| CPC G02B 6/2726 (2013.01) | 12 Claims | 

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               1. A liquid crystal optical element comprising: 
            an optical waveguide comprising a first main surface and a second main surface opposed to the first main surface; 
                an alignment film disposed on the second main surface; 
                a liquid crystal layer which overlaps the alignment film, which comprises cholesteric liquid crystals, and which reflects at least part of light incident through the optical waveguide toward the optical waveguide; and 
                a transparent first protective layer which overlaps the liquid crystal layer, and which is formed of a water-soluble polymer or a fluorine-based resin. 
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