Abstract: Provided is an optical element including a phase difference layer. The phase difference layer is a laminate of n first phase difference layers and m second phase difference layers. The n first phase difference layers each contain first anisotropic molecules with tilt angles different between a viewing surface side and a back surface side. The m second phase difference layers each contain second anisotropic molecules with tilt angles different between a viewing surface side and a back surface side. Slow axes of the n first phase difference layers are in a same orientation. Slow axes of the m second phase difference layers are in a same orientation. The slow axes of the n first phase difference layers and the slow axes of the m second phase difference layers are anti-parallel to each other and are parallel to or perpendicular to the transmission axis of the first polarizer.

Abstract: Provided is an optical element including, sequentially from a viewing surface side toward a back surface side: a first polarizer; a negative C plate; a phase difference layer; and a second polarizer. A transmission axis of the first polarizer is parallel to a transmission axis of the second polarizer. The phase difference layer contains anisotropic molecules. In the phase difference layer, a tilt angle of the anisotropic molecules on a viewing surface side in the phase difference layer and a tilt angle of the anisotropic molecules on a back surface side in the phase difference layer are the same as each other and greater than 0°. A slow axis of the phase difference layer, in a case of lying in a tilt direction of the anisotropic molecules, is parallel to or perpendicular to the transmission axis of the first polarizer.

Abstract: Provided is an optical element including a phase difference layer. The phase difference layer is a laminate of n first phase difference layers and m second phase difference layers. The n first phase difference layers each contain first anisotropic molecules with tilt angles different between a viewing surface side and a back surface side. The m second phase difference layers each contain second anisotropic molecules with tilt angles different between a viewing surface side and a back surface side. Slow axes of the n first phase difference layers are in a same orientation. Slow axes of the m second phase difference layers are in a same orientation. The slow axes of the n first phase difference layers and the slow axes of the m second phase difference layers are anti-parallel to each other and are parallel to or perpendicular to the transmission axis of the first polarizer.