The present invention provides a polarized colored light source for a
display system in which light of other polarization states and colors are
recycled. The color can be scrolled synchronously with a display. In one
embodiment, the invention includes a tunnel having an entrance aperture
facing a lamp to receive light having multiple polarization states from
the lamp and direct the light from the lamp to an exit aperture opposite
the entrance aperture, the tunnel having a reflective face about the
entrance aperture to reflect light within the tunnel toward the exit
aperture, a reflective polarizer to reflect light of one polarization
state toward the entrance aperture and transmit light of another
polarization state, and a color reflector to transmit light within one
color range and reflect light of another color range toward the entrance
aperture.