A resonant microcavity display, comprising a thin-film resonant microcavity with a phosphor active region is disclosed. The microcavity comprises: a rigid substrate; a front reflector disposed upon the rigid substrate; a phosphor active region disposed upon the front reflector; and a back reflector disposed upon the active region. The display preferentially emits light that propagates along the axis perpendicular to plane of the display, due to its quantum mechanical properties. It exhibits high external efficiency, highly controllable chromaticity, high resolution, highly directional output and highly efficient heat transfer characteristics. For these reasons it provides a suitable display element for projection screen television, high definition television, direct view television, flat panel displays, optical coupling, and other applications.