ninth Embodiment) The diffractive liquid crystal lens and the refraction lens of any of the first to sixth embodiments may be combined. Since the chromatic dispersion characteristics of the diffractive liquid crystal lens and the chromatic dispersion characteristics of the refractive lens are opposite, chromatic aberration can be reduced. Therefore, the image quality is improved as compared with the case where only the diffraction type liquid crystal lens is used. It is needless to say that a multifocal diffraction type liquid crystal lens and a refraction type lens may be combined.

【０１０４】以上のような回折型液晶レンズ、もしくは
回折型液晶レンズの複数個を積層した多焦点回折型液晶
レンズは、例えばカメラのズームレンズ、遠近焦点可変
の眼鏡、三次元表示ディスプレイなど様々な光学装置へ
適用が可能である。The above-mentioned diffractive liquid crystal lens or a multifocal diffractive liquid crystal lens obtained by laminating a plurality of diffractive liquid crystal lenses can be used in various types such as a zoom lens of a camera, spectacles with variable distance and near focus, and a three-dimensional display. It can be applied to optical devices.

【０１０５】[0105]

【発明の効果】請求項１および請求項２に係る回折型液
晶レンズによれば、液晶層の厚さを屈折型の液晶レンズ
における液晶層と比較して非常に薄くすることが可能で
ある。これにより、液晶分子の印加電圧に対する応答が
高速になるため、レンズとガラス状態の切り替えも高速
で行うことができる。さらに、液晶層が薄いため液晶分
子の配向規制力が有効に働き、液晶分子の配向が乱れな
いので、光の透過率が高くなる。また、基板や電極が平
板状であるため、大口径のレンズの作成も可能である。According to the diffractive liquid crystal lens according to the first and second aspects, it is possible to make the thickness of the liquid crystal layer extremely thin as compared with the liquid crystal layer in the refraction type liquid crystal lens. As a result, the response of the liquid crystal molecules to the applied voltage becomes faster, so that the switching between the lens and the glass state can be performed at a high speed. Further, since the liquid crystal layer is thin, the alignment regulating force of the liquid crystal molecules works effectively, and the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules is not disturbed, so that the light transmittance is increased. In addition, since the substrate and the electrodes are flat, large-diameter lenses can be formed.

【０１０６】請求項３及至請求項６に係る回折型液晶レ
ンズは、電極あるいは基板に光を集光する回折格子を形
成し、液晶分子の複屈折特性を利用して、レンズとガラ
ス状態とを切り替える構成としたので、液晶層はスペー
サーの厚さに加えて回折格子の溝（液晶分子の常光屈折
率と異常光屈折率との差に回折格子の溝の深さを乗じた
値が光の波長程度となればよい）を足した厚さでよく、
屈折型の液晶レンズにおける液晶層と比較して、非常に
薄くすることが可能である。これにより、液晶分子の印
加電圧に対する応答が高速になるため、レンズとガラス
状態の切り替えを高速で行うことができる。さらに、液
晶層が薄いため液晶分子の配向規制力が有効に働き、液
晶分子の配向が乱れないので、光の透過率が高くなる。In the diffractive liquid crystal lens according to claims 3 to 6, a diffraction grating for condensing light is formed on an electrode or a substrate, and the birefringence characteristic of liquid crystal molecules is used to change the lens and the glass state. Since the liquid crystal layer is switched, the liquid crystal layer has the thickness of the spacer and the groove of the diffraction grating (the value obtained by multiplying the depth of the groove of the diffraction grating by the difference between the ordinary refractive index and the extraordinary refractive index of liquid crystal molecules) Wavelength).
It can be made very thin as compared with the liquid crystal layer in a refraction type liquid crystal lens. As a result, the response of the liquid crystal molecules to the applied voltage becomes faster, so that the switching between the lens and the glass state can be performed at a high speed. Further, since the liquid crystal layer is thin, the alignment regulating force of the liquid crystal molecules works effectively, and the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules is not disturbed, so that the light transmittance is increased.

【０１０７】また、請求項４及び請求項６では、回折格
子の溝の方向と配向膜の配向方向を同じにできるため、
配向膜の成膜や配向膜に施す配向処理が容易になるとと
もに、液晶分子の配向制御が良好になる。According to the fourth and sixth aspects, the direction of the grooves of the diffraction grating and the direction of orientation of the alignment film can be made the same.
The formation of the alignment film and the alignment treatment performed on the alignment film are facilitated, and the alignment control of the liquid crystal molecules is improved.

【０１０８】さらに、請求項５及び請求項６では、基板
に回折格子を形成するので、使用する材料の選択の幅が
広がる。すなわち、様々な加工方法により回折格子を形
成することが可能になるため、製作コストを押さえるこ
とができる。Further, in the fifth and sixth aspects, since the diffraction grating is formed on the substrate, the range of choice of materials to be used is widened. That is, since a diffraction grating can be formed by various processing methods, manufacturing costs can be reduced.

【０１０９】請求項７に係る多焦点回折型液晶レンズ
は、前記の効果を有する入射光の偏光方向が変わらない
請求項１，請求項２，請求項３及び請求項５に係る回折
型液晶レンズの複数個を密着して積層することで、焦点
距離を変えられる多焦点回折型液晶レンズを構成するこ
とができる。例えばＮ枚の回折型液晶レンズを密着して
積層すれば、各回折型液晶レンズにおいて、レンズとガ
ラス状態を切り替えることにより２N通りの焦点距離を
高速で調節することが可能になる。また、機械的な駆動
装置が不要となるため、この多焦点回折型液晶レンズを
組み込んだ光学機器においては、小型化や軽量化を図る
ことが可能になる。The multifocal diffractive liquid crystal lens according to claim 7, wherein the polarization direction of the incident light having the above-mentioned effect does not change, according to claim 1, 2, 3, or 5. By closely stacking a plurality of these, a multifocal diffraction type liquid crystal lens whose focal length can be changed can be configured. For example, if N diffractive liquid crystal lenses are stacked in close contact with each other, it is possible to adjust 2N focal lengths at high speed by switching between the lens and the glass state in each diffractive liquid crystal lens. In addition, since a mechanical driving device is not required, it is possible to reduce the size and weight of an optical device incorporating the multifocal diffraction type liquid crystal lens.

【０１１０】請求項８に係る多焦点回折型液晶レンズ
は、請求項１及び請求項２に係る回折型液晶レンズを使
用するので、請求項７に係る多焦点回折型液晶レンズの
効果に加えて、レンズの口径が大きい多焦点回折型液晶
レンズを構成することが可能になる。Since the multifocal diffractive liquid crystal lens according to claim 8 uses the diffractive liquid crystal lens according to claim 1 and claim 2, in addition to the effect of the multifocal diffractive liquid crystal lens according to claim 7, Thus, a multifocal diffraction type liquid crystal lens having a large lens diameter can be configured.

【０１１１】請求項９に係る多焦点回折型液晶レンズ
は、請求項５に係る回折型液晶レンズのみを使用するの
で、請求項７に係る多焦点回折型液晶レンズの効果に加
えて、基板に使用する材料の選択の幅が広がり、回折格
子の加工方法も多様化するので、低コストで多焦点回折
型液晶レンズを構成することができる。Since the multifocal diffractive liquid crystal lens according to claim 9 uses only the diffractive liquid crystal lens according to claim 5, in addition to the effect of the multifocal diffractive liquid crystal lens according to claim 7, the multifocal diffractive liquid crystal lens has an advantage in that Since the range of choice of materials to be used is widened and the processing method of the diffraction grating is diversified, a multifocal diffraction type liquid crystal lens can be formed at low cost.

【０１１２】また、請求項７乃至請求項９に係る多焦点
回折型液晶レンズを、同じ焦点距離を有する同じ形態の
回折型液晶レンズで構成すれば、量産化した場合に製作
コストを押さえることができる。Further, if the multifocal diffractive liquid crystal lenses according to claims 7 to 9 are constituted by diffractive liquid crystal lenses of the same form having the same focal length, the production cost can be reduced in mass production. it can.

【０１１３】また、焦点距離が同じ回折型液晶レンズを
密着して積層した場合には、Ｎ通りの焦点距離を有する
多焦点回折型液晶レンズとなるが、請求項１０乃至請求
項１２のように、各レンズを離間して積層することで、
Ｎ通り以上の焦点距離を有する多焦点回折型液晶レンズ
を構成することができる。When diffractive liquid crystal lenses having the same focal length are closely laminated, a multifocal diffractive liquid crystal lens having N different focal lengths is obtained. By stacking each lens separately,
A multifocal diffraction type liquid crystal lens having N or more focal lengths can be configured.

【０１１４】請求項１３に係る回折型液晶レンズは、回
折型液晶レンズの色分散特性と屈折型レンズの色分散特
性とが逆であるため、回折型液晶レンズのみの場合と比
較して、色収差を低減できるため、画質の向上を図るこ
とができる。Since the chromatic dispersion characteristics of the diffractive liquid crystal lens and the refractive lens are opposite to each other, the chromatic aberration of the diffractive liquid crystal lens according to the thirteenth aspect is larger than that of the diffractive liquid crystal lens alone. , The image quality can be improved.

【図面の簡単な説明】[Brief description of the drawings]

【図１】本発明に係る回折型液晶レンズの第１の実施形
態を示す断面図である。FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing a first embodiment of a diffractive liquid crystal lens according to the present invention.

【図２】配向膜の配向状態を示す説明図である。FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an alignment state of an alignment film.

【図３】回折格子の溝の断面図である。FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a groove of a diffraction grating.

【図４】場所により異なった配向とするための配向処理
方法の説明図である。FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of an alignment treatment method for providing different alignments depending on locations.

【図５】場所により異なった配向とするためのその他の
配向処理方法の説明図である。FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of another alignment processing method for providing different alignments depending on locations.

【図６】本発明に係る回折型液晶レンズの第２の実施形
態を示す断面図である。FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing a second embodiment of the diffractive liquid crystal lens according to the present invention.

【図７】本発明に係る回折型液晶レンズの第３の実施形
態を示す斜視図である。FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a third embodiment of the diffractive liquid crystal lens according to the present invention.

【図８】本発明に係る回折型液晶レンズの第４の実施形
態を示す断面図である。FIG. 8 is a sectional view showing a fourth embodiment of the diffractive liquid crystal lens according to the present invention.

【図９】本発明に係る回折型液晶レンズの第３及び第５
の実施形態を示す説明図である。FIG. 9 shows third and fifth diffraction-type liquid crystal lenses according to the present invention.
It is explanatory drawing which shows embodiment.

【図１０】本発明に係る回折型液晶レンズの第５の実施
形態を示す断面図である。FIG. 10 is a sectional view showing a fifth embodiment of the diffractive liquid crystal lens according to the present invention.

【図１１】本発明に係る回折型液晶レンズの第６の実施
形態を示す斜視図である。FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a sixth embodiment of the diffractive liquid crystal lens according to the present invention.

【図１２】本発明に係る多焦点回折型液晶レンズの実施
形態を示す概念図である。FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram showing an embodiment of a multifocal diffraction type liquid crystal lens according to the present invention.

【符号の説明】[Explanation of symbols]

１ 液晶層 ２ 透明基板 ３ 透明電極 ４ 配向膜 ５ 液晶分子 ６ スペーサー １０ 回折型液晶レンズ １２ 溝 Ａ１ 輪帯状領域群 Ａ１１，Ａ１２ 輪帯状領域 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Liquid crystal layer 2 Transparent substrate 3 Transparent electrode 4 Alignment film 5 Liquid crystal molecule 6 Spacer 10 Diffractive liquid crystal lens 12 Groove A1 Ring-shaped area group A11, A12 Ring-shaped area

───────────────────────────────────────────────────── フロントページの続き (51)Int.Cl.7 識別記号 ＦＩ テーマコート゛(参考） Ｇ０２Ｂ 15/00 Ｇ０２Ｂ 15/00 Ｇ０２Ｆ 1/1337 Ｇ０２Ｆ 1/1337 (72)発明者 土屋 譲 東京都世田谷区砧一丁目10番11号 日本放 送協会 放送技術研究所内 Ｆターム(参考） 2H049 AA04 AA14 AA33 AA37 AA43 AA46 AA48 AA55 AA64 AA66 2H087 KA02 KA06 KA20 RA07 SA00 UA09 2H088 EA42 EA48 HA14 HA24 JA05 MA20 2H090 HA05 HB08Y HB13X HC11 KA05 LA02 LA12 MA10 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. 7 Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G02B 15/00 G02B 15/00 G02F 1/1337 G02F 1/1337 (72) Inventor Joe Tsuchiya Setagaya-ku, Tokyo Kinuta 1-chome No. 10-11 Japan Broadcasting Corporation Broadcasting Technology Research Laboratory F-term (reference) KA05 LA02 LA12 MA10

Claims (13)

【特許請求の範囲】[Claims] 【請求項１】 スペーサーを介して対向させて配置した
基板の内面に電極と配向膜とを積層し、前記配向膜の間
に液晶分子を封入してなる回折型液晶レンズであって、 前記配向膜の少なくとも一方は、液晶分子の配向方向が
異なるように配向処理された少なくとも２つ以上の同心
円の輪帯状領域からなる輪帯領域群を複数有し、 前記輪帯状領域群は同心円で並び、 前記輪帯状領域群の幅が前記配向膜の中心から外側に向
かうにしたがって漸減することを特徴とする回折型液晶
レンズ。1. A diffractive liquid crystal lens in which an electrode and an alignment film are laminated on an inner surface of a substrate arranged to face each other via a spacer, and liquid crystal molecules are sealed between the alignment films. At least one of the films has a plurality of orbicular region groups including at least two or more concentric orbicular regions that are aligned so that the orientation directions of liquid crystal molecules are different, and the orbicular region groups are arranged in concentric circles, A diffractive liquid crystal lens, wherein the width of the annular zone group gradually decreases from the center of the alignment film toward the outside. 【請求項２】 スペーサーを介して対向させて配置した
基板の内面に電極と配向膜とを積層し、前記配向膜の間
に液晶分子を封入してなる回折型液晶レンズであって、 前記配向膜は、液晶分子の配向方向が異なるように配向
処理された少なくとも２つ以上の帯状領域からなる帯状
領域群を複数有し、 前記帯状領域群が平行に並び、 前記帯状領域群の幅が前記配向膜の中央から側方に向か
うにしたがって漸減し、 前記配向膜の前記帯状領域が直交するように前記基板を
対向させることを特徴とする回折型液晶レンズ。2. A diffraction-type liquid crystal lens comprising an electrode and an alignment film laminated on an inner surface of a substrate arranged to face each other via a spacer, and liquid crystal molecules sealed between the alignment films. The film has a plurality of band-shaped region groups each including at least two or more band-shaped regions that are aligned so that the liquid crystal molecules have different alignment directions, and the band-shaped region groups are arranged in parallel. A diffractive liquid crystal lens, wherein the substrate gradually opposes so that the band-shaped regions of the alignment film are orthogonal to each other, and gradually decrease from the center to the side of the alignment film. 【請求項３】 スペーサーを介して対向させて配置した
基板の内面に電極と配向膜とを積層し、前記配向膜の間
に液晶分子を封入してなる回折型液晶レンズであって、 前記電極の少なくとも一方に輪帯状の溝を同心円で複数
形成し、 前記溝の幅が前記電極の中心から外側に向かうにしたが
って漸減するように形成され、 前記電極の屈折率と前記液晶分子の常光屈折率もしくは
異常光屈折率とを等しくすることを特徴とする回折型液
晶レンズ。3. A diffractive liquid crystal lens in which an electrode and an alignment film are laminated on an inner surface of a substrate arranged to face each other via a spacer, and liquid crystal molecules are sealed between the alignment films. A plurality of annular grooves are formed concentrically on at least one of the grooves, and the width of the grooves is formed so as to gradually decrease from the center of the electrode toward the outside, and the refractive index of the electrode and the ordinary light refractive index of the liquid crystal molecules. Alternatively, a diffractive liquid crystal lens characterized by equalizing the extraordinary light refractive index. 【請求項４】 スペーサーを介して対向させて配置した
基板の内面に電極と配向膜とを積層し、前記配向膜の間
に液晶分子を封入してなる回折型液晶レンズであって、 前記電極に帯状の溝を平行に複数形成し、 前記溝の幅が前記電極の中央から側方に向かうにしたが
って漸減するように形成され、 前記溝が直交するように前記基板を張り合わせ、 前記電極の屈折率と前記液晶分子の常光屈折率もしくは
異常光屈折率とを等しくしたことを特徴とする回折型液
晶レンズ。4. A diffractive liquid crystal lens in which an electrode and an alignment film are laminated on an inner surface of a substrate arranged to face each other via a spacer, and liquid crystal molecules are sealed between the alignment films. A plurality of strip-shaped grooves are formed in parallel with each other, and the width of the grooves is formed so as to gradually decrease from the center of the electrode toward the side, and the substrate is bonded so that the grooves are orthogonal to each other, and the electrode is bent. A diffractive liquid crystal lens, wherein the refractive index is made equal to the ordinary light refractive index or the extraordinary light refractive index of the liquid crystal molecules. 【請求項５】 スペーサーを介して対向させて配置した
基板の内面に電極と配向膜とを積層し、前記配向膜の間
に液晶分子を封入してなる回折型液晶レンズであって、 前記基板の少なくとも一方に輪帯状の溝を同心円で複数
形成し、 前記溝の幅が前記基板の中心から外側に向かうにしたが
って漸減するように形成され、 前記基板の屈折率と前記液晶分子の常光屈折率もしくは
異常光屈折率とを等しくすることを特徴とする回折型液
晶レンズ。5. A diffractive liquid crystal lens in which an electrode and an alignment film are laminated on an inner surface of a substrate arranged to face each other via a spacer, and liquid crystal molecules are sealed between the alignment films. A plurality of annular grooves are formed in concentric circles on at least one of the grooves, and the width of the grooves is formed so as to gradually decrease from the center of the substrate toward the outside, and the refractive index of the substrate and the ordinary light refractive index of the liquid crystal molecules. Alternatively, a diffractive liquid crystal lens characterized by equalizing the extraordinary light refractive index. 【請求項６】 スペーサーを介して対向させて配置した
基板の内面に電極と配向膜とを積層し、前記配向膜の間
に液晶分子を封入してなる回折型液晶レンズであって、 前記基板に帯状の溝を平行に複数形成し、 前記溝の幅が前記基板の中央から側方に向かうにしたが
って漸減するように形成され、 前記溝が直交するように前記基板を張り合わせ、 前記基板の屈折率と前記液晶分子の常光屈折率もしくは
異常光屈折率とを等しくしたことを特徴とする回折型液
晶レンズ。6. A diffractive liquid crystal lens in which an electrode and an alignment film are laminated on the inner surface of a substrate arranged to face each other via a spacer, and liquid crystal molecules are sealed between the alignment films. A plurality of strip-shaped grooves are formed in parallel to each other, and the width of the grooves is formed so as to gradually decrease from the center of the substrate to the side, and the substrates are bonded so that the grooves are orthogonal to each other. A diffractive liquid crystal lens, wherein the refractive index is made equal to the ordinary light refractive index or the extraordinary light refractive index of the liquid crystal molecules. 【請求項７】 請求項１，請求項２，請求項３及び請求
項５記載の回折型液晶レンズからなる群から選択された
複数個の回折型液晶レンズを密着して積層したことを特
徴とする多焦点回折型液晶レンズ。7. A plurality of diffractive liquid crystal lenses selected from the group consisting of the diffractive liquid crystal lenses according to claim 1, 2, 3 and 5 are closely laminated. Multi-focal diffraction type liquid crystal lens. 【請求項８】 請求項１及び請求項２記載の少なくとも
一方の回折型液晶レンズの複数個を密着して積層したこ
とを特徴とする多焦点回折型液晶レンズ。8. A multifocal diffractive liquid crystal lens, wherein a plurality of at least one of the diffractive liquid crystal lenses according to claim 1 and 2 are closely laminated. 【請求項９】 請求項５記載の回折型液晶レンズの複数
個を密着して積層したことを特徴とする多焦点回折型液
晶レンズ。9. A multifocal diffraction type liquid crystal lens, wherein a plurality of the diffraction type liquid crystal lenses according to claim 5 are laminated in close contact. 【請求項１０】 請求項１，請求項２，請求項３及び請
求項５記載の回折型液晶レンズからなる群から選択され
た同じ焦点距離を有する複数個の回折型液晶レンズを離
間して積層したことを特徴とする多焦点回折型液晶レン
ズ。10. A plurality of diffractive liquid crystal lenses having the same focal length selected from the group consisting of the diffractive liquid crystal lenses according to claim 1, 2, 3 and 5, which are spaced apart from each other and laminated. A multifocal diffraction type liquid crystal lens characterized by the following. 【請求項１１】 同じ焦点距離を有する請求項１及び請
求項２記載の少なくとも一方の回折型液晶レンズの複数
個を離間して積層したことを特徴とする多焦点回折型液
晶レンズ。11. A multifocal diffractive liquid crystal lens, wherein a plurality of at least one of the diffractive liquid crystal lenses according to claim 1 and 2 having the same focal length are laminated and separated. 【請求項１２】 同じ焦点距離を有する請求項５記載の
回折型液晶レンズの複数個を離間して積層したことを特
徴とする多焦点回折型液晶レンズ。12. A multifocal diffractive liquid crystal lens, wherein a plurality of diffractive liquid crystal lenses according to claim 5 having the same focal length are laminated at a distance. 【請求項１３】 請求項１乃至請求項６記載のいずれか
１項に記載の回折型液晶レンズと屈折型レンズとを組み
合わせたことを特徴とする回折型液晶レンズ。13. A diffractive liquid crystal lens comprising a combination of the diffractive liquid crystal lens according to claim 1 and a refractive lens.
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CN115236904B (en) * 2022-08-02 2024-03-19 联创电子科技股份有限公司 Liquid crystal lens unit, liquid crystal lens device and manufacturing method
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