Optical switching element, switching apparatus and image display apparatus using optical switching element

Abstract

To provide a small and lightweight optical switching element with a simple structure capable of fast response, and an optical switching apparatus employing the optical switching element. Optical extraction unit contacts an upper substrate with electrostatic attraction generated between a transparent electrode of the optical extraction unit and a transparent electrode of the upper substrate. In the case that light enters one V-shaped trench of the upper substrate vertically, the light enters the optical extraction unit of the upper substrate and is emitted from a back of the optical extraction unit (a tapered unit). Subsequently, the incident light P passes through a lower substrate and is converted into transmission light. With electrostatic attraction generated between a transparent electrode of the lower substrate and a transparent electrode of the optical extraction unit, the optical extraction unit is attracted to a lower substrate side. In this state, the incident light is caused the total reflection at a total reflection face. This total reflection light is emitted from the other V-shaped trench. The incident light can be switched in two ways: the transmission light and the total reflection light.