Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical modulating display device (200) such as a liquid crystal displaying device provided with a front-light type planar illuminating device. The above front-light type planar illuminating device allows illuminating light to propagate inside a substrate (1), and is provided with a low refraction layer (3) being lower in refractive index than the substrate (1) and being in close contact with the inner surface of the substrate (1), and with reflection structure (11) on the outer surface of the substrate (1). The optical modulating display device (200) provided with the above front-light type planar illuminating device can ensure a sufficient amount of guide light propagating inside the substrate (1) and reduce non-uniformity in display illumination. And a display apparatus mounting the above optical modulating display device (200) thereon can be reduced in thickness and weight and provide a high quality display.

Abstract: A small light source unit of simple structure that emits light forward with high efficiency is well-suited as a backlight in a liquid crystal display device. The light director in this unit has reflective internal faces adjacent opposite peripheral regions of the entrance face and two refractive index interfaces in it. The reflective internal faces and the refractive index interfaces are oriented on inclined planes. The refractive index of a middle region between the two interfaces is the smallest among those of the three regions making up the light director.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a liquid crystal display-device with a high degree of light utilization efficiency (a high numerical aperture), and for which a rapid response is possible at high contrast. A liquid crystal display device incorporating at least one compound with optical activity for which the value of the spontaneous polarization is positive, and at least one compound with optical activity for which the value of the spontaneous polarization is negative, and for which the overall spontaneous polarization may be either positive or negative, is prepared, and is then held between substrates which incorporate electrodes.

Abstract: A small light source unit of simple structure that emits light forward with high efficiency is well-suited as a backlight in a liquid crystal display device. The light director in this unit has reflective internal faces adjacent opposite peripheral regions of the entrance face and two refractive index interfaces in it. The reflective internal faces and the refractive index interfaces are oriented on inclined planes. The refractive index of a middle region between the two interfaces is the smallest among those of the three regions making up the light director.