Abstract: A concealing structure to at least partially conceal a sensor, light emitter or other component by at least partially preventing reflection of external light by an underlying structure. In some examples, this function is performed by a two-component masking assembly, the masking assembly including a linear polarizer to cause linear polarization of light which passes from the exterior of the device to an underlying component, and a wave plate to shift the axis of any reflected polarized light. In many cases, a high density optical fluid will further be included within the masking assembly to minimize reflections from the other components of the assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical system, in particular of a microlithographic projection exposure apparatus, with a polarization-influencing optical arrangement (150). In accordance with one aspect of the invention, this polarization-influencing optical arrangement (150) comprises: at least one polarization-influencing optical element (200, 230), which consists of an optically active material with an optical crystal axis and has a thickness profile that varies in the direction of this optical crystal axis, at least one lambda/2 plate (250), at least one rotator (240), which causes a rotation of the polarization direction of light incident on the rotator (240) about a constant polarization rotation angle, and an actuator apparatus, by means of which the lambda/2 plate (250) and the rotator (240) can be moved independently of one another between a position within the optical beam path and a position outside of the optical beam path.

Abstract: By provision of an A layer consisting of a resin having a positive intrinsic birefringence value; a B layer consisting of a resin containing a styrene polymer and having a negative intrinsic birefringence value; and a C layer consisting of a resin containing a polymer having an alicyclic structure, in this order; a phase difference film wherein, when the C layer is removed, retardation Re at an incident angle of 0° and retardation R40 at an incident angle of 40° satisfy a relationship of 0.92?R40/Re?1.08 is realized.

Abstract: Disclosed are a cellulose acetate film characterized by comprising cellulose acetate that has a degree of acetylation of 51.0-56.0% and a compound represented by Formula (1) and having a total average degree of substitution of 6.1-6.9, a polarizing plate capable of maintaining excellent visibility, and a liquid crystal display device having excellent visibility and viewing angle characteristics. (In Formula (1), R1 to R8 may be the same or different and each represents an (un)substituted alkylcarbonyl or an (un)substituted aryl carbonyl).

Abstract: Three dimensional projection systems may be single projector or multiple projector systems. These 3D projection systems may include a one or more polarization conversion systems (PCS). Each PCS may be designed for relatively small throw ratios and thus, may be designed to accommodate the small throw ratios. Each PCS may include a polarizing beam splitter, a first optical stack, a reflector and a second quarter wave retarder. The first optical stack may include a rotator, a polarizer, a polarization switch and a first quarter wave retarder. Each PCS may receive light from a respective projector, and the PBS in each PCS may direct the light toward the first optical stacks. The light may be converted to a different polarization state as it passes through the first optical stack. The converted light may then be re-directed by a reflecting element to a second quarter wave retarder. The second quarter wave retarder may convert linearly polarized light to circularly polarized light.

Abstract: Optical elements, color combiners using the optical elements, and image projectors using the color combiners are described. The optical elements can be configured as color combiners that receive different wavelength spectrums of light and produce a combined light output that includes the different wavelength spectrums of light. The optical elements include a wavelength selective dichroic mirror that reflects a major portion of actinic light that can damage a reflective polarizer within the optical element. The wavelength selective dichroic mirror transmits a major portion of other wavelengths of light. The resulting color combiners using the optical element may have improved durability compared to a color combiner lacking the wavelength selective dichroic mirror. Image projectors using the color combiners can include reflective (including digital micro-mirror) or polarization (including liquid crystal) imaging modules.

Abstract: The present invention provides at low cost a display device with superior visibility and high contrast ratio even in a bright room environment through a reduction in the undesired reflection, not only of the incident outside light from the normal direction, but also of the outside incident light from an oblique direction. The present invention is a circularly polarizing plate including a polarizer and a ?/4 plate, and the aforementioned circularly polarizing plate includes an anti-reflective layer, the aforementioned polarizer, a birefringent layer, and the aforementioned ?/4 plate which are laminated in this order, the NZ coefficient of the aforementioned birefringent layer satisfies NZ<0.1, the in-plane fast axis of the aforementioned birefringent layer is orthogonal to the absorption axis of the aforementioned polarizer, the NZ coefficient of the aforementioned ?/4 plate satisfies NZ>0.

Abstract: A system and method of calibrating an optical measurement system utilizing polarization diversity is disclosed. A waveplate having a rotation axis is provided. A first light polarization component and a second light polarization component are caused to propagate in the waveplate while the waveplate is rotated about the rotation axis. An equal common phase shift is caused in the first and second light polarization components while a differential phase shift in the first and second light polarization components is maintained. A relative phase between the first and second light polarization components is sensed. At least one calibration parameter is determined based on the relative phase.

Abstract: An optical film having: a hard coat layer; an optically anisotropic layer; and a transparent support, wherein the optically anisotropic layer contains a liquid crystalline compound and a binder, the hard coat layer, the transparent support, and the optically anisotropic layer are laminated in this order, a surface of the optically anisotropic layer contains a fluorine-containing compound not forming covalent bond with the binder of the optically anisotropic layer, a surface of the optical film on the hard coat layer-formed side contains a fluorine-containing or silicone series compound being fixed by covalent bond, and a topmost surface properties of the optical film on hard coat layer-formed side satisfies the specific conditions.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide an optical film having a large phase difference value, small moisture-induced fluctuation in the phase difference value, small photoelastic coefficient and excellent bondability with a polarizer. The optical film includes a cellulose ester (A) which satisfy formulae (1) and (2) below and a vinyl-based polymer (B). A content ratio of the cellulose ester (A) and the vinyl-based polymer (B) is from 95:5 to 50:50 by mass, the vinyl-based polymer (B) is composed of a non-aromatic vinyl-based monomer having a solubility parameter of 17.5 (MPa1/2) or larger and smaller than 20.0 (MPa1/2) and a weight average molecular weight of the vinyl-based polymer (B) is from 500 to 10,000: where 1.0?X+?Yi<2.0??formula (1) 4.0?2×X+?(ni×Yi)<6.0.

Abstract: Methods of evaluating birefringence of an adhesive agent, and of designing and producing an adhesive agent using the evaluation method, as well as adhesive agents produced using these methods. A polarizing plate and a liquid crystal display device using the obtained adhesive agent are proposed, as well as methods for producing the same.

Abstract: A polarization structure for a display device is disclosed. In one embodiment, the polarization structure includes a retardation layer, a polarizing layer and a polarizing pattern. The retardation layer may be configured to produce a phase difference between two polarization components of an incident light. The polarizing layer may have an adsorption axis along a first direction on the retardation layer. The polarizing layer may include a first region and a second region surrounding at least one side of the first region. The polarizing pattern may have an adsorption axis along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction in the second region.

Abstract: A retarder film provides a first light retardation and can be heat processed in one or more selected areas to provide a second light retardation in the selected area(s). The retarder film may have an absorption characteristic such that the heat processing can be carried out by selectively exposing the film to a suitable radiant beam. The retarder film is composed of a stack of contiguous ultrathin layers configured to provide an effective optical medium for visible light. Visible light propagates through the stack as an effective medium having effective refractive indices along principal x-, y-, and z-axes. At least some of the ultrathin layers possess intrinsic birefringence, and the effective indices of the stack are functions of the intrinsic refractive indices of the constituent ultrathin layers. The heat processing is carried out so that the ultrathin layer stack structural integrity is not substantially altered in the processed area(s).

Abstract: A polarizing plate includes a polarizer and at least one protective film on at least one side of the polarizer. The protective film has an in-plane retardation (Re) of greater than about 10,000 nm at a wavelength of 550 nm, as calculated by Re=(nx?ny)×d, wherein nx and ny are indexes of refraction in x-axis and y-axis directions of the protective film, respectively, and d is a thickness of the protective film.

Abstract: An optical film that does not cause display unevenness, includes a retardation layer A (A layer) satisfying the following relational expression, nz>nx?ny here, nx represents an in-plane refractive index in a direction of an in-plane slow axis, ny represents an in-plane refractive index in a direction orthogonal to the direction of an in-plane slow axis, and nz represents a refractive index in a thickness direction; and a retardation layer B (B layer) of which in-plane retardation Re and thickness direction retardation Rth satisfy the following relational expressions: 0 nm?Re?20 nm and 50 nm?Rth?300 nm, wherein the total film thickness is 5 ?m to 40 ?m.

Abstract: An illuminator that illuminates a projected surface includes a laser light source that emits laser light; a polarization converter disposed downstream of the laser light source, the polarization converter having a first area that converts the polarization direction of incident laser light into a first polarization direction and outputs the resultant laser light and a second area that converts the polarization direction of incident laser light into a second polarization direction and outputs the resultant laser light; and a light diffusion section disposed downstream of the laser light source, the light diffusion section diffusing incident laser light.

Abstract: A retardation film is provided and is formed by laminating a thermoplastic norbornene resin film, an anchor layer, an alignment film and a phase difference layer in this order. In this retardation film, the anchor layer is formed by applying an anchor material including a tri-, or more-functional acrylate monomer of 50 parts by weight or more and 90 parts by weight or less onto the thermoplastic norbornene resin film and then, drying and curing the anchor material with ultraviolet light.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to a display device for enhancing image quality. The disclosed display device includes: a display panel configured to display an image; a Poly-Vinyl Acetate (PVA) layer configured to linearly polarize external light; and a Quarter Wave Plate (QWP) configured to circularly polarize light where the QWP has an in-plane retardation value of below 140 nm.

Abstract: A polarization structure for a display device is disclosed. In one embodiment, the structure includes a retardation layer, a first polarizing layer, a first uniaxial optical compensation layer, a second polarizing layer and a second uniaxial optical compensation layer. The retardation layer may be configured to create a phase difference between two polarization components of an incident light. The first polarizing layer may be disposed on the retardation layer. The first uniaxial optical compensation layer may be disposed on the first polarizing layer. The second polarizing layer may be disposed on the first uniaxial optical compensation layer. The second uniaxial optical compensation layer may be disposed between the first polarizing layer and the first uniaxial optical compensation layer or between the first polarizing layer and the second polarizing layer.

Abstract: A wave plate capable of increasing a birefringence quantity and being made into a thin film, and a method of manufacturing the wave plate. The wave plate includes a substrate, whereon convex portions and concave portions are formed with a period less than or equal to the wavelength of light that is used therewith, columnar portions, wherein fine grains of a dielectric material are layered by oblique vapor deposition of a dielectric material from two directions, in a columnar shape on the convex portions in the vertical direction relative to the surface of the substrate, and interstices that are located on the concave portions and disposed between the columnar portions. Using birefringence from the fine grains of the dielectric material and birefringence from the concave/convex portions of the substrate allows increasing the birefringence quantity and making a thin film.

Abstract: Disclosed is a film suitable for improvement of luminance, contrast and view angle of a liquid crystal display. Specifically disclosed is a retardation film having a thickness of 30-500 ?m, a light transmittance of not less than 85%, and an Nz factor of not less than 10.

Abstract: An optical film having a high Re and a low |Rth| is provided. An optical film consists of a composition that includes cellulose acylate having an acyl group including an aromatic group, and satisfies Formula (I) 150 nm?Re (550)?350 nm, Formula (II) ?50 nm?Rth (550)?50 nm, and Formula (III) 0.07 nm?degree of cross-sectional orientation P2z?1, Here, Re (550) represents the in-plane retardation at a wavelength of 550 nm, and Rth (550) represents the thickness direction retardation at a wavelength of 550 nm.

Abstract: There is provided a polarizer for organic light emitting diodes (OLED) having improved brightness. The polarizer, which comprises a linear polarizer and a ¼ retardation plate, comprises a reflective polarizer film disposed between the linear polarizer and the ¼ retardation plate and transmitting a polarized light horizontal to the transmission axis of the linear polarizer while reflecting a polarized light vertical to the transmission axis of the linear polarizer. The polarizer may be useful to highly improve the brightness of the OLED device when the polarizer is used in the OLED device.

Abstract: A bidirectional Cartesian-cylindrical converter system and method for converting the spatial distribution of polarization states include a radial polarization converter capable of receiving a linearly polarized, spatially uniform, polarization distribution beam in order to convert it into a beam having a radial or azimuthal distribution of polarization states about an axis of symmetry. An optical device compensates for the phase shift induced by the radial polarization converter and is capable of introducing a spatially uniform phase shift to compensate for the phase shift introduced by the.

Abstract: A thermally compensated optical device includes in an optical path an input linear polarizer for transmitting linearly polarized light from a received light beam at a design wavelength. A composite reciprocal rotator includes a first reciprocal material and at least a second reciprocal material provides a reciprocal rotation having a temperature coefficient for reciprocal rotation (tempcorr). At least one Faraday rotator provides a non-reciprocal rotation having a temperature coefficient for non-reciprocal rotation (tempconr). An output linear polarizer transmits forward light received after transmission by the Faraday rotator. At a design temperature, the tempcorr and tempconr have opposite signs and can have magnitudes that match within 50%.

Abstract: Stereoscopic eyewear with compound curvature may be employed to view three dimensional content. The manufacture of such eyewear may be achieved by thermoforming a first material and by thermoforming a second material. The first and second materials may be in roll stock form prior to thermoforming, and the first layer may be polarizer material, while the second layer may be retarder material. Each of the first and second materials may be thermoformed by employing optimized thermoforming conditions for each of the two materials. Additionally, the two thermoforming lines may be timed so that the curved shapes of the first material in roll stock form may be substantially synchronized with the curved shapes of the second material in roll stock form, which may allow the curved shapes of each of the first and second materials in roll stock form may be joined together.

Abstract: Curved lenses configured to decode three dimensional content and method of fabricating the same. The lenses comprise a polyvinylalcohol polarizer film laminated with triacetate on both sides, wherein the polarizer film has a polarizing efficiency equal to or exceeding 99% and a transmittance percentage equal to or exceeding 35% and a retarder film (e.g., norbornene copolymer resin) laminated on a front surface of the polyvinylalcohol polarizer film laminated with triacetate and aligned to produce a desired circular polarization responsive to specified retardation wavelengths.

Abstract: Three dimensional projection systems may be single projector or multiple projector systems. These 3D projection systems may include a one or more polarization conversion systems (PCS). Each PCS may be designed for relatively small throw ratios and thus, may be designed to accommodate the small throw ratios. Each PCS may include a polarizing beam splitter, a first optical stack, a reflector and a second quarter wave retarder. The first optical stack may include a rotator, a polarizer, a polarization switch and a first quarter wave retarder. Each PCS may receive light from a respective projector, and the PBS in each PCS may direct the light toward the first optical stacks. The light may be converted to a different polarization state as it passes through the first optical stack. The converted light may then be re-directed by a reflecting element to a second quarter wave retarder. The second quarter wave retarder may convert linearly polarized light to circularly polarized light.

Abstract: Disclosed are optical projection lenses for projecting three dimensional images. Exemplary lenses comprise a chassis, first and second sets of offset truncated optical elements and first and second polarizers respectively disposed in light paths of the first and second sets of optical elements. An optional hot mirror may be disposed between the polarizers and the sets of optical elements. Preferably, an aperture plate is disposed at an output end of the chassis. The aperture plate may comprise upper and lower adjustable masking strips that are adjustable up and down to allow masking of an image for a particular throw. The lenses comprise focus adjustment apparatus for adjusting the relative focus of the sets of optical elements, and convergence adjustment apparatus for adjusting the convergence of the sets of optical elements.

Abstract: To provide an optical film, which may be used as a ?/4 plate and may provide a display device which has specific optical characteristics, may be manufactured with high productivity and has an excellent 3D-display performance. To provide a 3D-display device having a physical properties having excellent antireflective property and light fastness with high productivity. An optical film having at least one optically anisotropic layer, wherein an in-plane retardation. Re at an arbitrary wavelength in a visible light region is 80 nm to 201 nm, an Nz value represented by the following equation is 0.1 to 0.9, and when the in-plane retardations at wavelengths of 450 nm, 550 nm and 650 nm are referred to as Re450, Re550 and Re650, respectively, Re450/Re550 is 1.18 or less and Re650/Re550 is 0.93 or more. Nx=0.

Abstract: Retarder film combinations generally include a retarder film connected to another optical component such that light transmitted by the retarder film can impinge on the optical component, the combination being configured to allow independent patterning of the retarder film and the optical component by selective birefringence reduction. The patterning can change a first light retardation to a third light retardation in a first zone without substantially changing optical characteristics of the optical component in the first zone. The optical component may be a second retarder film having a second light retardation, and the patterning may change the second light retardation to a fourth light retardation, without substantially changing the first light retardation, in a second zone. The optical component may also be a multilayer optical film, or a diffusely reflective optical film having a blended layer of first and second distinct phases.

Abstract: An optical beam shaper comprises a polarization-dependent phase adjustment member which applies a phase pattern of equal magnitude and opposite sign to two orthogonal polarization states. In a preferred embodiment the beamer shaper is a dif tractive element made of a birefringent material, such as a photo-polymerizable liquid crystal polymer frozen in a uniaxial alignment, said dif tractive element comprising a plurality of zones, each zone having a stepped thickness defining a plurality of steps. The beam shaper can be used to introduce astigmatism to a polarized light beam or to undo the astigmatism to a beam with an orthogonal polarization state. The beam shaper is advantageously used within a detection device, such as a fluorescence scanner.

Abstract: The embodiments of the present invention provide an integrated planar polarizing device and methods of fabrication. The device, in the order of incidence along an optical path of an incident light beam from back position to front position, comprises a planar array of micro mirrors, a quarter wave retarder film and a reflective polarization plate. The micro mirrors are regularly spaced-apart in an identical tilted angle ? relative to a base plane. The quarter wave retarder film is positioned between the micro mirrors and the reflective polarization plate.

Abstract: An optical projection device includes a laser engine, a first wave plate and a lens. The laser engine provides light. The first wave plate changes a light phase. The lens focuses light. A projecting method of an optical projection device includes providing a light including a first P polarized light, a first S polarized light, and a second S polarized light, and projecting light through a wave plate on a screen, wherein the wave plate moves in a direction perpendicular to light. A projecting method of an optical projection device includes providing light including a first P polarized light, a first S polarized light, and a second S polarized light, and projecting light through a wave plate on a screen, wherein the wave plate rotates around an axis parallel to a projecting direction of light.

Abstract: An optical probe for splitting a beam of light into multiple beams. The optical probe may comprise a first polarizing beam splitter having a first polarization axis, a second polarizing beam splitter having a second polarization axis orthogonal to the first polarization axis, a first half wave plate and a second half wave plate, and optionally a first birefringent phase plate, and a second birefringent phase plate. The first half wave plate may be located before first polarizing beam splitter, and the second half wave plate may be located after the first polarizing beam splitter, relative to the propagation of the light beam. The optical probe may further include a lens for collimating the four light beams. A profilometer includes the optical probe for splitting a beam of light into four light beams, and a scanner for traversing the optical probe over a surface of an element to be measured.

Abstract: A laminated optical film which exhibit a high front contrast ratio and even brightness, improve viewing angle characteristics of a liquid crystal display of a horizontal alignment mode, and have high durability. A laminated optical film comprising: a B layer; and a C layer, wherein the B layer satisfies the following three formulae (Ib) to (IIIb), the C layer satisfies the following two formulae (Ic) and (IIc), and the absolute value |?SP value| of a difference in SP value between the primary components of the B and C layers is not more than 1.5, the SP value being determined by Hoy's method. 1.0?Nz?3.

Abstract: An optical element includes a first and second stacked birefringent layers. The first birefringent layer includes local anisotropy patterns having respective relative orientations that vary over a first thickness between opposing faces of the first birefringent layer to define a first twist angle. The second birefringent layer includes local anisotropy patterns having respective relative orientations that vary over a second thickness between opposing faces of the second birefringent layer to define a second twist angle different than the first twist angle. Related devices and fabrication methods are also discussed.

Abstract: A half-wave plate includes a single crystal plate made of an inorganic material having a birefringent property and rotatory power, wherein a polarization plane of linearly polarized light entering from an entrance surface of the crystal plate is rotated and then output from an exit surface of the crystal plate.

Abstract: When a user operates a touch sensor panel having an LCD device outdoors or in a bright environment, light reflecting off the device can create glare. In order to reduce glare, a user can view the device through polarized filters such as polarized sunglasses. Doing so can reduce the visibility of the image displayed on the LCD. A quarter-wave retardation film can be added to the touch sensor panel's LCD device to mitigate these effects by producing circularly polarized light. However, adding a separate quarter-wave retardation film can increase the thickness and cost of manufacturing the touch sensor panel. Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a touch sensor panel constructed from a base film having quarter-wave retardation properties that can produce circularly polarized light. Because the base film has the desired optical properties, a separate quarter-wave retardation film may not be needed.

Abstract: There is provided an optically-compensatory sheet including, at least one optically anisotropic layer containing a discotic liquid crystalline compound on a transparent support, wherein the optically anisotropic layer contains a boronic acid compound represented by the following Formula (I): wherein, each of R1 and R2 independently represents a hydrogen atom, a substituted or unsubstituted aliphatic hydrocarbon group, an aryl group or a hetero cyclic group, and R1 and R2 may be linked to each other to form a ring, and R3 represents a substituted or unsubstituted, a substituted or unsubstituted aliphatic hydrocarbon group, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group or a substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclic group.

Abstract: In order to produce a beam with a zero intensity axial ray or to produce a beam that when focused will produce an image of a doughnut shaped pattern with a zero intensity central point, a beam with a uniform or Gaussian profile is directed to a plurality of transparent plates, arranged in pairs on opposite sides of the beam axis, such that for at least one pair, the plates have a composition and thickness different from each other, and chosen so that the transmitted light has a has a phase difference of half a wavelength for at least three different wavelengths. An additional plate with a center on the perpendicular of the line connecting the first two plates has a composition and thickness such that the light transmitted through that additional plate has a phase difference of a quarter wavelength with respect to the light transmitted through one of the plates of said first pair of plates, at least one wavelength.

Abstract: System and methods for a nanofabricated optical circular polarizer are provided. In one embodiment, a nanofabricated circular polarizer comprises a quarter wave plate; and a linear polarizer formed on a surface of the quarter wave plate.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a rolled web of optical film that has an optical orientation axis, which is less displaced from a predetermined angle throughout the entire area of the elongated rolled web, and can be easily produced according to the desired angle of the optical orientation axis, and a method of producing the rolled web of optical film. The rolled web of optical film includes an optical film layer having an optical orientation axis, and an adhesive film web including a release material layer and an adhesive material layer, the optical film layer being laid on the adhesive film web via the adhesive material layer and rolled up into a roll. The optical film layer is made up of plural optical film pieces that are arranged into a substantially elongated shape with end portions of the optical film pieces being adjacent to each other.

Abstract: A three dimensional display panel and a phase retardation film thereof are provided. The three dimensional display panel includes pixel units and a phase retardation film. Each pixel unit includes sub-pixel units corresponding to different color display areas. The phase retardation film includes a plurality of first phase regions and a plurality of second phase adjusting regions. The first phase regions and the second phase regions alternately arranged both in horizontal and vertical directions as a chessboard-like pattern for corresponding to the sub-pixel units, wherein a difference between a phase retardation of the first phase regions and a phase retardation of second phase regions is ½ wavelength (?).

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical film with an excellent counterfeit prevention effect. The optical film of the present invention includes: a pattern optically anisotropic layer in which at least a first phase difference region, a second phase difference region, and a third phase difference region are arranged to be in proximity with one another within the same plane, wherein the in-plane slow axis direction is different for the first phase difference region and the third phase difference region, and in the second phase difference region, the slow axis direction is parallel to, and an in-plane retardation is different from, either the first phase difference region or the third phase difference region.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for decorrelating coherent light from a light source, such as a pulsed laser, in both time and space in an effort to provide intense and uniform illumination are provided. The techniques and apparatus described herein may be incorporated into any application where intense, uniform illumination is desired, such as pulsed laser annealing, welding, ablating, and wafer stepper illuminating.

Abstract: A gas barrier multilayer body including a composite layer A which has a film (a) and an inorganic barrier layer (a), and a composite layer B which has an alicyclic olefin resin film (b) and an inorganic barrier layer (b), wherein a surface of the composite layer A and a surface of the composite layer B are faced and bonded to each other, a surface of the alicyclic olefin resin film (b) on a side facing to the composite layer A is an activation-treated surface, and the activation-treated surface of the alicyclic olefin resin film (b) is in contact with the composite layer A directly or via a metal alkoxide layer (b); and a circularly polarizing plate including the same.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to reduce the occurrence of the light leaks from the periphery of the display flame at the originally black display time in high-temperature environments. Disclosed is a polarizing plate comprising a polarizer, a protective film on a side of the polarizer and a retardation film on the other side of the polarizer; wherein the polarizer has an absorption axis at 45° from any one of the long and short sides of the polarizing plate, the retardation film has an in-plane slow axis parallel or orthogonal to the absorption axis of the polarizer, and a difference ???abs in a dimensional change between the polarizing plate and the retardation film in the absorption axis direction of the polarizer satisfies the formula: |???abs|?0.10%.

Abstract: An optical film is provided and has retardations satisfying relations (1) to (3): 0?Re(550)?10;??(1) ?25?Rth(550)?25; and??(2) |I|+|II|+|III|+|IV|>0.5 (nm),??(3) with definitions: I=Re(450)-Re(550); II=Re(650)-Re(550); III=Rth(450)-Rth(550); and IV=Rth(650)-Rth(550), wherein Re(450), Re(550) and Re(650) are in-plane retardations measured with lights of wavelength of 450, 550 and 650 nm, respectively; and Rth(450), Rth(550) and Rth(650) are retardations in a thickness direction of the optical film, which are measured with lights of wavelength of 450, 550 and 650 nm, respectively.

Abstract: A polymer film that has: a ratio R (VT/VM) of a sound velocity in a transverse direction VT to a sound velocity in a machine direction VM of from 1.05 to 1.50; and an in-plane retardation Re(?) and a thickness-direction retardation Rth(?) satisfying formula (I): (I) 0?Re(630)?10, and |Rth(630)|25, wherein Re(?) represents an in-plane retardation at a wavelength of ? (nm); and Rth(?) represents a thickness-direction retardation at a wavelength of ? (nm).