Linearly polarized light converter

A linearly polarized light converter using a polarization recycling mechanism for separating a first linearly polarized wave of an unpolarized wave that includes the first linearly polarized wave and a second linearly polarized wave orthogonal with the first linearly polarized wave, and that is produced by a light source, said linearly polarized light converter comprising:

• a polarized beam splitter disposed on a first side of the light source for receiving the unpolarized wave, transmitting the first linearly polarized wave therethrough, and reflecting the second linearly polarized wave;
• and
• a metallic reflector disposed on a second side of the light source that is opposite to the first side, wherein said metallic reflector includes a metal layer and a plurality of metal particles distributed over said metal layer to cooperatively define a rough surface, said rough surface converting the reflected second linearly polarized wave into an elliptical polarized wave and reflecting the elliptical polarized wave therefrom.