A display element comprises a cell containing a fluid including a plurality of wells at the bottom of the cell. A luminescent material is within the cell for modulating light incident from the top of the cell and for returning luminescent light; and a dispersion of particles is contained within the fluid. The dispersion of particles is movable between a first state in which the particles are substantially contained within the plurality of wells and a second state in which the particles are distributed between the top and bottom of the cell, to control the intensity of luminescent light returned by the display element.