Abstract: When an optical element is produced using a liquid crystal film having no supporting substrate film for the purpose of decreasing the weight, the liquid crystal film layer may often pose problems of fine wrinkly deformation of and cracking in a caused by strain occurring during a manufacturing/processing step. The present invention intends to provide an elliptical polarizer having a thinned optical anisotropic element which is free from such deformation and cracking. The elliptical polarizer of the present invention comprises at least a polarizer and an optical anisotropic element wherein said optical anisotropic element comprises a liquid crystalline substance layer with a fixed liquid crystal orientation, a tacky adhesive/adhesive layer, and a stress blocking layer.

Abstract: When an optical element is produced using a liquid crystal film having no supporting substrate film for the purpose of decreasing the weight, the liquid crystal film layer may often pose problems of fine wrinkly deformation of and cracking in a caused by strain occurring during a manufacturing/processing step. The present invention intends to provide an elliptical polarizer having a thinned optical anisotropic element which is free from such deformation and cracking. The elliptical polarizer of the present invention comprises at least a polarizer and an optical anisotropic element wherein said optical anisotropic element comprises a liquid crystalline substance layer with a fixed liquid crystal orientation, a tacky adhesive/adhesive layer, and a stress blocking layer.

Abstract: A head-up display system comprising a transparent plate. A liquid crystal display generates a display light of information with a plane of polarization inclined by about 45° relative to an image plane vertical axis. A first optical rotation layer is disposed on a first surface of the transparent plate, and receives the display light from the liquid crystal display and optically rotates the plane of polarization of the display light by about 90°. A second optical rotation layer is between the image plane of the liquid crystal display and a second surface of the transparent plate, and optically rotates the plane of polarization of the display light by about 45° and allows S-polarized light to emanate toward the transparent plate at Brewster's angle. The S-polarized light is reflected on the second surface and is directed toward an eye of an operator.

Abstract: A laminated transparent structure for a reflective display which is used, for example, as a head-up display of an automotive vehicle. The laminated transparent structure comprises a glass plate. A transparent layer is bonded to the glass plate. An optical rotation film is disposed between the glass plate and the transparent layer. Additionally, a hot-melt adhesive is disposed between the optical rotation film and the glass plate to bond the optical rotation film to the glass plate.

Abstract: A novel optical film capable of readily vitrifying the tendency and state of liquid crystal alignment, excellent in the ability to retain the alignment state, and suitable for the application to optical elements. The film is produced from a liquid-crystal material containing as the essential ingredient a liquid-crystal polyester having structural units (A) and (B) as the essential unit, exhibiting a vitrified state at a temperature lower than the liquid-crystal transition point, and having a logarithmic viscosity number (&eegr;) of 0.04-0.4 dl/g as measured at 30° C. in a phenol/tetrachloroethane solvent (60/40 by weight), wherein each X represents independently O or C═O; each Y represents independently a group selected from among F, Cl, Br and 1-4C alkyls; and n is 0 or 1.

Abstract: To provide a film for optical element made of liquid crystal polymer whose productivity and economical efficiency are improved; a laminated sheet formed by bonding this film to a polarizing plate; and an optical element which can be optically inspected, and used under an environment of high temperature and high moisutre, and whose surface hardness is so high that the surface is not easily damaged. A long laminated sheet for optical element comprising a liquid crystal polymer layer, and a polarizing film layer; and a long laminated sheet for optical element comprising at least a liquid crystal polymer film layer oriented in the direction oblique to the MD direction at a given angle, and a polarizing film layer.