Wide field-of-view polarization switches with liquid crystal optical elements with pretilt

A switchable optical assembly comprising:

• a switchable waveplate configured to be electrically activated and deactivated to selectively alter the polarization state of light incident thereon, said switchable waveplate comprising:
• first and second surfaces;
• a liquid crystal layer disposed between said first and second surfaces, said liquid crystal layer comprising a plurality of liquid crystal molecules that increase in tilt with respect to said first and second surfaces with outward radial distance from an axis through said first and second surfaces and said liquid crystal layer in a plurality of radial directions;
• and
• a plurality of electrodes to apply an electrical signal across said liquid crystal layer,
• wherein the plurality of liquid crystal molecules that increase in tilt with respect to said first and second surfaces with outward radial distance from said axis include at least 60% of the molecules extending over a range of at least 1 cm2 across said liquid crystal layer.