Abstract: A ridged reflector (10) for use in an optical display (12) comprises a polymeric layer (70) having a ridged surface (32) and an opposite surface (34) opposite the ridged surface (32). The ridged surface (32) includes a series of ridges (36). Each of said ridges (36) has a first face (42) and a second face (44) intersecting the first face (42). The first face (42) is oriented at a first angle (56) relative to a plane parallel to the opposite surface (34). A reflective metallic layer (68) overlies at least the first faces (42) of the polymeric layer (70). The first angle (56) is adapted to reflect and biasedly focus light obliquely intercepting the first face (56) into a radiation pattern about a normal axis (38) extending orthogonally from the opposite surface (34). The first face (42) may be curved to tailor a shape of the radiation pattern.

Abstract: A ridged reflector (10) permits operation of an optical display device (12) in ambient light, which may be supplemented by artificial back-lighting. The ridged reflector (10) for use in an optical display (12) includes a transparent polymeric layer (70) having a ridged surface (32). The ridged surface (32) includes a series of ridges (36). Each of the ridges (36) has a first face (42) and a second face (44) preferably intersecting the first face (42). A reflective layer (68) overlies the first face (42) of each of the ridges (36). The second face 44 (44) is generally light-transmissive and substantially free of a reflective layer (68). The ridged surface (32) has an opposite surface (34) opposite the ridged surface (32). The second face (44) of each of said ridges (36) allows optical communication with the opposite surface (34) for optional back-lighting of the optical display device.

Abstract: The display device includes an optical cell having a cell front with at least one cell region being capable of an optically transmissive mode and an optically nontransmissive mode with reference to the cell front. The optical cell contains an optically active material responsive to an applied electrical field such that optical properties of the material are controllably changeable. A reflector may be optically coupled to the cell. A prismatic film including a prismatic surface is optically coupled to the optical cell. The prismatic surface preferably comprises a series of prisms. The prisms have first faces and second faces intersecting the first faces. The first faces are oriented to refract light obliquely intercepting the first faces and the second faces are oriented to minimize refractive, reflective, and optical interactions of the light with the second faces.