Abstract: An optical filter includes an array of light-transmissive beads in a matrix of opaque binder that surrounds one portion of the beads to provide light entrances and exit apertures for incident light to pass substantially only through the beads. A polarizing layer is disposed between the apertures and the viewing surface of the filter for improved rejection of ambient light. The polarizing layer transmits linearly polarized image light aligned with the polarization axis while attenuating randomly or orthogonally polarized ambient light, resulting in improved image contrast.

Abstract: An optical filter includes an array of light-transmissive beads in a matrix of light absorbing binder that surrounds one portion of the beads to provide light entrances and exit apertures for incident light to pass substantially only through the beads. A transparent layer under the light absorbing layer may serve to increase the diameter of the exit apertures. A structure or layer of light-dispersing material that exhibits anisotropic dispersion of incident light along orthogonal axes is disposed relative to the beads to disperse light within a wider output angle along one of the orthogonal axes than along another of the orthogonal axes.