Light phase modulating device and optical data recording and reproducing apparatus

摘要

A light phase modulating device that modulates a phase of light transmitted therethrough in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis. The light phase modulating device has a pair of transparent substrates that hold a liquid crystal therebetween and which are each provided with a plurality of pixel electrodes arranged in a dot matrix. Data lines are provided and each one is correspondingly connected to each of the electrodes. An insulation layer insulates corresponding data lines and electrodes from other corresponding data lines and electrodes. The surface of the insulation layer that is located closer to the liquid crystal than the data lines lies in a plane substantially perpendicular to the optical axis. The insulation layer, the pixel electrodes and the data lines all have substantially the same refractive index.