| 摘要 |
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain an optical element capable of spatially controlling the polarization condition of light by using liquid crystal by spatially varying the alignment direction of liquid crystal molecules by an oriented film and spatially controlling the polarization condition of light. SOLUTION: This optical element is composed of liquid crystal, oriented films 3 having an alignment direction distribution of liquid crystal molecules 5 disposed in contact with the liquid crystal and an electric field applying means 6 which applies an electric field in order to vary the alignment direction of liquid crystal molecules 5. By irradiating the oriented films 3 with light beams while varying the polarization condition, the oriented films 3 having an alignment direction distribution of liquid crystal molecules 5 are formed in a prescribed direction. The alignment direction of the oriented film 3 of the optical element consisting of the liquid crystal is discretely or continuously varied in the surfaces by applying an electric field and the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules 5 is spatially varied. Therefore, the polarization condition of incident light can be converted to an arbitrary polarization condition distribution and can be controlled or corrected. |
