Solid-state displacement element, optical element, and interference filter

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a solid-state displacement element in which displacement (expansion and contraction) can be caused by a very simple method or construction, an optical element using such a solid-state displacement element, and an interference filter provided with a solid-state displacement thin film in which displacement (expansion and contraction) can be caused by a very simple method or construction.
In accordance with the present invention, a solid-state displacement element includes an inorganic layered compound having a layered structure and an organic substance inserted between layers of the inorganic layered compound.
When controlling light is irradiated, the solid-state displacement element expands or contracts in the lamination direction of the inorganic layered compound.
In accordance with the present invention, an optical element includes an inorganic layered compound having a layered structure and an organic substance inserted between layers of the inorganic layered compound.
When controlling light is applied to the optical element, the optical element expands or contracts in the lamination direction of the inorganic layered compound, thus modulating the polarization of transmitted light passing through the optical element.
Preferably, the transmitted light passing through the optical element enters substantially in the lamination direction of the inorganic layered compound constituting the optical element, and is linearly polarized.
In accordance with the present invention, an interference filter includes a multilayered film composed of a dielectric material and a solid-state displacement thin film disposed between layers of the multilayered film.
The interference filter transmits or reflects light in a predetermined wavelength region.
The solid-state displacement thin film includes an inorganic layered compound having a layered structure and an organic substance inserted between layers of the inorganic layered compound