High information content projection displays

Microdisplay technologies and the optical systems which provide projection displays are evaluated. Reflective microdisplay technology provides advantages over the more conventional transmissive and emissive technologies. These microdisplays are typically fabricated with the use of modifications of conventional silicon semiconductor processing and are capable of achieving high resolution and high optical efficiency. Among the microdisplays that were evaluated include large arrays of micromechanical diffractive elements, and liquid crystal electro-optic cells based on nematic, ferroelectric, or polymer dispersed liquid crystal materials.