An image display apparatus is capable of recycling the "OFF" state light
to increase the image brightness and contrast. The image display
apparatus includes a light source, a spatial light modulator, a total
internal reflection (TIR) prism, a projection lens set, and a reflector.
The spatial light modulator selectively modulates a light beam from the
light source to a first path to form a first path light beam or to a
second path to form a second path light beam. The TIR prism disposed
between the light source and the spatial light modulator is configured to
allow the light beam to travel therethrough in a first direction and to
be incident on the spatial light modulator. The projection lens set
disposed between the modulator and a screen is configured to project the
first path light beam to form an image on a screen. The reflector is
configured to reflect the second path light beam to form a reflected
light beam that is incident on the TIR prism in a second direction as a
recaptured light beam. The recaptured light beam is then incident on the
spatial light modulator in the first direction.