Abstract: A direct view display device comprises a pair of conductive electrodes in spaced relationship and a recording medium having the properties of being both photo-ionizable and capable of electro-chemically producing colored species occupies the space between the electrodes. The display device is exposed to an optical pattern of radiation to which the recording material is sensitive to produce a latent image, and a potential is applied between the electrodes to produce a very dense image corresponding to the optical pattern. The image can be erased by reversing the potential between the electrodes so that the expose and enhance process can be repeated.