| 摘要 |
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an optical element, a light source unit, a optical scanner, and an image forming apparatus, in which a plurality of functions are integrated, and the reduction of the number of components, downsizing, and cost reduction are attained. SOLUTION: The light source unit 1 is provided with a surface emitting laser 10 as a light source and a coupling lens 12. The light beam emitted from the surface emitting laser 10 shows a random polarization (TE polarization and TM polarization are included at random) and the light beam passing through a coupling lens 12 is linearly polarized light(TM polarization) having a predetermined direction. The coupling lens 12 has also a function as a polarizer and passes only the light linearly polarized in a certain direction. This is realized by generating structural double refraction by providing a fine ruggedness structure 2 having a periodic character on the surface 12a of the curved optical surface on the side of the surface emitting laser 10 of the coupling lens 12. COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT
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