Abstract: A flat panel color display is provided in which white collimated light incident on a light coupling means having a metal layer and a liquid crystal layer formed on a surface of the coupling means produces a colored spot of light at the interface of the metal layer and liquid crystal layer through the excitation of surface plasmons. The present invention utilizes the color selective scattering of incident white light by surface plasmons and includes a coupling device, such as a high index glass prism, with a metal film layer and a liquid crystal layer formed on the coupling device. Surface plasmon waves can be generated at a negative dielectric (metal layer)-positive dielectric (liquid crystal layer) interface when the dispersion relationship is satisfied. The incident white light includes photons which have frequencies approximately equal to the plasmon resonance, and such photons are strongly scattered. Photons having a frequency other than the plasmon resonance will be totally reflected.