Optical systems for displays

An active matrix display panel comprising:

• an active matrix array of pixel circuits and pixel electrodes bonded to an optically transmissive substrate with an adhesive layer;
• a light shield array extending over each pixel circuit and positioned between each respective circuit and the adhesive layer;
• a light transmitting liquid crystal material positioned in close proximity to the pixel electrodes such that an electric field generated by each pixel element alters a light transmitting property of the liquid crystal material;
• and
• an array of microlenses positioned to receive light incident from the light source, each microlens converges and delivers the light to a corresponding pixel electrode and through the adhesive layer.

A liquid crystal projection display comprising:

• an array of pixel electrodes bonded to the optically transmissive substrate with an adhesive layer;
• an array of pixel circuits formed in a single crystal silicon material, each pixel circuit being connected to a pixel electrode;
• a light source optically coupled to the array of pixel electrodes;
• a light transmitting liquid crystal material positioned in close proximity to the pixel electrodes such that an electric field generated by each pixel electrode alters a light transmitting property of the liquid crystal material;
• a projection optical system for projecting light transmitted through the liquid crystal material onto a viewing surface;
• an array of microlenses in or adjacent to the optically transmissive substrate positioned to receive light incident from the light source, each microlens converges and delivers the incident light to a corresponding pixel electrode and through the adhesive layer;
• and
• a light shield positioned between the microlens array and the array of pixel circuits.

A method of fabricating a microlens active matrix display comprising:

• forming an array of pixel circuits in a layer of single crystal silicon;
• forming an array of pixel electrodes that are each connected to one of the pixel circuits;
• forming a light shield array over the array of pixel circuits;
• providing a microlens array in an optically transmissive substrate;
• bonding the microlens array to the array of pixel circuits and the array of pixel electrodes with an optically transmissive adhesive layer to provide a laminated structure such that light directed through the microlens array is directed through the adhesive layer onto either the light shield array or the array of pixel electrodes.