Encapsulated light-guide optical elements for near eye display

An optical device for directing image illumination towards a user for viewing, the optical device comprising:

• a light-guide optical element (LOE) formed from a light-transmitting material having a first refractive index, the LOE including:
• a plurality of surfaces including a pair of parallel major external surfaces for guiding image illumination within the LOE by total internal reflection at the major external surfaces,
• a first region and a second region,
• a first optical coupling configuration located in the first region and a second optical coupling configuration located in the second region, the first optical coupling configuration for deflecting a part of the image illumination that is guided within the first region by total internal reflection at the major external surfaces towards the second region, and the second optical coupling configuration configured for deflecting a part of the image illumination that is guided within the LOE by total internal reflection at the major external surfaces from the first to the second region out of the LOE towards the user;
• an optical material including at least one transparent material directly attached to the LOE at least at the major external surfaces so as to be in direct contact with the major external surfaces at least at the first region and so as to at least partially encapsulate the LOE, the optical material having a second refractive index that is less than the first refractive index so as to maintain conditions of total internal reflection at the major external surfaces;
• and
• a light-absorbing material covering one or more portions of the at least one transparent material, wherein the one or more portions of the at least one transparent material are directly attached to, and cover, at least part of at least one of the major external surfaces in the first region of the LOE.