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Abstract

A color display that includes an array of pixels having a top side and an opposite bottom side. Each pixel includes a material having a first optical state exhibiting birefringence and a second optical state different from the first optical state. Each pixel also includes an element capable of driving the pixel to a selected one of the first optical state or the second optical state. A first selected group of pixels of the array has a first pair of axes of optical birefringence when each pixel of the first selected group is in the first optical state and at least a second selected group of pixels of the array has a second pair of axes of optical birefringence, different from the first pair of axes of optical birefringence, when each pixel of the second selected group is in the first optical state. A reflective layer is disposed adjacent the bottom side and a polarizing layer, having a predetermined polarity orientation, is disposed adjacent the top side. The first pair of axes of optical birefringence are oriented relative to the polarity orientation so that when a first selected pixel of the first selected group of pixels is in the first optical state, light entering the first selected pixel through the polarizing layer, reflecting from the reflective layer and exiting the first selected pixel through the polarizing layer appears as a first color. Also, when the first selected pixel is in the second optical state, light exiting the first selected pixel through the polarizing layer does not appear as the first color. The second pair of axes of optical birefringence are oriented relative to the polarity orientation so that when a second selected pixel of the second selected group of pixels is in the first optical state, light entering the second selected pixel through the polarizing layer, reflecting from the reflective layer and exiting the second selected pixel through the polarizing layer appears as a second color, different from the first color. Similarly, when the second selected pixel is in the second optical state, light exiting the second selected pixel through the polarizing layer does not appear as the second color.

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