Waveguides having integrated spacers, waveguides having edge absorbers, and methods for making the same

A display system comprising:

• an eyepiece comprising a waveguide comprising:
• an optically transmissive body and a light trapping edge, the optically transmissive body comprising:
• diffractive optical elements comprising a plurality of protrusions and intervening recesses on a major surface of the optically transmissive body, wherein the light trapping edge surrounds the diffractive optical elements;
• and
• spacers separating the optically transmissive body from an overlying waveguide by a gap.

A method for making an eyepiece, the method comprising:

• forming a waveguide, wherein forming the waveguide comprises:
• defining an optically transmissive body by defining diffractive optical elements and spacers on a major surface of the waveguide, wherein the diffractive optical elements comprise a plurality of protrusions and intervening recesses on the major surface of the optically transmissive body and wherein the spacers are separating the optically transmissive body from an overlying waveguide by a gap;
• and
• defining a light trapping edge of the optically transmissive body, wherein the light trapping edge surrounds the diffractive optical elements.