Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid crystal display device. An optical film having negative uniaxial double refractive index ellipsoids is arranged below a semi-transmitting liquid crystal display cell and, thereafter, a ?/4 phase difference plate, a ?/2 phase difference plate and a polarizer are arranged. The orientation axis direction of the optical film having negative uniaxial double refractive index ellipsoids is substantially equal to the direction which is rotated by 90° in the clockwise direction from a resultant vector of the orientation axis direction of the upper orientation film and the orientation axis direction of the lower orientation film of the liquid crystal display cell. Further, phase lagging axis of the upper and lower ?/4 phase difference plate is set substantially equal to the orientation axis direction of the optical film having negative uniaxial double refractive index ellipsoids.

Abstract: An optical compensation sheet comprising at least two optically anisotropic layers each formed by orienting an optically anisotropic compound, the orientation direction in the optically anisotropic layer plane of the optically anisotropic compound in the two optically anisotropic layers intersecting each other at an angle of from 80 to 100 degrees, wherein, viewing the two layers from one side of the sheet, one of the two layers, when the compound is uniaxial, is oriented so that a first angle of optic axis of the uniaxial optically anisotropic compound to the sheet plane increases continuously or stepwise in the thickness direction of the sheet, or when the compound is biaxial, is oriented so that a second angle of a direction giving maximum refractive index of the biaxial optically anisotropic compound to the sheet plane increases continuously or stepwise in the thickness direction of the sheet, and the other layer, when the compound is uniaxial, is oriented so that the first angle decreases continuously or

Abstract: A multilayer compensator includes one or more polymeric first layers and one or more polymeric second layers. The first layers comprise a polymer having an out-of-plane (?nth) birefringence not more negative than ?0.01 or not more positive than +0.01. The second layers comprise an amorphous polymer having an out-of-plane birefringence more negative than ?0.01 or more positive than +0.01. An overall in-plane retardation (Rin) of the multilayer compensator is greater than 20 nm and the out-of-plane retardation (Rth) of the multilayer compensator is more negative than ?20 nm or more positive than +20 nm. The in-plane retardation (Rin) of the one or more first layers is 30% or less of the overall in-plane retardation (Rin) of the multilayer compensator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a combination of optical films comprising a twisted A-plate retarder and a polarizer, its use in displays and optical elements, and to displays comprising such a combination.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device includes a liquid crystal cell, first and second polarizers disposed outside the liquid crystal cell, first and second retardation plates arranged between the first and second polarizers, and the liquid crystal cell, and optical layers arranged between the first and second retardation plates and the liquid crystal cell. The first and second retardation plates have lagging axes perpendicular with each other. The first polarizer has an absorption axis inclining by about 45 degrees relative to the lagging axis of the first retardation plate, and inclining by about 90 degrees relative to an absorption axis of the second polarizer. The absorption axes of the first and second polarizers are angularly deviated such that characteristic of a viewing angle in the liquid crystal display device is rendered symmetric, relative to a symmetry axis about which liquid crystal is aligned in different directions.

Abstract: An achromatic quarter wave film (AQWF) comprising at least one quarter wave film (QWF) and at least one half wave film (HWF), each of said QWF and HWF comprising polymerized or vitrified anisotropic material, to methods and materials for the preparation of the AQWF, its use in optical devices like compensators and liquid crystal displays, and to a liquid crystal display comprising such an AQWF.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical compensator for liquid crystal displays comprising at least one O plate retarder, and at least one twisted A plate retarder with a twist angle ? of more than 90°, and further relates to a liquid crystal display comprising such a compensator.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display comprises: first and second panels facing each other; a compensation film and a first polarizer disposed on the first panel, the compensation film having phase retardation characteristics; and a second polarizer having a supporting film disposed on the second panel, the supporting film having phase retardation characteristics. In alternative embodiments, a supporting film is used in place of the compensation film. The supporting film has retardation characteristics.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a multilayer compensator comprising one or more polymeric A layers and one or more polymeric B layers, wherein said A layers comprise a polymer having an out-of-plane birefringence not more negative than ?0.01, said B layers comprise an amorphous polymer having an out-of-plane birefringence more negative than ?0.01, and the overall in-plane retardation (Rin) of said multilayer compensator is greater than 20 nm and the out-of-plane retardation (Rth) of said multilayer compensator is more negative than ?20 nm wherein the process employs laminating layers or coating the layers from solvent.

Abstract: A multilayer compensator has two or more first layers and one or more second layers. The overall in-plane retardation of the compensator is from 0 to 300 nm and the out-of-plane retardation is more negative than ?20 nm or more positive than +20 nm. The compensator may be fabricated by: coating at least one barrier layer on at least one first layer; coating at least one second layer from an organic coating solvent on the barrier layer to produce an intermediate compensator structure; and stretching the intermediate compensator structure in at least one direction by between 1% and 60%. The barrier layer contains a polymer that is water soluble or water dispersible in an amount sufficient to impede the diffusion of the organic solvent between the other first layers and the second layers. All layers have been stretched simultaneously.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device includes a liquid crystal cell, polarizers, a first retardation plate arranged between the liquid crystal cell and the first polarizer, and a second retardation plate arranged between the liquid crystal cell and the second polarizer. Each retardation plate has an optical axis in a plane parallel to the substrate surface and a retardation of substantially ?/4. The optical axis of one retardation plate is perpendicular to the optical axis of the other. The polarizing axes of the polarizers are arranged at an angle of 45° with respect to the optical axes of the retardation plates. The liquid crystal cell is arranged such that a state of alignment of liquid crystal molecules changes, accompanying a change in a polar angle and/or change in an azimuth, upon application of a voltage.

Abstract: An optical film including a transparent polymer film (b) and a birefringent layer (a) formed of a polymer and laminated above the transparent polymer film (b) is provided. The birefringent layer (a) and the transparent polymer film (b) satisfy the following formula (1), the birefringent layer (a) satisfies the following formulae (2) and (3), and the polymer forming the birefringent layer (a) has a weight-average molecular weight in the range between 10,000 and 400,000 inclusive. ?n(a)>?n(b)×10??(1) 1<(nx?nz)/(nx?ny)??(2) 0.0005??n(a)?0.5??(3) This optical film can prevent the occurrence of iridescence, the occurrence of cracks, and the occurrence of variation in retardation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid crystal display device. An optical film having negative uniaxial double refractive index ellipsoids is arranged below a semi-transmitting liquid crystal display cell and, thereafter, a ?/4 phase difference plate, a ?/2 phase difference plate and a polarizer are arranged. The orientation axis direction of the optical film having negative uniaxial double refractive index ellipsoids is substantially equal to the direction which is rotated by 90° in the clockwise direction from a resultant vector of the orientation axis direction of the upper orientation film and the orientation axis direction of the lower orientation film of the liquid crystal display cell. Further, phase lagging axis of the upper and lower ?/4 phase difference plate is set substantially equal to the orientation axis direction of the optical film having negative uniaxial double refractive index ellipsoids.

Abstract: Disclosed is a liquid crystal display comprising a liquid crystal cell including a pair of transparent substrates, with orientation layers deposited on inner surfaces thereof, and a liquid crystal layer of liquid crystal material injected between the substrates; biaxial compensation films provided on outer surfaces of the liquid crystal cell, the biaxial compensation films including an optical dielectric material layer; and polarization plates provided on outer surfaces of the biaxial compensation films, wherein if “d” is set as a cell gap of the liquid crystal cell, “RLC” is set as a phase retardation value of the liquid crystal layer, an axis perpendicular to planes made by the substrates is set as a z-axis, x-axis and y-axis are formed on a planar surface of the substrates, and refractive indices of molecules comprising the biaxial compensation films in the x, y and z directions are denoted by nx, ny and nz, retardation values (ny?nx)*d and (nz?nx)*d of the biaxial compensation films being respectively wit

Abstract: A positive uniaxial film 14 with a retardation of Rp [nm] in an in-plane direction is disposed between a vertical alignment mode liquid crystal cell 11 and a polarizing plate 12, and a negative uniaxial film 15 with a retardation of Rn [nm] in a thickness direction is disposed between the positive uniaxial film 14 and the polarizing plate 12. Further, when a parameter ?1 [nm] in relation to Rp is 35+(Rlc/80?4)2×3.5+(360?Rlc)×Rtac/850; and a parameter ?1 [nm] in relation to Rn is Rlc?1.9×Rtac, where Rtac [nm] is a retardation in a thickness direction of the respective base films of polarizing plates 12 and 13, the retardations Rp and Rn are set to fall within ranges of 80% to 120% of the parameter ?1 and 60% to 90% of the parameter ?1, respectively.

Abstract: Compensation of a liquid crystal display can be achieved using a compensation structure, having, in the following order: a) a first o-plate; b) a first retarder; c) a liquid crystal cell; d) a second retarder; and e) a second o-plate. The first and second retarders can be c-plates or biaxial retarders.

Abstract: A multilayer compensator comprising one or more polymeric A layers and one or more polymeric B layers, wherein said A layers comprise a polymer having an out-of-plane birefringence not more negative than ?0.01, said B layers comprise an amorphous polymer having an out-of-plane birefringence more negative than ?0.01, and the overall in-plane retardation (Rin) of said multilayer compensator is greater than 20 nm and the out-of-plane retardation (Rth) of said multilayer compensator is more negative than ?20 nm.

Abstract: A liquid crystal element including a liquid crystal cell that has transparent substrates having electrodes and a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between the substrates, the liquid crystal cell having a retardation value for a linearly polarized light having a wavelength of ? incident and transmitting through the liquid crystal cell, the retardation value changing from R1 to R2 (R1>R2>0) when a first voltage V1 applied between the electrodes is changed to a second voltage V2 (V1?V2). The liquid crystal element also includes a phase plate having a retardation value R for a linearly polarized light having the wavelength of ?, the retardation value R satisfying a relation R+Rv=m×? (m: integer) with a retardation value Rv generated by a third voltage satisfying R1?Rv?R2.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device includes a first substrate and a second substrate sandwiching a liquid crystal layer therebetween, a first polarizer disposed adjacent to the first substrate at a side opposite to a side of the first polarizer facing the liquid crystal layer, with a first gap between the first polarizer and the first substrate, a second polarizer disposed adjacent to the second substrate at a side opposite to a side of the second polarizer facing the liquid crystal layer, with a second gap between the second polarizer and the second substrate, wherein at least one of the first and second gaps includes therein a first retardation film having a positive optical anisotropy and a second retardation film having a negative optical anisotropy, such that the first retardation film is disposed closer to the liquid crystal layer with respect to the second retardation film.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high-contrast reflective display and transmissive display with a wide viewing angle in a transflective liquid crystal display device having reflective and transmissive structures. In such a display, each of dots can contain a reflective display region for reflective display and a transmissive display region for transmissive display. A liquid crystal layer can be composed of a nematic liquid crystal aligned substantially perpendicularly to substrates and having a negative dielectric anisotropy. A first retardation film having an optically negative uniaxiality, a second retardation film having an optically positive uniaxiality, and a first polarizer are arranged in that order outside an upper substrate, and a third retardation film having an optically negative uniaxiality, a fourth retardation film having an optically positive uniaxiality, a second polarizer, and illumination means are arranged in that order outside a lower substrate.

Abstract: The achromatic quarter-wave film of this invention has a laminated twisted nematic liquid crystal film sandwiched between two uniaxial polymer films to provide a optical component which converts linearly polarized light into circularly polarized radiation which upon reflection back through said optical component is blocked from outward radiation by the polarizer for the initial incident wide spectrum light thus realizing wider broadband width for full color flat panel displays.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device includes a display element with a pair of substrates, a liquid crystal layer between the substrates, and an alignment film on a surface of at least one substrate facing the layer; a pair of polarizers on both surfaces of the liquid crystal element to sandwich the liquid crystal element; and at least one optical phase element between at least one of the polarizers and the liquid crystal element, wherein an optical refractive ellipsoid of the optical phase element is tilted clockwise or counterclockwise from the normal of a surface of the optical phase element, wherein at least one of rates of variation of an ordinary refractive index and an extraordinary refractive index of a liquid crystal material of the liquid crystal layer with respect to a wavelength is set in a range where viewing angle dependent coloring does not occur on a screen.

Abstract: There is disclosed a display apparatus including a polarizing beam splitter for splitting light from a light source, a reflective liquid crystal display element illuminated by light of a predetermined polarizing direction through the polarizing beam splitter, and a double refractive phase compensation element arranged between the polarizing beam splitter and the reflective liquid crystal display element.

Abstract: A display system is disclosed. The display system includes a light source and a display element illuminated by the light source. The display system also includes a first liquid crystal polymer compensation film layer that is disposed adjacent to the first side of the display element. The display also includes a second liquid crystal polymer compensation film layer disposed adjacent a second side of the display element. Further, the display system includes a third liquid crystal polymer compensation film layer that is disposed adjacent the second liquid crystal polymer compensation film layer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a polarizer package comprising an integrated combination of an absorbing layer and a compensator. Two of the identical polarizer packages can be crossed and used in a transmissive optical device. This polarizer package can also be used in combination with a reflective plate and a quarter wave plate in a reflective optical device. Such polarizer packages exhibit an improved viewing angle characteristic across all wavelengths of interest, has a large tolerance for compensators to be aligned relative to their preferred directions, and can be used within an LCD or emissive display system.

Abstract: A quarter wavelength plate for reducing the dependence of a retardation value on an incident beam angle in optically anisotropic crystals. The quarter wavelength plate is formed of optically anisotropic crystals in a thickness of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm. The quarter wavelength plate can contribute to a reduction in the dependence of the retardation value on the angle at which a light beam impinges on the quarter wavelength plate, and to a reduction in color shading caused by a rise in temperature. A reflection type liquid crystal display device which employs the quarter wavelength plate can enhance the luminance and contrast.

Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid crystal display device. An optical film having negative uniaxial double refractive index ellipsoids is arranged below a semi-transmitting liquid crystal display cell and, thereafter, a ?/4 phase difference plate, a ?/2 phase difference plate and a polarizer are arranged. The orientation axis direction of the optical film having negative uniaxial double refractive index ellipsoids is substantially equal to the direction which is rotated by 90° in the clockwise direction from a resultant vector of the orientation axis direction of the upper orientation film and the orientation axis direction of the lower orientation film of the liquid crystal display cell. Further, phase lagging axis of the upper and lower ?/4 phase difference plate is set substantially equal to the orientation axis direction of the optical film having negative uniaxial double refractive index ellipsoids.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical compensator for liquid crystal displays comprising a first polymeric layer having an out-of-plane birefringence not more negative than ?0.005 and a second polymeric layer having an out-of-plane birefringence more negative than ?0.005. The invention also provides an LC display and a process for making such compensators.

Abstract: An optical film in which a function of a brightness enhancement film is maintained and variations in brightness and chromaticity within a film plane are suppressed is provided. An optical film is a laminate of an absorptive dichroic polarizing plate and a brightness enhancement film. A maximum chromaticity difference ?xy(max) of in-plane transmitted light is 0.008 or smaller after the optical film is attached to a glass plate and allowed to stand at 70° C. for 120 hours. The brightness enhancement film includes a layer having a circularly polarized light separating function, and a quarter wavelength plate. The quarter wavelength plate is a film showing an in-plane retardation (?nd) satisfying ?nd(450 nm)/?nd(550 nm)<1.02 or a film containing a polymer having a photoelastic coefficient of 40×10?12 m2/N or smaller.

Abstract: An optically compensatory polarizer has a polarizer and an optically compensating film. The polarizer includes an absorption type polarizing element and transparent protective layers provided on opposite sides of the absorption type polarizing element, each of the transparent protective layers exhibiting an in-plane retardation of not larger than 10 nm and a thicknesswise retardation in a range of from 30 to 70 nm. The optically compensating film is laminated on one or each of opposite surfaces of the polarizer so that a slow axis of each optically compensating film crosses an absorption axis of the polarizer perpendicularly, and exhibits an in-plane retardation in a range of from 80 to 200 nm and Nz=(nx?nz)/(nx?ny) in a range of from ?0.2 to 0.2 and nx and ny satisfy the relation nx>ny.

Abstract: Compensation of a liquid crystal display can be achieved using a compensation structure, having, in the following order: a) a first o-plate; b) a first retarder; c) a liquid crystal cell; d) a second retarder; and e) a second o-plate. The first and second retarders can be c-plates or biaxial retarders.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical compensator for liquid crystal displays comprising: at least one O plate retarder (3, 3?), and at least one twisted A plate retarder (6, 6?) with a twist angle ? of more than 90°, and further relates to a liquid crystal display comprising such a compensator, a liquid crystal cell (1) and polarizers (2, 2?).

Abstract: A semiconductor device reduced in size is provided in which the surface area outside of a display portion required for IC chips to mounted is reduced in a semiconductor device having an active matrix display portion. Further, signal wiring connection defects that accompany IC chip mounting are reduced. By manufacturing TFTs on an opposing substrate in a reflecting active matrix semiconductor device, thus manufacturing a desired logic circuit, the logic circuit, conventionally mounted externally, is formed on the opposing substrate. Further, the semiconductor device is made high speed and high performance by using suitable TFT structures and electric power source voltages for pixels and driver circuits on a pixel substrate and for the logic circuit on the opposing substrate.

Abstract: The invention that relates to an optical compensator for liquid crystal displays comprising: at least one O plate retarder; at least one planar A plate reader; at least one negative C plate retarder; and further relates to a liquid crystal display comprising such a compensator.

Abstract: A positive uniaxial film 14 with a retardation of Rp [nm] in an in-plane direction is disposed between a vertical alignment mode liquid crystal cell 11 and a polarizing plate 12, and a negative uniaxial film 15 with a retardation of Rn [nm] in a thickness direction is disposed between the positive uniaxial film 14 and the polarizing plate 12. Further, when a parameter ?1 [nm] in relation to Rp is 35+(Rlc/80?4)2×3.5+(360?Rlc)×Rtac/850; and a parameter ?1 [nm] in relation to Rn is Rlc?1.9×Rtac, where Rtac [nm] is a retardation in a thickness direction of the respective base films of polarizing plates 12 and 13, the retardations Rp and Rn are set to fall within ranges of 80% to 120% of the parameter ?1 and 60% to 90% of the parameter ?1, respectively.

Abstract: An optical sheet constituted by a retardation film; and a transparent layer provided on one of opposite surfaces of the retardation film. The retardation film exhibits Nz=(nx?nz)/(nx?ny) in a range of from 0.6 to 0.9 and (nx?ny)d in a range of from 200 to 350 nm in which d is a thickness of the retardation film, nz is a refractive index in a direction of a Z axis expressing a direction of the thickness d of the retardation film, nx is a refractive index in a direction of an X axis expressing a direction of the retardation film in a plane perpendicular to the Z axis while the X axis also expresses a direction of the highest in-plane refractive index, and ny is a refractive index in a direction of a Y axis expressing a direction of the retardation film perpendicular both to the Z axis and to the X axis. The transparent layer has a thickness not larger than 10 ?m and exhibits refractive index anisotropy of nx?ny>nz.

Abstract: An optical compensator for liquid crystal displays comprising at least one O plate retarder, at least one low tilt A plate retarder, and at least one negative C plate retarder is described. Also described are liquid crystal displays comprising such a compensator.

Abstract: Disclosed is a liquid crystal cell having contiguous to a surface of a constraint thereof one or more compensator layers, each containing a transparent amorphous polymeric birefringent material having an out-of plane birefringence more negative than ?0.005. The invention also provides a liquid crystal display and a process for making such a cell.

Abstract: A projection optical system for projecting a pattern of a first object onto a second object, wherein the projection optical system is provided with a birefringence correcting system for correcting birefringence of an optical element of the projection optical system.

Abstract: An optical compensation film for Ordinary-mode Normally White Twisted Nematic Liquid Crystal Display comprising, a first and a second optically anisotropic layers containing positively birefringent material disposed on a substrate, wherein the optic axis of said first optically anisotropic layer tilts in a first plane with an average tilt angle between 10° and 60°, and the optic axis of said second optically anisotropic layer tilts in a second plane with an average tilt angle between 0° and 30°, and said average tilt angle of said first optically anisotropic layer and said average tilt angle of said second optically anisotropic layer are different, and said first and said second planes are perpendicular to the plane of said optical compensation film with the angle between said first and said second planes being 90±10°, and the retardation defined by (ne1−no1)d1 of said first optically anisotropic layer is between 60 nm and 220 nm and the retardation defined by (ne2−no2)d

Abstract: The invention provides a process for preparing a positive-negative-blended optical retardation film comprising coating a solution consisting of discotic and rod-like liquid crystal onto an alignment layer after unidirectionally rubbing treatment on a substrate, subsequently heating the coating to obtain a film consisting of discotic and rod-like liquid crystal with uniform arrangement, and then curing it through exposing under a UV-irradiation to obtain a positive-negative-blended optical retardation film with excellent viewing angle; and a positive-negative-blended optical retardation film. Further, the invention also provides a liquid crystal element and a liquid crystal device having said positive-negative-blended optical retardation film.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device comprising: a first substrate and a second substrate processed for vertical alignment; a liquid crystal having a negative dielectric constant anisotropy and being sandwiched between the first and second substrates; a plurality of color filters on the first substrate, each of the color filters having at least a first depression formed therein; a common electrode on the color filters, the common electrode having a plurality of second depressions corresponding to the first depressions of the color filters; and a dielectric material filled into the second depressions of the common electrode, the dielectric material having a dielectric constant smaller than the dielectric constant of the liquid crystal.

Abstract: An optical compensatory sheet comprises a cellulose acetate support and an optically anisotropic layer. The optically anisotropic layer contains a discotic liquid crystal molecule. The cellulose acetate support has a Bth550 birefringence in the range of 0.0007 to 0.004.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display unit produces image carrying light through a liquid crystal layer having a positive anisotropy of refractive index; an optically compensating layer with a negative anisotropy of refractive index is provided on an optical path of the image carrying light so as to compensate the optical anisotropy of the liquid crystal, and the image carrying light is incident onto an optically diffusing layer after the optical compensation so as to widen the viewing angle of the liquid crystal display unit without deterioration of image contrast.

Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid crystal display device comprising: a laminated protection panel composed of a &lgr;/4-plate, a polarizing plate and a transparent protection plate; a liquid crystal display; and a phase retarder; wherein the laminated protection panel is disposed to a top surface of a liquid crystal display with a distance, the phase retarder is disposed between the laminated protection panel and the liquid crystal display, and the sum (&agr;A+&agr;B) of a wavelength dispersion (&agr;A) of the &lgr;/4-plate and a wavelength dispersion (&agr;B) of the phase retarder is in the range of 1.11 to 1.95. In this liquid crystal display device having a transparent protection plate such as a touch panel, coloring of a displayed view looked at in an oblique direction is improved while maintaining a display quality in a front direction.

Abstract: A cellulose acetate film is made of a cellulose acetate having an acetic acid content of 59.0 to 61.5%. The film is controlled to have a Re retardation value in the range of 0 to 20 nm, a Rth retardation value in the range of 30 to 70 nm, and a thickness in the range of 10 to 70 nm.

Abstract: A projection type optical display system includes: a light source; at least one liquid crystal panel for modulating light that has been emitted from the light source; and a projection optical system for projecting the light that has gone out of the at least one liquid crystal panel. The liquid crystal panel includes: a liquid crystal layer; a first polarizer and a second polarizer, which are provided on the light incoming side and the light outgoing side of the liquid crystal layer, respectively; a first uniaxial optical compensator, which is provided between the liquid crystal layer and the first polarizer; a first biaxial optical compensator, which is provided between the first uniaxial optical compensator and the first polarizer; and a second biaxial optical compensator, which is provided between the liquid crystal layer and the second polarizer.

Abstract: A LCD device includes a pair of phase compensating plates for controlling the overall retardation of the LCD device substantially at a constant between the substrates. A wavelength-dependent compensating plate is additionally provided for compensating the wavelength dependency of the overall retardation of the LCD device to improve the contrast ratio.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device includes a first substrate and a second substrate sandwiching a liquid crystal layer therebetween, a first polarizer disposed adjacent to the first substrate at a side opposite to a side of the first polarizer facing the liquid crystal layer, with a first gap between the first polarizer and the first substrate, a second polarizer disposed adjacent to the second substrate at a side opposite to a side of the second polarizer facing the liquid crystal layer, with a second gap between the second polarizer and the second substrate, wherein at least one of the first and second gaps includes therein a first retardation film having a positive optical anisotropy and a second retardation film having a negative optical anisotropy, such that the first retardation film is disposed closer to the liquid crystal layer with respect to the second retardation film.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device includes a liquid crystal cell having a pair of substrates and a liquid crystal layer. The liquid crystal layer is sandwiched between the pair of substrates. A pair of polarizer elements sandwiches the liquid crystal cell. The liquid crystal display device further includes a phase difference compensation element provided between the liquid crystal cell and at least one of the pair of polarizer elements. A photoelasticity coefficient of the phase difference compensation element is 10×10−13 cm2/dyne or less.