Abstract: A flat display panel (53) including a sandwich of thin film layers (52) with indices of refraction that increase the luminance and contrast of the display is disclosed. The sandwich of thin film layers (52), progressing backward from the front major surface of the sandwich, includes a front electrode layer (56), a front dielectric layer (58), a phosphor layer (60), a back dielectric layer (62), and a back electrode layer (64). The index of refraction of the front dielectric layer (58) is greater than or equal to the index of refraction of the phosphor layer (60), such that nearly all light rays projecting forward from the phosphor layer (60) pass into the front dielectric layer (58). The front electrode layer (56) can comprise relatively wide transparent strips, separated by small distances, or the front electrode layer (104) can comprise narrow strips (106) that are opaque and highly conductive.