Abstract: A liquid crystal light valve includes a semiconductor substrate having a region for a plurality of switching elements formed in a matrix form. A first metal layer is formed on the surface of the semiconductor substrate through an insulating layer and divided into a plurality of parts by first slits. A second metal layer is formed on the first metal layer through another insulating layer and divided into a plurality of parts by second slits. A third metal layer is formed on the second metal layer through still another insulating layer and divided into a plurality of parts by third slits. An opposite substrate has an opposite electrode on a surface thereof, disposed so as to be opposite to said third metal layer through an interval on the opposite electrode side. Liquid crystal fills the interval between said opposite electrode and the third metal layer.