Foveated near-eye display is one of the most promising approaches to deliver immersive experience of mixed reality. However, it is challenged to conceive a compact optical system. Here, we introduce a method to use polarization optics via liquid crystal photonics to improve the foveated display performance. We demonstrate a benchtop prototype of this idea. We implement and combine two display modules for peripheral and foveal visions. A peripheral display consists of a polarization selective lens (PSL) module, a polarization selective diffuser (PSD), and a slanted projection system. An 80$$^\circ$$ ∘ diagonal field of view is achieved by on-axis optical configuration of the PSL module and the PSD. A foveal holographic display is composed of a spatial light modulator (SLM), a volume grating lens, and a microelectromechanical system mirror possibly in combination with a switchable polarization selective grating module. The holographic reconstruction using the SLM enables accurate focus cue generation and high resolution above 30 cycles per degree within 15$$^\circ$$ ∘ by 15$$^\circ$$ ∘ field of view. We explore and discuss the liquid crystal photonics in the prototype that has a novel optical design using volume gratings with polarization selectivity.

Liquid crystal has been widely used in display applications, including Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) headset. In this paper, we discuss how liquid crystal technology can enable a virtual reality (VR) headset with glass‐type form factor, better image quality, and wearing comfort.

A digital cinema projector developed by Eastman Kodak Company, utilizing three JVC QXGA liquid crystal displays (LCDs), and providing 12,000 lumens, 2,000:1 contrast, and 3 Mpixel resolution, is described. This system, which has a novel optical configuration, wire grid polarizers and polarization compensators, provides high contrast at low F#, a large color gamut, and minimal stress birefringence at high power.

Abstract— A digital cinema projector that utilizes three JVC QXGALCDs, and provides 12,000 lumens, 2000:1 contrast, and 3‐Mpixel resolution was developed. This system, which was described in a prior paper (see Ref. 10), has a novel optical configuration based on the use of intermediate imaging optics and wire‐grid polarizers and is described in greater detail in this paper. The polarization optics, including the polarization compensators, contribute to a system that provides high contrast at a low f/#, with a wide color gamut and minimal color shading at high power.