Projection type image display apparatus and optical system

摘要

A projection type image display apparatus is disclosed which can achieve an improved polarized light demultiplexing characteristic with a simple configuration and can project an image of a high quality having a high contrast. The apparatus includes a polarizing beam splitter having a demultiplexing face inclined to 45 degrees with respect to a plane perpendicular to an optical axis, a linearly polarizing element in the form of a flat plate provided in front of the polarizing beam splitter, and a reflection type liquid crystal element provided at a next stage to the polarizing beam splitter. The linearly polarizing element is disposed perpendicularly to a reference plane which includes a normal to the demultiplexing face and the optical axis and is inclined at an acute angle in the opposite direction to the demultiplexing face with respect to the plane perpendicular to the optical axis.