Multi-mode display

Abstract

Multi-mode displays are described. In particular, multi-mode displays having an emissive display element, a partial reflector disposed on the emissive display element, a spatial light modulator disposed on the partial reflector, and an absorbing polarizer disposed on the spatial light modulator are described. Multi-mode displays having at least reflective display modes and emissive display modes are described. The display is configured such that switching between these modes happens quickly or even automatically.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A multi-mode display, comprising:
 a backlight including a first liquid crystal module and at least one absorbing polarizer;   a partial reflector, disposed on the backlight;   a second liquid crystal module disposed on the partial reflector; and   an absorbing polarizer disposed on the second liquid crystal module.   
     
     
         2 . A multi-mode display, comprising:
 an emissive display;   a reflective display including a reflector, the emissive display backlighting the reflective display;   wherein the reflector of the reflective display is partially transmissive.   
     
     
         3 . The multi-mode display of  claim 2 , wherein the reflector of the reflective display transmits at least 10% of light of all polarizations at normal incidence. 
     
     
         4 . The multi-mode display of  claim 2 , wherein the reflective display includes an electrowetting display. 
     
     
         5 . The multi-mode display of  claim 2 , wherein the reflective display includes a liquid crystal display. 
     
     
         6 . The multi-mode display of  claim 2 , wherein the reflective display includes an electrophoretic display. 
     
     
         7 . The multi-mode display of  claim 2 , wherein the reflective display includes an electrochromic display.