Magneto-optic displays

Both the monochromatic and white light performance of a magneto-optic display, using bismuth substituted iron garnets are discussed. It is shown that for monochromatic light, efficiencies up to 28% and contrast ratios up to 180:1 can be achieved. For a practical device, using a white light source, efficiencies up to 8% with contrast ratios in excess of 20:1 can be achieved. It is also shown that a projection display, with a screen illuminance of 0.08 lumens/cm²(∼ 280FL) can be made, using a x20 projection lens and a quartz halogen lamp.