POLARIZATION SEPARATION ELEMENT, POLARIZATION CONVERTING SYSTEM, OPTICAL ELEMENT AND PROJECTION DISPLAY SYSTEM

摘要

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a polarization converting system in a small size with high efficiency of light. SOLUTION: The polarization separation element comprises a first array of prisms having a wedge-shaped cross section of each prism and a second array of prisms having a wedge-shaped cross section. Each prism in the first array has an inclined face disposed in the proximity of the inclined face of the corresponding prism in the second array. At least one of the prism arrays is an array of birefringent prisms. The polarization separation element is arranged so as to deflect light having first polarized light and to deflect light having second polarize light.