Switchable color filter with enhanced transmissivity

A highly transmissive switchable color filter that receives light having color components within first, second, and third color bands, comprising:

• polarizing means for polarizing light within the first, second, and third color bands;
• a first light modulating section including a first light modulator and first and second color selective light-reflecting elements, the first light modulator being positioned between the polarizing means and the first and second light-reflecting elements and being operable to change the polarization state of light passing through it, the first light-reflecting element reflecting light within a first color band and in a first polarization state and the second light-reflecting element reflecting light within a second color band and in a second polarization state;
• a second light modulating section positioned adjacent the first light modulating section and including a second light modulator and third and fourth color selective light-reflecting elements, the second light modulator being positioned between the second and third light-reflecting elements and being operable to change the polarization state of light passing through it, the third light-reflecting element reflecting light within a third color band and in the first polarization state and the fourth light-reflecting element reflecting light within one of the first, second, and third color bands and in the second polarization state;
• and
• switching means in communication with the first and second light modulators for selectively providing first, second, and third switching states, the first switching state causing light within the first color band to exit the color filter and blocking substantially all of the light in the second and third color bands from exiting the color filter, the second switching state causing light within the second color band to exit the color filter and blocking substantially all of the light within the first and third color bands from exiting the color filter, and the third switching state causing light within the third color band to exit the color filter and blocking substantially all of the light within the first and second color bands from exiting the color filter.