An apparatus includes a substrate, charged particles, a transparent electrode disposed in parallel with a surface of the substrate, an electrode disposed at a periphery of the transparent electrode, means for applying a voltage between the transparent electrode and the electrode disposed at the periphery thereof to move the charged particles laterally, a reflection surface for reflecting light incident onto in the substrate, and a light scattering or absorption layer disposed between the transparent electrode and the reflection surface. The apparatus is effective in providing a desired scattering ability without increasing a drive voltage.