Flat-panel picture display device

A flat-panel picture display device, comprising:

• a picture display panel which includes an integral optical waveguide having opposite first and second major surfaces, a first end face which is positioned to receive polarized light, a second end face opposite the first end face, and means for modulating the state of polarization of the received polarized light in accordance with picture information to be displayed;
• an analyzer proximate the first major surface;
• a reflective polarizer proximate the second major surface;
• a light directing system proximate a major surface of the reflective polarizer which is remote from the picture display panel;
• wherein the reflective polarizer allows a first portion of the received polarized light having a desired state of polarization to pass therethrough and reflects a second portion of the received polarized light having an unwanted state of polarization;
• wherein the reflected second portion of the received polarized light propagates through the optical waveguide in a direction away from the first end face of the optical waveguide, whereby at least a portion of the second portion which propagates through the optical waveguide will be depolarized due to birefringence of the optical waveguide and eventually transformed into the desired state of polarization for passage through the reflective polarizer;
• and,
• wherein the light directing system is configured to at least partially reflect the first portion of the received polarized light and the at least a portion of the second portion of the received polarized light which is transformed into the desired state of polarization, towards the picture display panel, for use in forming the picture to be displayed.