Optically addressed direct-view display based on bacteriorhodopsin

First experimental results from a direct-view display made from bacteriorhodopsin (BR) are presented. A dielectric mirror in direct contact with the photoactive BR layer forms the core of the BR display. The dielectric layer both decreases the light intensity necessary for writing and protects the observer from transmitted laser light. By illuminating the BR display with a suitably filtered light source from the rear we achieve the result that the information appears to the observer with an intensity contrast of more than 70:1, accompanied by a significant color shift. The combination of both enhances the visibility of and the ability to discern the information significantly. On the BR display the information appears in yellow on a dark purple-red background. (C) 1999 Optical Society of America.