Abstract: A reflectance-adjustable reflector including a phase modulation element and a first polarizer is provided. The phase modulation element includes a first substrate, a second substrate opposite to the first substrate, a phase modulation layer located between the first substrate and the second substrate, a first electrode layer located between the first substrate and the phase modulation layer, and a second electrode layer located between the second substrate and the phase modulation layer. Thicknesses of the first substrate and the second substrate are between 0.01 mm and 0.5 mm. The first polarizer is disposed on the first substrate. The first substrate is located between the first polarizer and the first electrode layer. A total thickness of the phase modulation element and the first polarizer is less than 1 mm. A reflectance-adjustable display device is also provided.

Abstract: A stereoscopic display system employs narrowband illumination light beams and passive glasses with built-in interference filters. The system is also compatible with multiple viewing functions.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a color image has at least a first, a second, and a third illumination source, each illumination source energizable to provide continuous illumination of a first, a second, or a third wavelength band, respectively, to an optical multiplexer. The optical multiplexer is actuable to cyclically switch received light from each one of the illumination sources, in turn, to each one of at least a first, a second, and a third projector channel in a repeated sequence. The first projector channel connects to a first projector apparatus, the second projector channel connects to a second projector apparatus, and the third projector channel connects to a third projector apparatus. Each projector apparatus has a light modulator that is energizable to form an image from the light of the first, second, or third wavelength band that is cyclically switched onto its projector channel from the optical multiplexer.

Abstract: Improved apparatus and method for collecting and directing light from a source via a light guide and modulated display assembly in an efficient manner through the design and use of prismatic optical structures, diffusers and/or light redirectors.

Abstract: An optically based transport system and method for transporting particles across a virtual electrode array are disclosed. The system comprises a photoconductor layer where optically induced electrodes are projected thereon through sequential light images in a traveling wave grid pattern in order to transport particles across the virtual electrode array with a traveling wave.

Abstract: Improved apparatus and method for collecting and directing light from a source via a light guide and modulated display assembly in an efficient manner through the design and use of prismatic optical structures, diffusers and/or light redirectors.

Abstract: An illuminating device includes a light guide plate, a light source disposed on a side face of the light guide plate, and a light modulation element disposed on a surface or on inside of the light guide plate and joined to the light guide plate. The light modulation element has a pair of transparent substrates disposed apart from each other and opposed to each other, a pair of electrodes provided on surfaces of the pair of transparent substrates, and a light modulation layer provided in a gap between the pair of transparent substrates. The light modulation layer includes a first region and a second region both having optical anisotropy and having response speeds to an electric field different from each other.

Abstract: An image projector having one or more broadband lasers designed to reduce the appearance of speckle in the projected image via wavelength diversification. In one embodiment, a broadband laser has an active optical element and a nonlinear optical element, both located inside a laser cavity. The broadband laser generates an output spectrum characterized by a spectral spread of about 10 nm and having a plurality of spectral lines corresponding to different spatial modes of the cavity. Different individual spectral lines effectively produce independent speckle configurations, which become intensity-superimposed in the projected image, thereby causing a corresponding speckle-contrast reduction.

Abstract: A display uses x illuminator systems to produce x primary colors and y overlap colors, which are combinations of primary colors, to illuminate a spatial light modulator in a display system. A first set of n duty cycles for the x primary colors over a frame is provided, wherein the display system can select any one of the duty cycles to produce a desired white point. A second set of n duty cycles of x+y colors over a frame corresponding to the first set of duty cycles is determined, where the second set of duty cycles are generated responsive to a specified desired allocation of the frame to the y overlap colors, such that each of the overlap colors can be displayed from a dark shade to a bright shade while maintaining a constant color point.

Abstract: A display has a screen which incorporates a light modulator. The screen may be a front projection screen or a rear-projection screen. The screen is illuminated with light from a light source comprising an array of controllable light-emitters. The controllable-emitters and elements of the light modulator may be controlled to adjust the intensity of light emanating from corresponding areas on the screen. The display may provide a high dynamic range.

Abstract: A projector includes a light source, a light modulator that modulates the light flux emitted from the light source in accordance with an image signal to form image light, a projection optical apparatus that enlarges and projects the image light, a reflection section having a reflection surface disposed along the direction in which the projection optical apparatus outputs the image light, the reflection surface reflecting the image light, and an adjustment section that adjusts the inclination angle of the reflection section with respect to the direction in which the image light travels.

Abstract: The present invention provides a projection apparatus, comprising: a light source; at least one spatial light modulator for modulating illumination light from the light source by a plurality of pixel elements by using different modulation states; a light source control unit performing a modulation control of the light source; and a spatial light modulator control unit generating, from an input image signal, a control signal for driving the spatial light modulator, wherein: the light source control unit has a function of receiving data corresponding to the control signal generated by the spatial light modulator control unit, controlling a parameter of an emission pulse of the illumination light emitted from the light source, and thereby adjusting an emission intensity of the illumination light.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a projection display system includes a spatial light modulator and a volume illumination hologram. The spatial light modulator comprises a digital micromirror device, and the projection system includes a laser light source to produce a sequence of collimated, colored, light beams for the illumination hologram. Waste light produced by the spatial light modulator is transmitted to the illumination hologram, and the illumination hologram emits waste light from at least one of its edges. Waste light emitted from an edge of the illumination hologram is absorbed by a light sensor to control the intensity of the light beams. A projection focusing element is mounted proximate a side of the illumination hologram to focus the image beam from the spatial light modulator for viewing. A projection hologram is interposed between the side of the illumination hologram and the projection focusing element to manage waste light.

Abstract: Prism elements having TIR surfaces placed in close proximity to the active area of a SLM device to separate unwanted off-state and/or flat-state light from the projection ON-light bundle. The TIR critical angle of these prisms is selected to affect either the off-state light or additionally, any portion of flat-state light reflected from the SLM. These TIR surfaces limit the contamination of light along the projection path, which tends to degrade the system contrast. To further improve the optical performance of the system, these TIR prisms can be attached directly to the SLM package, completely eliminating the package window.

Abstract: In a display device, first and second substrates parallel to each other are arranged between first and second polarizers that are parallel to each other. A liquid crystal layer is arranged between the first and second substrates, and a light emitting layer having a quantum dot structure is arranged on the first polarizer. Also, a light source that emits a blue light is arranged under the second polarizer. Thus, the display device may improve a light utilizing efficiency, thereby improving a display quality.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display includes the following steps. First, source/drain and a bottom electrode are formed over a color filter substrate with a color filter layer. The next step forms source/drain junction regions over the source/drain. A channel region is also formed between the source/drain in this step. A gate dielectric layer and a gate are formed over the channel region and the source/drain junction regions in this step as well. Moreover, a plurality of stack layers and an upper electrode are formed over the bottom electrode in this step, too. Then, a pixel electrode is formed to electrically connect one of the source/drain and the bottom electrode. Then, a passivation layer pattern is formed to cover the source/drain, the gate, the upper electrode and the bottom electrode by backside exposure. Finally, a plurality of steps are performed to finish the liquid crystal display.

Abstract: System and method for thin projection display systems. An embodiment comprises a light source, an array of light modulators optically coupled to the light source, a lensed mirror optically coupled to the array, and a controller electronically coupled to the array and to the light source. The array produces images on a display plane by modulating light from the light source based on image data and the controller provides light commands to the light source and load image data into the array. The lensed mirror reflects modulated light from the array onto the display plane, the lensed mirror comprising a refractive portion and a reflective portion. The refractive portion of the lensed mirror helps to increase the light bending capability to help reduce the overall thickness of a projection display system.

Abstract: An illuminator includes a light source that outputs light, a polarization separation device that separates the light outputted from the light source into polarization components of the first and second oscillation directions, the polarization components having mutually orthogonal polarizations, and a polarization conversion device that converts the polarization component of the second oscillation direction divided by the polarization separation device to the polarization component of the first oscillation direction. The polarization component of the first oscillation direction divided by the polarization separation device and the polarization component of the first oscillation direction converted by the polarization conversion device are incident on an incident surface of an illumination target from different directions from each other.

Abstract: An electro-optic modulator assembly includes a sensor layer made from an electro-optic modulator material that comprises liquid crystal droplets encapsulated within a polymer matrix. The sensor layer material comprises an interfacial agent, for example a defoaming agent, in an amount sufficient to lower an intrinsic operating voltage at which the sensor layer transmits light. The defoaming agent can comprise from about 1 to about 10 percent by weight of the electro-optic modulator material, and the defoaming agent may comprise a reactive component to react with the polymer matrix, for example at least one of a siloxane with a reactive end group, a reactive fluorinated polymer or a non-ionic block copolymer to react with the polymer matrix. The assembly can also include a hard coating layer to protect the sensor layer.

Abstract: Optical filter functionality is incorporated into a substrate of a display element thereby decreasing the need for a separate thin film filter and, accordingly, reducing a total thickness of a filtered display element. Filter functionality may be provided by any filter material, such as pigment materials, photoluminescent materials, and opaque material, for example. The filter material may be incorporated in the substrate at the time of creating the substrate or may be selectively diffused in the substrate through a process of masking the substrate, exposing the substrate to the filter material, and heating the substrate in order to diffuse the filter material in the substrate.

Abstract: A miniature projector module includes: a light source unit capable of emitting source light with first and second polarizations; a polarization beam splitter capable of reflecting the source light with the first polarization, and permitting transmission of the source light with the second polarization therethrough; a first image modulator capable of converting the source light with the first polarization reflected by the beam splitter into image light with the second polarization, and directing the image light with the second polarization toward the beam splitter for further transmission therethrough; a second image modulator capable of converting the source light with the second polarization transmitted through the beam splitter into image light with the first polarization, and directing the image light with the first polarization toward the beam splitter for further reflection thereby; and a projector lens for receiving and projecting the image light from the beam splitter.

Abstract: Prism elements having TIR surfaces placed in close proximity to the active area of a SLM device to separate unwanted off-state and/or flat-state light from the projection ON-light bundle. The TIR critical angle of these prisms is selected to affect either the off-state light or additionally, any portion of flat-state light reflected from the SLM. These TIR surfaces are placed to immediately reflect the unwanted light as it comes off the SLM, thereby preventing the contamination of light along the projection path, which tends to degrade the system contrast. To further improve the optical performance of the system, these TIR prisms can be attached directly to the SLM package, completely eliminating the package window. Also, these TIR prism can be coupled to DMDs having asymmetric mirrors, which tilt through a larger angle for the ON-light to provide high etendue and lumen output, but through near-zero degrees for the OFF-light, thereby improving the separation of any unwanted light from the off/flat states.

Abstract: A color wheel (35) has equally arranged RGB primary color filters, and intermediate color filters each arranged between adjacent primary color filters. A time division driver (39) drives a spatial light modulator (31) by supplying color signals corresponding to color of the lights from the color wheel (35) to the spatial light modulator (31). The time division driver (39) controls the spatial light modulator (31) in accordance with display control instructed by a control unit (14). Since the intermediate color filters are arranged between the adjacent primary color filters, a projector engine (13) projects mixed color lights during color mixture terms where the primary color and the intermediate color are mixed, thus improves the color reproduction performance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a projection display system includes a spatial light modulator and a volume illumination hologram. The spatial light modulator comprises a digital micromirror device, and the projection system includes a laser light source to produce a sequence of collimated, colored, light beams for the illumination hologram. Waste light produced by the spatial light modulator is transmitted to the illumination hologram, and the illumination hologram emits waste light from at least one of its edges. Waste light emitted from an edge of the illumination hologram is absorbed by a light sensor to control the intensity of the light beams. A projection focusing element is mounted proximate a side of the illumination hologram to focus the image beam from the spatial light modulator for viewing. A projection hologram is interposed between the side of the illumination hologram and the projection focusing element to manage waste light.

Abstract: An image display device includes a plurality of projection units, each of which having a light source section emitting one of basic-color lights, a spatial light modulation section modulating the basic-color light emitted from the light source section according to an image signal, and a projection system projecting an image based on the basic-color light modulated by the spatial light modulation section onto a screen. The projection units are arranged in an array, and the images, each of which is projected by each of the projection units, are combined on the screen to form a composite image.

Abstract: An optical system and method of increasing the contrast of a projected image. The optical system (1800) comprises a combination of aperture stops (1810, 1812) in at least one of the illumination and projection paths to filter scattered light and/or light prone to scatter into the projection aperture.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described employing a first lens array and a second lens array that are separated by one focal length that receives a plurality of colors signals from an X-prism and transmits to a condenser for overlapping lenslet images onto a display panel, such as a LCOS or LCD display panel. The first lens array includes a plurality of lenslets where each lenslet in the first lens array corresponds with each lenslet in a plurality of lenslets in the second lens array. The lenslets can be either refractive, defractive, or a combination of refractive and defractive.

Abstract: An image displaying apparatus is capable of maintaining the contrast ratios of displayed images even if the f-value of an optical system of the apparatus is lowered to provide bright images, efficiently utilizing a beam from a light source, minimizing the size and weight of the optical system, and being easy to manufacture. The image displaying apparatus includes first to third reflective polarizing plates (120, 121, 122) provided for first to third reflective spatial light modulators (130, 131, 132), respectively. The reflective polarizing plates polarize and separate beams to be injected into the reflective spatial light modulators. In the image displaying apparatus, a color separating optical system has a larger effective diameter than a color composition prism (140).

Abstract: A light path shift device is disclosed that is able to divide an effective region of a light path and drive the divided regions independently. The light path shift device includes a liquid crystal layer held between at least two opposite transparent substrates, the liquid crystal layer being homeotropically aligned and being able to form a chiral smectic C phase; and plural electrodes for applying an electric field in the liquid crystal layer in a horizontal direction. An effective region of the liquid crystal layer through which a light path passes is divided into plural sub-regions, plural light path shift elements with the electrodes formed thereon are stacked only at positions corresponding to the sub-regions, and are arranged so that boundary lines of the sub-regions are in agreement when being viewed along the direction of light propagation.

Abstract: Apparatus for illuminating an object comprising a first polarizing beamsplitter (2) which produces a first linearly polarized component (3) and an orthogonally polarized component (5). The two components (3, 5) are focused onto a liquid crystal device (7) having an array of electronically controllable pixel elements each of which is bistable in that it is electronically controllable to occupy either a first state in which the plane of polarization of the light incident on the pixel is rotated by up to 90° or a second state in which the plane of polarization is not changed. The two light beams from the device (7) are incident on a second polarizing beamsplitter (13) which recombines the incident beams into two composite beams one of which represents light rotated by the “on” pixels of the device (7), and this combined beam is refocused onto the object.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a three-dimensional (3D) hologram display system. The 3D hologram display system includes a projector device for projecting an image upon a display medium to form a 3D hologram. The 3D hologram is formed such that a viewer can view the holographic image from multiple angles up to 360 degrees. Multiple display media are described, namely a spinning diffusive screen, a circular diffuser screen, and an aerogel. The spinning diffusive screen utilizes spatial light modulators to control the image such that the 3D image is displayed on the rotating screen in a time-multiplexing manner. The circular diffuser screen includes multiple, simultaneously-operated projectors to project the image onto the circular diffuser screen from a plurality of locations, thereby forming the 3D image. The aerogel can use the projection device described as applicable to either the spinning diffusive screen or the circular diffuser screen.

Abstract: Provided are a method and system for determining states of spatial light modulator (SLM) pixels in a lithography system configured to print a desired pattern. The method includes determining diffraction orders associated with an ideal mask of a pattern to be printed by the lithography system, and then configuring the states of the SLM pixels to match all the diffraction orders that are relevant in the image formation.

Abstract: An optical device has an electrically insulating first barrier layer disposed over a first electrode layer, a photoconductive layer disposed over the first barrier layer, and a carrier confining layer disposed over the photoconducting layer. The carrier confining layer defines a volume throughout which a plurality of carrier traps are dispersed. Further, an electrically insulating second barrier layer is disposed over the carrier confining layer, a light blocking layer is disposed over the second barrier layer for blocking light of a selected wavelength band. A reflective layer is disposed over the light blocking layer for reflecting light within the selected wavelength band, a birefringent or dispersive layer is disposed over the reflective layer, and an optically transmissive second electrode layer is disposed over the birefringent or dispersive layer. A method is also disclosed, as are additional layers intervening between those detailed above.

Abstract: A Fresnel lens of the prior art is split into two Fresnel lenses to allow easier control of the horizontal and vertical viewing angles. In a second embodiment, the Fresnel lens is entirely eliminated. Instead, the diffuser contains elliptical microstructures so that the diffusing cones in orthogonal directions are different, eliminating the need for a Fresnel lens to perform this function. To compensate for the absence of the light collimation provided by the Fresnel lens, a diffuser with spatially varying diffusing angles is used.

Abstract: A screen includes a lens array having a plurality of spherical lens elements. A first length of the spherical lens elements, along a first direction at substantially a center of each of respective spherical lens elements, and a second length of the spherical lens elements, along a second direction at substantially the center of each of the respective lens elements and substantially orthogonal to the first direction, are set such that the second length is larger than the first length. A curvature center position of any one of the plurality of spherical lens elements is arranged to be at substantially a half of the first length along the first direction, with respect to a curvature center position of another spherical lens element adjacent to the lens element in the second direction.

Abstract: A light control device includes a substrate, a first reflective layer, a light modulating film in which the refractive index varies according to an applied electric field, a transparent electrode, and a second reflective layer having a reflection characteristic such that the reflection band and transmission band exhibit a steep switching pattern at a specified wavelength. The device is configured such that the specified wavelength and the resonant wavelength of a Fabry-Perot resonator defined by the first reflective layer, the light modulating film, the transparent electrode, and the second reflective layer are substantially the same. The reflection-type light control device has improved light utilization efficiency.

Abstract: Prism elements having TIR surfaces placed in close proximity to the active area of a SLM device to separate unwanted off-state and/or flat-state light from the projection ON-light bundle. The TIR critical angle of these prisms is selected to affect either the off-state light or additionally, any portion of flat-state light reflected from the SLM. To further improve the optical performance of the system, these TIR prisms can be attached directly to the SLM package, completely eliminating the package window.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention provide a screen or the like that enables a bright, homogeneous projection image to be observed in a wide range across an area where viewers are present. A screen having a micro-lens array formed of a plurality of micro-lens elements each having a first surface having a curvature and a second surface of an almost planar shape through which incident light that comes incident on the first surface can be transmitted.

Abstract: A reflective type liquid crystal optically addressed spatial light modulator has a first transparent substrate (1b), a first transparent electrode (2b) formed on the first transparent substrate (1b) and a photosensitive layer (3) formed on the first transparent electrode, formed from materials including hydrogenated amorphous silicon carbide (a-Si:C:H). A read-out light-blocking layer (4) is formed on top of the photosensor layer (3) and is formed from amorphous hydrogenated carbon (a-C:H). The high reflectance dielectric multilayer mirror (5) is formed on top of the light-blocking layer (4) and can be made of alternating the a-Si:C:H layers with a higher refractive index and the a-C:H layers with lower reflective index. The modulator also has a second transparent substrate (1a), a second transparent electrode (2a) formed on the second transparent substrate (1a), and a liquid crystal layer (8) disposed between the dielectric mirror (5) and the second transparent electrode (2a).

Abstract: A color projection display device may include SLMs or other panels. One embodiment includes a device for displaying a color image including first and second sequences of temporally-integrateable primary color image components, the device also includes first (209) ans second (206) SLM panels (604, 606), first and second driving circuitry, and first through fourth polarizing beam splitters.

Abstract: A projection system projects a pixelized color images onto a display surface. The projection system includes a light source, an interferometric modulator, and a reflective light modulator. The interferometric modulator is configured to modulate the wavelength of light and reflect modulated light toward the display surface. The reflective light modulator is disposed to receive light from the light source and selectively reflect the light toward the interferometric modulator and the display surface.

Abstract: A variably controlled LCD backlight is disclosed. The backlight includes a first light source that emits light within a first spectral power distribution and has a first radiant power output. A second light source emits light within a second spectral power distribution and has a second radiant power output. A detector detects the first and second radiant power outputs. A processor is connected to the detector and calculates chromaticity and luminance values of the emitted light based on the first and second radiant power outputs. The processor compares the calculated chromaticity and luminance values with desired chromaticity and luminance values, respectively. A controller is operationally connected to the processor and adjusts one or more of the first radiant power output and the second radiant power output in response to a difference between the calculated chromaticity and luminance values and the desired chromaticity and luminance values.

Abstract: A color projection display device may include SLMs or other panels. One embodiment includes a device for displaying a color image including first and second sequences of temporally-integrateable primary color image components, the device also includes first (209) and second (206) SLM panels (604, 606), first and second driving circuitry, and first through fourth polarizing beam spitters.

Abstract: The invention provides an optical switching element and a device, an optically addressed type display medium and a display each including such an optical switching element. The optical switching element comprising an optical switching layer including lower and upper charge generating layers and a charge transporting layer sandwiched therebetween, wherein the optical switching element has at least one of the following characteristics. (1) In the charge transporting layer, a charge transporting material to binder polymer ratio calculated according to the formula: [charge transporting material/(charge transporting material+binder polymer)]×100 (% by weight) is 50% by weight or more; (2) a polymer compound is used as the charge transporting material; and (3) the charge generating layer on the light incident side (the lower charge generating layer) has a lower light absorptance than that of the other charge generating layer (the upper charge generating layer).

Abstract: A substrate for reflection type liquid crystal display elements is provided, which has a multilayer dielectric film (reflective mirror) which can have fewer layers than according to the conventional art and can thus be formed in a shorter time, and which can stably obtain an optical characteristic of a desired flatness across the visible region, and moreover can prevent the occurrence of coloring due to reflection. The reflective mirror is formed on top of a transparent substrate, and is comprised of a predetermined number of high-refractive-index first transparent films and low-refractive-index second transparent films laminated alternately on the transparent substrate. Either or both of the first transparent films and the second transparent films are arranged such that the film thickness thereof increases progressively or decreases progressively with distance from the transparent substrate.

Abstract: A reflective type liquid crystal optically addressed spatial light modulator has a first transparent substrate (1b), a first transparent electrode (2b) formed on the first transparent substrate (1b), and a photosensitive layer (3) formed on the first transparent electrode, formed from materials including hydrogenated amorphous silicon carbide (a-Si:C:H). A read-out light-blocking layer (4) is formed on top of the photosensor layer (3) and is formed from amorphous hydrogenated carbon (a-C:H). The high reflectance dielectric multilayer mirror (5) is formed on top of the light-blocking layer (4) and can be made of alternating the a-Si:C:H layers with a higher refractive index and the a-C:H layers with lower reflective index. The modulator also has a second transparent substrate (1a), a second transparent electrode (2a) formed on the second transparent substrate (1a), and a liquid crystal layer (8) disposed between the dielectric mirror (5) and the second transparent electrode (2a).

Abstract: A storage capacitance Cs0 (=Cs+Csadd) added to a pixel capacitance is set such that a transmittance T1 at a voltage V1 of a pixel electrode becomes substantially equal to a transmittance T2 at a voltage V2 of the pixel electrode when a holding period is terminated. In the case of a normally black type liquid crystal display device, for example, when it is assumed that a white data voltage is VdW, a liquid crystal capacitance in white display is ClcW, and a liquid crystal capacitance in black display is ClcB, a capacitance value of the storage capacitance Cs0 is set such that difference between the transmittance obtained at the pixel voltage, that is changed by an amount of variation &Dgr;Vs of a pixel voltage expressed by &Dgr;Vs=VdW((ClcW−ClcB)/(ClcW+Cs0)), and the transmittance obtained at the white data voltage VdW can be reduced smaller than 13% of the transmittance obtained at the white data voltage VdW.

Abstract: The display device includes a spatial modulator having a plurality of pixels and a periodical structural body having condenser elements corresponding to the pixels of the spatial modulator. Each of the pixels of the spatial modulator includes a plurality of color dots arranged in a first direction. A length of a peripheral region of the respective pixel encircling the plurality of color dots, measured in the first direction, is longer than a length of the condenser element of the periodical structural body, measured in the first direction. In addition, combinations of the pixels in the square, delta or mosaic arrangement with the condenser elements in the square, delta or mosaic arrangement are disclosed.

Abstract: A reflective type liquid crystal optically addressed spatial light modulator has a first transparent substrate (1b), a first transparent electrode (2b) formed on the first transparent substrate (1b) and a photosensitive layer (3) formed on the first transparent electrode, formed from materials including hydrogenated amorphous silicon carbide (a-Si:C:H). A read-out light-blocking layer (4) is formed on top of the photosensor layer (3) and is formed from amorphous hydrogenated carbon (a-C:H). The high reflectance dielectric multilayer mirror (5) is formed on top of the light-blocking layer (4) and can be made of alternating the a-Si:C:H layers with a higher refractive index and the a-C:H layers with lower reflective index. The modulator also has a second transparent substrate (1a), a second transparent electrode (2a) formed on the second transparent substrate (1a), and a liquid crystal layer (8) disposed between the dielectric mirror (5) and the second transparent electrode (2a).

Abstract: The present invention relates, in one aspect to an image replication system comprising a light guide (2), a light source (8) arranged to direct emitted light into the first end (2a) of a light guide (2), a reflective spatial light modulator (6) and focussing means (16). In a preferred embodiment, the light guide (2) is in the form of an elongate glass rod having first and second parallel polygonal end faces (2a, 2b) which are parallel to the long axis of the rod, the rod having a uniform polygonal cross section along its length. The spatial light modulator (6) is optically coupled to the second end face (2b) of the light guide (2) and the focussing means (16) is arranged to receive light reflected back through the rod from the spatial light modulator (6), whereby to form multiple images of said spatial light modulator in an image plane (18).