Virtual image display optical architectures

A virtual image display system comprising:

• a light source operable to project an image;
• a first beamsplitter comprising a first free-form curved surface;
• and
• a second beamsplitter comprising a second free-form curved surface facing the first free-form curved surface of the first beamsplitter,
• wherein the first free-form curved surface is separated from the second free-form curved surface of the second beamsplitter by free space,
• wherein the first beamsplitter and the second beamsplitter are arranged to redirect light emitted from the light source toward a user to form a virtual image,
• wherein the second free-form curved surface is arranged to redirect a portion of light toward the first free-form curved surface as first redirected light,
• wherein the first free-form curved surface of the first beamsplitter is arranged to receive the first redirected light and redirect a portion of the first redirected light back to the second free-form curved surface as second redirected light, and
• wherein the second free-form curved surface of the second beamsplitter is arranged to receive the second redirected light and redirect a portion of the second redirected light back to the first free-form curved surface as third redirected light.