Structure of spatial light modulator and lighting system therefor

摘要

A spatial light modulator and a lighting system used in, for example, projection displays are provided. The lighting system has a polarizing plate optically disposed in parallel to a light modulating layer of the spatial light modulator, thereby orienting the polarization of readout light beams incident on the spatial light modulator in the same direction to increase the contrast of images projected on a screen. The spatial light modulator is provided with a coupling prism having a side surface opposed to an entrance surface on which the readout light beams are incident. The side surface is so inclined inward as to allow stray light in the coupling prism to go out of the coupling prism without being reflected, thereby eliminating a decrease in contrast of images with a screen caused by the stray light.