Liquid crystal optical device to change distribution of refractive index by applying voltages to utilize birefringence of liquid crystal molecules, image display apparatus, and drive device

Abstract

A liquid crystal optical device includes a liquid crystal optical unit and a drive unit. The liquid crystal optical unit includes a first substrate unit, a second substrate unit, and a liquid crystal layer. The first substrate unit includes a first substrate, a plurality of first electrodes, and a second electrode. The second substrate unit includes a second substrate and a first opposing electrode. The drive unit applies a first voltage between the first opposing electrode and the first electrodes and applies a second voltage between the first opposing electrode and the second electrode in a refractive index distribution forming operation. The drive unit applies a third voltage between the first opposing electrode and the first electrodes and applies a fourth voltage between the first opposing electrode and the second electrode in a first preliminary operation prior to the refractive index distribution forming operation.