Abstract: A reflector structure in a liquid crystal display having light condensing effect comprises mainly an active device substrate, a condenser having diffraction or refraction effect being formed above the substrate, a spacing layer being formed above and covering the condenser, and a reflective unit being formed above the spacing layer. The condenser can be a holographic diffraction unit, micro prisms or micro lens unit. It can be on a TFT substrate or a color filter. The color filter can be located at the same or opposite side with the TFT substrate. The spacing layer may be an over coat layer, a color filter, a color filter and an over coat layer on the color filter, or a substrate. The reflective unit also has various structures, reflective angles, and reflective effects. The invention utilizes the condenser to collect light. 60% to 95% of unused backlight is collected. The backlight gain is over 120% to 400%, thereby greatly saving the power consumption for the backlight source.

Abstract: A reflector structure in a liquid crystal display having light condensing effect comprises mainly an active device substrate, a condenser having diffraction or refraction effect being formed above the substrate, a spacing layer being formed above and covering the condenser, and a reflective unit being formed above the spacing layer. The condenser can be a holographic diffraction unit, micro prisms or micro lens unit. It can be on a TFT substrate or a color filter. The color filter can be located at the same or opposite side with the TFT substrate. The spacing layer may be an over coat layer, a color filter, a color filter and an over coat layer on the color filter, or a substrate. The reflective unit also has various structures, reflective angles, and reflective effects. The invention utilizes the condenser to collect light. 60% to 95% of unused backlight is collected. The backlight gain is over 120% to 400%, thereby greatly saving the power consumption for the backlight source.

Abstract: There is provided a liquid crystal panel in which the brightness of an image is high, and deterioration in display quality due to defects such as uneven display or uneven brightness is suppressed. The liquid crystal panel includes a pixel portion including a plurality of thin film transistors and pixel electrodes formed on a first substrate, a second substrate, a liquid crystal and gap holding members provided between the first substrate and the second substrate, and a microlens array including a plurality of microlenses and provided on a surface of the second substrate, the surface being opposite to the first substrate.

Abstract: A reflector structure in a liquid crystal display having light condensing effect comprises mainly an active device substrate, a condenser having diffraction or refraction effect being formed above the substrate, a spacing layer being formed above and covering the condenser, and a reflective unit being formed above the spacing layer. The condenser can be a holographic diffraction unit, micro prisms or micro lens unit. It can be on a TFT substrate or a color filter. The color filter can be located at the same or opposite side with the TFT substrate. The spacing layer may be an over coat layer, a color filter, a color filter and an over coat layer on the color filter, or a substrate. The reflective unit also has various structures, reflective angles, and reflective effects. The invention utilizes the condenser to collect light. 60% to 95% of unused backlight is collected. The backlight gain is over 120% to 400%, thereby greatly saving the power consumption for the backlight source.

Abstract: A reflection type semiconductor display device which can make satisfactory display even when external light is not satisfactorily intense is provided. A reflection type semiconductor display device according to the present invention can take in light other than incident light on a liquid crystal panel to be an auxiliary light source using optical fibers, and thus, display of high quality level can be made even indoors or in a place where light is faint. Further, by combining the semiconductor display device with a front light, insufficient amount of light can be supplemented with the front light.

Abstract: A method of producing a microlens array includes a patterning step of forming a first optical resin layer having a first refractive index on a transparent substrate and forming a plurality of microlens planes arrayed in a two-dimensional pattern on the front surface of the first optical resin layer; a planarizing step of forming a planarized second optical resin layer; a joining step of providing a support layer on which a transparent protective film is previously formed; and a removing step of removing the support layer in such a manner that only the protective film remains on the second optical resin layer. The planarizing step is performed by filling irregularities of the microlens planes with a resin having a second refractive index and planarizing the front surface, opposed to the microlens planes, of the resin, to form the planarized second optical resin layer, and the joining step is performed by joining the support layer to the planarized second optical resin layer.

Abstract: In a substrate structure and a fabrication method thereof, light refracting members aligned with wirings or black matrix formed are integrally formed at a surface of a substrate. Light incident on the wirings or the black matrix can be refracted to a pixel region of the liquid crystal display panel. Accordingly, a flux of light being transmitted through the pixel region of the liquid crystal display panel can be improved significantly.

Abstract: An electro-optical device is disclosed in which dimensional accuracy in a space between an opposite substrate and an electro-optical device substrate is increased, and thus, display quality is enhanced by improving the structure in which a lens array substrate and a sheet covering the lens array substrate are adhered to each other on the side of the opposite substrate. In a liquid crystal apparatus, an opposite substrate includes a lens array substrate provided with a step portion equal in height to microlenses in the region overlapping the region in which a sealing material is formed, and a glass sheet adhered to the lens array substrate by an adhesive.

Abstract: An improved optical imaging system includes a vertically stacked pixel array and a lenslet array for capturing images while minimizing the focal length. The vertically stacked pixel array is configured to operate as an image sensor. The lenslet array is configure to focus the image on the image sensor. Each lens of the lenslet array focuses an image on a sub-array of the image sensor. Each sub-array is shifted from one another so that additional data obtained for each equivalent pixel in each sub-array. An image is obtained by combining the data of each sub-array.

Abstract: An image display device used for an LCD projector provided with a periodic structure of pixels arranged in a matrix and a substrate supporting the pixels, modulating light entering from an entrance surface in pixel units, and emitting the same from an exit surface. A phase shift structure for randomly changing the phase of the light is formed on a surface of the substrate. The phase shift structure has a relief structure formed, for example, by etching the surface of the substrate through which light passes to random depths. Therefore, occurrence of high-order diffracted light caused by the periodic structure of very fine pixels is prevented, and accordingly the amount of 0th order light inherently required is increased.

Abstract: A light modulating device comprising a plurality of light modulating elements modulating the light that is incident thereto and emitting the light, wherein each of the light modulating elements is formed from a micro electronic machinery which is two-dimensionally arranged, and the transmittance can be controlled so as to vary for each of the light modulating elements. The light modulating device further comprises a lens array on a light-incident side of the light modulating elements, and the lens array condenses the incident light, which impinges on each of the light modulating elements, into a region whose area is smaller than an area occupied by each of the light modulating elements at a light-incident side thereof. Consequently, the light modulating device, in which usability of the light is improved and resolution is increased in the projection exposure, and the exposure apparatus using the same can be obtained.

Abstract: A data processing apparatus has a first processing unit for processing an input data, a second processing unit responsive to the data processed by the first processing unit for executing a processing dependent on the data and producing a display data, and a display unit having a display drive unit and a display device for displaying the display data. The second processing unit is selectively inactivated and activated under control of the first processing unit to reduce power consumption in the second processing unit. The display drive unit is also selectively inactivated and activated under control of the first processing unit to reduce power consumption in the display unit.

Abstract: To reduce light passing through the gap between lenses. A plurality of lens sections L are provided on a substrate P with a gap therebetween by ejecting droplets. A control material is applied to the gap between the lens sections, the control material controlling rectilinear propagation of the light.

Abstract: A projection type display device includes: a light source for emitting light including multiple light components falling within different wavelength ranges; pixels for modulating the light independently; a first optical system, which receives the light from the light source and directs it toward the pixels; and a second optical system, which projects the light, modulated by the pixels, onto a projection plane. The first optical system includes an optical element for converging the light components onto mutually different ones of the pixels in accordance with their wavelength ranges. The pixels are arranged in a predetermined azimuth on a panel plane where the pixels are defined. The element has a first length in a first direction defined by the azimuth and a second length, greater than the first length, in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The element converges the light components in the first and second directions.

Abstract: A LCD device is provided. On the input side, the collimated-light generator generates collimated light from incident light and then, the first polarizer plate of the first polarized-light controller generates first polarized light from the collimated light. The first quarter wavelength plate of the first polarized-light controller generates second polarized light from the first polarized light. The second polarized light thus generated passes through the liquid crystal layer to reach the output side. On the output side, the second polarized light passes through the second quarter wavelength plate of the second polarized-light controller and the second quarter wavelength plate thereof. Thus, the polarization state of the second polarized light is returned to its original one.

Abstract: A reflective liquid crystal display device that can prevent a battery effect causing asymmetry in a liquid crystal, display can reduce an offset voltage applied to a driving voltage, and can secure high reliability even during long term driving. A pixel electrode is covered with a metal film, which has a standard electrode potential, with a sign opposite to that of a metallic material constituting the pixel electrode. The metal film prevents a battery effect between the opposing electrodes, unlike conventional devices which do not have the metal film. Thereby, the asymmetry in the liquid crystal display responses can be prevented and the reduction of the offset voltage, which is required for the driving voltage, can be accomplished unlike the conventional ones. A circuit for applying the offset voltage is simplified or unnecessary, and improvement of long term reliability during the driving can be accomplished.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a micro-lens array substrate according to the present invention includes the steps of: (1) disposing a stamper having a first micro-lens array pattern formed on one surface of the stamper and a second micro-lens array pattern formed on other surface of the stamper between a first transparent substrate and a second transparent substrate facing each other; and (2) removing the stamper, after forming micro-lens arrays which are made of first and second light transmitting resins respectively between the first transparent substrate and the stamper and between the second transparent substrate and the stamper, so as to fix a third light transmitting resin between the two micro-lens arrays, thereby manufacturing a micro-lens array substrate.

Abstract: The light diffusing plate includes a lens substrate, a plurality of microlenses disposed on a surface of the lens substrate, a plurality of light exit areas, each having a circular or rectangular form a center of which is coincident with an optical axis of the microlens, and a light shield layer formed on another surface of the lens substrate, and covering other area than the light exit areas. When n and t are a refractive index and a thickness of the lens substrate, respectively, and C (R; diameter, A, B; sides of rectangle) is a size of light exit area, a size of the microlens Sr satisfies the following formula in the light diffusing plate: Sr?2t×tan ?+C (with the proviso that ?=sin?1(1/n)).

Abstract: The invention is a method for creating a micropolarizer, including providing a first plate having a first and a second surface, providing a second plate having a first and a second surface. Then coating a polyimide on each of the first surface of the two plates followed by rubbing the polyimide coated upon the first surface of the first plate along a predetermined direction and rubbing the polyimide coated upon the first surface of the second plate along a direction having a predetermined angle in relation to the predetermined direction. An alignment process includes aligning the first plate and the second plate having the first surface of the first plate and the first surface of the second plate facing each other thereby creating a space there between. In conclusion there is a filling of a liquid crystal material in the space whereby a cell, or film is created.

Abstract: The light collimating plate includes a lens substrate, a plurality of microlenses disposed on a surface of the lens substrate, a plurality of light entrance areas, each having a circular or rectangular form a center of which is on an optical axis of the microlens, and a light shield layer formed on another surface of the lens substrate, and covering other area than the light entrance areas. When n and t are a refractive index and a thickness of the lens substrate, respectively, and C (R; diameter, A, B; sides of rectangle) is a size of light entrance area, a size of the microlens Sr satisfies the following formula in the light collimating plate: Sr?2t×tan ?+C (with the proviso that ?=sin?1 (1/n)).

Abstract: A back light device. This back light device includes a light guide plate and a plurality of lamps, wherein the light guide plate has a first plane and a second plane opposite the first plane. The back light device of this invention has a plurality of arc-shaped recess regions to implement the lamps inside so that light from the lamps can be uniformly emitted by the light guide plate through the arc-shaped recess regions. Thus, a liquid crystal display implemented with the back light device can be uniformly lit.

Abstract: An autostereoscopic display and method of displaying multidimensional images involves a first lenticular array preferably of cylindrical lenses positioned between a viewer and a pixel array, and a second lenticular array also preferably of cylindrical lenses positioned between the first lenticular array and the viewer. The pixel array includes several pixel groups that project images through corresponding groups of first lenses within the first lenticular array. A pitch of the lenses within the second lenticular array differs from a pitch of the lenses in the first lens groups within the first lenticular array. The display can be manufactured or retrofit with the first and second lenticular arrays.

Abstract: A display device of the invention relates to a display device capable of three-dimensionally representing display on a liquid crystal display element without a hologram. The display device includes a liquid crystal display element and a lens panel. The liquid crystal display element includes a plurality of transparent electrodes on opposed surfaces of a pair of transparent substrates between which a liquid crystal is provided. The lens panel is disposed on the bottom surface side of the liquid crystal display element, and has a plurality of lens portions. The respective lens portions are disposed in regions where the transparent electrodes correspond to each other, and formed in the same shape as that of the respective regions. When displaying information, e.g., a number and a character, on the liquid crystal display element, the information itself can be represented three-dimensionally through the lens portions. Thus, highly decorative display can be obtained.

Abstract: Disclosed are a protective diffusion film, which does not scratch a lens film and a liquid crystal display device, does not become a refuse source or the like, and also has a suitable level of concealment effect, a process for producing the same, a surface light source device, and a liquid crystal display device. This protective diffusion film is used in a surface light source device provided with a lens film wherein the protective diffusion film is provided on a light outgoing surface of the lens film, and comprises: a transparent substrate layer; and a protective diffusion layer which is provided on the transparent substrate layer in its surface at least on the lens film side, has fine concaves and convexes on its surface, protects members which come into contact with the protective diffusion film, and is light diffusive.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical element comprising in order a light source, air, at least one thin layer having a thickness of 80 to 200 nm, and a thick layer, each layer varying in refractive index (RI) by at least 0.05 from the next adjacent layer, in an alternating manner.

Abstract: A lens array substrate and an image displaying device which can prevent unstable operation and malfunction of the TFTs by suppressing the rise in the temperature of liquid crystal display panel are provided. According to the invention, a lens resin layer and a sealing resin layer are provided on the glass substrate, and a lens array is formed at the interface of the lens resin layer and the sealing resin layer which have different refractive indexes from each other. On a cover substrate provided on the sealing resin layer, a light blocking member comprising a material with high reflectance such as Al and Ag is formed along the region corresponding to the boundary edges between the lenses in the lens array, then, a transparent electrode is formed on the all surface of the cover substrate via the light blocking member.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display element comprising a pair of opposed substrates disposed close to each other, a liquid crystal layer filled in the clearance therebetween, and a backlight. Installed on the substrate associated with the backlight are a reflector plate having an opening, and a condensing means. Bright and quality display can be effected at the time of transmission display and at the time of reflection display.

Abstract: An optical sheet has a transparent base material; a fine lens array constituted by a plurality of fine unit lenses formed on a front surface of the transparent base material; a diffusing layer formed on a rear surface of the transparent base material opposite to the surface on which the fine lens array is formed; and a light absorbing layer formed on the diffusing layer and including fine opening portions substantially located at focal points of the unit lenses; wherein: the diffusing layer is made of a transparent medium containing transparent fine particles different in refractive index from the transparent medium; and the transparent fine particles have a mean particle size in a particle size range for maximizing a value of Q/R at each of wavelengths in a visible region when Q is a scattering sectional area per transparent fine particle, and R is a radius of each of the transparent fine particles.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display apparatus includes a liquid crystal element including a front substrate positioned on the side of an observer and having a first electrode mounted to one surface, a rear substrate having a second electrode arranged to face said first electrode, and a liquid crystal layer interposed between these substrates, said liquid crystal layer controlling the polarized state of the transmitted light in accordance with the electric field applied between the first and the second electrodes. A first reflection polarizing plate is arranged on the front side of the liquid crystal element and reflects the light of one of the two polarized components of the incident light. Two polarized components are perpendicular to each other, and transmit the light of the other polarized component.

Abstract: The display device includes a spatial modulator having a plurality of pixels and a periodical structural body having condenser elements corresponding to the pixels of the spatial modulator. Each of the pixels of the spatial modulator includes a plurality of color dots arranged in a first direction. A length of a peripheral region of the respective pixel encircling the plurality of color dots, measured in the first direction, is longer than a length of the condenser element of the periodical structural body, measured in the first direction. In addition, combinations of the pixels in the square, delta or mosaic arrangement with the condenser elements in the square, delta or mosaic arrangement are disclosed.

Abstract: An electrically tunable microlens array. The array is formed by pattern photopolymerization of photoreactive mixtures comprising a polymerizable material and liquid crystals; wherein the photopolymerization is characterized by the interaction of multiple-wave mixing. The liquid crystals are contained as droplets in regions between the polymerized material.

Abstract: In a liquid crystal display device of a direct view type, a lenticular lens sheet is provided in the backside of a liquid crystal display panel. Light emitted to a lens of the lenticular lens sheet is first converged in the liquid crystal display panel, and then diffused. When the light is emitted from the liquid crystal display panel, the radiation distribution thereof is widened. Thus, a bright display screen even when seen from a wide angle can be realized.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for displaying a three-dimensional image by using a lenticular lens sheet formed by an alignment of a plurality of lenticular lens pieces for providing three-dimensional image with an enhanced level of visual ambience, the apparatus including a flat display device displaying a plurality of perspective views from different directions; and a lenticular lens sheet including a plurality of lenticular lens pieces of which Y-axis being parallel to a vertical axis of the flat display, the plurality of lenticular lens pieces forming a plurality of lines being parallel to a horizontal axis of the flat display device on a front surface of the flat display device, each of the plurality of lines being shifted to a predetermined distance.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electro-optical device can include a dot-like light source array in which a plurality of light-emitting elements for emitting red light, a plurality of light-emitting elements for emitting green light, and a plurality of light-emitting elements for emitting blue light are arranged. The device can further include a microlens array in which a plurality of micolenses are arranged and an optical modulation panel having a plurality of pixels for red light, a plurality of pixels for green light, a plurality of pixels for blue light, and a plurality of transmissive windows corresponding to the pixels.

Abstract: A reflection type semiconductor display device which can make satisfactory display even when external light is not satisfactorily intense is provided. A reflection type semiconductor display device according to the present invention can take in light other than incident light on a liquid crystal panel to be an auxiliary light source using optical fibers, and thus, display of high quality level can be made even indoors or in a place where light is faint. Further, by combining the semiconductor display device with a front light, insufficient amount of light can be supplemented with the front light.

Abstract: Adhesive layers are formed on the two opposing surfaces of a transparent support. At least one of the adhesive layers is made of a material of which the cured state changes by application of external force, such as a photocurable resin. A separator on the adhesive layer is peeled off, and the adhesive layer is irradiated with light. A lens sheet is then pressed against the adhesive layer. The adhesive layer is cured to a degree of hardness with which the adhesion state between lens sheet and the adhesive layer no more changes. In this way, a laminate film of the lens sheet fixed to the transparent support via the adhesive layer is obtained. The laminate film is bonded to a polarizing plate on the viewer's side of a liquid crystal display element via the other adhesive layer.

Abstract: A display device includes a self-light-emitting image display that has pixels arranged two-dimensionally, micro light-emitting points that correspond to each pixel of the image display and exist in a part of the pixel, and a micro optical element that guides irradiated light from each of the micro light-emitting points arranged two-dimensionally. Optical axes connecting each of the micro light-emitting points and the micro optical element corresponding to the micro light-emitting point substantially intersect in a predetermined point closer than a near point of an eye, and the micro optical element is arranged so as to focus a virtual image of the micro light-emitting point corresponding to the micro optical element in a position that is a least distance of distinct vision or more apart from the predetermined point.

Abstract: A pixel structure comprising a thin film transistor, a pixel electrode, a scan line, a data line and an alignment mark. The alignment mark is formed beneath the data line. Misalignment is assessed through the degree of shifting between the alignment mark and the data line relative to each other. In addition, misalignment is also gauged through the degree of shifting between the alignment mark and the channel layer within the thin film transistor relative to each other.

Abstract: A projection display system is disclosed, which enables aberration correction and can reduce the size of the system. The projection display system includes a liquid crystal panel displaying an image, a first lens group having a positive refractive power, formed by combination of two or more lenses, and correcting aberration of incident light from the liquid crystal panel, a total reflection mirror reflecting the incident light from the first lens group in a predetermined direction, and a second lens group having a negative refractive power, formed by combination of two or more lenses, and correcting aberration of the incident light from the total reflection mirror.

Abstract: An image display apparatus comprising a light source 11 and a primary lens array 13, secondary lens array 14 and a superimposing lens 16 for convoluted illumination of a plurality of secondary and tertiary light source images formed from the light source, a liquid crystal light valve 18 for passing light beams of the convoluted illumination light beams that are far from the optical axis L0 of wavelength regions for which the (intensity) level is reduced and passing remaining light beams unrestricted, and a projection lens projecting light modulated by the liquid crystal light valve 18.

Abstract: An optical element gathers light emitted from a planar luminous element having isotropic light emitting characteristics. The optical element includes an incidence plane and a plurality of protrusions. The incidence plane is formed on one side of the optical element for permitting the light to enter the optical element and faces the planar luminous element. The protrusions are formed on the other side of the optical element and each protrusion has a shape of a frustum.

Abstract: An electrically tunable microlens array. The array is formed by pattern photopolymerization of photoreactive mixtures comprising a polymerizable material and liquid crystals; wherein the photopolymerization is characterized by the interaction of multiple-wave mixing. The liquid crystals are contained as droplets in regions between the polymerized material.

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 reflection- or transmission-type liquid crystal display method enabling color synthesis without employing a dichroic prism or a polarizing beam splitter. Reflection-type display devices are formed on a reflective substrate. Each reflection type display device is composed of a barrier element consisting of a group of small liquid crystal shutters arranged two-dimensionally, microlens elements two-dimensionally arranged corresponding to the liquid crystal shutters, and a reflective surface of the reflective substrate, wherein the reflective surface is positioned on the focal plane of the microlenses. Parallel light beams of red, green and blue colors introduced obliquely respectively enter the reflection-type display devices exclusive for the respective colors and are mutually superposed on a plane distant from the display devices to achieve color synthesis. A projection lens is focused on the plane and projects an image on a screen provided in a distant position.

Abstract: Semiconductor imaging devices with integrated holographic optical element for beam focusing and color separation.

Abstract: A prism sheet includes a light incident surface for receiving the light, a light emission surface for emitting the light incident on the light incident surface, which includes at least one light concentrate unit having at least two inclined surfaces on which the light is incident and refracted. A peak angle between the two inclined surfaces is obtuse and determined in association with a refraction index of the prism sheet. The light emission surface has multiple light concentrate units that each have a shape of a prism column and are arranged parallel with each other in a longitudinal direction of the light concentrate units. A liquid crystal display device includes the prism sheet, a lamp assembly for generating light, a diffusion plate for diffusing the light, and a LCD panel assembly for displaying images using the light from the prism sheet and image data externally provided.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a micro-lens array substrate according to the present invention includes the steps of: (1) disposing a stamper having a first micro-lens array pattern formed on one surface of the stamper and a second micro-lens array pattern formed on other surface of the stamper between a first transparent substrate and a second transparent substrate facing each other; and (2) removing the stamper, after forming micro-lens arrays which are made of first and second light transmitting resins respectively between the first transparent substrate and the stamper and between the second transparent substrate and the stamper, so as to fix a third light transmitting resin between the two micro-lens arrays, thereby manufacturing a micro-lens array substrate.

Abstract: An optical device such as an overlay panel for a LCD display, comprises an element of light-transmitting material having a surface configured to form a stepped Fresnel prismatic structure. The light-transmitting material itself or ribbed light refracting element, said element incorporates an array of graded refractive index features adapted to impart light dispersing of diffusing characteristics to the light-transmitting material. In an alternative arrangement, the element of light-transmitting material has a layer configured to form a stepped Fresnel-type surface and an additional layer incorporating such an array of graded refractive index features.

Abstract: A method of producing a microlens array includes a patterning step of forming a first optical resin layer having a first refractive index on a transparent substrate and forming a plurality of microlens planes arrayed in a two-dimensional pattern on the front surface of the first optical resin layer; a planarizing step of forming a planarized second optical resin layer; a joining step of providing a support layer on which a transparent protective film is previously formed; and a removing step of removing the support layer in such a manner that only the protective film remains on the second optical resin layer. The planarizing step is performed by filling irregularities of the microlens planes with a resin having a second refractive index and planarizing the front surface, opposed to the microlens planes, of the resin, to form the planarized second optical resin layer, and the joining step is performed by joining the support layer to the planarized second optical resin layer.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device includes a liquid crystal layer, pixel electrodes having pixel apertures, and at least one microlens array including microlenses arranged two-dimensionally in correspondence with the pixel apertures. Each microlens includes a condenser lens having at least one lens surface along an optical axis and condensing light incident thereon toward the corresponding pixel aperture, and a field lens having at least one lens surface along the optical axis and being constructed such that the focal point thereof is at approximately the same position as the principal point of the condenser lens. The overall focal point of the condenser lens and the field lens is shifted from the corresponding pixel aperture, and the amount of shift is set such that an effective aperture ratio is increased compared with the case in which the overall focal point is at the same position as the corresponding pixel aperture.