Abstract: A display (8) comprises a display panel (9), a polariser (10), a polarisation rotator (13), and a scatterer (12) arranged to scatter light having a first polarisation as compared with light having a second polarisation. The display (8) can be switched between 2D and 3D modes by operating the polarisation rotator (13) accordingly. In 3D mode, the polarisation rotator (13) transmits light with relatively little or no change to its polarisation. Light transmitted by the scatterer (12) is then used to present a three-dimensional image (50). In 2D mode, the polarisation rotator (13) alters the polarisation of the light and light that is scattered by the scatterer (12) is used to present a two-dimensional image (51). The polarisation rotator (13) maybe arranged so that light incident on a first area thereof undergoes a different change in polarisation to light incident on a second area, in order to allow simultaneous presentation of 2D and 3D images (51, 50).

Abstract: An autostereoscopic display device (1), includes a display panel (10), a lenticular sheet (15) and an electrically controllable diffuser (80). The electrically controllable diffuser (80) includes an optical medium (94), e.g. polyethyleneterephthalate (PET), with a structured surface (98) against an electro-optic medium (95), e.g. a small droplet polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) layer. The electro-optic material (95) refractive index is varied with an applied electric field (or zero field) and is switchable between at least (i) a value (n2) substantially matching that of the optical medium (94), which provides a substantially non-diffusing mode, hence 3D operation of the display device, and (ii) a value (n1) different to that of the optical medium (94) hence causing refraction at the structured surface (98), the structured surface (98) providing different refraction angles (?0) so as to provide an overall diffusing effect, hence 2D operation. The diffuser (80) may be provided as a stand-alone item.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an image projection system (1). The system (1) comprises an illumination system (3) with a light source (5) for supplying an illumination beam. The system (1) also comprises a modulation system (11) with at least one reflecting image display panel (13, 15, 17) for modulating this light beam in conformity with image information to be projected, and a projection lens system (12) for projecting this image information. A color-separating system (19) is arranged between the modulation system (11) and the illumination system (3), and a polarizing beam splitter (9) is arranged between the color-separating system (19) and the illumination system. The reflective display panel is a liquid crystalline display panel of the diffusing type, and a &lgr;/4 plate (35, 37, 39) is arranged between the reflective portions of the pixels of the display panel and the polarizing beam splitter.

Abstract: Transflective display device having a transflector (10) which is switchable between a transparent state and a mirror-like state. Preferably, a metal hydride optical switch is used as the transflector.

Abstract: A transflective liquid-crystal display device comprising a display cell (1) and a reflective polarizer (9), which preferably incorporates a cholesteric mirror (12) which practically completely reflects incident radiation (light) (14) of a specific polarization (left-hand or right-hand) originating from the display cell (reflective effect) and which passes a substantial degree of radiation (15) of the same polarization originating from (a light source (10) on) the other side (transmissive effect).

Abstract: Transflective display device provided with a waveguide which separates light entering from the side or from above into two mutually perpendicular directions of polarization. Polarization separation is obtained at the interface between materials of the waveguide having the same refractive index for one polarization direction and different refractive indices for the other polarization direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reflective flat-panel color display device (1) having a diffusing display panel (3). The display panel (3) comprises a diffusing liquid crystalline material (5) present between a first and a second substrate (7, 9). A color filter pattern (15) which corresponds to the pixel pattern of the display panel (3) is present between the liquid crystalline material (5) and the second substrate (9). A diffusing reflector is present at the side of the color filter pattern (15) remote from the liquid crystalline material (5). In another embodiment, a reflector (17), which has a diffusing or non-diffusing effect, is present outside the display panel (3) and a forward diffuser (33) is arranged between this reflector (17) and the display panel (3).

Abstract: The invention relates to a reflective flat-panel display device (1) comprising a display panel (3) which is suitable for modulating an illumination beam with image information. The display panel (3) comprises a diffusing liquid crystalline material (5) and a first and a second substrate (7, 9) enclosing the liquid crystalline material (5) and reflecting means which reflect light incident at an angle which is larger than a given angle of incidence .theta..sub.c. The device further includes an absorbing element (10) which absorbs light passed by the reflecting means.

Abstract: An electron-beam-pumped laser includes a cathode ray tube containing a laser crystal, an electron gun for producing an electron beam including a multi-element focusing electrode layer on an inner surface of the tube for effecting focusing of the beam on the laser crystal, and a multi-element deflection electrode layer on an inner surface of the tube for effecting scanning of the beam across the laser crystal. The laser crystal is disposed on a metal heat-conductive support which is adapted for accurately positioning the laser crystal in closely spaced relationship with respect to the electron gun and to a laser light emitting window of the tube.

Abstract: An electron-optical device comprising a cathode ray tube with an envelope comprising an electron gun for producing an electron beam, whose inner surface carries a multi-element layer electrode such as a helical structure formed from a high-ohmic resistance material, which structure constitutes a focusing lens. A deflection system is used for moving the focused electron beam across a laser crystal arranged in the tube. Due to the laser action of the crystal, a scanning laser is realized. The laser light leaves a window in the tube envelope. The window extends at an angle between 20.degree. and 60.degree. to the longitudinal axis of the tube which is parallel to the electron beam incident on the laser crystal. Used in, inter alia, projection tubes and electron beam-pumped lasers (for example, scanning lasers).

Abstract: An electron-optical display device includes a cathode ray tube having a cylindrical neck of very small external diameter, such as .ltoreq.15 mm, the inner surface of the neck having thereon a helical multi-element layer electrode formed of a high ohmic resistance material, which electrode constitutes a focusing lens. In combination with a deflection system of correspondingly small diameter and operating at high scanning frequencies, this makes it possible to use a very small scanning spot of high luminance and without requiring excessive deflection energy. The device may be used as a television image projection tube or as an electron beam pumped scanning laser.