Abstract: A high contrast display is provided by illuminating a polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) display panel through opposite edges thereof. Light is scattered out the front of the panel from non-activated areas of the PDLC in which the refractive indices of the liquid crystal and polymer matrix materials are mismatched. For a direct view transmission mode display, the rear of the panel is blackened so that activated areas of the PDLC in which the refractive indices of the materials are matched transmit edge-illuminated and ambient light and appear black. For a reflection mode display usable in combination with projection optics, the rear of the panel is provided with a mirror surface, and ambient light is prevented from reaching the panel.