Wide field-of-view polarization switches and methods of fabricating 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 are longer than wide along respective longitudinal directions, said liquid crystal molecules orientated such that said longitudinal directions extend radially from an axis of said first and second surfaces and said liquid crystal layer in a plurality of radial directions from said axis;
• and
• a first electrode layer and a second electrode layer arranged on either side of the liquid crystal layer and configured to apply an electrical signal across said liquid crystal layer,
• wherein the first electrode layer includes a pattern of nanostructures formed as part of the first electrode layer, and wherein the pattern of nanostructures is configured to align the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer to the pattern when the electrical signal is not applied.