An optimal pixel structure has been examined for high-aperture-ratio and high density a-Si TFT Liquid Crystal Light Valves (LCLVs). A novel pixel structure has been proposed, which has a light shield element under a pixel and busline electrode of LCLVs. A liquid crystal disclination, which causes image deterioration, was closely examined, and was hidden by an optimally shaped light shield to achieve a high quality image. By using this structure, aperture-ratio as large as 35% has been achieved on a LCLV with small pixel pitch, 65 mum, for the workstation projector (1,024 x 1,280 pixels).