Polarization converter, an illumination optical device having the polarization converter and projector

摘要

A polarizing conversion element array ( 500 ) of a polarization converter ( 414 ) has two polarizing conversion elements ( 510 ) provided with a polarization separating film ( 511 ) for separating a light beam into two linearly polarization beams and a reflecting film ( 512 ) that reflects one of the linearly polarization beams separated by the polarization separating film ( 511 ) in an alternate manner, the two polarizing conversion elements ( 510 ) being arranged so that the respective polarization separating films ( 511 ) and the reflecting films ( 512 ) are opposed, the polarization converter ( 414 ) being constructed by adhering a retardation plate ( 600 ) on a light-irradiation side of the polarizing conversion element array ( 500 ) stretching over the two polarizing conversion elements ( 510 ).