Phase retarder and process for producing the same

摘要

A phase retarder and a process for producing the same are disclosed. The phase retarder is obtained by shrinking a uniaxially stretched thermoplastic high polymer film in the direction perpendicular to the stretching direction at a lengthwise shrink of at least 2%. The phase retarder has a ratio of a retardation value (R30) measured on the phase retarder being inclined at a angle of 30 degrees with respect to the orientation axis as an axis of rotation to a retardation value (R0) measured on the phase retarder being held horizontally, each measured with a polarizing microscope, (R30/R0) of not more than 1.10, and preferably not more than 1.07. A liquid crystal display fitted with the phase retarder exhibits broad viewing angle characteristics while achieving a satisfactory B/W display level.