Optical path converting optical element, optical path converter, and optical projector and image display apparatus using said optical element

摘要

A first prism array (34) formed on a prism array plate (32) is arranged so as to confront a second prism array (37) formed on a prism array plate (35). When a light ray (r) that is parallel to an optical axis is transmitted through the first prism array, the light ray r enters into the second prism array (37) while refracted. The light ray that has been refracted by the second prism array (37) becomes an original light ray (r) that is parallel to the optical axis. Therefore, the light ray (r) that has passed through an optical path converting optical element (31) becomes a light ray (r) that is shifted in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. As a result, the light is split and shuffled by the first prism array (34), so that a luminous intensity distribution thereof is uniformed.