Optical module and projector

An optical module comprising:

• a first light source configured to output first light having a first wavelength band;
• a first light guide having a first light incident end on which the first light output from the first light source is incident and a first light exiting end via which the first light exits, and configured to homogenize in-plane illuminance of the first light;
• a first parallelizing element configured to parallelize the first light output from the first light guide;
• and
• a first light modulator configured to modulate the first light output from the first parallelizing element based on image information,
• wherein the first light modulator includes
• a first polarization converter configured to change a polarization state of the first light output from the first parallelizing element, and
• a first polarization separator configured to transmit at least part of a first polarized component of the first light passing through the first polarization converter and reflect another part of the first light, and
• the first polarization converter is configured to change a polarization state of the other part of the first light reflected off the first polarization separator.