A switchable optical assembly for use in a display device, the switchable optical assembly comprising:
- a switchable waveplate configured to be electrically activated and deactivated to selectively alter a polarization state of light incident thereon, said switchable waveplate comprising:
- first and second surfaces;
- spacers separating the first and second surfaces and bounding a single, continuous cell formed by the first and second surfaces and the spacers;
- a first liquid crystal layer disposed into the single, continuous cell between said first and second surfaces, said first liquid crystal layer comprising a plurality of liquid crystal molecules that are rotated about respective axes parallel to a central axis such that the liquid crystal molecules are arranged in a plurality of concentric rings about the central axis, wherein an outermost ring of the concentric rings has a diameter that substantially spans a field of view of the display device, said rotation of the liquid crystal molecules varying with an azimuthal angle about said central axis such that:
- i) each liquid crystal molecule is initially arranged with its respective longitudinal axis orthogonal to a radial direction from the central axis to a center of the respective liquid crystal molecule, or ii) each liquid crystal molecule is initially arranged with its respective longitudinal axis along the radial direction from the central axis to the center of the respective liquid crystal molecule;
- and
- a first electrode layer and a second electrode layer arranged on either side of the first liquid crystal layer and configured to apply an electrical signal across said first liquid crystal layer, wherein application of the electrical signal changes a configuration of the liquid crystal molecules to alter the polarization state of the light passing through the first liquid crystal layer, and wherein the first liquid crystal layer is disposed in the single, continuous cell that spans the field of view of the display device,
- wherein the first electrode layer includes a pattern of nanostructures formed as part of the first electrode laver, and wherein the pattern of nanostructures is configured to align the liquid crystal molecules of the first liquid crystal layer to the pattern when the electrical signal is not applied.