Liquid crystal optical element and a laser projection apparatus using

Abstract

A laser projection apparatus including a liquid crystal optical element of a transparent and scattering type having a liquid crystal and solidified matrix composite. A laser beam having a wavelength of approximately 1 .mu.m emitted from a laser beam source is supplied to the liquid crystal optical element, and a projection optical system operates for reduction-projection a laser beam emitted from the liquid crystal optical element onto an object. Further, with respect to a certain pixel of the liquid crystal optical element, there are overlapped portions between lead lines of a common electrode and lead lines of a segment electrode in the vicinity of the pixel, a width W.sub.1 (.mu.m) of the overlapped portion, a reduction projection ratio (projection by 1/N) and a gap d(.mu.m) between electrodes of the liquid crystal optical element satisfy the relation, W.sub.1 +d<10.times.N. Further, the refractive index anisotropy .DELTA.n of the employed liquid crystal is 0.18 or higher, the viscosity .eta.(cSt) thereof is equal to or less than 60, the refractive index anistropy .DELTA.n, a means particle diameter R(.mu.m) of liquid crystal which is dispersed and held in a solidified matrix and the gap d(.mu.m) between electrodes satisfy the following relationships, (1) 0.5<.DELTA.n.multidot.R<1.3, and (2) 3.5<.DELTA.n.multidot.d<8.0. A multiplexed driving is employed for driving the liquid crystal optical element.