Abstract: An optical module includes a polarized-light separation device configured to separate first and second polarized components of incident light, a light valve configured to receive at least the first polarized component, and output at least a portion of the received light to the polarized-light separation device. The optical module further includes an imaging device disposed at a position that is at least substantially optically conjugated with the light valve, and as optical member positioned and configured to remove at least a portion of the second polarized component of the incident light before reaching the image pickup device.