A display device includes an illuminating device having an optical
waveguide plate for introducing light thereinto, a drive assembly having
a planar array of actuators disposed in facing relation to the optical
waveguide plate, a displacement transmitter assembly disposed between the
optical waveguide plate and the drive assembly, and a light scattering
layer disposed on the displacement transmitter assembly. The actuators
are selectively displaceable to bring the light scattering layer into and
out of contact with the optical waveguide plate, for controlling light
that leaks from the optical waveguide plate as emitted light. The display
device also includes an optical modulator for modulating the emitted
light from the illuminating device to display an image. The illuminating
device has a light reflecting layer disposed on at least a portion of the
displacement transmitter assembly that confronts the optical waveguide
plate.