High-speed polarizing device and high-speed birefringence measuring apparatus and stereoscopic image display apparatus utilizing the polarizing device

A polarizing device for continuously generating light rays in different states of polarization, comprising:

• a plurality of polarized light radiating units for radiating polarized light rays each of which is polarized in a particular direction;
• a rotary reflector for receiving light rays emitted by the plurality of polarized light radiating units while being rotated and for outputting reflected light in a certain direction;
• and
• an analyzer disposed midway an optical path of the reflected light from the rotary reflector to set a polarization direction of the reflected light in a certain direction, wherein:
• each of the polarized light radiating units includes a light source, a polarizer for setting a polarization direction of light from the light source, and a first compensator for compensating for a change in a state of polarization attributable to the rotary reflector;
• and
• the plurality of polarized light radiating units are disposed in a radial arrangement that is centered at the rotary reflector.