Polarizing element and optical element

摘要

A polarizing element (1) comprising a polarizing film (11) having on at least one side thereof a transparent protective layer (13) having on its surface a large number of fine pyramidal or conical projections (14), and an optical element comprising the polarizing element laminated with either one or both of a retardation film and a brightness improving film. The transparent protective layer with the projections has an optical path control function to efficiently regulate light having passed through the polarizing film in the front direction, thereby providing a thin, light and high brightness liquid crystal display at excellent assembly efficiency.