Abstract: A liquid crystal module comprising a liquid crystal layer containing a plurality of pixels therein, a waveguide layer, and a reflective layer provided between the liquid crystal layer and the waveguide layer, the reflective layer includes a plurality of reflective areas and a plurality of apertures to permit light to pass therethrough. The waveguide layer can include a transparent material having first and second surfaces and a plurality of spaced-apart waveguide structures defining apertures therebetween disposed within the transparent material. The waveguide structures can be configured to guide light, entering the first surface of the transparent material, through the film and permit such light to exit the second surface of the transparent material.

Abstract: A device having transmissive and reflective properties comprising: a transparent material having a first surface and an opposed, second surface wherein the transparent material permits light arriving from a first direction to enter the first surface, transmit through the transparent material, and exit the second surface; and means for reflecting light arriving from a second direction wherein the second direction being opposite the first direction, wherein the sum of the percentage of light being transmitted relative to the amount of light coming from the first direction and the percentage of light being reflected relative to the amount of light coming from the second direction, is greater than 100 percent.