Figure 1. Schematic configuration of the projector using the SLM
The SLM using PDLC exhibits high optical efficiency since no polarizer is required. Accordingly, a bright image can be projected on a large screen. We have developed a high-brightness projector for large-screen display applications, which can be used for the Hi-Vision system by improving the PDLC characteristics to obtain high quality images.
The SLM has a flat structure laminating a photoconductor, a dielectric mirror and a polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) between two transparent electrodes (figure 1). When an input image from a liquid crystal panel or a CRT is incident on the photoconductor, the voltage applied to the PDLC is varied spatially corresponding to the intensity distribution of the input image, thus resulting in the spatial light modulation based on an optical scattering effect of the PDLC. A bright image is displayed on a large screen by projecting the strong reading light, which passes through the PDLC without scattering and is reflected by the dielectric mirror.
2. The response and hysteresis characteristics of the PDLC have been improved to reduce sticking and afterimage of the projected images.
1. The resolution of the PDLC has been improved by forming finer liquid crystal microdroplets in the polymer.
Figure 1. Schematic configuration of the projector using the SLM
